Cheese
Member
DeformedTree said:
Right now there are only 2 lengths available, a 1400 and a 1900.
New Festool Stuff discovered !
- Thread starter guybo
- Start date
Right now there are only 2 lengths available, a 1400 and a 1900.
I got 'hands on' with most of these new things on Friday morning here in Helsinki.
The green stick fasteners are for temporarily fixing the rail to a surface (typically vertical). They're not multi-use, but they do have their use. The new rails are predrilled/countersunk to allow you bang in a few screws if required, to be absolutely certain the rail will go nowhere while doing a cut. I don't see myself ever having a use for the feature, but I can definitely see it has high utility for those it's intended to suit.
The handle slot on the rail is brilliantly simple. A good addition for sure for those times you're trying to just get in or out the door without fuss.
The cam clamps fit into 20mm dog holes and work like a champ. They're low profile and will clamp down on a rail from behind and let the body of the TS saws pass over them easily. As a now fairly long time MFT user, they're top of my wish-list. Simple and well made kit. Grips like you know what on an army blanket.
The angled rail guide is interesting. Complicated, more than I'd like to see to be honest, but I guess that's what comes with flexibility in use and lots of design engineering. Something folks might like to hear is that the sprung latch is the same type as on the TSO/Festool rail square. Don't rule out their availability in future in the US in some form.
The quick adjust 90 degree chuck for the new drills (also fits the T18+3) is another nice bit of kit. Depending on street price, I could be tempted to get one also, although not something I'll have regular use for, so it's a maybe purchase.
As for the rail connectors, it's about bloody time. Well made/designed item and I'll glad I'll be able to get rid of the old ones in the near future. Does what it's supposed to without any faffing about.
The OF1010 REBQ was mentioned in the thread. Supposedly available end of this month, but I'd expect August really before they're in stock for retail here in northern Europe. No idea when it'll turn up in the US/RoW. It's what we'd all expect at this stage as a tool. The dual stanchion clamping is welcome, the depth adjuster is like on the OF1400 so that's good too and the dust port will let me move one step closer to ditching the hose ends to suit the old oval connections. All in all, I'll be pleased to have mine delivered as soon as they stock in hand. I got to mess around with one and like it. Very familiar controls and some good improvements on the previous 1000/1010.
The green stick fasteners are for temporarily fixing the rail to a surface (typically vertical). They're not multi-use, but they do have their use. The new rails are predrilled/countersunk to allow you bang in a few screws if required, to be absolutely certain the rail will go nowhere while doing a cut. I don't see myself ever having a use for the feature, but I can definitely see it has high utility for those it's intended to suit.
The handle slot on the rail is brilliantly simple. A good addition for sure for those times you're trying to just get in or out the door without fuss.
The cam clamps fit into 20mm dog holes and work like a champ. They're low profile and will clamp down on a rail from behind and let the body of the TS saws pass over them easily. As a now fairly long time MFT user, they're top of my wish-list. Simple and well made kit. Grips like you know what on an army blanket.
The angled rail guide is interesting. Complicated, more than I'd like to see to be honest, but I guess that's what comes with flexibility in use and lots of design engineering. Something folks might like to hear is that the sprung latch is the same type as on the TSO/Festool rail square. Don't rule out their availability in future in the US in some form.
The quick adjust 90 degree chuck for the new drills (also fits the T18+3) is another nice bit of kit. Depending on street price, I could be tempted to get one also, although not something I'll have regular use for, so it's a maybe purchase.
As for the rail connectors, it's about bloody time. Well made/designed item and I'll glad I'll be able to get rid of the old ones in the near future. Does what it's supposed to without any faffing about.
The OF1010 REBQ was mentioned in the thread. Supposedly available end of this month, but I'd expect August really before they're in stock for retail here in northern Europe. No idea when it'll turn up in the US/RoW. It's what we'd all expect at this stage as a tool. The dual stanchion clamping is welcome, the depth adjuster is like on the OF1400 so that's good too and the dust port will let me move one step closer to ditching the hose ends to suit the old oval connections. All in all, I'll be pleased to have mine delivered as soon as they stock in hand. I got to mess around with one and like it. Very familiar controls and some good improvements on the previous 1000/1010.
Sparktrician
Member
Coen said:
Suggest you look again.
Crazyraceguy
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Bob D. said:
I have had mine about 6 months, so I would assume that they are still available?
Cheese
Member
Yes, I purchased another Gecko about 2 weeks ago.
mino
Member
Gecko will not work on uneven surfaces and will not make the rail "stick" to the wall as it holds it just by the rib.Bob D. said:
I see use here for already-finished-wall-needing-a-precise-cut-out. Think your $5M mansion having specially crafted, possibly hand-painted, wall in the living space and wanting to install something inside it like a TV etc.
Screws are a no-go as you would have to re-do the whole wall. Up to now the only option was two helpers holding the rail.
I see this as one of those tools which are an absolute must if you are the target while being mostly useless for 99% of folks. It does not compromise the rail otherwise, so why not. Plus it gives Festool something patent-able for next 20 yrs to brag about ...
[cool]
I can see Festool migrating the 1400/1900 rails to be like this over time and discontinuing the "plain" ones. Finally something why one should consider buying non-holy rails.
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"Gecko will not work on uneven surfaces and will not make the rail "stick" to the wall as it holds it just by the rib."
I understand how the Gecko works and requires a smooth surface and that it does not make use of a vacuum pump. I was asking if it was still available.
The first part of my post was intended to imply that use of a vacuum powered clamp accessory might work. Depending on the surface of course.
On drywall I have many times cut openings of various sizes using nothing more than a straight edge and a razor knife. Some of those have been big enough to allow a person to crawl through or to install a 24x24" access door in a ceiling. It takes little time and makes little mess if any. Before you could finish thinking about how you would hang a track on the wall you can have the opening cut. And using a track saw on the ceiling does not sound clean, easy, or fun.
I understand how the Gecko works and requires a smooth surface and that it does not make use of a vacuum pump. I was asking if it was still available.
The first part of my post was intended to imply that use of a vacuum powered clamp accessory might work. Depending on the surface of course.
On drywall I have many times cut openings of various sizes using nothing more than a straight edge and a razor knife. Some of those have been big enough to allow a person to crawl through or to install a 24x24" access door in a ceiling. It takes little time and makes little mess if any. Before you could finish thinking about how you would hang a track on the wall you can have the opening cut. And using a track saw on the ceiling does not sound clean, easy, or fun.
Cheese
Member
Bob D. said:
The best vacuum system for track saws that I'm aware of is the Mafell Aerofix. In one of my earlier posts I was going to cheekily suggest that the green attachments was Festool's answer to the Aerofix. [smile]
https://www.timberwolftools.com/mafell-aerofix-f-af-1-suction-clamping-system
[attachimg=1]
Attachments
Crazyraceguy
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Sounds like some really bad planning and probably an OSHA violation.Bob D. said:
Crazyraceguy
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tsmi243 said:
I'll take your word on that. I don't want any part of it, don't even want to watch....lol
Since the Gecko's are of top quality, they tend to stay stuck on when placed on a clean smooth surface. I've found I use my Gecko's for moving glass and other items far more than cutting Corian, which just shows I don't do Corian very often. The Gecko's work perfect for windshields, holding up windows up while replacing regulators, moving mirrors around, glazing shower glass, replacing house windows, etc. So far if everything is clean I have never had one slip, but that is always a fear when moving around expensive windows/sliders.
My favorite tool for cutting drywall in old construction is simply an M12 multi-tool. Apply suction and it can rip a pretty clean cut quickly and easily, but not quietly.
If you must use a track saw and can't attach it to a $5 million mansion wall...well attach it to the part you are cutting out. There are many types of drywall anchors out there, and I would imagine most own a drill bit set for drilling new holes in the rail. Think "inside" the box. LOL
Obviously Mafell wins for the rail clamping system let alone their rails...along with other things.
My favorite tool for cutting drywall in old construction is simply an M12 multi-tool. Apply suction and it can rip a pretty clean cut quickly and easily, but not quietly.
If you must use a track saw and can't attach it to a $5 million mansion wall...well attach it to the part you are cutting out. There are many types of drywall anchors out there, and I would imagine most own a drill bit set for drilling new holes in the rail. Think "inside" the box. LOL
Obviously Mafell wins for the rail clamping system let alone their rails...along with other things.
mino
Member
That is a really nice piece of kit!Cheese said:
Only two "issues" with it:
On a horizontal surface, like a floor pictured, I would simply use Festool rail /with three "pad" strips/ which grip way better than the Bosh/Maffel rails do.
On vertical surface, you are missing the "other" suction point at the end of the rail so no luck most of the time. But still way better than normal FS/2. With one end fixed, one can at least hold the rail by one hand while guiding the saw by the other.
Again coming back to my original point:
If you need it, you already know it and have a back-order in place ... If you do not, look elsewhere.
Cheese
Member
mino said:
1. Ya but with the Mafell Aerofix system, you're not relying on the pad strips for gripping, you're relying on the vacuum created by the dust collector. That's probably 10X the grip exerted by the foam strips. If truth be told, it's probably greater than if the rail was clamped down with traditional clamps as the clamps secure the rail in localized areas whereas the vacuum secures the rail along its entire length.
2. There is no "other suction point" the suction is continuous along the entire length of the Mafell rail. There's no need to hold an end of the rail up.
mino
Member
Thanks, did not search for videos so /incorrectly/ assumed it is a point system only. Looks really good. Now it makes total sense why they did not really bother with the anti-slip pads that much. Strange is not mentioned anywhere even during the saw reviews.Cheese said:
Maffel (and Bosch) could really do with some proper marketing. I have seen all kinds of reasons why the Maffel track system is "better" yet none was really convincing until this one. A proper "killer" feature.
