Newbie buying guide rails

[harry_]

Welcome Newbie!

I am kinda new too so I had the same questions. I bought the FS3000 (3 meter) and it is great but.... mine was not strait when I got it out of the box!  [mad] So if you get one check it right away wile you still have the box to return it. The frustrating thing was it was not bent along the thin flat track but it was actually bent along the cutting edge. That means it DID NOT happen in shipment. They messed it up during production while producing the extrusion. And then they shipped it out of the factory without checking it. Really gives me pause on the "Festool Quality"  [sad]. The dealer said it probably bent in shipment but the forces required to deform the track along a 8 in thick extrusion in a perfect arc is just not a plausible explanation. Festool messed it up during production. The second track I got was dead strait. If I was buying two tracks the Betterly would be a must have.

Never, ever under-estimate the ability of UPS/FedEx/or long freight to damage goods. Collectively they have the ability to make the impossible, possible.

 

[lunchman]

I've had my TS55 for about a year now and a few months after acquiring it I made the executive decision to buy the 2700mm rail. I knew eventually I would be breaking down sheet goods and having watched videos of joining shorter rails, reading tons of discussions here on FOG, looking at both Festool and non-Festool joining methods, etc. I had to ask myself "Do I really want to deal with joining tracks?" The answer was a resounding no.

I just could not envision myself taking the time to join rails, then determine "Damn, I need to break them apart again for this one cut". Yeah, it was expensive, but to me the time savings was well worth it. If I need it, it's right there.

If you're transporting (I don't), then that's another factor into your decision.

Bottom line for me: I'm glad I have both size rails. It simply makes things that much easier and faster.

 

[Holmz]

I am glad I have Bosch rails...

 

[Gator]

Thank you everyone for all the feedback, and suggestions. I am not a production shop, nor do I transport to jobsites, so the time to connect two rails or the length
would not be a major factor. I am sure the PITA factor would be present from time to time when forgetting a long cut after taking them apart, however for now does not justify the cost of buying two more rails. Had I done a little more research before buying my saw, I would have upgraded to the LR32 track right away, and then only needed to buy the 118" track, rather than two more now. Eventually I am sure when I have worked my way through my "I gotta have one of these" list, I will buy the longer rail. The length of the track would not be a storage issue in my shop, as I am sure with some restructuring I could find a spot to hang it horizontally somewhere.

Thank again for all the feedback.

My name is Doug, and I am a Festool addict.

Gator

 

[Wonderwino]

I may be a little late to the party, but here goes:

I have a 6' Johnson (level) that I used to align 3 rails to make several 17', joint-ready cuts while building a bar several years ago.  I just butted the rails against the level, tightened the joiners, rolled the rails over and repeated.  Perfect cuts with no gaps whatsoever.

The 3000 rail is too long for UPS to ship and mine arrived truck freight in perfect condition and in a wooden crate.  The shorter rails can go UPS or FedEx, subject to their handling.

Joining rails is no problem if done with care & attention.  Check and re-check.  Just like measure once and cut twice.  [eek]

 

[Holmz]

Thank you everyone for all the feedback, and suggestions. I am not a production shop, nor do I transport to jobsites, so the time to connect two rails or the length
would not be a major factor. I am sure the PITA factor would be present from time to time when forgetting a long cut after taking them apart, however for now does not justify the cost of buying two more rails. Had I done a little more research before buying my saw, I would have upgraded to the LR32 track right away, and then only needed to buy the 118" track, rather than two more now. Eventually I am sure when I have worked my way through my "I gotta have one of these" list, I will buy the longer rail. The length of the track would not be a storage issue in my shop, as I am sure with some restructuring I could find a spot to hang it horizontally somewhere.

Thank again for all the feedback.

My name is Doug, and I am a Festool addict.

Gator

If you take that reasoning far enough, the logical conclusion becomes Bosch rails.