Newbie question about TS55/guide rail usage

[thender]

Used my new TS55 today.  That thing is the BOMB! 

I'm a pretty picky consumer, so I'm not often overwhelmed.  But the cut quality and ease of use really blew me away.  Combined with the good dust collection and I'm very impressed.  

BUT -- I have one pretty dumbo basic question... about placing the rail on the workpiece prior to beginning the cut.

I'm using the 55" rail to cut across a 48" panel, so I'm approaching the limits of this rail length.  What is the best approach to setting up before the cut? 

If I slide the rail back, so that both alignment gibbs are engaged and I can fully plunge the blade without contacting the workpiece, I don't have much guide rail left at the end of the cut.  It seemed like the forward alignment gibb would be off the track before the cut was complete, and that might introduce some waggle at the end.  This is the way I did it, and it seemed to work OK.  But it seems like another couple of inches on the guide rail would have been a help.

The other alternative is to slide the rail forward, which keeps the gibbs engaged through the end of the cut, but it seemed like the blade would contact the workpiece before the plunge action is complete.  The manuals seem to discourage that.

Forgive the ramble -- I don't have Per's gift of berevity -- but I hope I'm explaining the situation. 

-Tom H.
Ventura, CA

 

[honeydoman]

glad that you enjoy this tool, yes it is great.  I usually have more of the rail in the front than in the back and it works fine.  as you use it you will get very comfortable with it and soon you will be buying the 108 or what ever it is to rip ply the long way,  and yes a few more inches would be better, but don't we always say that!!  ;D 

 

[ScooterX]

i usually align the rail with the far edge of the panel, leaving about 7 inches in front of the cut. Sometimes I'll allow 8" in front of the cut for thicker or harder material (3/4 mdf). The saw is still mostly on the guiderail at the end of the cut and i've never had a problem with the rail being "short" that last inch, since your arm is stretched out at that point and keeping the saw pressed down onto the rail. The start of the cut is where you need the extra space so you can plunge slowly down into the panel.