Not a fan of joining guide rails

jlcichocki

Member
Joined
Apr 5, 2015
Messages
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I have read hundreds of posts about guide rails.  I have to say, I love the track saw but I am not a fan of the rail "joining" system.  I'm not having good luck or good results. I have a 6 foot level that I used as my straight edge, so I don't think that's an issue.  My guide rails are only about 2 weeks old and still seem straight as an arrow, so I don't think that's a problem.  Either the design is slightly flawed or it's just me.  Any suggestions?

Looks like it's time to buy more rails :)
 
I agree w both above posters. Get longer rails AND the Betterly. I connect rails all the time with no issues
 
I prefer a single rail for the job but there has been a couple of times I've had to connect to get long enough. Luckily I did not run into any issues. Make sure you leave a couple mm gap between rails.
 
+1 on leaving gap.  A business card will do the trick.  The method I use is to tighten the underside one first with a straight edge aligning them, but almost inevitably when you flip it over to tighten the top one you need to correct the alignment, which is why having that gap is critical to doing the final straightening.  I started out joining rails, but soon got the longer rail and couldn't be happier with that decision.  I had to revert to joining method over the weekend, however, when I had to do a long vertical cut, where the 3000mm rail hit into the ceiling, so I was forced to join two 55" rails.  I prefer the Makita connectors to the Festool ones, BTW.  Haven't used the Betterley, but lots of people on the FOG do and speak well of it.  For that kind of money, though, you're already 1/3 of the way to the 3000mm rail. 

Don T said:
I prefer a single rail for the job but there has been a couple of times I've had to connect to get long enough. Luckily I did not run into any issues. Make sure you leave a couple mm gap between rails.
 
I'm a huge fan of the Betterley Straight Line Connector.

The machining is Woodpecker quality or better.  Best $100 I ever spent for a Festool accessory.

I have rails of various lengths (32, 42, two 55's, and 75) that I use in different combinations to get optimal overhang lengths.  I cannot imagine having to transport and store the longer rails.

The Betterley always (and I do mean always) gives me a straight connection.



 
jlcichocki said:
I have read hundreds of posts about guide rails.  I have to say, I love the track saw but I am not a fan of the rail "joining" system.  I'm not having good luck or good results. I have a 6 foot level that I used as my straight edge, so I don't think that's an issue.  My guide rails are only about 2 weeks old and still seem straight as an arrow, so I don't think that's a problem.  Either the design is slightly flawed or it's just me.  Any suggestions?

Looks like it's time to buy more rails :)
Hey Jeff! It's been awhile since we've talked...heck it's been awhile since I've posted...guess a new baby will do that! My projects are going slow...hope yours are going well!

Anyways...I have a few rails and the connectors and frankly I bought the 118" rail and am happy I did.

Shaun
 
I'm not into joining rails, but I don't venture from my workshop. If you need to move about you want something that doesn't result in daily frustration ... Carting about a 3000 rail may not be the most fun.
 
Kev said:
I'm not into joining rails, but I don't venture from my workshop. If you need to move about you want something that doesn't result in daily frustration ... Carting about a 3000 rail may not be the most fun.

Might not be fun, but it's funny to watch.
 
I would probably have a TS55 if it wasn't for the rails.
In an ideal world the TS55 would fit Bosch rails.
Why a red saw fits FT rails seems odd, unless you already have 1000$ in rails.

Once you commit to a rail system then the rest is pretty much history.
 
I really really want the 'Betterley SLC23 Straightline Connector' but can't get it over here! (NAIUK  [crying])

Joining rails accurately sucks.
 
mrB said:
I really really want the 'Betterley SLC23 Straightline Connector' but can't get it over here! (NAIUK  [crying])

Joining rails accurately sucks.

The perfect way to join two 1400 rails is to line them up against a 3000 rail [wink]

I do have lots of friends ... honest [blink]
 
I have had no problem joining the guide rails with the Festool joiner bars.  I have a 4' steel that I use with true rips every time.  I haven't used my jointer with helical head in months now that I have the TS55 and rails.  Bill
 
You can try a different rail connector. Do a search for Makita P-45777 Guide Rail Connector Kit - Decking Railings - Amazon.com.  Or do a search for homemade rail connectors (some good info) on this site.
 
I really really want the 'Betterley SLC23 Straightline Connector' but can't get it over here! (NAIUK  [crying])

Joining rails accurately sucks.
[/quote]

Why can't you have one shipped to the UK?  I just don't understand all these stupid restrictions.  Joining rails does suck, but so do these rules. Can I purchase one and ship it to you?

The perfect way to join two 1400 rails is to line them up against a 3000 rail [wink]

I do have lots of friends ... honest [blink]
[/quote]

LOL!!  I love it.

+1 on leaving gap.  A business card will do the trick.  The method I use is to tighten the underside one first with a straight edge aligning them, but almost inevitably when you flip it over to tighten the top one you need to correct the alignment, which is why having that gap is critical to doing the final straightening.  I started out joining rails, but soon got the longer rail and couldn't be happier with that decision.  I had to revert to joining method over the weekend, however, when I had to do a long vertical cut, where the 3000mm rail hit into the ceiling, so I was forced to join two 55" rails.  I prefer the Makita connectors to the Festool ones, BTW.  Haven't used the Betterley, but lots of people on the FOG do and speak well of it.  For that kind of money, though, you're already 1/3 of the way to the 3000mm rail. 

Thanks, I will give it a shot.

Hey Jeff! It's been awhile since we've talked...heck it's been awhile since I've posted...guess a new baby will do that! My projects are going slow...hope yours are going well!

Anyways...I have a few rails and the connectors and frankly I bought the 118" rail and am happy I did.

Shaun
[/quote]

Congrats on the new addition!!  I hope all is well.  The projects will wait.  I have been re-motivated with my stuff thanks to a truck load of green kook-aid.  My wife has picked up the free t-shirts too :)

I think I'm just going to invest in the longer rail.  I don't really need portability.
 
mrB said:
I really really want the 'Betterley SLC23 Straightline Connector' but can't get it over here! (NAIUK  [crying])

Joining rails accurately sucks.

Happy to send you one from the USA if you want to cover the costs. I have done this for a couple other Foggers with good result. PM me. Jeff
 
Wow, big thank you to those who have offered to send me one both here and via PM . .  Jeff,  you have actually done this for me before!!  So Kind!

At the moment I am giving the internet so much money for peoples Christmas presents that I would rather not add to that. I may try to take up one of your very generous offers in the New Year.

Many thanks Foggers!
 
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