Old ATF55 and guide rail, with a new MFT and guide rails?

T

Todd from San Jose

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Joined
Apr 7, 2007
Messages
9
Hi all,

I've owned an ATF55 E-Plus for a few years, and recently got the Domino, CT-22 and 150/3 sander.  I've been blown away by the Domino and sander- Love 'em all!

After reading Gerry Work's excellent MFT write-up, I'm thinking of buying an MFT to use as an assembly table.  I already have a nice bench for cutting dovetails and hand-planing, but would like a large flat surface with lots of ways to clamp work to, Etc.  I'm also thinking about adding an OF 1400 router.  If I really take to the MFT, I may get a second one and join it to the first, with a couple of MFT connectors.

I don't actually plan on using the MFT with the saw very often, as I have a sliding table saw.  But for assembly work, clamping, sanding, and routing, the MFT looks ideal.

Now, for the questions...
 
Can I use my old FS1400 rail with the MFT?  

How about with the OF 1400 router?  

It looks like I can join my old FS1400 rail with the FS1080/2, according to the Festool site.  Any downside to doing this?

I would consider selling the ATF55 and rail, and upgrading to the TS55 with the new rail.  Would this buy me improved integration and performance with the MFT and my other Festools?

I hope I didn't wear out my welcome with this lengthy first post  ;D

Thanks!

Todd

 
Todd, I have both old and new style rails. No problem. My MFT came with a shorter rail for cross-cut work, too, so your "collection" will increase when you add the MFT to your arsenal. I think you'll like having the MFT, especially for any on-site work you may need to do.
 
The new guide rails are much better and more versatile than the old form.
There are a few nice improvements in the saw as well.  ;)
If I where you I'd sell the old ATF 55 and guide rails and buy the new stuff.
 
Michael, I am curious. I have the ATF-55 with new rails. What makes the TS-55 that much better that you would get new?
 
Thanks all,

I slipped off the slope with a MFT 1080, an OF 1400 Router, and a bunch of clamps and accessories.  Tinker hit it on the head, the way the system works together is a big draw.  And using the Festool stuff is just a huge pleasure, compared to most of my other tools.  Pleasure is what a hobby is supposed to be about.  I had been planning to build an assembly table for some time, and this will allow me to build furniture instead!

The primary reason I got the router is that I'm really tired of the massive quantity of dust and chips that come off of my Bosch.  Last time I routed the perimeter of a door, I took 3 minutes to route it, and 10 minutes to clean the mess!  I'm also looking forward to exploring using the guide rails and other accessories with it, too.

I'm going to stick with my ATF55 and old-style guide rail for now, to see how well it works with the other stuff.  Sounds like it shouldn't be an issue, and I really love the ATF.

Peace, fellow Festoolies.

Todd
 
Hi Todd
The major advantage of the TS 55 is easier blade changing and not having to remove the splitter when plunge cutting in the center of a panel.I personally like using the AFT 55 better on the MFT.It seems to glide smoother , the cord comes straight out the back so it stays in the deflector (unlike the TS which angles off to the side , jumps between the deflector and the channel on the guide and jambs if you don't hold it) and the vacuum hose stays attached much better . So now I leave my ATF in my shop permanently set up on the MFT with the cabinet blade on it . I keep my TS in my van to use on job sites where I have to change blades more and do more plunging in panel.

Donald
 
Hi Donald,

I have both the older models AFT 55 & AFT 65. 

So your comments about comparing the AFT 55 to the new model TS 55 where of great interest to me.  It's seem each have their "place"... at least in your world.  I my world I am very happy with the the AFT's & for now at least the dollar difference is greater then the benefits of easier blade changes & plunge cutting within a piece.

Thank You,
jim
 
Dongar said:
Hi Todd
The major advantage of the TS 55 is easier blade changing and not having to remove the splitter when plunge cutting in the center of a panel.I personally like using the AFT 55 better on the MFT.It seems to glide smoother , the cord comes straight out the back so it stays in the deflector (unlike the TS which angles off to the side , jumps between the deflector and the channel on the guide and jambs if you don't hold it) and the vacuum hose stays attached much better . So now I leave my ATF in my shop permanently set up on the MFT with the cabinet blade on it . I keep my TS in my van to use on job sites where I have to change blades more and do more plunging in panel.

Donald
Click to expand...

Don, your idea was interresting to me.  i have been thinking about getting the newer TS 55 to keep at my MFT while i would use the older ATF for work off the MFT and outside.  your point about cord location has given me something to think about I had not before.  Maybe I will change plans.  I do think i will eventually get a second saw, probably the 55 as i very seldom have found a need for the larger 75 model. 
Tinker
 
Re the new 55 vs the old...I have both, and the old style 75.  The new saw (I don't think this was mentioned yet) has a better way to adjust for minor differences in the guide rails.  You don't have to use a screw driver, just two thumb screws.  I think the new saw is a tad lighter as well.

Has anyone else noticed that the new guide rails and the old ones differ in the size of the extrusion that the saw's channel rides on?
 
I have both the AT55 and the TS55, and I am using old and new guide rails with the TS55.  I did have to make an adjustment with the TS55 using the thumbscrews (which was very easy) so it rides on the guiderails.  Once I made the adjustment, the TS55 seems to be able to switch from one to the other.  However, I have made subsequent adjustments with the thumbscrews at times.  I don't remember whether this is because the extrusions are different or if the saw just needed to be adjusted.  It's so easy to adjust the saw I don't even worry about it.

I can't detect any different in the extrusion off hand, but I will measure it today and then report back here.

Matthew
 
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