Parallel Edge Guides (Woodpeckers vs Festool)

[MacBoy]

I bought a Chinese clone of the Woodpeckers Parallel Edge Guides via Amazon for $80-something.

Figured its worth a shot.  If it’s not any good, Jeff Bezos said I could return it hassle-free.

The Woodpeckers setup video was very helpful.  The China Clone is an exact Xerox copy.  From the video, even the fasteners are the same.

I had to do a narrow rip today of 89mm with the saw tilted to 45º for a length of 98” on an Ash board.

Instead of the Festool Parallel Guides, I used the Red Parallel Guides to test the product.

Oh my!  Way too many steps for calibration.

Along the way, I forgot to tighten something, or the fastener worked its way loose upon movement of the setup.

I’ve decided to take Jeff upon his promise and will return it to Amazon.

I am sticking with the Festool Parallel Edge Guides & Extensions — it is much much simpler to calibrate and setup.  For sure, it gets wobbly, which can be solved with a simple stop.

( After watching TSO’s setup video, it is simpler than Big Red )

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[sancho57]

I use TSOs parallel guides attached to the GRS. easy to calibrate easy to use and easy to take apart to store.

 

[Imemiter]

My metric Woodpecker set was gifted to me so first of all, I love them. But I think my issues with them have more to do with me just not liking parallel guides than anything inherently wrong with them. I've never found the WPs too time-consuming to calibrate, but guides in general seem ungainly on long, wide rips and only marginally trustworthy on repetitive narrow ones. My small shop is mostly taken up by the table saw/outfeed work surface and I often find myself using guides wondering why I'm not just using the table saw. So I do.

Someday I'll sell a big site-build cabinet or paneling job. Then I'll eat my words.

   

 

[MacBoy]

I use TSOs parallel guides attached to the GRS. easy to calibrate easy to use and easy to take apart to store.

After that experience, I watched the TSO calibration video.

It is so much simpler!

Worth mentioning, the Festool product is the simplest.  And the most physically awkward.

 

[Peter Kelly]

I've had the Woodpecker's set for some years now and haven't ever been real happy with them. Nicely made but too many fiddly small parts, too time consuming to set up and yeah, marginally trustworthy accuracy on long repeat rips. I'll probably sell mine and go with the TSO or Benchdogs ones.

 

[Cheese]

I purchased the Woodpeckers version when it was first offered...2014/2015 I think. I used it several times before I disassembled it, packed it back into its box and then purchased the TSO item instead.

The TSO version is just a lot easier to use. I also like just grabbing the track section length I need rather than adding or removing small sections of track.

 

[pettyconstruction]

I have the Woodpecker set up.
If I were to get a new setup,I would go with the Tso
Charlie

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[thudchkr]

I have both the TSO version and a Bench Dogs version. I got the Bench Dogs set to connect to mr Bosch/Mafell rails. Of the two, I probably prefer the TSO set better due to being able to just grab a desired length instead of connecting pieces. They both work well and I no longer use the Festool set, (still taking up space somewhere in the shop).  I should probably sell them as they might benefit someone else.

If we could just convince TSO to create some rail squares that fit the Mafell rails, and if their parallel guides fit those rail squares, that could take me down to needing only one set. Come on TSO. We’re waiting, (and hoping).

 

[Cheese]

If we could just convince TSO to create some rail squares that fit the Mafell rails, and if their parallel guides fit those rail squares, that could take me down to needing only one set. Come on TSO. We’re waiting, (and hoping).

Yes... [member=59331]TSO Products[/member] [member=61691]TSO_Products[/member]  [cool]

 

[TSO_Products]

If we could just convince TSO to create some rail squares that fit the Mafell rails, and if their parallel guides fit those rail squares, that could take me down to needing only one set. Come on TSO. We’re waiting, (and hoping).

Yes... [member=59331]TSO Products[/member] [member=61691]TSO_Products[/member]  [cool]

OK, we hear you. Your continuing interest gets us to take another look at our MAFELL oriented product development but this time with a particular emphasis on the parallel guide application.

We do appreciate feedback. I will bring this topic up at our next development team meeting. If there is something to report, we won't be shy about it.

Hans

 

[Ebuwan]

I have the woodpecker ones; calibration isn't too bad, i rip a straight edge, then make a mark at both ends of the sheet, then calibrate to that mark, and then it works fine. Other option is to leave them partially assembled (if they put them in an L systainer instead, this would be super easy).

I have never done narrow rips with it, which i know is a different process, but i'd just go to the table saw for those.

 

[Brian Livingstone]

Hans,

I have a Mafell track saw as well as a Festool.  I would love to have a guide rail square for the Mafell. 

Thank you.

 

[Lbob131]

Will  the  woodpeckers  guide  or  chinese  versions  allow  small  width  repetitive  cuts  to  be taken  from  the edge  of a sheet  of  ply?
Like  50mm or  less?
Like  the Festool  Parallel side fence FS-PA  fitted  with the guide  extensions?
Im guessing  woodpeckers  or  the  chinese  versions  do  not  have  the  guide  extensions?
TSO  and  Woodpeckers  seem  to be  competing  to see who can make  the most  expensive  woodworking  tool.

 

[Lbob131]

I  wouldn't  consider  buying any  of  those  products as  they  don't  include  guide  extensions.
Looks  like  festool  is  still  one  step ahead.

 

[Boski]

If you are in the UK go for Benchdogs, I have the full TSO system and an adapter, but have lost one of the star bolts and now can't get a replacement.

With benchdogs you can literally message the owner on instagram and get any parts you need.

 

[Leemstradamus]

If you are in the UK go for Benchdogs, I have the full TSO system and an adapter, but have lost one of the star bolts and now can't get a replacement.

With benchdogs you can literally message the owner on instagram and get any parts you need.

TSO sells the star knobs separately. Also if you have a woodcraft near you, they sell TSO stuff as well.

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[Boski]

You can't get them in the UK from what I can see.

 

[TSO_Products]

You can't get them in the UK from what I can see.

Mostafa,

I understood your exra parts question had been answered previously. If you, or any other TSO customer, needs replacement parts for any of our products we will make them available, direect within the US and through our distribution partners elsewhere in the world.

US customers can also purchase extra knobs on our website www.tsoproducts.com

Hans

 

[Boski]

Hans,

Apologies, I didn't see your response to my PM had come through.

I'll reply directly via PM.