Parallel Guides – Convert Metric to Imperial

[WestMan_Canada]

Hello all

I have the original (METRIC)  Festool 495717  parallel guides  and the 49571 extensions.

I work in imperial (INCHES)

I know that  Festool now offers these in imperial, but I would like to avoid buying another set.

Has anyone had any luck in converting the metric guides to imperial?

It would seem an adhesive backed bench tape could be applied over the existing metric scale, ½” wide looks like it might work but is a very close fit.  It would be great to know if anyone has found one that fits (width wise).

Does Festool sell the imperial scales tapes as a replacement part?  If so what PNs to order and where / how to order?

If Festool does not presently sell the tapes separately perhaps it shoiuld consider doing so.....

Thanks in advance

Moderator note > Merged topics.

 

[DeformedTree]

Conversion effort is probably more effort than it's worth.  Guides come up on places like Craigs List all the time, might save a few bucks. Can always buy some inch ones and sell the metric ones, or even put a feeler out for someone who might be looking to trade.

 

[Rob Z]

Hello

I  have a Starrett adhesive backed tape that is 1/2" wide.  It wasn't very expensive and I see they are on Amazon, although I think I got mine from McMaster Carr.

So if the Festool guides can accommodate that width I think you're good to go.

 

[pixelated]

The strips look to be available from the EKAT parts fiche, which is linked under the "Service" category on the Festool USA website. The parallel guides are under "Workplace Organization > Accessories > 495711-FS-PA"

 

[WestMan_Canada]

Thanks Pixelated - I am located in Canada can you tell me how to order these strips from Festool Canada (i.e. how do I contact Festool Canada to place an order)?

 

[pixelated]

Thanks Pixelated - I am located in Canada can you tell me how to order these strips from Festool Canada (i.e. how do I contact Festool Canada to place an order)?

Sorry, I didn't notice that you were in Canada.

The Festool Canada website is linked under "Festool Websites" here in Fog. In the US there is no online ordering for parts, you have to call the parts center. It's likely the same there, but IDK. Your local dealer should be able to order by part number as well. The Canadian website should have all the particulars of how to order.

 

[WestMan_Canada]

The parts you suggest are the arm extrusions complete with the scale-tapes attached.
On this basis four parts (496158 496159 496156 and 496157)  having total cost of $222 $US would be required.
What I am looking for is the scale tapes alone. 

Here is alink to the parts you suggest:https://ekat.festool.de/login/jsp/m...=true&userId=US-Kunde-FT_US&password=Customer

 

[WestMan_Canada]

It seems that the only parts avaikable from Festool are the arm extrusions complete with the scale-tapes attached.
On this basis four parts (496158 496159 496156 and 496157)  having total cost of $222 $US would be required.

I was hoping for the the scale tapes alone. 

Here is alink to the parts EKAT page for the parrallel guides:https://ekat.festool.de/login/jsp/m...=true&userId=US-Kunde-FT_US&password=Customer

 

[semenza]

Hi Westman,

    Welcome to the forum  [smile]

Seth

    [member=71429]DerickC[/member]

 

[mike_aa]

[member=72963]WestMan_Canada[/member]  Lee Valley sells adhesive backed tapes in metric and inches.  L to R or R to L.
https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/sho...nd-measuring/tapes/70539-adhesive-bench-tapes

Mike A.

 

[WestMan_Canada]

Thanks - I have ordered the Lee Valley tapes to see if they will fit width-wise. I can cut to length no problem but trimming width would likely leave a jagged edge  - althoug I guess in a pinch I could try and plane down the edge once its mounted (hard on the plane iron and likely a sloppy result).
Was hoping someone might have already tried this (avoid trial & error).
Will report back on findings.

 

[jrfuda]

Any updates?

 

[WestMan_Canada]

Hello

I can confirm that the Starrett tapes as sold by Lee Valley fit width-wise; however it seems one must buy a total of 4 tapes (2 left-reading and 2 right-reading) which is rather costly.

My next step is to detrmine if the existing OEM scale-tapes can be removed (i.e. by heating with heat gun) or if the Starretts should be applied on top of them.

 

[jrfuda]

I went ahead and tried this on my own using Four Starett SM44W Measure Stixs, which I was able to get for about $6.50 each. Here's a product link:
https://www.starrett.com/metrology/product-detail/SM44W

They only measure left-to-right, but the graduations are mirrored on both sides, so it does not matter.

I made a shallow knife mark in the aluminum at the 650mm mark on the parallel guides, removed the metric tape, cleaned with a razor and acetone, and applied the measure stix, aligning the 25-9/16" march with the knife mark. Prior to mounting, I cut the measure stix tape at 26" and 5-1/8", to make it easier to peel the backing and mount. This tape is a little narrower than the metric tape that came with the parallel guides, so orienting more towards the "stop" side of the guide, right where the chamfer flattens out, makes it easy to line up the pointer on the stop with your measurement. For the extensions, just cut the tape at the zero mark and.. I forget the other measurement (away from the shop now), and replace the stock tape the same way as before. Everything calibrated right up and the measure stix tape holds tight.

Prior to doing this, I did a test run by creating adding an imperial scale to the fence rail of my MFT, which I made easy to calibrate by adjusting it so the spot where it becomes thicker is exactly 8 inches from the splinter guard, so it's easy to calibrate using a square against the splinter guard, running under the guide rail, and resting against the raised area. Tested and worked perfectly and will eliminate measuring when using the MFT for 90 degree cuts against the fence... just use the stop! I'll just double check before each session, or after returning from cutting angles, that it is still calibrated.

When I get a chance, I'll try and post pictures of both, but It may be a couple of weeks.

 

[WestMan_Canada]

Hello thanks for comments

How did you peel the exisitng scale tapes off - did you need to use heat?

The link you sent is to the Starrett website, they have both the left to right and right to left scale tapes
You can see the full list here:https://www.starrett.com/category/j...isplayMode=grid&itemsPerPage=12&sortBy=wp/asc

 

[jrfuda]

I peeled off the old tape, scraped the excess adhesive with a razor blade, then cleaned up any stragglers with acetone.

The 4-foot, 1/2-inch tape is only available in left-to-right. There's really no need for right-to-left because the graduations are mirrored on both sides of the tape. The dual metric/imperial tape is not a good fit for this as you'd have only either the metric or imperial marks closer to the arrow on the stop, so it would be more difficult to align the arrow with your measurement.

 

[WestMan_Canada]

Here are some photos of the original metric parrellel guides that might be usesful to anyone doing a conversion (either metric to inch or inch to metric) in the future.
These photos show how the orginal scale-tapes are postioned on the guides at the factory.

 

[jrfuda]

Here are my after photos. My estimate is that the tapes on each section are within 1/64" of alignment of their counterparts on the opposite guide, and spot-on post calibration. Cost me $30 to do the conversion (just over $6 per tape and slow shipping). I'm sure I'll find some use for the leftover tape, 2 pieces each of 10-48" and 1-5."

Hopefully the photos demonstrate how the specific layout of this tape negates the need for separate left-to-right and right-to-left tapes.

The starrett tape is very nice and I can see using it in other places.