Parallel guides - what length of Incra ttrack to get ?

[mwildt]

Hi,

My table saw is unable to handle the width I need for my current project so I figured let me get the parallel guides. Did some research on the different types, Festool as well as aftermarket, and I think the Seneca solution would do it best.

I need a 30" x 35.5" panel so going with a 36" ttrack would make it work. Before I get the track I figured let me just query the forum and hear what length you guys recommend. Of course it depends on the project, but from the posts I've read the Festool track length appears to be too short in general so is 48" too much in the way ?

Cheers,
Michael

 

[Wooden Skye]

I originally bought 48", and was a pain to work with.  I believe 24" is probably best, but I also have 36". 

 

[Marshall Monnett]

I originally bought 48", and was a pain to work with.  I believe 24" is probably best, but I also have 36". 

+1

 

[mwildt]

Thanks guys.

 

[Ivanhoe]

I would be cautious on the actual tape lengths that Incra uses - For instance on my 18" T-Track plus the plastic ruler ends at
16" I have a set of 36" at home that I just received and remember thinking to myself, "This will only measure to XX" and it was less than the 36" (I can't remember exactly but I think it ends at 34") I will ck tonight to confirm. BTW I ended up with the guides by Precision and am very happy with them.

 

[rvieceli]

Seneca says on their website, that the width of the cut piece can be length of the t-track plus 7 inches. So if you are ripping down the 36.5 inch length and leaving a 30 inch piece under the rail, then a 24 inch length should "in theory" work. If the 36.5 inch piece is under the rail perpendicular then you'd need a 36 inch piece of track. The Incra track is extruded aluminum and can be easily cut to make the "perfect" length for your application.

Incra makes the T-Track plus tape scales in 16" or 41 mm sections. Each track should have a enough of the tape to go to each end of the track. But on tracks longer than 16 inches, the tape scale will be in two sections or more. If what you bought doesn't, check under the tape to see if it has slid under in shipping. Or possibly someone helped themselves to it on the display rack.

Incra sells replacement scales here in both metric and imperial.

https://www.incrementaltools.com/Articles.asp?ID=193

 

[Ivanhoe]

You are correct rvieceli - I should have clarified that you would have to use the entire Incra track, add in the width of the rail to get beyond the Incra's tape. My brain was in "Narrow stock mode" where I was using the narrow stock spacers which when used don't allow for this method.

 

[Ivanhoe]

As a little update, the 36" Incra T-Track plus tape only includes a distance out to 32"

 

[rvieceli]

As a little update, the 36" Incra T-Track plus tape only includes a distance out to 32"

That should have come with another piece of tape to get you from 32 to 36 inches.

Give Incra a call or an email and ask them to send you one. Seriously.

Customer Services/Product Technical Support/Promotions
mark@incra.com (For all woodworking tools)

1.888.804.6272 Toll Free within the USA
1.317.287.0340 Outside the USA

 

[Ivanhoe]

In that case, I better look harder at the set I just received to see if there is a small section underneath the existing tape or in
the packaging. I thought it was odd that they ended at 32" Thanks for the links/info!

Rod

 

[Ivanhoe]

Called Incra - they confirmed they only send the tapes out in 16" lengths. However, they are going to send out 2 additional pieces
to reach the 36".  Great customer service, but they really need to specify that in the product description.

 

[mwildt]

I read your last posting too late. I just picked up 2 36" from the local Woodcraft and sure enough the tape measure only goes to 32". Nice product but a pain they didn't include the last inches.

I'll give their customer support a try as well.

 

[Ivanhoe]

What amazes me about Incra is that they specialize in products that take accuracy to a new level on many of their products, yet they use this 16" overlay tape measure system...I can't quite wrap my head around it.

 

[JBird]

What amazes me about Incra is that they specialize in products that take accuracy to a new level on many of their products, yet they use this 16" overlay tape measure system...I can't quite wrap my head around it.

Does seem curious. Maybe its because the incra system does not rely on the accuracy of the tape. It uses the notched plates or screws for precision and the tape just gets you in the ball park.

 

[mwildt]

Wish that was the case. While Incra does use notched plates on some of their products they do not on the t-track plus. Only guide for adjustment settings is the tape.

In regard to the accuracy.
The Seneca solution is reasonable accurate though it could be better. The chosen tolerances are more on the safe side than the accuracy side. One could add some simple mods to make it even more accurate. Not sure how accurate the Festool solution is in comparison though.