Parallel Rips

[randyklein99]

I am thinking about getting the Festool CS, MFT package, but I have a question about it.

I have read about how to edge joint one edge by placing the guide rail on top and straight line ripping one edge. 

But how do you rip the other edge so that it is parallel to the first?  I know how to do it on the tablesaw by running the jointed edge against the rip fence.

I've searched all over this forum and Sawmill Creek, but can not find the answer.  The best I think I've seen is to use the MFS, as described by Jerry Work in "Advanced Cutting and Routing Techniques Using the Festool MFS Fence System".

But is there any other solution that only involves the MFT and CS, and doesn't require purchasing something like the MFS?

 

[Dan Lyke]

I just use a combination square. Line up my rail at one end, slide the head of the combo square up so that I have just the right length to work as a story stick, slide it down my work piece making sure that the rail stays lined up to it.

Which is essentially the same trick you'd do with the MFS. In fact next time I've got the masonite/HDF out I may make myself an adjustable story stick with a good big square on it for just this purpose (although I do have an MFS as well...).

If you really had to have perfectly parallel edges then I'd probably hang a router off my MFS and use that as an edge guide, but if we're talking 1/64" or so over the length of my work piece then chances are good that wood expansion and contraction is going to exceed my ability to mill the lumber to size.

 

[randyklein99]

I thought about that, but isn't the edge you're referencing the combo square off the unjointed edge, and thus not a good reference, since the jointed edge is under the rail now?

 

[Dan Lyke]

Back of the rail makes as good a reference as the front of the rail, no?

 

[Dave Rudy]

Check outhttp://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=475.0

HTH

Dave

 

[randyklein99]

Dan,

I didn't think about the back of the rail.  That should be sufficient until such time I can convince myself to get the MFS...

thanks