new parf guide system with the inherent elongation of the holes issue(which I pointed out many moons ago) solved,definately a major improvement and worth the extra money.
parf guide mk2
parf guide mk2
parf guide system MK2
- Thread starter skinee
- Start date
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2016
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- 625
Mark 2 Parf Guide System on order for TSO inventory shortly according to Axminster.
our TSO INSIDER Newsletter will report arrival.
Hans
our TSO INSIDER Newsletter will report arrival.
Hans
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2011
- Messages
- 4,550
Hi Everyone
I took delivery of the very first system off the production line and am in the middle of making a series of videos about it. Let me give you an overview now and then ask you to wait until I create a thread with all the video links.
First of all, the Mark 2 PGS will be sold alongside the original as it will be more expensive despite Axminster launching it at a very generous introductory price.
For non UK shoppers most suppliers have stocks on order and so do check to see when they expect the kit to arrive. I think that Axminster are doing their best to ensure an even distributions amongst the various outlets.
There is no upgrade path from the original system to the Mark 2 as almost every component is different.
The new Mark 2 kit uses a completely different approach for the drilling of the 3 mm holes. The Parf Sticks for the new system now have 6 mm holes and at no stage does any drill touch the Parf Stick during use. This requires two very special drill guides, one that registers in the 6 mm hole in a single Parf Stick and the other that registers in a pair of Parf Sticks (one on top of the other). There is also a special 3 mm drill holder that fits into the 3 mm drill guides where an oiled bearing ensures smooth and accurate work.
The new Parf Sticks also have offset holes that allow holes to be produced at not only 96 mm spacing but also at 48 mm and 32 mm. This has implications beyond bench tops - I have already had a go at producing shelf supports at 32 mm spacing by creating a pattern of 3 mm holes which I then enlarged to 5 mm to take the shelf supports. I think that kitchen fitters could use the system to make jigs for hinge and handle work taking advantage of the 32 mm and 48 mm options.
As I said, I am making the videos of the new system. This is the first time that I have used it to make a complete MFT3 top. Previously I have just tested the 3 mm drilling concept. I have to say that the whole thing is very impressive. I will be doing the 4 cut test very soon which will have a video in its own right and will be shot as a single take. I will retain all the pieces of wood cut for inspection by anyone who challenges the result.
I expect that the Mark 2 system will be more accurate as it requires a little more care on the part of the user which only takes a few minutes to master but helps to guarantee an error free result. The original gave results equal to or better than the £25,000 panel saw used by one of my professional friends and I do expect the Mark 2 PGS to equal or surpass that benchmark.
The Mark 2 PGS will have no moving parts (drills) that could shorten the life of the new Parf Sticks. This was only an issue with the original system if one were to make a lot of replacement MFT3 tops or cutting stations. My original PGS has been used to create about 30 MFT3 tops and 7 or 8 tracksaw cutting stations. There is some wear but not something that the ordinary user would be upset about.
Therefore someone in their home workshop making say one MFT3 top a year can be perfectly happy with the original. The professional who makes tracksaw cutting stations every month because they get abused by the work force or ruined on job sites will definitely need the new system. I appreciate that many people will just want the best that they can afford and so I hope that by having both systems available Axminster will be able to satisfy everyone.
Peter
I took delivery of the very first system off the production line and am in the middle of making a series of videos about it. Let me give you an overview now and then ask you to wait until I create a thread with all the video links.
First of all, the Mark 2 PGS will be sold alongside the original as it will be more expensive despite Axminster launching it at a very generous introductory price.
For non UK shoppers most suppliers have stocks on order and so do check to see when they expect the kit to arrive. I think that Axminster are doing their best to ensure an even distributions amongst the various outlets.
There is no upgrade path from the original system to the Mark 2 as almost every component is different.
The new Mark 2 kit uses a completely different approach for the drilling of the 3 mm holes. The Parf Sticks for the new system now have 6 mm holes and at no stage does any drill touch the Parf Stick during use. This requires two very special drill guides, one that registers in the 6 mm hole in a single Parf Stick and the other that registers in a pair of Parf Sticks (one on top of the other). There is also a special 3 mm drill holder that fits into the 3 mm drill guides where an oiled bearing ensures smooth and accurate work.
The new Parf Sticks also have offset holes that allow holes to be produced at not only 96 mm spacing but also at 48 mm and 32 mm. This has implications beyond bench tops - I have already had a go at producing shelf supports at 32 mm spacing by creating a pattern of 3 mm holes which I then enlarged to 5 mm to take the shelf supports. I think that kitchen fitters could use the system to make jigs for hinge and handle work taking advantage of the 32 mm and 48 mm options.
As I said, I am making the videos of the new system. This is the first time that I have used it to make a complete MFT3 top. Previously I have just tested the 3 mm drilling concept. I have to say that the whole thing is very impressive. I will be doing the 4 cut test very soon which will have a video in its own right and will be shot as a single take. I will retain all the pieces of wood cut for inspection by anyone who challenges the result.
I expect that the Mark 2 system will be more accurate as it requires a little more care on the part of the user which only takes a few minutes to master but helps to guarantee an error free result. The original gave results equal to or better than the £25,000 panel saw used by one of my professional friends and I do expect the Mark 2 PGS to equal or surpass that benchmark.
The Mark 2 PGS will have no moving parts (drills) that could shorten the life of the new Parf Sticks. This was only an issue with the original system if one were to make a lot of replacement MFT3 tops or cutting stations. My original PGS has been used to create about 30 MFT3 tops and 7 or 8 tracksaw cutting stations. There is some wear but not something that the ordinary user would be upset about.
Therefore someone in their home workshop making say one MFT3 top a year can be perfectly happy with the original. The professional who makes tracksaw cutting stations every month because they get abused by the work force or ruined on job sites will definitely need the new system. I appreciate that many people will just want the best that they can afford and so I hope that by having both systems available Axminster will be able to satisfy everyone.
Peter
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2016
- Messages
- 625
Well friends, I spoke too soon:TSO_Products said:
After further conversation with our AXMINSTER friends this week, it looks like it will be December before we see any Mark 2 PGS in our warehouse for sale in the US.
As Peter states, the Original PGS version will continue to be produced along with the new Mark 2 version. In fact, we just placed another stock order for the original version.
There is no plan at AXMINSTER to offer upgrade kits as they believe there is no demand for an upgrade kit costing perhaps 2/3 of a complete new Mark 2 PGS.
The key advantages of the Mark 2 System according to AXMINSTER is centered on two features:
1. A drill bushing set for the 3mm drill bit to prevent any wear on the Parf-sticks.
2. Parf-Sticks upgraded with additional reference hole locations on heavier, ground stainless rules.
If you are anything short of an industrial user producing quantities of 20mm workbench tops, the original system will deliver accurate service for a very, very long time.
TSO will be happy to supply your choice of the available two models.
Hans
Does the system come with dogs or do you need to get them separately? I have reviewed the webpage selling this system, but it's not quite clear if they are part of the included components. The description eludes to needing dogs as well, but the pictures show some, so just not sure.
Jiggy Joiner
Member
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2018
- Messages
- 1,103
Yes it comes with two steel rules, the jig, the dogs, the guide pins and connector, a 20mm forstner bit and depth collar, a 3mm guided bit, allen wrench, and instructions.
Think I’ve covered everything.
Edit: The dust shroud is extra.
Think I’ve covered everything.
Edit: The dust shroud is extra.
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