Parf Guide System Reviews wanted

[JesseC]

I am considering purchasing the PGS and was hoping to get some feedback from users that have real world experience with it. I have watched all the videos and it seems like a great product but I have seen very little in terms of user reviews. For those of you that have used it, have you been able to duplicate the accuracy that Peter has in his videos? Is there any reason that you would not make the purchase again?

Thanks,

Jesse

 

[geoffshep]

It's worth searching - there are a couple of threads about it:
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festo...finally-a-jig-for-mft-holes-by-peter-parfitt/

and the main one with 7 pages:
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-sales-dealer-area/ujk-parf-guide-system-videos/

 

[CrazyLarry]

It does have several faults:

You have to think and grasp the principle, stay awake during the drilling phase, it doesn't clean up after itself, neither does it fetch snacks etc... It does however do exactly and I mean exactly what it says.

Don't rush, pencil a layout based on what you want (you may want to drill a full grid or you may want to skip some holes if you use parf / rail dogs or you may want to leave some 3mm pilots as references for additional holes later, practice on scrap and don't forget to oil the bushings everytime you take it out to use it

 

[clark_fork]

Review: It works good!

The singular attribute of a perforated MFT top is that it is meant to be disposable. It can be turned around end-to-end and flipped to the opposite side to extend its life. The economics is simple. The replacement retail cost US is currently $141.86 with Amazon Prime price now with shipping $132.86.

The dimensions are 1102 cm, 43.386 inches; 718 cm, 28.268 inches. So for replacing a top or buying a top for a  custom table or just using the table on saw horses for assembly or cutting jobs, most of the demand can be served by just buying a replacement top.

However, as many examples have come forward on FOG, woodworking is extremely individual and custom applications present themselves. To fill this need, CNC is an option as well as adapting the LR32 system. There are templates out there that use the peg-board system. But in the back lurks this zeal for precision, for un-matched square-up and ease of application. The PGS developed by Peter Parfitt stepped in to address all these issues.

The Millennials don't need reviews. They came to earth knowing how to use a smart phone and use any device for that matter without needing to watch a video or read a manual. For the rest of us, a video is helpful but still the written word most likely holds out salvation. At this point. download the excellent PDF manual form the Axminster site.
http://www.axminster.co.uk/media/downloads/102278_manual.pdf

In use, the PGS delivers. My view is that there turned out to be some mundane essentials:

1. The Festool removable Jacobs chuck makes the job easier
2. Vac the work area. In the "Video" thread, I show a vac shoe for collecting the chips
3. Use a backer board. I made the mistake of applying too much pressure to some Baltic Ply and  I  got tear out
4. Keep track of parts. I use a metal tray
5. Clamp as directed in both the video and manual
6. Take your time. Understand the math.

Downsides: Some, likely due to carelessness, are getting burrs on the bit from the Jacobs chuck which causes the bit to bind when removing it from the bushing. Extra care seating and tightening the bit into the chuck is required.  The cure is to feel for the burr and hit it with a file before sliding the bit out of the bushing. I use a real oil ( 3/1) rather than WD-40. I recommend using real oil on the bit. In Baltic ply, the pins did not readily pull out.  Lastly, repetitive tasks require continuous attention and  alertness. I had to pay attention to the sequence of using the Parf dogs and the pins. with good planning, most cuts can be made by the pins. 

We live in a network world. I am surprised that the PGS has been useful to friends who are looking for a simple MFT on the way to this terrible Festool affliction. Making your own tops, also lends family credibility for purchasing yet more gray boxes.

a

 

[JesseC]

Larry and Clark, thanks for the info. I think I will be taking the plunge.

Jesse

 

[gunnyr]

I can only echo the most excellent and thorough review that Clark provided.

I am fairly new to Festool but fully addicted to the system!  The possibilities of the MFT grid are endless and I wanted a way to create my own. 

Last year I got interested in [member=6227]crpaulk[/member]'s various workbenches but had no way to create the 96 mm grid pattern.  When @PeterParfitt announced the UJK Parf Guide earlier this year I got a little more serious.  Then Ron Paulk announced the 3x6 Compact Workbench manufactured by FastCap.  I thought I might buy the top from FastCap for $150 since it had the CNC'd grid.  The $180 shipping was a deal breaker for me.  Can't see paying $180 to have a 3x6 piece of plywood shipped!  Then I really got serious about the UJK Parf Guide.  I visited Axminsters site to inquire about having the Guide shipped to me here in the States and was quoted $177.  The guide was back ordered at the time but it still arrived on my porch in less than 2 weeks.  A few days work and I had my own Paulk Compact Workbench. 

The 3x6 bench I made has 164 holes in it, it took me about 3 1/2 hours to lay out and bore all the holes.  I took my time and am very happy with the result.  The bench is made out of cabinet grade birch plywood and finished with a semi gloss poly that I sprayed on.  I find that the Parf Dogs fit quite snuggly.  I hope they loosen up a little with use.  I used a backer board as I bored each row of holes but still had some tear out.  As the tear out is on the underside of a work table I am quite satisfied.  This bench was made to be used on a job site. 

I took my time with the fit and finish of the bench; I believe that the bench and all my tools represent to my fellow tradesman and customers my commitment to my trade.  Today was the first day on the job site with the table, everyone from the tile setter to the plumber stopped to ask about it.  The Carpenters were very quick to see the utility of the grid system for clamping but not so much for cutting.  Many of the Carpenters had never seen Festool on the job until I arrived with my HKC 55 a few weeks ago!  My primary use for the table is as a out-feed table for my table saw.  In that role it excels!  Now that we have an out-feed table I can now safely and accurately rip full sheets of plywood alone while my partner is still at work on the scaffold, saving us a great deal of time.
View attachment 1

I performed the 5 cut test on the table and found that I was .79 mm out over 484 mm on the 5th cut.  As I understand the test that gives me an error of 0.0004 radians.  Works out to something less than 0.5 mm over 1 meter.  I can live with that!

The UJK Parf Guide is fabulous.  It required that I read and follow the directions and remained focused on the task at hand to ensure accuracy, not unlike any other type of fine woodworking I think!  A comprehension of basic geometry helps but is not required if you are willing to simply follow directions.  I am sure that I will be using the UJK Parf Guide to create cutting guides and jigs on the fly in the future.

 

[Billedis]

WOW [member=42009]gunnyr[/member] that is an awesome job.  Thank you for sharing.  Bill