Question on Guide Rails

[ScotF]

Hi everyone,

I am new here -- looking at Festool for the track saw option and big picture solution.  I have a question on guide rails.  I assume that the FS/2 and FS/2-LR32 rails can be attached together to make a longer length and that this would not impact the saw in any way?  The 32mm drilling with a router is pretty slick and I was wondering if there was any negatives to combining too...my thinking is that the MFT or saw comes with a standard guide rail and I could purchase an LR32 to increase length and benefit from the holes.  Cost is about the same.  Any thoughts on this as an option?

Thanks

 

[Frank-Jan]

I don't have the hole drilling set myself, but I have read a lot of posts by people combining the two types of rails, so that won't be a problem.

 

[tbellemare]

Scot:

That option works fine and is quite cost effective.

The FS 1080/2 costs $1 less than the FS 1080/2-LR 32. It depends on how far you want to reach if this is a good size.

Tom

 

[Martin Johnson]

Combining them would work...the other option would be to ask you dealer to sell the saw with the LR-32 rail of your choice.  They have the option to just charge the difference.  As Tom said..going to the FS1080 would be $1.00 extra or if you went with the FS2424...it would cost $183.50 extra...

Something to remember...you really need 106" for easily ripping a 96" panel...it gives you the extra length for the saw base on the infeed and outfeed side of the cut, so combining the 55" and 42" only gets you to 97".

I really like the LR32 system...there are certainly other options, but everyone comments on how clean the holes are, and I really like the precision and easy of use.  I used this extensively in a three part entertainment/bookcase system that I am working on...also does a nice job on the blum hinged doors.

 

[tbellemare]

Those are certainly all points to be considered, Martin...

The problem with the FS2424/2-LR 32 is that you are still a bit short when it comes to full sheets. It is long enough to make the holes but not long enough to rip.

Most cabinets or bookcases don't extend 8' vertically without some sort of horizontal support, which is why most people do fine with the 1080. The 2424 is IMHO for pretty specialized usage.

Tom

 

[Martin Johnson]

Tom,

I agree...that is why I wanted to make sure he understood that it only went to 97", and ripping a full sheet really requires 106".  The application where I have found the long rail useful is in full length (tall) bookcases or built-ins where the pins run the entire length of the cabinet sides.  I'm not sure how you would use the short version for that without some sort of indexing jig....but all good points...

The good news, is that Scot now has some options to think about and the pros and cons of those options.