Rail length

jlyons

Member
Joined
Mar 2, 2012
Messages
67
I did a little searching but thought i would throw my question out directly.  I am getting my first Ts55 in a couple of weeks when it comes in, but am still un decided on the rails.  The 75 seems like a good versitile length the 55 seems like i would wish it was a little longer lots.  The first job i have for it will have angle cuts on sheets, approx. 58" and I could see 68" cuts being common for me.  I like the idea of not having to join rails all the time so i can see getting a 3000.  Thinking about getting the 75 and either a 42 or55 and connectors to start. Would the 75 seem to long on a 4' cut?  would a 55 start to seem to long on a 16"-3' cut, or for use with my router?  Thoughts would be appreciated.
 
The 75" rail is the way to go for 48" cuts. The 55" will work but you have to  fiddle with the positioning. The 75" is more than needed for a 48" cut but I have never found it to be cumbersome. You will definitely want the 75" for the 58" cuts you mentioned.  The 55" gets a little awkward on 20" or less cuts but it will suffice especially if the overhanging ends are supported.

My personal choice for an all purpose three rail set is  55" (though the 42" would be good in place of it) , 75", 118".

Going with two shorter rails and connectors (42 or 55 plus 75) can be a good way to start. Then add 118 later if you find that want it.

Seth
 
I have purchased the 32, 42, 55 and 75 rails and I love having the range of all the rails, as it's great for a rail to fit the situation your in, as when it's way to long and clunky it's annoying to use, also I like attaching the 75 and 32 together and it's a great solution to rip sheet goods, while you can keep the 55 for the cross cuts rather then attaching and detaching your rails to make different cuts.

In a perfect world I would get the 118 rail but don't have the $400 to blow right now .... Sigh
 
jlyons said:
I did a little searching but thought i would throw my question out directly.  I am getting my first Ts55 in .  .  .  . 
[size=11pt]

Excuse me, we are talking Festool here, how old are you - your first and only T55 I would have thought!?  [big grin] [eek]

 
27. I could see needing more.  So far after every festool purchase I make I say to my wife i am getting this for the boys(I have 2 so far) when they get older.  If i would have just started with festool how glorious it would have been.  I see the track saw as no exception and even more so, I think it will change how i do so man things.
 
Just a thought here - if you're considering getting the LR 32 setup at some point, it might be more cost-effective to buy two 1400mm "holy" rails (496939) now, rather than buy the standard 1400mm rails.  They're only $5 more each and provide all  the utility of the standard rails plus the ability to use the LR 32 in the future.  You can couple them together using the Guide Rail Connector (482107 - you'll need two) and use the LR 32 Guide Rail Index (496938 - comes with the LR 32 kit) to get the correct spacing for boring tall bookcase sides.  The overall length will be ~111", so cutting sheet goods will be a piece of cake. 

 
Great advice so far. My take on long rails is they are nice in the shop but difficult to transport without damaging them. I thought I was tired of connecting rails together so I bought a 2700 because it fits in my Suburban and the 3000 was too long to fit comfortably into it. Unfortunately, the ideal length for 8' work is at least 2800 so I have regretted purchasing the 2700. It works but barely. I got an LR 232 for Christmas and bought a 1400 holy rail to go with it. Now, I leave my other 2 1400's connected to each other and use the holy rail for my 48" crosscuts and it is still easy to disconnect them for transport. I also use my 1080 (holy rail, now discontinued) frequently, also which is easier to maneuver on narrower cuts than the 1400. A 1080 attached to a 1400 is a little longer that the 1900 (75") but still works fine for most applications between 48" and 96". Best of luck to you.
Randy
 
SRSemenza said:
My personal choice for an all purpose three rail set is  55" (though the 42" would be good in place of it) , 75", 118".

That's my trifecta and it's been a win. Made a long box that holds all 3.

I'll second the motion to make one of those a holy rail, website only shows the 55" available does anyone know if there is a 75" holed rail also?
 
Holy rails come in two (2) sizes -- 2424mm (95") and 1400mm (55").

LR32 Guide Rails

Originally, they offered the holy rails in 1080mm and 2424mm, but replaced the 1080 holy rail with the 1400mm holy rail.

Oops, Sparky beat me to the draw…  [cool]
 
thanks for the responses.  I am thinking I will get the 75 and 55 holy for now.  and just get clamps and such.  i was wondering if anyone uses the FS- clamp(the pistol under the track thing)?  The other question is do i get the screw clamps or am i just going to want the quick clamp ones anyway and never use the screw clamps once i get the quick ones?
 
FS clamps are very useful and nothing can take there place when you need to use them.

as for the screw clamps and the quick clamps you actually need them both , as you'll find things that the screw clamps are more appropriate for ( yes you'll use the quick clamps 80% of the time ) but the other 20% you'll be happy you got them.

Welcome to the slippery slope of Festool lol , you can't turn back now.
 
I have the FS. It's a nice unit but I personally rarely use it. I cut a lot of sheet goods but it just seems easier to use the screw or fast clamps. Probably wouldn't buy it if I had a do-over.
 
Back
Top