Rail size

[pettyconstruction]

I took advantage or the recon sale,and got a ts75.
I am planing on a 118" rail to use for deck trimming and general construction work.
My question is what is a good crosscut rail size,I recently used my saw to trim some doors and while the cut was great, the 75" rail was a pain.
Is a 42" to short or a 55" the one to have in this application ?
Thanks in advance
Charlie

 

[anthonyz]

I like having the 55 to cross cut sheet goods. But I could use it on a door without too much hassle.

 

[pettyconstruction]

So I guess what I'm asking is,
Is the 42" rail to small to trim doors with a ts75? Or would I be better off getting a 55"

 

[Harvey]

The rough guide I've read is you need 10 inches more than the cut length for the TS75. Six inches before the cut and four inches after the cut.

 

[pettyconstruction]

Cool thanks. I'll get a 55" then for the doors I have to do

 

[waho6o9]

Congrats on the TS75! Here's a great clamping gizmo that
works well.
http://www.bobmarinosbesttools.com/fs-rapid-quick-action-clamps/p/489790
[attachimg=1]

 

[pettyconstruction]

You know, so far I haven't needed a clamp, but I have looked at that one

 

[waho6o9]

That's amazing. I guess I'm a clamp freak as I detest

when the rail moves. Oops.

 

[jeh]

For a 36" door I'd go with the 55" rail. The 44" does not leave enough room to fully start the cut and end the cut on the rail.

A+ on the 118". It's the only way to break down sheet goods. Some people say the 106" is sufficient, but it is not unless as the plate of the TS55/75 is well more than the 5" you have on either side of a 8' sheet good. The difference between the prices is negligible.

At some point 44" or another 55" might be a good addition as they are easier to transport than the 118". I realize the 55" and 44" are not sufficient for 8' sheet goods, but they would work if you took a crosscut to remove a 1' 1/2" or so and then did your rip.

Enjoy your new saw and all of the capabilities it brings. You'll come up a few things you can't do with a circular saw that you can do with the TS55/75 and a rail.

 

[peter halle]

Get the 55 holy rail!  Plan ahead.  [2cents]

Peter

 

[pettyconstruction]

Get the 55 holy rail!  Plan ahead.  [2cents]

Peter

thats the plan,thanks
Charlie

 

[Brent Taylor]

I use the 55" rails and the FS clamp, it works  great for cut down doors without having to take them off the frame and cross cutting sheet goods, countertops and filler strips. Go with the holey is a no-brainer.  The FS clamp is a great time saver, mine was a bit loose, but they are easy to adjust. Two other thoughts; 1st. Do you work with BB at all? if so you may want to look at a 75" or even 106" rail also. 2nd. If you do alot of punch list work you might want to get a 2nd 55" rail and a set of Makita connectors( my preferred connectors, but use what you want. ) the two shorter rails are easier to cart around than the 3 M. rail. I have 4 rails and my 3 M. and holey stay at the shop most of the time and the other 2 55", saw and clamps are on the truck most of the time. Hope it helps. B

 

[pettyconstruction]

Thanks all for the suggestions , I am going in on Monday to get a 55 holey rail. My "down the road plan"is to get the 118" rail. Maybe a 96" holey rail also .latter.
I don't cut much sheet goods, so most if my stuff is decking and kitchen fitting. With some door installs thrown in . I just wanted to know if the 42"rail would work for trimming doors, and I have the answer now.
Thanks again,Charlie

 

[jeh]

+1 on the holey rail. Might be better served with two of 55" holey rails as the 96" won't work for sheet goods and there is a specific adapter set for joining two holey rails that maintains the proper spacing.