Silly questions from a N00b

[jplemons]

I'm getting close to making some purchases that include a TS55REQ and either the Midi or CT26. I'm also looking hard at an MFT/3 and a Triton router -- sorry, I just can't afford to go Festool here. I'm thinking with these items I can be off to a decent start and then add more, such as an Incra system and dedicated router table, later on. My main purpose is for cutting birch plywood, aluminum and plexiglass to use as art substrates. My secondary goal is for some light woodworking.

Now the questions:

What in the heck is a Holy Rail and do I need one?
Should I budget for anything else that may make my life easier in the short term?
What about Bench Dogs? Do I need them in additional to the MFT/3 package?
Saw blade -- It looks like I need the aluminum/plastics one from Festool. Are there other options?
Extra rails -- With the one included with the MFT and the TS it appears that I won't need an additional one, but what about connectors?
Are there any options for using the rail as a guide for my router if the router is not a Festool?

 

[dltflt]

A holy rail is for the LR32 which is for drill holes for cabinet shelves and hinges.
Bench dogs would be a nice accessory if you get the Mft3. Clamps are helpful
You might want to get a 3000mm rail for cutting length wise on an 8' sheet
Nothing sold to mount a triton to the rail

 

[Sparktrician]

The MFT/3 comes with a 1080mm rail which is great for the intended purpose.  If you're considering building cabinets on the 32mm system, the 1400mm "Holy Rail" is the way to go.  It's only $5.00 more than the standard 1400mm rail.  If you need a longer rail, just get a second "Holy Rail" and join the two together using two Guide Rail Connectors (482107).  The OF 1010 is a perfect router to use for line boring with the LR 32 setup.  The LR 32 kit comes with a LR 32 Guide Rail Index (496938) which will give you the correct spacing when you join the "Holy Rails" together.  A Bettley Straightline Connector will help you to keep the rails properly aligned with each other so you get dead-on straight cuts and routs and keep the holes you bore perfectly straight. 

 

[nclemmons]

You can take a piece of 3/4 ply and make a sled for your router that you screw to the base and cut a dado in it to slip over the guiderail.  That will let you use the Triton on the Festool guide rail till you realize you really do want a Festool router!  But it will work in the interim!  You will sacrifice some depth of cut, but not a big issue for most guided routing tasks.

I would look at the MFT clamps - both the surface clamps that go in the dog holes, and the quick clamps with ratchets for clamping to the MFT table.  Both will make holding work MUCH easier.  I would get at least four bench dogs for holding work.  They are great when squaring up work for clamping, gluing, etc.

neil

 

[Kev]

My advice would be to avoid the Triton router and (unless you're immediately investing in Festool sanders) get a modest shop vac and the CMS OF1400 setup. Get the LR32 compatible rail as an exchange for the rail you get with the TS55 (should be a small increment) and plan to get the LR32 system shortly after (which the OF1400 will plop straight into).

 

[GreenGA]

One thing I did not notice in other posts regarding the Triton...

If a router table, other than the CMS, is in your future, the Triton is the go-to router for installing into a router table.

By then, if ever, you will, or should have, discovered the value in a Festool router (1400 or 1010), so repurposing the Triton to a router table will be a no-brainer and no loss in money already spent.

JMTC, OC... [blink]

 

[elfick]

My advice would be to avoid the Triton router and (unless you're immediately investing in Festool sanders) get a modest shop vac and the CMS OF1400 setup. Get the LR32 compatible rail as an exchange for the rail you get with the TS55 (should be a small increment) and plan to get the LR32 system shortly after (which the OF1400 will plop straight into).

I wish I had this advice when I got my TS55. Now I have a regular 1400 and LR32 1400 but I want to get a 1900 and I'm left debating what to do with my regular 1400. If I had thought to upgrade to the LR32 1400 when I got my TS55 I'd be way better off.

 

[gkaiseril]

Occasionally there are Festool reconditioned sale you might want to use.

Look at buying the accessories kits, there is a discount over buying the individual pieces.

 

[Sparktrician]

I wish I had this advice when I got my TS55. Now I have a regular 1400 and LR32 1400 but I want to get a 1900 and I'm left debating what to do with my regular 1400. If I had thought to upgrade to the LR32 1400 when I got my TS55 I'd be way better off.

Same situation here.  I never thought I'd be using the LR 32 setup when I first fell down the green slide.  I have two standard 1400mm rails and two 1400mm "Holy Rails" now.  One day I'll sell the standard ones and keep only the "Holy Rails". 

 

[wow]

Before I bought anything I came here and asked a lot of stupid questions. One GREAT piece of advice I got was to upgrade to the Holy Rails right away. I have both the 55" and 96" Holy Rails and couldn't be happier.

I will also pick up the 3000mm/10 foot rail soon - even though it does't come as a Holy Rail - as I want it for diagonal cuts on full sheets. I have the rail connector kit, but honestly hope to never use it.

 

[wow]

And I forgot to say -

Welcome!

 

[jplemons]

Thanks for the help, all!