Sys LR-32 suggestion

[fritter63]

I just spent some time doing the initial setup on the LR 32 system (adjust guide plate bushing, align lateral stops).

I found an annoyance and would like to recommend a change to the system.

When securing the Lateral stops to the rail, the tightening knob is so close to the rail (on top of it) that it is difficult to grip the knob, especially when loosening it and when it is in certain positions (rotation wise). This could be solved by several methods:

1) Make the calibrated bars (hexagonal ones) longer so that the stops will secure to the BACK rail, rather than the front one. This will allow the tightening knob to hang off the back of the rail

2) Remove the tool-less knob and replace with a hex head so that a long hex head screwdriver can be used for tightening

3) Make the knob mount on a longer shaft so that it hangs over the back of the rail.

Thanks.

 

[mastercabman]

YEP,I know what you mean.
How about if they would slide in on the far edge and when needed they would flip out of the way?

 

[Brice Burrell]

I felt the same way until Festool trainer Steve Bace set me straight.  Turns out you aren't supposed to loosen/tighten the know every time you want to take the lateral/parallel stops on/off the rail.  Put the stops on the rail, tighten them, they from now on just pull them off and push them on.  In other words, they are meant to be a press fit item.  Give it a try, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.  

 

 

[BTDT]

Hah... I just watched this Festool video and noticed the press fit in action!

How to use the Festool LR 32 System in Center of Panel

Thanks for the confirmation Brice.

Brad

 

[fritter63]

I felt the same way until Festool trainer Steve Bace set me straight.  Turns out you aren't supposed to loosen/tighten the know every time you want to take the lateral/parallel stops on/off the rail.  Put the stops on the rail, tighten them, they from now on just pull them off and push them on.  In other words, they are meant to be a press fit item.  Give it a try, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.  

 

Ha! Thanks Bryce! Ironically, I had just finished watching your YouTube vid on the LR 32 before seeing this post.

OK, I amend my recommendation to Festool:

- Please document the "press to fit" approach in your user manual!

 

[tvgordon]

I just used the lr32 for the first time this week and was thinking the same thing. I watched a couple videos and didn't notice the press fit so I was trying to tighten the knobs each time.

I would also like to have optional longer rods on the parallel guides so when drilling holes for drawer slides all the holes can be referenced off the front of the cabinet.

All in all I was very impressed with how easy and accurate it was to set up the system. And how quick it was to drill all the holes.

Tom