Tips for Longer cuts w/shorter Track

[DrDankDust]

I searched around without any luck, so sorry in advance if this has already talked about.
I'm looking to cut plywood unfortunately my guide rail is about 14" too short, anyone have any tips maintain my square cut while moving the track to complete the cut. I'm using a TSO guide to stay square, was thinking get all lined up, once rail is in place clamp a straight edge to board lined up with back edge of guide rail. Complete half of the cut stop then move rail referencing against straight edge then complete cut. Thoughts?

 

[ChuckM]

Should work IF these conditions are met:

1) The track's runner (? the part that the saw rides along) is parallel to its edge against which the straight edge is placed.
2) The straight edge is indeed straight.

 

[DrDankDust]

Not sure about 1st, as far as the straight edge I think that I have decided to used a piece of 3/4 ply that I ripped straight with track and clamping that to the piece I'm cutting. I need to get rail connectors but haven't heard many positives on them. I think I recall reading that IF you go with connectors that the TSO were superior to the Festool ones (I may be wrong on that)

Well I'm about to give this cut a try this way and see how it turns out, will report back.

 

[DrDankDust]

Just a update, cut ended up coming out decent, any deviation from cut line mason even slightly noticable when running your finger on the cut transition. If anyone has seen any jigs for this kind of task feel free to drop a link in here. Thanks for the input ChuckM

 

[ChuckM]

You're welcome. The "imperfect" cut was what I expected since you had two conditions that were not as straight forward (no pun intended) to satisfy.

Another thought is this: would it get a better outcome if you cut from both ends to have the cuts meet in the middle, since the TSO square has been found quite a dead-on tool? Again, this approach has its own weaknesses.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Measure the distance from left side of rail to actual kerf.

Set a stop that distance from start of cut.

Place a mark that distance from end of cut.

Clamp or tape straight edge to guide rail such that it projects to the Mark at the far end of cut when guide rail is in position to start cut, with guide rail butted to stop.

Clamp guide rail and straight edge to work.

Cut as far as can go in first position then unclamp guide rail and move to second position and clamp again.

When you have another guide rail get the TSO rail joiners.