I'm about to make my first festool purchase - a TS 55 and CT 22 or CT Midi (not sure which vac yet). My question is about the guide rail. I will be using the saw mostly to break down 4X8 sheets of hardwood ply. I understand the 55" guide rail will work for cross cutting but what is the best choice for ripping? Can I just get another 55" rail with connectors for ripping 8' sheets or is it advantageous in some way to buy the longer guide rail? Thanks?
TS 55 guide rail question
- Thread starter KMac
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Frank Pellow
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I would (and did) purchase a second 1400 mm rail and join them together for long cuts. This saves you money and greatly simplifies portability. Some people have complained about a "bump" at the place the rails connect, but this is something that I have never experienced.
Forrest Anderson
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KMac said:
Welcome to the Festool Owners Group!
Like Frank, I simply bought another 55" (1400mm) rail to go with the one that came with the TS55, and joined them together with two rail connectors when I wanted to rip an 8ft (2.4m) board. I would certainly like to have a continuous 106" (2700mm) rail, as it would eliminate any chance of slightly misaligning the join causing a "bump", or not getting them aligned in a straight line, but I can't really justify the cost. Also, it would give me 10cm less rail, meaning that I would have to be more careful when placing the 2700 rail on the sheet in order to give sufficient overhang at each end of the board.
The even more expensive 118" (3000mm) rail would give you lots of overhang at each end, but it is very unwieldy. Depending on the size of your vehicle, transporting it can be rather difficult, and even moving it around the shop can be tricky.
The official Festool answer to your question is in the Support Knowledgebase and can be found athttp://www.festoolusa.com/support/Support-Article.html?ArticleID=124
Q. What is the appropriate length guide rail needed to rip 8' sheet goods?
A: For the TS 55, the FS 2700 (2700mm or 106?) guide rail is ideal for rip cuts on sheet goods as you avoid starting with a plunge cut, and you finish with both guide rail gib cams -- the knobs to adjust lateral alignment ? on the rail for a perfect, straight cut. The FS 1400 (1400mm or 55?) guide rail is perfect for cross cuts for the same reason, there is extra room to start and finish your cut. Two FS 1400?s can be joined using guide rail connectors to make an 110? guide rail to rip sheet goods. For the TS 75, the FS 3000 (3000mm or 118?) guide rail is ideal for rip cuts on sheet goods as the saw table or is larger than on the TS 55 and requires a longer rail. The FS 1900 (1900mm or 75?) guide rail is perfect for cross cuts for the same reason, there is extra room to start and finish you cut. An FS 1900 can be joined with an FS 1400 using guide rail connectors to make an 130? guide rail to rip sheet goods. Please see the link listed below.
http://www.festoolusa.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=8&prodid=491937
http://www.festoolusa.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=8&prodid=482107
http://www.festoolusa.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=8&prodid=491503
http://www.festoolusa.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=8&prodid=491501
In the same Support Knowledgebase, Festool also say:
http://www.festoolusa.com/support/Support-Article.html?ArticleID=58
Q: Can I exchange a FS 1400/2 for a longer guide rail when I purchase the TS55?
A: Yes, you simply pay the difference in cost. You can also join two guide rails to create a longer rail using connectors (482107). Two are required to join the new style guide rail.
There is a school of thought that recommends that you do not buy two rails of the same length, as it allows for more flexibility. This has been discussed in the thread Never buy the same size rail
Incidentally, as we are an International forum, if you add your country to your Profile (ideally in the Location and Personal Text fields), then we'll be able to take that into account when we provide an answer. For example, some Festool items and accessories are only available in certain countries.
I hope you enjoy using your saw and dust extractor!
Forrest
Thanks for the reply. I think I'll go with the extra 55" for portability and see how that works.
I think I've done more research and put more thought into this purchase than I did my house! After reading through this board a bit I have a feeling there will be quite a few more questions and purchases to come.
I think I've done more research and put more thought into this purchase than I did my house! After reading through this board a bit I have a feeling there will be quite a few more questions and purchases to come.
joiner1970
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I bought the ts55 with midi vac and 2 x 1400 rails about a year ago and have not regretted any of it, yeah some times its a pain having to join the rails but it would be more of a pain transporting a full size rail around. I have had no problems with bumps on the joint either runs very smoothly over it. I find the Midi vac more than copes with mdf, ply etc with the TS55 and my ehl65 planer. Someone on here the other day said the Midi was no good and to go for the CT22 but if you don't need the extra capacity and suction then its just overkill in my book.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
paul_david_thomas
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I use a mini vac and have now used it converting 3 houses - doors, floors, kitchens, sheet goods.... No problem... Just need to dispose of the bags a little quicker... But the bags are pretty cheap too...
joiner1970 said:
I have been going back and forth about which vac. I've read the numerous posts dealing with midi/mini Vs. CT 22 and I'm still not sure. I'm a finish carp so I'm going to be using it in customers homes. Portability is very important to me but I like the HEPA filter that comes with the CT22. Decisions, Decisions.
nickao
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The CT 22 can do anything the midi or mini could do, but not the opposite. Go with the CT 22 it has about a 1/3 more cfm and if you break it down monetarily it is a lot more bang for the buck. I can not see how anyone can not need the extra cfm. Especially if you have only one collector. I have a friend who loved his midi, but he never tried the CT 22 . He tried my unit and sold his within the week on ebay and got the CT 22.
Unless you have both units and try them side by side how would you know the extra cfm was not worth it. No way is it overkill for anything I have done with it.
Like I said if you have only one collector and need it for an all purpose unit I would get the CT 22 and not look back.
Nickao
Unless you have both units and try them side by side how would you know the extra cfm was not worth it. No way is it overkill for anything I have done with it.
Like I said if you have only one collector and need it for an all purpose unit I would get the CT 22 and not look back.
Nickao
Pat McFadden
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Connecting 2 guide rails together can introduce some bump if you're not careful. I hold a 6' level against the back edge of the guides while I tighten the screws on the connectors. BTW, I have the 109" guide. Nice to have in the shop, but a pain to transport, like someone said.
Cheers,
Pat
Cheers,
Pat
Thanks for all of the replies. I went with the extra 55" and connectors. Also decided on the CT 22 and picked up a rotex while I was at it. Amazing how quick the money goes with all the extras and accessories. I hope my wife doesn't look at the bank account for awhile!
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