TS and HK saws on a Dewalt or Makita tracks

[h1pst3r88]

Hey guys,

I am a new Festool owner (CT-26, DTS-400, HKC55, TSC55, Sleeved hose 500276, 6 x 15.2 18v batteries, and charger). Since getting the CT and the DTS last Saturday, I have so far only used my DTS for a couple of jobs.

I just ordered the saws, batteries, and charger today just under the deadline for the trade-in rebate.

My question is about tracks. I watched a bunch of reviews about the cordless track saws, one specifically was a comparison of Festool, DeWalt, and Makita saws and their tracks. Also, if I understand correctly, the HK can fit on a TS track but not the other way around(?) -- but do they both fit on Dewalt and Makita tracks?

I am wondering what folks' opinions are about the TSC and the HKC on tracks other than Festool's. Is there any practical advantage or real disadvantage to using the saws on a Dewalt or Makita track other than price (which, now having gone on a Festool spending spree, is a consideration).

Thanks!

-Chris

 

[ColossusX]

The festool and makita saws and tracks are basically interchangeable.  The dewalt is unique and not compatible. 

Some people say there are issues with the Makita tracks.  I have 2 55" makita rails and they are dead straight. 

 

[Svar]

Dewalt saw will ride on Festool or Makita tracks, but not the other way around. Dewalt has two groves in the base for it's own and for Festool type tracks.

 

[lwoirhaye]

I use an HK on a Makita track.  I owned the first generation TS55 type saw sold in the usa.  I sold that and the tracks in a move and  later used an EZsmart, then bought an HK because I prefer the fixed blade depth cut most of the time.  At that point I was over brand loyalty and bought a 55" Makita track in the mail, fully prepared to return it.  I checked it with a good straight edge and it was acceptable.  Allegedly the Makita tracks are also spotty in how well they line up when joining them together.    Festool tracks may have the edge there.

Getting a straight Makita 118" track sounds like a PITA.

Somebody wrote once that the plastic anti-friction strips on the Makita tracks wear down the Festool saw base metal faster than the Festool stuff does, but that's something that would only be noticeable in full-time use in something like a production shop I think.

 

[h1pst3r88]

Thanks, guys!

 

[h1pst3r88]

Hi folks,

I'm going to get the Festool track: Festool 491498 55" Guide Rail FS 1400

Can anyone confirm that this track works with both the TSC 55 and the HKC 55?

Thanks!!

-Chris

 

[Frank-Jan]

Yes, that rail is compatible, have you checked the versions of the saws you ordered, maybe one of them comes with that rail already.

 

[h1pst3r88]

Well, I went with a federated solution. I got two Makita 55" tracks, Festool connectors, and Dewalt clamps.

While no one ever said that the Festool tracks aren't great, lots of folks said that Makita tracks are just as good (assuming you get tracks that are square and true which remains to be seen). However, at basically a 2-for-1 price-wise relative to the Festool FS tracks, it was hard to pass that up after taking the deep Festool dive that I took on the tools and the CT-26.

Most folks also seemed to find the Festool track connectors to be the best, even with the Makita tracks, and the consensus was that the Dewalt clamps were the best for the money.

I'll be into some projects that involve ripping 4x8 sheets of birch ply this weekend, so stay tuned [unsure]

Thanks, everyone, for your help!

-Chris

 

[rst]

I can't speak for Makita rails but I bought Makita joiners to connect my Festool rails after seeing how the Festool ones were marring the tracks.  They are much, much better.

 

[Svar]

I can't speak for Makita rails but I bought Makita joiners to connect my Festool rails after seeing how the Festool ones were marring the tracks.  They are much, much better.

I agree.

Most folks also seemed to find the Festool track connectors to be the best,

No, quite the opposite. Makita connectors are better, they consist of two parts, will not dent tracks or become loose.

 

[h1pst3r88]

Good to know about the Makita track connectors.

I just got the Makita tracks and while the TSC55 sits perfects, the HKC55 does not. I am not sure if I need to make some sort of adjustment on the saw, but the leftside of the blade is abutting the splinter guard of the Makita guide rail way too closely. If I powered the HKC on the track it would cut up the splinter guard.

I'm a Festool rookie so it is (highly) likely I am missing something here.

Any insight is appreciated.

-Chris

 

[Svar]

I just got the Makita tracks and while the TSC55 sits perfects, the HKC55 does not. I am not sure if I need to make some sort of adjustment on the saw, but the leftside of the blade is abutting the splinter guard of the Makita guide rail way too closely. If I powered the HKC on the track it would cut up the splinter guard.

Yes, the saw is adjustable. Check out the "Supplemental Manual" for TS55, page 22.https://www.festoolusa.com/service/owners-manuals#Saws

 

[h1pst3r88]

Yes I saw that, but those jaw adjustments only seem to tighten or loosen the saw along the guide, not space the blade out away from the splinter guard.

Is this a function of "breaking in" the splinter guard by effectively cutting it away? That seems odd.

 

[Svar]

Yes I saw that, but those jaw adjustments only seem to tighten or loosen the saw along the guide, not space the blade out away from the splinter guard.
Is this a function of "breaking in" the splinter guard by effectively cutting it away? That seems odd.

No, you need to look in "Supplemental Manual" page 22, section "Matching Multiple Saws to Shared Guide Rails". You loosen up bolts holding trunions and adjust the saw side to side relative to the base plate (shoe) and splinter guard.

 

[h1pst3r88]

Thank you!

 

[h1pst3r88]

Is the adjustment the same on the HKC 55? I don't see the supplemental manual for the HKC.

Thanks!

-Chris

 

[waho6o9]

Interesting approach that  federated solution. I'm looking forward to the results.