Tso vs Festool guiderail connectors

[nfk]

Anyone have any feedback on the Tso self centering guiderail connectors vs the new style Festool connectors?

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[mino]

Anyone have any feedback on the Tso self centering guiderail connectors vs the new style Festool connectors?

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

Festool
- better in that it aligns purely to the reference surface the saw rides on, this also means that if the two rails do not have the exact same distance between the grooves the connector will still align them (as correctly as) it is possible for an auto-aligning connector set
- worse in that the second connector is "old style" and so dents the rails if tightened, this also prevents "proper" tightening for strength with longer rails

TSO
- if used as intended (both self-aligning connectors), it requires the two rails to be absolutely same width between the grooves for proper auto-alignment
- the force that can be aplied (without damaging the rails) is a bit less than with the Festool self-aligning connector, but not too far off
- the connectors are from high strength aluminum alloy, this makes them lighter (a plus)
- a plus is speed compared to the Festool set, or the options I mention below, this is probably the fastest one on the market

In general, I would say the Festool one - as a set - is worse than the TSO set. But that is mainy because of the second "classic" connector Festool includes that dents the rails if tightened.

IMO there is no "ideal" way on the market as far as self-aligning connector sets go. heck, as connector sets go in general!

The best capability is if one combines the Festool self-aligning connector with a second Makita connector for strength. But then this is a PITA unless one re-threads the Makita for M6 + 2.5 hex screws ...

IMO the best strategy (in US where TSO is available) is to get one TSO set, one Makita set, and play around. That gives all 3 options:
- both TSO for quick-but-not-best and not as strong a joint
- one TSO for auto-align + one Makita for strength, for quick, a bit more accurate (as accurate as a self-aligned one can be) and a stronger joint
- both Makita for absolute strength and accuracy (whole-rails aligned against another rail, not just the end sections), ideal for permanently joined rails but a PITA for quick use

EDIT:
If money (and time) was no object, or TSO was not available, I would go Festool (in the FS/WA set in systainer) and a Makita set. Then re-thread the Makitas for taking same hex drivers the Festool self-aligning one takes. I would use the "left over" second Festool one for some jigs etc.

 

[Cheese]

I prefer the latest TSO offering over the latest Festool offering, it eliminates the potential denting issues. You also need 2 different sized hex wrenches with the Festool solution.

Here's the difference in bearing area between the TSO (Big Foot) & Festool fasteners.

[attachimg=1]

 

[mino]

I prefer the latest TSO offering over the latest Festool offering, it eliminates the potential denting issues. You also need 2 different sized hex wrenches with the Festool solution.

Here's the difference in bearing area between the TSO (Big Foot) & Festool fasteners.

That photo is actually misleading (in the advantage of Festool).

I am pretty sue those small circles are real dents, while the "big" circle is just surface-scratched aluminum but no dents.

Makita is best on this as theirs do not have any screw, big or small, in there. But the TSO solution is very good already, so that aspect is a non-concern with the current bigfoot version screws.