What would you like to see in a next generation TS-55?

[jmbfestool]

After using the TS 55 with the 1400mm guide rail today.
I have come to the conclusion that the guide rail has a flaw which I reckon if this idea is taken up by Festool, then it would certainly set it apart from it's competitor's.
I had to use the 1400mm rail and the 800mm joined together but when I tried to place it between 2 existing walls, the length of the 2 rails joined together was 100mm too long, as the space between both walls was 2100mm and both rails joined together was 2200mm.
Then I had an epiphony!
If Festool designed an expandable rail that could slide in or out to make it shorter or longer then I could have a custom fit rail for every project.

This would certainly make the Festool system even better.
I am not sure if someone else has mentioned this yet, if so I apologise.

JMB's idea for a depth lock is a great idea, then the saw can be used safely like a normal hand held circular saw.
I also like Roger's idea of a TS 95.
This would be a great addition to the CMS table saw!
The depth scale being zero'ed to the rail seems to be the number one priority.
I am astonished that the Festool engineers did not get this right with the TS saws.

Maybe its just me (old age creeping up fast!)
But joining the rails is a pain for me, no matter how many times I put a straight slot screwdriver in each saw box, I always seem to lose them.

Also, I would purchase a normal fixed cable saw over a plug-it saw any day.
I have noticed that Festool supply the ETS sanders with normal fixed cables, so I assume they are aware of this and are happy to give people the choice between fixed cables and plug-it cables.
I appreciate the advice people have given me with regards to these 2 issues, such as keeping an extra cable in the truck, and keeping a screw driver in the systainer.
I have executed each and every one of those ideas in the past, but they always seem to grow legs and walk.
I think you will only appreciate this dilemma once you have personally experienced it yourself.
I am happy to admit that these issues are not flaws in the tools, but 100 percent operator error!

Justin.

I have thought about an extendable rail before but I have never been able to think how it would ever work because for a rail to slide with in it's self it would increase it's thickness so reducing depth of cut BUT the main thing their would be a step how would you over come that? And also the raised track which the saw runs on would be reduced in diameter all round to slide within the other one, so once your saw passes on to the new section it would become loose.

I hope festool figures out a way it would be mint!

The only thing I could could think of to make a rails extendable would be do completely different from the current rails.

It would have to be made up of thin metal scissors style with a raised pit formthe saw to run along which moved some how with the front edge as you pull it apart to extend the rail????

Jmb