Which guide rail combination should I go with?

[mhadler]

I was just looking for some advice/insight with regards to guide rails.  

I have an MFT/3 with the standard 42" guide rail.

I'm looking to buy a TS55 and was thinking about substituting a 106 or 118 guide rail for the 55 that comes with the saw.   I see there is a debate as to which one to go with and some of the comments seem to indicate that the 118 makes using the parallel guide rails easier to use ripping full sheets of ply and other people seem to say that the 106 is just fine.   I'd love to hear more comments on the pros/cons of each, but I think I am definitely going to get a long dedicated rail.

Here is the real conundrum.  I've wanted to get a 2nd MFT/3 and I found one on CL with the full accessory package (including another 42" rail, miter, fence, etc).  He's also willing to throw in a 55" rail for an extra $50.   Is it worth having a long guide rail, two 42" guide rails and a 55" along with a 106/118" or is that too redundant?  I don't have any experience using them, so I'm having a hard time envisioning a case where a 55" in addition to both 42" rails would be handy.  Is there something I might be missing that would make it worth picking up the 55" for an extra $50 as well?   I also plan on getting an OF 1400 router eventually.

 

[Steve R]

Mhadler,

It all depends what you do. Cut a lot of sheet goods?  Work on site or in a shop?

If on-site the 1400 rails are easier to move around. I have never had a problem having them line up straight.

If you can transport the longer rails fine get them.

If your in a shop get long one.

You might want to move a 8' 2"x4" around your workspace and transport vehicle to help figure it out.

Personally I find two 1400 that have the holes for the 32mm system more useful. than having a long one piece.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[mhadler]

Thanks Steve!  I should have actually mentioned that I don't need to transport the guide rail as it's for a shop rather than on job sites.

 

[Wooden Skye]

Mhadler

When I bought my TS55, I got an extra 55" rail and have no problems with joining them together for ripping 8' sheets.  I have a small shop and work in my driveway so I thought space saving was best option.  I also have an MFT with the 42 and leave it set up.  My suggestion would be buy the 55 from CL, but when you buy the TS ask to swap to the 75" rail.  You generally will need to pay the difference.  I wish I had done that.  I find cross cutting a 48" sheet can be a bit of a pain with the 55" rail.

 

[andvari]

I like the 118 over the 108 because if you want to angle the cut or use a TS75 the 108 is not going to work very well.

If you decide to buy shorter rails and join them get at least 1 75" rail. The 55" rail is pretty short and I've had several occasions like trying to use it to cut down 4' panels using the parallel guide etc. where it was just not long enough.

 

[semenza]

If you are in the shop and have the room to store it, definetly get a long rail. Either the 106 or 118. I have had both, and prefer the 118 because it will do things longer than 8' , such as  rough length  "eight foot" boards.  The extra space at the ends is just nice to have , makes the overhang less critical when positioning.  The 106 will do the job for 8' without a real problem but the 118 is nicer.  I sold my 106 and got the 118. 

I don't know if two 42" will be useful but you could run the 55" the long way on the second MFT. 

Seth