Will the parallel guide edge 491469 be as good as the parallel extension 495718

[fidelfs]

I have not posted for over a year so here I go.
I have the parallel guides, but no extensions.  I am thinking to purchase the edge guide for my TS55 for the narrow cuts.
Will the edge guide be as good as the parallel extensions?

If they are good enough, I could save some money.
???

 

[mouppe]

The short answer is no.

The long answer is you can make it work, but it is not as good as the parallel guides. I have the edge guide 491469 and I have only found one good use for it. That is to help keep narrow stock in place during a cut. I discussed it in this thread.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/ts55-parallel-guide-491469/msg116651/#msg116651

Finally, the saving is only $80 which is insufficient to make up for the difference in efficiency, utility, repeatability, etc. (IMHO)

 

[grobin]

It depends.  The extension is pretty flexible but not as easy for narrow stock.  If you need to work narrow stock a band saw is the way to go.