Yet another parallel guide system, this time from KREG

[pixelated]

re: the 19mm (3/4"  [wink]) holes, their existing project center uses 3/4" dog holes, so compatibility there was probably a concern for them.
But the table had me thinking of what the practicality would be of reaming the holes to 20mm. A quick google search shows prices of 50-80 USD for the tool, so not much benefit vs just buying an MFT. I don't currently own an MFT, but I do have a DeWalt work table which uses 20mm dog holes, so I am partially invested in the 20mm standard already.

 

[ben_r_]

Just got the email from ToolNut on this. Thats quite a lot of product they just released. Looks like their gunnin for more than just a parallel guide system. They're after the whole track saw and MFT solution.

 

[rmwarren]

re: the 19mm (3/4"  [wink]) holes, their existing project center uses 3/4" dog holes, so compatibility there was probably a concern for them.
But the table had me thinking of what the practicality would be of reaming the holes to 20mm. A quick google search shows prices of 50-80 USD for the tool, so not much benefit vs just buying an MFT. I don't currently own an MFT, but I do have a DeWalt work table which uses 20mm dog holes, so I am partially invested in the 20mm standard already.

Yeah, I know. Veritas got themselves caught straddling the .75"/20mm divide and their dog/jig offerings have always been something of a jumble. Just sayin' sometimes you gotta to admit you goofed and make the painful correction.

For the record I still think in Imperial but have forced myself to work in Metric, give me headaches sometimes.  [doh]

RMW

 

[SilviaS7]

I am super stoked for this from Kreg, and I'll be buying the track saw for sure.  I am a fangirl and I love everything I have from them, and their customer service is amazing.

 

[mrboult]

NICE!  Great to have Kreg making compatible accessories for the track saw game!  I'd love some of those 'tape measure' type parallel guides!!! Their compact nature really sells it to me! Can't find them in the UK?EU though

 

[Kafarn]

After getting emails about this prior to its release, I really wanted one - then our local Woodcraft had a full display - legs were very sturdy and felt more solid than the MFT - also with the Kreg sawhorse and connectors this would hold and break down a full 4x8 sheet easier than the MFT - wheels to move it around, the double hinge track saw guide system, . . . I was sold, the only problem was I didn’t like the saw (why Kreg went with a propiotory saw blade instead of a standard track saw blade size 160 or 165mm, was irritating) - also why not allow those with existing track saws to use the table.

So I got the table, then modified it to accept a Festool TS 55 R, using a FS 1900 75” Track (cut down to the 62” length, yep that hurt) - swapped the hinges so they fold to the right, re-drilled the track mount on the hinge 7/8” in from the Kreg hole and Wall-a! It works!!! Great table and with the Festool TS great cuts and dust control.

Notes: with the hinges going the other way, when you stand the table up the track will want to flop down, so I use a small bungee on the top end to hold it up for transport, as previously noted the 3/4” holes are a pain instead of the 20mm - but I already had some 3/4 dogs as well, just can’t use my MFT clamps (considering reaming the holes or CNC’ing a new water resistant MDF top with 20mm holes)

 

[ben_r_]

After getting emails about this prior to its release, I really wanted one - then our local Woodcraft had a full display - legs were very sturdy and felt more solid than the MFT - also with the Kreg sawhorse and connectors this would hold and break down a full 4x8 sheet easier than the MFT - wheels to move it around, the double hinge track saw guide system, . . . I was sold, the only problem was I didn’t like the saw (why Kreg went with a propiotory saw blade instead of a standard track saw blade size 160 or 165mm, was irritating) - also why not allow those with existing track saws to use the table.

So I got the table, then modified it to accept a Festool TS 55 R, using a FS 1900 75” Track (cut down to the 62” length, yep that hurt) - swapped the hinges so they fold to the right, re-drilled the track mount on the hinge 7/8” in from the Kreg hole and Wall-a! It works!!! Great table and with the Festool TS great cuts and dust control.

Notes: with the hinges going the other way, when you stand the table up the track will want to flop down, so I use a small bungee on the top end to hold it up for transport, as previously noted the 3/4” holes are a pain instead of the 20mm - but I already had some 3/4 dogs as well, just can’t use my MFT clamps (considering reaming the holes or CNC’ing a new water resistant MDF top with 20mm holes)

Post some pics or better yet make a new thread on your mods. I would love to see how that turned out! Never been a fan of the MFT.

 

[Steven Owen]

After getting emails about this prior to its release, I really wanted one - then our local Woodcraft had a full display - legs were very sturdy and felt more solid than the MFT - also with the Kreg sawhorse and connectors this would hold and break down a full 4x8 sheet easier than the MFT - wheels to move it around, the double hinge track saw guide system, . . . I was sold, the only problem was I didn’t like the saw (why Kreg went with a propiotory saw blade instead of a standard track saw blade size 160 or 165mm, was irritating) - also why not allow those with existing track saws to use the table.

So I got the table, then modified it to accept a Festool TS 55 R, using a FS 1900 75” Track (cut down to the 62” length, yep that hurt) - swapped the hinges so they fold to the right, re-drilled the track mount on the hinge 7/8” in from the Kreg hole and Wall-a! It works!!! Great table and with the Festool TS great cuts and dust control.

Notes: with the hinges going the other way, when you stand the table up the track will want to flop down, so I use a small bungee on the top end to hold it up for transport, as previously noted the 3/4” holes are a pain instead of the 20mm - but I already had some 3/4 dogs as well, just can’t use my MFT clamps (considering reaming the holes or CNC’ing a new water resistant MDF top with 20mm holes)

You should be able to use other track saw brands with the table.  People will make their own 20 mm top or a savvy third party will come up with their own 20 mm tops for the Kreg system.  I can see TSO, Woodpeckers and other companies making add-on’s

 

[Bob D.]

"as previously noted the 3/4” holes are a pain instead of the 20mm"

I wonder how difficult it would be to make a jig to bore out the 3/4" holes to 20mm using a router.
Something like the drill guide from the Parf guide system. I know it's only a fraction difference but to retain precision it would be vital to maintain the spacing.

 

[Steven Owen]

"as previously noted the 3/4” holes are a pain instead of the 20mm"

I wonder how difficult it would be to make a jig to bore out the 3/4" holes to 20mm using a router.
Something like the drill guide from the Parf guide system. I know it's only a fraction difference but to retain precision it would be vital to maintain the spacing.

I think you would be better served by making your own new top for the table.

 

[Bob D.]

True, would be easier to start from scratch using the Parf Guide System

 

[danielhaley]

After getting emails about this prior to its release, I really wanted one - then our local Woodcraft had a full display - legs were very sturdy and felt more solid than the MFT - also with the Kreg sawhorse and connectors this would hold and break down a full 4x8 sheet easier than the MFT - wheels to move it around, the double hinge track saw guide system, . . . I was sold, the only problem was I didn’t like the saw (why Kreg went with a propiotory saw blade instead of a standard track saw blade size 160 or 165mm, was irritating) - also why not allow those with existing track saws to use the table.

So I got the table, then modified it to accept a Festool TS 55 R, using a FS 1900 75” Track (cut down to the 62” length, yep that hurt) - swapped the hinges so they fold to the right, re-drilled the track mount on the hinge 7/8” in from the Kreg hole and Wall-a! It works!!! Great table and with the Festool TS great cuts and dust control.

Notes: with the hinges going the other way, when you stand the table up the track will want to flop down, so I use a small bungee on the top end to hold it up for transport, as previously noted the 3/4” holes are a pain instead of the 20mm - but I already had some 3/4 dogs as well, just can’t use my MFT clamps (considering reaming the holes or CNC’ing a new water resistant MDF top with 20mm holes)

As Ben said, I'd love to see photos of how you accomplished this. I spent about 40 minutes examining the table today in-store to see if the Festool track would fit. Since I couldn't completely take the Kreg table apart all I could do was bring over a Festool track and line it up on top of the Kreg track. From what I could tell the only change is that the rail would have to sit 1/2" close to the edge of the table due to the fact that the hinge for the rail cannot be moved as both sides sit in notches cut into the table. 

 

[Svar]

... rail would have to sit 1/2" close to the edge of the table ...

Does this mean that Festool rail is 1/2" wider than Kreg measuring from guide ridge to the splinter guard?

 

[Steven Owen]

... rail would have to sit 1/2" close to the edge of the table ...

Does this mean that Festool rail is 1/2" wider than Kreg measuring from guide ridge to the splinter guard?

I think the Kreg rails are wider.  The mounting t-track underneath is in a different spot putting the Festool rail much closer to the edge.

 

[danielhaley]

Tracks are the same width I believe. Kreg made the spacing between the two t-track slots wider is all. The slot closer to the middle of the track is used for mounting to the table and cannot be adjusted as it sits in a slot on the table (see How to set up the table video earlier in the thread at 1:10). The position of this slot is what causes the Festool track to sit 1/2" closer to the edge of the table. I suppose the table can be modified by adding an additional slot so that the Festool track and saw will cut along the same line as the Kreg, however you'd have to make sure there is just the right amount of play in the slot, which is also described in the Set Up video.