Hey Ben, l want to thank you for talking about your physical deficits and pain. Yes, seriously. I am a 63 yr old 5’1” female physical therapist. I too have a body that has crapped out and live with pain daily, yet I only let it slow me down. It will never stop me. I am constantly confronted with people who choose to let pain and deficits be a ticket to couch surfing and more dysfunction. Men look at me with a side eye when I talk about wood working and more importantly, when I am trying to motivate them to get up, get out, enjoy life and be productive. Women too. You made me cry hearing you talk positively. We need more people with your mindset. Besides that, your entire video addressed all of my workspace and physical challenges. I will be buying some parallel guides. Thank you.
Glad you found it helpful! We all have limitations to work through, whether internally or externally - just gotta keep trying until we find something that works
Awesome video. Was shocked to see how new you are to RU-vid after watching the video with how polished you are both presenting and in production. Keep after it if you are working to build a RU-vid channel, no doubt you will get there. Also would love more content on small shop set ups that don't revolve around table saws.
Hey thanks, James! I'm certainly in the same boat as you with no table saw and seem to get by just fine for now. I appreciate the content recommendation and compliments on the production!
@@BenMarshallDesigns The center of my shop is 2 MFT tables instead of a table saw, and I couldn't be happier. Some people call it a "European setup" because of its space-savings. The more I spend time in my shop, the more I am glad I went this way instead of the American table-saw focused shop with less mobility and needing redundant glue-up tables and workbenches.
@@Zav Nice! I've been thinking about a second MFT for a while now. I haven't had a tablesaw in 2 years. For a few months I considered one, however I've certainly gotten by without one. I am liking the amount of space in my shop currently.
Good Video.. I want to say the following. You can buy them if ya want. I have found them to be no more accurate that what you can make yourself on a decent table saw and router table
That's true, but not everyone wants to make them themselves. I've gone through the stage of 'making my own jigs' in my workshop, and I just no longer want to do that lol. I'd rather just pay for some used ones and be done with it!
Just a bit of constructive criticism for your video. The first part where you were talking was soft so I turned the volume up but then the intro with your logo came in which was piercingly high pitched and loud.
An outstanding explanation of why parallel guides can be a real advantage. Also full marks for your excellent videography, sound, and well-organized presentation. This was a true pleasure to watch. Keep ‘em coming and you’ll have a 100,000 fans before long.
I have Dewalt track saw, parallel guide is not there yet .. i am thinking should i just go with rail square or parallel guide. which one i should go first. very rarely i need repetable cuts, but if i need occassionally can i live with rail square please advvise.
Just depends on your job list and work flow. I would go with a rail square, as you can always pencil in your cuts. A parallel guide is nothing more than a time saver by achieving error free, repeatable cuts over time.
Ordered the ones on bangood, been a sponsor for festool way to long. I think other brands are way to expensive to. If i had the time i made my own guide rails
Guess what most production shops use. A table saw, it's not even the sliding table saw, just the regular cabinet type. Nothing beats a good table saw for repeatability and other types of cuts. Edit. You first cut to size and rip to precision. There's going to be waste irrespective of method used. Table saw is faster and involves no setup between very small and large pieces
You have really made me think about keeping my table saw. I use it occasionally and move it out of the way regularly in my workshop. It may have to go. Thanks for a great channel
Thanks! I’ve made several of my friends think the same 😆 it really depends on your situation and how much production you’re doing. There have been a few times I wish I had a tablesaw, but that was just so I could quickly make a few thin rips - other than that I’ve gotten by a few years now with just the track saw and parallel guides
Great video buddy 👍 just a change of subject. If your arthritis is a major problem? I know a whole food plant based diet is supposed to really help. Depends on which type of arthritis you have though? All the best brother 👍
Nice!! Glad you found the video helpful! Which ones have you been eyeballing to pick up? I started a pretty length discussion on the FOG website, you can see the discussion from other member's feedback: www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/feedback-on-parallel-guides/
Intelligent and thorough analysis. Thank you. Small table saw is clearly best option for narrow rips. Tracksaw with or without parallel guides best for breaking down full sheets and sizing large finished panels. My own investment triage is that the several hundred dollars spent on parallel guides is better first invested in a small jobsite table saw than in parallel guides. Table saws were historically referred to as variety saws. Their tactical value extends far beyond the sizing ops a track saw is designed to perform. The idea that initial rough sizing ("parting") wastes material is realistically applicable to industrial scale processing, not so much to normal work in the one man shop. My take-away from your discussion and my own experience is: track saw for cutting large sheets; table saw for trimming pieces small/light enough to be safely/easily handled; parallel guides only if you must cut large panel pieces often.
Thanks, Michael. Interesting history on the terminology and use of the table saw - makes sense that it was once referred to as the 'variety saw'. I think something that is missing from that discussion on both parties is the economical and real estate factors. Small shop sizes, power outlet (amps) requirements and the economical factors play into a person's decision on which to get. I know of several hobbyists (which I am) that are limited on space, even for a contractor saw - parallel guides fit them well based on their space restrictions. Also, if I were limited on money - buying a track saw, IMO, is the better option as it can manage large sheet goods as well as smaller rips. Obviously, smaller rips and cuts are more manageable and quicker on a table saw - however not everyone is in a position to own both. I've not had a table saw for some time now and manage to get by. That's not to say that there have NOT been times I wished I had a table saw, which I surely have - again, it's still manageable. If I were to only pick one, it would still be a track saw for the work that I do most of the time. Thank you for contributing to the discussion and providing valuable input for other viewers and myself!! Be safe!
@@BenMarshallDesigns Ben, if the premise is to pick the first (and only) tool to buy of the three discussed (i.e., track saw @ $500+, parallel guide accessory @~$200+, jobsite table saw @ ~$300+ e.g., Dewalt w/ rack-and-pinion fence), then I agree with you 100% to invest in a tracksaw first. However, I understood the video discussion to be analyzing in essence which TWO of the three to prioritize. In this scenario, I am confident that a lightweight TS is the better next purchase after the track saw itself for reasons including but not limited to its usefulness in sizing materials of all kinds. If the game is defined as best two out of three, do you disagree? Once again, your critical thinking approach is refreshing and appreciated.
@@michael.schuler I agree with you that a lightweight table saw is a great choice if you already own the track saw and parallel guides and need to work with smaller pieces. I wouldn't say that a track saw is the best of the three - just the better choice going into the trade as a hobbyist looking for a choice that has a wider application base than just a table saw. I've not used lightweight (contractor) table saws in many many years - I would hope that the cut quality and accuracy has improved drastically. Everything a lightweight table saw can do, a track saw can do as well but on small and large applications. Is it always easier to do it? Certainly not. One can argue that a track saw can't use dado blades - however it can still cut grooves and dados, just with more passes depending on the kerf of the blade and how much material needs to be removed. The capability is still there, just not the same method of delivery. At the end of the day, the 'better option' is completely relative to each person and their needs. In my situation, the track saw and parallel guides was better suited in my shop - and I realize that not everyone is in my exact situation. To each their own. This is a discussion that can be discussed ad nauseam with different people bringing up different situations.
@@BenMarshallDesigns You are exactly right: optimal tool selection pends very individual factors. You and I agree track saw is #1 tool to buy of three you discussed. We simply disagree as to whether TS or parallel guide would rank #2. Fair enough. I only suggest you check out modern Dewalt jobsite TS with rack-and-pinion fence. Given that you say your last experience with "jobsite" TS was years ago, I believe you might be quite surprised at the combination of light weight, power, and spectacular accuracy these models offer. I subscribed to your channel and look forward to more of your thoughtful posts.
@@michael.schuler glad to know those table saws have improved. I’m holding out at the moment for a CS-70, which I’ll have to import. That won’t be for a few years however
Do plenty of research. I had the festool parallel guides and eventually sold them and bought the Seneca guides. If I was going to buy today I'd take a long look at TSO guides. For narrow rips the festool guides must hang over the edge of your work bench. For wide parallel cuts the guides must hang over the sides of the work material and kind of flop around. Ron Paulk fitted his festool guides with a bracket that hooks on to the material so it doesn't flop around.
Yep, having to dangle the guides off the edge for narrow rips is becoming a nuisance. I've seen Ron's video and it's a great solution, however it covers up the profile, so you can't see if the block is referencing the material (a plexiglass would be better than the aluminum strip IMO)
Thanks for the sub, Simon! The audio has been fixed in later episodes, this was the very first video on this channel, so still ironing out the wrinkles at that point. Going forward, please let me know if the audio quality is up to par or not!
Great Explanation. The key was "do you need a lot of repeat-ability". If you do, I can see how this would save a lot of time and ensure accuracy. Time is money if you do this for a living. For a home owner like me it would be overkill. I would have to set it up and double check the calibration each time (since I store my setup away when not in use). By the time I do that I may as well measure the old fashioned way for the very few cuts I need. I can also clamp down block stops.
You don't have to redo your calibration between uses. The only time you need to do that is if you 1 - change your saw blade, 2 - use a different saw, and 3 - drop the guides. For some people that are limited on space, these provide the repeatability of a table saw, but with tools they may already own (track saw). Clamps certainly help with making any cuts, however it really depends on the type and size of the material. There's always a way to make processes more efficient 👍Appreciate your perspective!
I don't have any personal experience with the woodpeckers system, although I have heard good things about them. All the guide brands I discussed achieve the same end result, all get there in a different way. I think you're going to hear different responses from different people in regards to which ones to pick up, so I would recommend you look at the features offered to make your decision. The festool parallel guides are pretty rugged and can withstand some abuse. The woodpeckers come in a systainer, but take longer to set up. You can read lots of comments on both guides here: www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/feedback-on-parallel-guides/
Can’t quite remember the exact distance but the Woodpecker stops can foul the attachment bracket somewhere around 25 cm. (Sorry I don’t understand the other system as I am European🙄) . I also use the Precision Dogs guides which are ok but inspire less confidence. I sold my Festool ones as they were unwieldy. Check out the u-tube channel 10 minute workshop, Peter uses some cheap homemade guides which might suit some. I find myself using a track square and a single Woodpecker guide.
@@markhesketh9467 hey thanks for the info!! I’ve been to 10 Minute Workshops channel many times - great content! The festool parallel guides can be ‘wobbly’ at times!! Good thing that there are many brands out there that can meet the needs of different folks. Appreciate the comment and watch!!
I have festool guide rails and I had and then sold the festool parallel guides. The festool guides work and are accurate but they are a pain in the arse especially compared to the new TSO guides. The festool guides are fiddly and tedious. Breaking down sheet goods with festool guides is a chore and not fun. Plus, with the narrow rip guides they must hang over the edge of your work bench and the piece you just cut falls on the floor unless you build some kind table thingy to catch it. Festool makes good tools and I have a bunch but their parallel guides are in my opinion a nightmare. I predict that at some point they will abandon their guides and license the TSO guides like they do the TSO rail square.
I'm glad i watched your video. I was thinking about buying a set of parallel guides, but your video helped me realize that while a set would be nice to have, they're not a necessity. Good job on the video.
Great video; very useful. And nice to see a youtuber with a genuine workshop which, like mine, doesn't look like a high tech clean room without a speckle of dust :-)
Like you, I am also very 'bodily' compromised.... Thank you for this and especially for including us brothers broken down a bit from our service. Thank you for your contribution to our freedoms brother, as well as this info!
Sorry to hear about your physical ailments. Thanks for your service, and for this video! You made some great points. Best of luck on your journey to be debt free.
I have looked an cannot find anywhere does the festool parallel guides work with Makita track i have found some saying yes and other no and I don't want to spend €300 and then be left with them gathering dust.
The Makita, Festool and Triton all use the T-Track style guide rails. Many track saw owners prefer the makita rails over the festool ones - so I don't see how they wouldn't be compatible. However, it helps to be diligent as it seems you are. If you haven't checked already, I would check the Festool Owners Group on Facebook (or through www.festoolownersgroup.com) and see if anyone is using the Parallel Guides with a makita track.
@myfaceback100 it would seem that the festool parallel guides DO NOT work with the makita tracksaw, as indicated by Peter Millards video here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_HtpT_bK7zw.html , go to minute 2:58
Very helpful information. Thank you, and thank you for your service. Question: Does anyone ever hassle you for taking full sheets of plywood out to the parking lot of a Home Depot, Lowes, etc. and ripping them with a track saw & parallel guides?
Glad you found it helpful. In my experience, as long as I talk to the manager beforehand, there isn’t an issue. Even in places where I know no one would care, I still coordinate the best place to break down sheets.
Damn, Brother! That certainly answers my earlier question on whether you are a veteran. And considering the physical impacts, it makes me wonder it we may have passed one another, throwing back drinks at SportsUSA or picking up food from Burger King before grabbing bottles next door at the Class VI up on Smoke Bomb Hill.
@@BenMarshallDesigns Started down at USARSO (Ft Clayton). From there Ecuador, Venezuela, Honduras (stacked a few schools). From Bragg, to Kosovo & Macedonia and a few more schools SHAPE, Belgium (OSACEUR SSD Security for Generals Ralston and then Jones) quite a bit of OCONUS, mostly to Afghanistan & Iraq so that he could link up with CentCom. The wrapped up at Drum. How's bout you, Brother?
@@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios germany, campbell, lewis, jackson (trail), campbell again and then retired out of virginia from ROTC at VMI. Twice to Iraq and one Afghanistan
@@BenMarshallDesigns Damn, Broski!!! I'm glad that they let to transition out from VMI... Schools are nice to come out of. Where in Germany? The few times we were ever not working while I was at SSD in SHAPE, we used to love Germany... (especially Garmisch).... Still missing the Gluwein (and of couse Hefeweisen).
Couldn't begin to describe just how useful this video is to me. As a self taught woodworker, trying to get more serious I often can know there's something that can make my life easier, that there are itches to be scratched by getting the right kit, but often after buying them I've realised that it's not going to quite reach the spot I have in mind. This video goes very well to check that viewer/potential buyer is looking in the right direction, and personally as it turns out, this is exactly what is missing in my workshop, and it means I can finally remove my trusty, but terrifying tablesaw from my workflow, (which is a huge sigh of relief for anyone who has had a nasty close call with a table saw.) The one thing that would have been useful if I were slightly less familiar would be video shots of some of the types of cuts you are talking about, just seeing what you're talking about in action can tie everything together in your mind.
Right on, Thomas! Glad you found it helpful. I will say that I've come across a few projects where a table saw would be handy. Making narrow rips on longer stock is challenging, albeit not impossible, with parallel guides. A table saw would make it much faster. Glad you're putting deliberate thought into your purchases, especially higher ticket items. Thanks for sharing!
I'm retired and am new to woodworking but am learning fast owing to videos such as yours plus I have lots of free time to practice. I have a job-site De Walt table saw but use my circular saw a lot more. Recently I just learned about the existence of track saws. Game changer. I'm buying one soon, the Makita w/55"+118" tracks. Wasn't sure about whether I'd need parallel guides, however, your video helped me decide that I won't be needing them anytime soon. Thanks.
Awesome! Congrats on your retirement and welcome to the craft! A good track saw can get A LOT done in a workshop - a great track saw can completely change your work flow. I’ve heard good things about Makita, should be happy with it. Take good inventory of your fingers, make sure you still have them after each project!! 😂 good luck to you and thanks for the comment!
i rarely comment on RU-vid videos - but - this was great, I struggle with sheet goods and this really helped. Thank you for the video and thank you for your service!!
Very useful video. I think it’s a great addition to the thought process many of us have regarding our projects and tools. We get a project in mind, assess our toolkit, probably do a lot of research on a tool’s function, features and benefits- all the cool stuff. Finally, we’re in the “should I spring for it?” phase- lots of emotion there!. He has made a rational series of points for us to consider, beyond the flashy allure of the new tool itself. I found it very helpful and it has put me in the ‘going to buy’ camp. I’m going to wait on my SawStop purchase- thanks, brother! Best wishes for your health and success.
Hey! Thanks for taking the time to watch AND comment! Glad you found it helpful in making the right decision for your situation. The only changes I've made are exchanging my imperial set for the metric version. I still use my parallel guides to this day and don't regret the purchase - although I'm not a professional worker anymore and just do it for a hobby and content. I saw a good deal of people going back and forth over the parallel guides and noticed that no one had mad videos on the considerations to take - hence the video. I think I will still get a table saw down the line, but right now I'm not down in the shop every day (full time college student and single parent). I've had my eyes on the Festool CS70 for quite some time - hope to pick that up eventually. Best to you!
Awesome video, Thanks for laying down these 10 questions and the thinking process it needed. You helped me ALOT. Having an industrial background service technician, security is a top priority concern. Thanks again 👍
If you would like to know the difference between guide rails, Peter Millard has an excellent video describing them here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_HtpT_bK7zw.html. As mentioned in my video above, research which brands are supported by YOUR guide rail to ensure compatibility. Thanks!
I was actually expecting/hoping for a video on the differences between the different parallel guide systems and not a video on whether I often work alone or not. :) Keep up the good work on the videos!
If only I had enough money and justification to own 7+ sets of parallel guides to give such insights, ;) !!!! If the companies want to send them to me to test out, I'd be more than happy to make a video going over the differences between them all!!
Head here to see the discussion on lots of parallel guides and peoples thoughts on each system: www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/feedback-on-parallel-guides/
The only thing I can't do so far with my Makita Track Saw is rip long pieces of 1x3 popular to a custom width for face frames. For that I had to resort to a contractor table saw. However I have always been uncomfortable around table saws because of the obvious exposure to the blade. I do not have a set of parallel guides yet but might think about picking up a set. Do you have a preference between Woodpecker's version and Festool? I love Festool by the way and completely agree with you on buying good tools up front.
I share your discomfort with using a table saw, especially for narrow rips. I haven't used the woodpeckers version, so I can't comment on them. However, I have the Festool ones and haven't felt a need to try another brand's or get rid of the ones I own. I wouldn't be opposed to trying them if a pair was sent out though!!!
Really disappointing video ...I own a Festool Track saw and i watched this video to find out what the heck parallel guides are and their purpose - 9 minutes later, I still have no idea. Although it made sense after I saw he drives a Prius
I describe what parallel guides are at 1:30 in the video. This is an overview to help people decide whether they should buy into parallel guides, in general, or focus more on a table saw. Could you explain more about your comment on the Prius? Seems like your claim is that a person's value is dependent on their vehicle??
@@BenMarshallDesigns I guess I was hoping to see them in action, more like your other videos where the system is actually attached to some wood. I understand that their purpose is for quick, repeatable cuts, but have no idea how it works. I ended up going to Festools site to see it in action. In regards to your wheels, just having a little fun since you said at 6:50 - "yes, I drive a Prius - go ahead and joke in the comments section." I liked some of the other videos though - thanks for your service
@@thefalcon666 If you plan on getting them, I highly suggest you get a longer guide rail (if you're looking to rip ply). I have 2 shorter guide rails held together with the guide rail connectors - DO NOT use this method! It works initially, however over time, mine just doesn't want to line up correctly and EVERY cut is off starting at the joint line - doesn't matter if I use a long straight edge to align them or not. I've ruined a few recent projects because the guide rails don't create a solid straight line with the rail connectors.
Thanks for a great video. I currently have a large table saw, 8” Jointer, MFT 3 table, festool track saw/parallel guide system and Kapex120. I find myself using the table saw less and less. I’m at the point where I need better dust collection, which will take up more space in a 25 x 25 shop. I’m considering selling the table saw, jointer and Jet dust collector then add another MFT table and one or two festool dust collectors. I’ll have to think more about how I use what I have versus what making a change would be like. None the less, thanks for providing food for thought.
Hey, Ron! Thanks for the comment. It's certainly nice having more room in the shop to move around. The Jet dust collectors (depending on the model) are quite large and definitely take up room! I've gone this long without having a table saw, only a few occasions I wish I had one for some quick narrow rips - otherwise I get by just fine as a hobbyist. Which extractors are you looking into?
@@BenMarshallDesigns Ben, I have the Festool CT36 right now. I’m thinking two more of the Midi’s would save space and keep me from having to move them around like I do now, which is a pain. My concern is getting rid of the jointer. I like to mil rough stock when I can, because I find dimensioned lumber to be bowed/twisted and not always the same thickness. The problem is the jointer produces huge amounts of shavings and dust. I don’t think any other small dust collector, with enough CFM, would handle it.
@@roncunning3117 ahh yeah that’s a challenge for sure. Having a dedicated jointer and thickness planer is a must for milling lumber. I’ve made it thus far without a jointer. I have the dewalt 735, which is enough for my needs at the moment
