Agree! I’m just a recreational carpenter. Mainly redoing all the cabinetry in my own home. Even with that said, I found joining two tracks was an absolute hassle and as you stated, left inconsistent results. I have a makita saw and just purchased the long rail for around $220 shipped to the house. Something for you to consider
Great points. I think that if you have the storage/transport capacity for a longer rail, then you should get it and not bother with rails. Even if you never have alignment issues with multiple rails, that's still more time to set up. I know that those in the professional line of work are always looking to shave time of processes. In hindsight, I wish I would have forked over the additional money for a longer rail for ripping - although I am glad I have the 1900mm, which is long enough to crosscut a sheet of plywood. Thanks for watching and sharing your perspective!
I saw that you were looking at the 2700. That is a good choice for the ts 55. With the ts 75 I found that I am just right for a full depth cut with 97". The time I spend setting up I wish I had gotten the 3000. When you think about the length you need to add your saw. Remember the saw should be supported all the way through the cut.
The track saw needs to be fully plunged before approaching the cut because the saw blade is offset/just a bit. The front part of the blade is cutting deeper into to workpiece than the trailing part of the blade.
I wish I could store a long rail, but just can't swing it so I went with two 55" rails I connect when needed and my standard 39" that lives with a right angle adapter I use for quick short cuts. I did spend the money on a set of TSO parallel guides for the long cuts. Worth every penny IMHO.
I carry two 55 inch rails with TSO self aligning connectors, no straight edge required, job to job, is very quick to connect the two rails, for the times i need over 55 inch cutting capacity. Rails any longer are only good for staying in the shop, not on site work like I do more of, I do have longer rails, but they stay in shop, so as to not get damaged transporting.
I’ve heard good things about the TSO connectors. Festool took way too long coming out with a better connector, but it seems they finally have a good solution. What type of work do you do?
Thank You This video reflects my thoughts on the matter. I have 2 off 1400 rails that I connect for cutting sheet material up. Like you, I have to watch for watch for errors at the joint. However, I think there is also something else worth considering since they do longer guide rails that have the holes for the LR32 system. I think I need to rule out if I think I am ever going to want to buy the LR32 system in the future first. I was going for the FS2400 initially now I am considering the FS2424-LR32 again even more expensive but at least I would gain further future proofing to my purchase. Does anyone have experience of cutting metric sheets ie 2400mm sheets then using Imperial 8-foot sheets at 2440mm. I am not wanting to go as high as a 2700 but the roughly extra inch (24mm) from the FS2424-LR32 may be better for 8-foot sheets rather than the FS2400. I rely on RU-vid and these comments for a purchase as I am unable due to location to try one out in a showroom. Hope someone can help me make a more informed decision.
Thanks for the video. I was wondering about the CMS in the background? Can you do a review and show basic functions. It’s a lot of money for a router table and there are good tables like a jessem for a lot less.
Hey Ryan, thanks for the comment and question. The CMS is discontinued, so if you buy one, it'll have to be a used one. Just like most Festool, especially the expensive ones, it really comes down to the ecosystem. There are lots of router tables out there - both manufactured and 'build your own' plans. I bought the CMS used for a really good price, so good that I couldn't pass it up. I have other tool sets that are compatible with it and are interchangeable - that's the biggest reason I got it. There are other tables with other features that this table doesn't have - however I've been more than happy with it. What's something you'd want to see in a review on the CMS?
If you can't find a short length, you can buy a longer one and trim it down to the length you need. Guide rails are made from aluminum, so safe to cut with woodworking tools
I can imagine they are pretty cumbersome the longer you get. If you're referring to the longer rails, I would imagine it is possible for them to get bent - as they're made from aluminum. However, you'd have to do a pretty good job at hitting them or put it under some significant pressure to bend. I would say the possibility is there, albeit very very small.
In theory, yes, but in practicality, no. If I'm cross cutting 12"-24" inches, the 32" is perfect, whereas the 55" is doable, but the 76" one is becoming quite awkward
You are not paying the money for "aluminum extrusion" but for "STRAIGHT aluminum extrusion". Try looking for prices of engineer's straight edges and how their prices scale with length and accuracy ... you will weep at the prices for an accurate 3m long straight edge ... This is what makes the Festools rails better - they are generally less curved than the competition and the price reflects this as they are harder to make in turn. Besides, I would say the Festool connectors are bad (they are) and recommend the Makita or even TSO ones instead of advising people to purchase and then work around an inherently bad product.
very good inclusion about the 'straight part'. I've not tried the makita or TSO connectors, but keep hearing great things about them. I'm just looking to stop the hassle of connecting and reconnecting.
Well my quest for 3000mm track was cut short by lack of track. Woodcraft and Rockler near were 3-6 out and not guaranteed to get it. However; my local woodworking store did have 118” Makita track in stock. I can’t put off my project for that long. Also to note shipping from Other Tool stores, shipping was additional $125 for the size.
Word of caution to always check the rail when you buy it though. I ordered a FS-800/2 and it was out more than 2mm which was funny/sad. Returned and waiting for a replacement.
I'm a little late to the party, but couldn't you save some dollars and just use the Makita 118" rail to make 8' rips? I think the only difference between the two tracks is where they lock in for bevel cut anti tilt.
Yes they are compatible. I think at the time I recorded this video, Makita rails were on back order, at least the size I needed. I still have not purchased a longer rail, still getting by with what I have.
@@BenMarshallDesigns Fair enough, I happened on this video while doing some research, because I plan on making my next purchase a track saw. And I am weighing all the options between the Kreg ACS3000 total system with table, Makita with 55 and 118 track, or Festool and a couple 55's. they each bring something to the table. Kreg for bang for the buck, Makita for quality and price, or Festool because it's the Rolls Royce.
@@FyrFytr998 that’s awesome that your in the market for a track saw, they are very much a game changer. Obviously I’m biased, but the TSC55KEB is the bee knees. I’m likely going to sell my TS75 and pick up the new 55 cordless
I mean I guess it could get 8inch rips if you referenced the width of the rail. I just need it to rip sheet goods AND have the guide rail fit in my car
@@BenMarshallDesigns no I meant the full length sheet - 8 foot - I'm in Australia, so we use metric 2440mm. Most suggests the 3000 so you get the added overhang.
@@BenMarshallDesigns Ah yeah, makes sense. I am going to go with the 1900, so I can attach my 1080 to it - to make just shy of 3000. TSO make connectors that seem like you get a great cut from. Cheers!
@@Sisu2280 that's the exact set up I have right now. I've got a video on my channel showing how to do it with the festool connectors, works pretty well.
IMO, you should own three guide rails. One 3 meter/118" for ripping, one 2 meter/75" for cross cutting, and one smaller rail around 1 meter or 800mm for smaller work. Do not buy the 1400/55" guide rail, because it is not long enough for crosscutting a full sheet of ply.
@@BenMarshallDesigns Also if you mistakenly bought two 1400 tracks like I did, you can get the TSO GRE-13 for crosscutting, or cut one of the 1400 tracks down to 800, and use the offcut to make a small extension for crosscutting
Looks like Festool just increased prices in the US. Shame cause I believe there is a global insanity going on which further puts tools and equipment out of reach.
