Festool ® Saws & Guide Rails
Saws and Guide Rails Tech Information
The Festool Guide Rail System is a key component of many of the tools. The TS 55 and TS 75 saw will include (1) 55” rail. There are also adapters for the routers and even the Trion Jigsaws. The precision extruded aluminum rail 7-1/8” wide by various lengths and approximately 0.085” thick. There are two channels to accept several different clamps and to allow rails to be connected together to make a longer run.
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If you want to connect guide rails, you will need two connectors. |
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Many customers try to buy a 42” Guide Rail to combine with the 55” that comes with their saw. While this would give you 97 inches, it is not long enough to allow the saw a place to sit to start your cut. You'll need a 55”. |
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Many folks opt for the guide rail accessory kit. The kit will contain two connectors, an extra guide rail stop, a deflector for the end of guide rail (keeps hose and cord tracking), replacement splinter guard, and angle unit and two clamps all in a systainer. The angle unit is the deal breaker: if you do not have a use for that, just buy the separate parts you need. |
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We recommend purchasing set of two screw type clamps or quick clamps. These clamps fit into the bottom channel of the guide rail
and do not interfere with the travel of the saw. |
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For the TS 75, we recommend purchasing a 3000 mm (118”) guide rail for
ripping 8ft. sheets. The larger 15” base of the TS 75 reguires a longer rail to provide extra support for starting the cut. Two 1400 mm (55”)
connected to form a 110” will work, but you will have to plunge into your workpiece. |
Guide Rail Kit Includes:
Kit Price : Save 28% (Based on prices as of November 21, 2006)
Each item may be purchased separately but the kit offers a discount. At the very least, I recommend purchasing the basic set of clamps and the deflector.
Here are the benefits of each item:
Angle Unit
Think of this as an accessory to turn a guide rail into a big protractor. It’s handy for angles but is also useful as a T-square when sizing sheets. It is also great for cutting parallels on those sheets that are not factory edge square. It can also save time when sizing sheets. Set the rail at 90 degrees and just clamp the opposite edge.
Return/Limit Stop
This is a stop that can be placed anywhere along the length of the guide rail. This can be as starting or stopping point when used with one included with The TS 55 and 75 saws. Imagine cutting a perfect square from the center of a sheet!
Extra Splinter Guard
These are the replaceable hard rubber edge of the guide. This part is sacrificial and you’ll saw through it the first time you use your rail. The splinter guard has a long life but will need to be replaced eventually as it wears.
Two Guide Rail Connectors
These are needed to connect two guide rails together to make one longer rail. They are commonly used for connecting two 55” guide rails together to rip 4 x 8 sheet goods. Flooring and counter top installers also find them useful for long runs. I’ve not found them to affect the quality of cut.
Two Steel Clamps
Festool offers a few different types of clamps but these are the most basic and commonly used. They slide into a slot in the guide rails without interfering in the travel of your tool will allow you to clamp the guide rail to items up to 4-11/16” thick. These are also handy as hold downs with the multifunction tables.
Deflector
Think of this as the tail fins on a Cadillac. This hard plastic piece fits on the end of guide rail keeping your tool’s electrical cords and extractor hose from binding on the rail or workpiece, which is essential to a smooth cut.
Sys 1 Systainer
Festool’s sturdy ABS plastic case. My guide rail kit stays snapped on to my TS saw’s systainer to keep all of my guide rail accessories handy. Sys 1 is 4” tall.