Thread: Festool Guide rail vs. Triton

I've never seen the Festool track system in use, so I might have a completely up-the-creek idea of its capabilities. But I do have the two different sizes of Pro-Grip tracks with a saw-mount base (available from Carbatec), and I have a Triton 2000. I would not for a moment try to use either for a job suited to the other. With care, both will give high standards of accuracy - but not in the same way on the same job.

- Michael

I find the Festool saw amazingly good to use - fast and precise. The nearest I think is the Makita track saw which is nearly a clone. The downside of the Makita is fewer guide rail accessories.

I still have a slide compound mitre saw, which is much better than TS55 for what it does.

Never had a table saw and can't see why I'd ever need one. (for stock thicker than the TS5 can handle, you'd need one)

Have ripped several 5mm strips off boards to use as dominos - accurate to within about 0.1-0.2mm in thickness. The razor blade method lining up the track is pretty cool. (Read about it on a US festool forum - use single sided razor blades instead of a pencil - dig the corner in the timber and leave it there one each end or more - push the guide rail up against the razor blades - remove razor blades and cut)

The planer grade finish of the TS55 really does save a load of time. I prefer Freud blades with the same kerf width, as I can interchange blades more easily without ruining the accuracy of the guide rail rubber strip.

The planer grade finish of the TS55 really does save a load of time. I prefer Freud blades with the same kerf width, as I can interchange blades more easily without ruining the accuracy of the guide rail rubber strip.

Good tip

Originally Posted by lesmeyer

There are other ways of cutting up sheets without the expense of the Festo. Next month Kreg start selling their new attachment - see
Kreg Tool Company | Kreg Jigs, Deck Jig, Precision Routing Systems, Klamp Components, and more
for any circular saw that will make cutting sheets a breeze. It will cost less than $40. Just one of many options. A simple long guide made from MDF also does the job, although the Kreg will be easier.
Les

This looks too good to be true. I want one

TT

Originally Posted by lesmeyer

There are other ways of cutting up sheets without the expense of the Festo. Next month Kreg start selling their new attachment - see
Kreg Tool Company | Kreg Jigs, Deck Jig, Precision Routing Systems, Klamp Components, and more
for any circular saw that will make cutting sheets a breeze. It will cost less than $40. Just one of many options. A simple long guide made from MDF also does the job, although the Kreg will be easier.
Les

The Kreg Rip-Cut is really only a parallel cutting fence, similar to what a lot of saws come with but larger. It would have benefits I'm sure, but is only as accurate as the edge fo the board the Rip-Cut is using as a guide, any flaws or lumps-n-bumps in the edge being followed would appear in the edge being cut.

Not sure how you would do angles and tapers with it if it can be done at all. Looks handy but it's not a replacement for the Festool guide rail system which is so much more versatile is so many ways, and the Festool rails are also used for routing, jigsawing, and the hole drilling system, as well as using with the Festool plunge-cut saw.

The Kreg on it's own would be handy to have for rough breaking down of panels for construction (not furniture making) type jobs I expect.

agreed - its just a glorified edge guide. nowhere near as versatile as a tracksaw.

Originally Posted by nt900

The Kreg Rip-Cut is really only a parallel cutting fence, similar to what a lot of saws come with but larger. It would have benefits I'm sure, but is only as accurate as the edge fo the board the Rip-Cut is using as a guide, any flaws or lumps-n-bumps in the edge being followed would appear in the edge being cut.

Not sure how you would do angles and tapers with it if it can be done at all. Looks handy but it's not a replacement for the Festool guide rail system which is so much more versatile is so many ways, and the Festool rails are also used for routing, jigsawing, and the hole drilling system, as well as using with the Festool plunge-cut saw.

The Kreg on it's own would be handy to have for rough breaking down of panels for construction (not furniture making) type jobs I expect.

Anthony I do agree. I was merely offering an alternative as a cheap option of breaking up sheet goods to then be cut accurately on the Triton. I have done so with a home made saw guide and the Triton in the past before I purchased the HB10 tablesaw and the Festool TS55. I would not go without the TS55 as it does so much more than just breaking up sheet goods. It is a true gem.
Les

Originally Posted by lesmeyer

Anthony I do agree. I was merely offering an alternative as a cheap option of breaking up sheet goods to then be cut accurately on the Triton. I have done so with a home made saw guide and the Triton in the past before I purchased the HB10 tablesaw and the Festool TS55. I would not go without the TS55 as it does so much more than just breaking up sheet goods. It is a true gem.
Les

No stress, I also agree the Kreg could be a useful and inexpensive option for sheet breaking down scenario.

For those unfamiliar with the Festool rail system it's probably hard to understand how handy it can be for woodworking (compared to construction) projects. For me it's a panel joining tool giving me better results than what I can achieve with a jointer/power or hand plane.

I coudnt work without my tablesaw and TS55, they really do compliment each other as well as my spida arm saw. I use my tablesaw for ripping and resawing, my TS55 for breaking down sheets and sizing timber panels/tops, and my spida saw for cross cutting/docking to length.

There are cheaper options in the plunge saw market. Makita, Dewalt and i think Bosch all have come out with their own version. That could save you several hundred dollars.

Originally Posted by vincentvega

another option is the eurekazone gear. Eurekazone | Eurekazone

Depends what sort of accuracy you are after. Using construction grade saws is the big downside of the EZ system.

Hi Vince.
Accuracy comes from supporting tha panel and setting the stops.
Like the repeaters on the tracks, and the rip stops on ez-one.
Other systems now have something similar.

The blade arbor in a construction saw may have some play after years of use.
Good quality construction saws have good bearings and almost zero play.
But...the play on a cheap saw is the same as the blade spins.
Accuracy from construction grade saws is not a real issue.

The real problem is the flexing of the saw to the base.
even some high quality construction saws have some play.
That will effect the cut edge from been perfect square.
after locking both levers make sure the saw has no play.
If needed, screw an l bracket to stop the flexing?

Soon we will have our own saw that is a hybrid design but I see no real problems using any saw and have good results with any track.
Now the track comes into place. If the track is flexing and the materials are not supported right....you can use a 10.000.00 plunge saw and have bad results.


thanks.
Don't take this as a call for a VS debate.
just few facts that we have to keep in mind.

Originally Posted by lesmeyer

There are other ways of cutting up sheets without the expense of the Festo. Next month Kreg start selling their new attachment - see
Kreg Tool Company | Kreg Jigs, Deck Jig, Precision Routing Systems, Klamp Components, and more
for any circular saw that will make cutting sheets a breeze. It will cost less than $40. Just one of many options. A simple long guide made from MDF also does the job, although the Kreg will be easier.
Les

Any idea where you can get these in Australia? I assume the "less than $40" is from a US distributor.

Cheers,

Steve

Carba-Tec sell a lot of Kreg gear these days. Hopefully they will be selling it soon. The rip-cut was released only a few weeks back, so it may take some time.
Les

Originally Posted by nt900

No stress, I also agree the Kreg could be a useful and inexpensive option for sheet breaking down scenario.

For those unfamiliar with the Festool rail system it's probably hard to understand how handy it can be for woodworking (compared to construction) projects. For me it's a panel joining tool giving me better results than what I can achieve with a jointer/power or hand plane.

Anthony, which blade would you be using in the TS55 to perform the jointing operation?
Les

expect the carbatec price to be near twice the US price. That's what I generally find with Carbatec pricing.