How fast to reposition the guide on the Festool circular saw guide system?

I need to cut 30mm thickness sheets of MDF into 17mm wide strips (lots and lots of them) - each sheet being 1250mm wide. I’m considering buying the Festool TS55 system but I’m unsure how easy and fast it is to reposition the guide. I like the idea of using something like the Festool system because it is important that each strip is cut accurately and has perfect 90 degree sides.

I’m really looking for a set-up where the guide is kept exactly square and you just slide the guide to the next mark. I have tried using a basic circular saw guide clamp but you have to mark the top surface twice on every cut so that the clamp is square. I notice that Festool also make a Multifunction Table but once again I need some idea as to how fast it is to reposition the guide because I need to be able to cut strips as fast and accurately as possible.

Also, can anyone tell me if it’s possible to use a 1.5mm thickness circular saw blade in either the Festool TS55 or TS75?

if it is for 1 job only. get a joinery shop to do it for you as will cost bugger all.

yes the guide rail system is great. just have your combo square set up for the setback distance, the rail has rubber strips that grip on the underside. so you just lay the rail down then cut, slide back then cut, slide back then cut.... i hardly ever use the slide clamps when on new material. and if you want to do it yourself without a panel saw, then it will cope no worries. but it will be slower than a panel saw.

as for the blade thickness. the rail system doesn't like changes. once you do your first cut with a blade then that rail will only work on that size blade. if you change to a thinner blade, you may have to put a new anti chip rubber on it before you start.
i have never done this though... i have only ever used the genuine blades in in it.

I've got one of these - http://www.eurekazone.com/ with the add-on handle/square and it's a doddle. Take a minute to make up a spacer jig so you don't need to do any measuring, and away you go.

That said, full 30mm sheets are pretty heavy so I'd get my local timber place to do the cutting on them (which, unlike Bunnies, doesn't have any worries cutting MDF) simply as I prefer not to have to manhandle an ungainly 60kg sheet all by myself.

Have you read this? Would it help?

I was thinking the Parallel Guides would be perfect for the job - as I understand it. Otherwise the repeatability (and consistency) would be sacrificed to additional time in placing the guide rail.

All up it would be pretty costly for just the one job though. Then again I've used weaker excuses than that to pick up new gear... :)

Thanks for posting that link Anthony. I've been wondering what those things in the catalog were & how they work - now I know & will add them to my shopping list after the TS55 arrives.

Now if only Festo had all the good links on their product pages........

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Originally Posted by bsrlee

Now if only Festo had all the good links on their product pages........

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Indeed. I find it amusing that despite all the things Festool are good at, their websites - particularly the regional "template" versions of the German site - are not one of them. :rolleyes:

You could always use the Parallel side fence PA-TS 55; Order number: 491469

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Originally Posted by Mike B

Indeed. I find it amusing that despite all the things Festool are good at, their websites - particularly the regional "template" versions of the German site - are not one of them. :rolleyes:

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Try the US web site. It is a one-off with lots of additional info.

[Note, not all Festool products are available in all countries. Check with your local dealer for price and availability. ]

http://www.festoolusa.com/default.aspx

Then talk to Anthony about your needs.

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Originally Posted by Honorary Bloke

Try the US web site...

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Hehe. Good advice.... thats pretty much what I already do! :wink:

All the Festool websites are governed & hosted from Europe.The Australian & rest of the festool websites will be changing to the same style as the usa version in the next couple of weeks.

As for using a thin kerf blade on the festool you will find a few issues:

1. The blade will not tighten properly with the flanges not beeing able to compress properly down to that kerf size
2. With the torque of the Festool saws you will find the blade to flex & move not giving you the clean straight cut you are used to
3. The riving knife will not operate properly

We get these complaints everytime when customers bring there saws in for warranty claim & they have used a thiner kerf blade

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Originally Posted by VEK TOOLS

The Australian & rest of the festool websites will be changing to the same style as the usa version in the next couple of weeks.

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That is good news!

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Originally Posted by VEK TOOLS

We get these complaints everytime when customers bring there saws in for warranty claim & they have used a thiner kerf blade

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I understand that festool has standardised their blade kerf at 2.2mm Is that the case?