Which Rails Work? A Guide to Guiderails [video
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- čas přidán 28. 05. 2020
- In this weeks video I talk about #guiderail #compatibility, explain why #Festool is the de-fecto standard, and discuss a few things to watch out for with bargain guiderailrail bundles. Enjoy!
NB: Excel is an own-brand of Tools4Trade. The Excel 1.5metre rail is compatible with Makita and Festool, but their own Excel saw seems to be a clone of the Lidl Parkside, so the 2x700mm rails bundled with the Excel saw, or available as accessories have all the same issues that the Parkside saw and rails have.
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Download the same-size Festool guide rail drawing here - bit.ly/FestoolRail
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Become a Patreon member at the $5 tier or above to be eligible for the guiderail sample pack at patreon.com/10minuteworkshop
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Support the channel and receive a 5% discount across the board rail and workshop accessories at Benchdogs (link below) by using the offer code “10minuteworkshop” at checkout.
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Videos mentioned:-
277 Tracksaw Workshop P1 • TW P1; What's a tracks...
323 Lidl’s tracksaw • Lidl's Parkside Tracks...
400 Big Decision: Festool or Mafell? • Big Decision: Festool ...
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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
Wherever possible links are to actual products used, but this is not always possible e.g. some products are not available in the US, so something [similar] has been linked to instead.
Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk/shop/petermi...
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Used/featured in this video:-
Festool guiderail - amzn.to/2BauKe0 (US:
Makita guiderail - amzn.to/3ep5y1C (US: amzn.to/2X6RLXM)
Evolution guiderails bundle (prices fluctuate) - amzn.to/2IhI149 (US: Powertec - similar amzn.to/2ERPKVP)
Excel guide rail (out of stock, price varies) - bit.ly/ExcelGuidrerail
Key blades 48t for TS55 - amzn.to/2ryM0Fv (UK only, sorry)
Festool TS55 Tracksaw - amzn.to/2pGvzDS (US: amzn.to/2oOgGhw)
Festool lever clamp - amzn.to/2pOohLD (US: amzn.to/2pnFZIM)
Festool Midi extractor - amzn.to/2tCIN3Q (US: amzn.to/2rKNIOx)
Bessey Duo Klamp - amzn.to/2tsSWQs (US:amzn.to/2sVaRBH)
Hultafors Talmeter tape measure - amzn.to/2pHwnbH (US: amzn.to/2oqLQc9)
Moldex 6810 in-ear defenders - amzn.to/2P2c5nP (US:amzn.to/2LgIsye)
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Other useful gear…
Festool MFT - amzn.to/2x49HHE (US: amzn.to/2J25aKy)
Festool PDC 18/4 - amzn.to/2s3J0eq (US: amzn.to/2tWUHEL)
Festool Granat abrasive - amzn.to/2A3c1vW (US: amzn.to/2gPAAUz)
Festool RTS 400 - amzn.to/2x6zGZW (US: amzn.to/2i84yXn)
Spax screws - amzn.to/2oYWydc (US: amzn.to/2oOjkDT)
Festool ETS 150/5 - amzn.to/2sapsq9 (US: amzn.to/2ssbZgq)
Festool CTL Sys - amzn.to/2sKa2t3 (US: amzn.to/2tCvVdZ)
Festool CTL SYS Bags - amzn.to/2G9eFVd (US: amzn.to/2GduBpo)
Trend Air Stealth Facemask - amzn.to/2zah0P6 (US: amzn.to/2T5ww6X)
Bahco 6” combi square - amzn.to/2oumhX4 (US: amzn.to/2ouSg9k)
Silicone brush set - amzn.to/2guo6Sm (US: amzn.to/2yEWbZI)
Silicone brush (single) - amzn.to/2l5rNTD (US: amzn.to/2zqFaQl)
Polyvine PolyTen PVA - amzn.to/2svT03N (US: amzn.to/2rmHYL3) - Jak na to + styl
![Same blade, different saw = different story! [video #284]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/jR25DirM34E/mqdefault.jpg)
![Same blade, different saw = different story! [video #284]](/img/tr.png)
![Extrusion Confusion - A Guide To MFT Hardware [video 486]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/za5B-XrSuH0/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for an excellent, informative video. Just what I needed to help decide whether I can adapt my current old DeWalt rails (one is actually an original Elu!) for use with my new Makita dhs680 saw (I'm doubting that it's worth doing, mainly because they lack the integrated glide strips but also the locating rib is slightly wider at nearly 17mm). Excel seem to be going at a sensible price at the moment, so maybe that's the route to go. Lots of other useful ideas in the feedback below too. Great channel. Thanks again, Peter.
Just the video I needed :) Got the Evolution 2800 rails for my Erbauer track saw, couldn't be happier - thanks Peter!
Glad to hear it, thanks Alasdair! 👍👍
Thanks for the comparison. I am new to plunge saws and guide rails. Have an Aldi saw and just bought a set from Evolution with 2x 700mm rails, clamps, joiners and a bag for £50 direct from Evolution. Thanks for the issue with the low friction strips I will ensure that I try to keep pressure over the strips. The cut edges of the rails are a little rough which is disappointing as I assume they are machine cut, I may fettle these for a smoother joint and I agree the splinter guard is a little bulky.
Great video Peter. You just saved me a small fortune. I just ordered the Evolution Rails with the plunge saw.
Thanks Garry! 👍
"I like the smell of fresh cut rail in the morning!" - You made my day!
😂👍👍 Actually meant to say ‘...the smell of freshly cut Festool in the morning.” 🤷♂️😂👍👍
Fantastic video! I have the Parkside saw and 4 pcs. of their rails. I plan to make some modifications to make them work really well.
Thanks! 👍👍
Thanks for this and your more recent plunge saw video peter, I’ve ended up going for Mcallister saw that come with 2 x smaller rails, the excel 2 x long rails and makita clamps. Looking forward to testing them out.
Have fun - and let me know how you get on! 👍
Amazing content today Peter! You definitely had me shocked in the intro. I'm a big fan of your track saw videos. One product I would enjoy watching you review is the Kreg track saw and guide rails!
Thanks from Canada!
Thanks Daniel! If Kreg ever decide to sell their saw here in the UK, I’ll certainly take a look. 👍👍
Great video as ever Peter. Never had any problems with tipping on my Evolution track saw and rails. The set was great value for money. Really pleased with the saw itself and the set too.
Thanks Martin! 👍👍
How about putting another piece of the tape they use along that side as it looks like here is clearance
Great compare Peter! Never did a so wide look over the available clones. And also a great supporter idea! Was shocking to see you the guide rail cutting in half :D
Thanks Mathias! 👍
I use the makita saw and rail. And the 3m one is an absolute beast for doing sheet goods. I also have a router adapter and i just love it. Only downside with these rails is that you can’t trust the splinterguards for measurements. I always measure away or to the alluminium and add or subtract that set offset.
Instead of that, just plunge the saw on the rail without it being turned on so the teeth are touching the material, and roll it forward. They’ll. leave little marks, you’ll see exactly where the cut will be.
Hmmm 🤔 should plunge saws have shadow/laser lines too 😁
I modified a Makita guide rail slightly to fit my Parkside. I cut off the anti-tipping lip with an aluminium cutting blade so the Parkside would fit in the channels. But then found the splinter guard ended shy of the blade, so replaced it with a 2mm x 25mm rubber strip and trimmed to size. Now I have a Makita guide rail that can use all the aftermarket jigs on my Parkside.
Such a perfect review. Unfortunately the budget rails available here are Wen and sometimes Grizzly. Thanks for the video - enjoyable as usual.
Fantastic video covering everything.
Thank you, that's very much appreciated! 🙌
Thank you Peter for that, informative as ever, tutorial. Having watched your previous series on the 'plunge saw wars', I kept my eyes peeled for the Evolution solution. I already owned the Makita plunge saw, which I bought as a package with two guide rails, the bag and two clamps for less than £400.
Initially, I was tempted by the 3m rail as the Makita rails don't seem to connect all that well. And whilst this has not really had any impact on the accuracy of the cuts - can't blame the rails for everything - there is a distinct clicking as the saw travels from one rail to the other. On top of this, they tend to gradually drift apart if you have to perform repeated cuts and are constantly moving the tracks. I really think there should have been an option for two joining strips, as there is on the Evolution, making alignment more reliable, and the connection more secure.
When the Evolution deal you mention came up on a special for £59, I just went ahead and bought them. I then did what your fellow CZcamsr at The Strawbyte Workshop suggested, and cut one of the Makita rails into two lengths 800mm/600mm making them easier to use on kitchen worktops and in smaller spaces, where the 1400 was just a tad too long.
Nice! You can use two joining bars in the Makita and Evo rails- it’s one up, one down with the Makita - like Festool - but completely do-able. 👍👍
I was wondering about that 800/600. The Detroit guide rail comes at 1400 only, seems likely to be cumbersome for most work. 700 is just blah.
Very informative and helpful video. I was contemplating getting a tacksaw and went for the 36v Makita....expensive as I'm not in the trade but well worth it. I saved some money buying the evolution rails which advertise compatability so I bought the 2x70cm kit and plan to get the 2x1.4m one at some point. They work perfectly with my Makita so far.
Same here.. after lots of comparison and review, I did not want an ultra cheap track saw that flexes (Ryobi, WEN) and would not pay the ultra premium cost of the Festool. The Makita 36V was the best mid-line model IMHO. The track cost is too high ($99 per 55" track), so I ordered mine without one and got the Powertec ones for far less... two 55" tracks, a nice bag, a quality right angle adapter and pair of track clamps, all for under $200.
Peter, great vid as per usual. Followed your advice and got myself the Evolution 2800 set for my Titan saw. Couldn’t be happier, I can now rip full length 8 x 4 sheets accurately with ease. Many thanks for your help. Keep the vids coming!
Cheers Jay! 👍👍
Peter, great channel, just found you. That was interesting about Mafell making the Bosch rails and connector. And they are _identical_ which was a surprise for me. I have an older Bosch PKS-54 so will go for the Bosch (=Mafell) solution. All the best, Rob in Switzerland.
Thanks Rob, and welcome to the channel! Yes, Mafell make some of the parts for Bosch as well, but Bosch actually manufacturer the saw themselves. 👍👍
I've always stuck with the festool rails for whatever reason, if it was matching logos I don't know. Looks like it was a good decision as the accuracy looks to be the best by far out of the lot.
Thanks, one of your best product videos yet!!! My problem is how to either purchase or create an appropriate guide rail for 4x8 sheet goods without spending over $300 to do it. I have a Makita saw, which I am moderately happy with. If I had to do it over I would definitely go with Festool considering how often I use it, even being a hobbyist, I use it almost every day for something. Makita's track is $300 and I am afraid to look at what Festool wants for theirs. Anyway, thanks again, stay safe and healthy.
Thanks! I bought the Makita 3-metre rail way back for about £120 / $180. Don’t know what they cost now, but $300 seems high. 😱👍
Best opening ever. :-)
Thanks! 😆👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop really cut through the jargon.
I own the titan and now I own the festool .. yeah man .. what a difference. I'm using the evolution rail. It's great so far. Really happy.
Peter, I bought that excel guide rail 3 weeks ago, it was cheaper to buy a guide rail and squeeze clamps separately then the kit they offered. When I turned up and I first put it to use I went to buy another and like your self I was mortified to find it out of stock. Good informational video 👍👍
Yes! They’re really crap at bundles! 😂 👍👍Thanks James’
"smell of guide rail"! brilliant!
😆👍👍
I’ve enjoyed my festool but I find the spilter rubber peels off at the edges and is a pain to replace as cleaning the glue off to get good bonding for the new
Thanks for the tip on excel rails, I don’t need any more rail sections, but their joining bars are very good value at 10£ posted for 2 sets.. Makita ones are more than that for 1..
Does the DeWalt plunge saw fit on excel tracks?
Super useful videos Peter you convinced me to pick up a track saw. I’ve ended up with the cheap silverline (looks identical to the lumberjack saw) for £60 off Amazon warehouse which came with two 700mm rails, can’t complain for my occasional use!
I did get the long excel rail also as they were £45 still cheapest a for long rail and the site did the makita splinter guard for £5...
...However one word of warning for anyone with the silverline or lumberjack (or wider track saws), they’re a touch wider than festool on the left and as such foul on the anti tipping lip of the excel/makita rail.
Having weighed up the cost of returning and other rails I will be angle grinding that lip off.
Good to know, thanks! Sounds like you picked up a bargain too!👍👍
For anyone in the TrackSaw market this is the defacto guide to rails... nice one Peter
Thanks Paul! 👍
Thanks for the the info... Iv just ordered the 2800 evolution rail from ffx.. For my erbauer track saw. Hope it works.
What a good video. Great details and info sir
Thank you! 👍
Peter absolutely love your video’s. I’m a Brit living in the Northwest of the US and have recently decided to restart my woodworking hobby. Having dropped a small fortune on Festool I made a recent discovery. So Amazon recently starting promoting the Powertec brand for shop supplies. I’m not sure if there is a relationship with Amazon. The point - They sell two 55’ rails plus 2 connectors for approx $130. They work great!
Thanks Omar! Wow, they sound like great value! 👍👍
I've been very happy with my Powertec rails and Makita saw.
Good info here as always! If I could justify the cost of a ts55 it would be the saw I own but just setting out on this journey I went down the park side route! Seeing the issues with the evolution rail is interesting and I’m a little let down it doesn’t work with the square from last weeks video but I think I’m going to go with them anyway as I really want a single rail to do cross cuts with so the 1400 will be perfect. Keep one of the shorter original rails for small cuts and portability and I’m sorted. I don’t know if I’m just heavy handed or anyone else has found it but when I first tightened down the joining rail it blistered out the top of the track meaning I had to swap them round end to end so the saw would travel along it!
There’s a fix coming very soon for the evolution rails and the benchdogs rail square. FYI there are some very good deals going around on the festool saw and rail package. 👍👍
I'm using Lidl's Parkside plunge saw and evolution 2×1400 guide rail. Amazing
Great value kit! 👍👍
One of my dewalt rails guide bar is bigger than the other one that I have. Causes a step when running the saw along it
Great Video and very informative.... As a Newbe to all of this I find it amazing how many different products/tools there actually are out there. I didn't even know, well I am still not 100% sure, what the difference is between the Track Saw and the Circular saw.... other than the track :)
You have a new subscriber.... 2 thumbs up!
Thanks, and welcome! Try video #378, Skil saw or plunge saw - czcams.com/video/cV3DjNlZq8s/video.html 👍👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop my new nickname from the wife is Square-eyes :)
@@22illingworth That is so 1960s.
I have a Detroit tracksaw. It looks a lot like Makita track, it has that lip. Same overall width as the Festool.
Am using the Titan saw and evolution rails and find it is brilliant
Yep, good combination! 👍👍
Nicely done, I have been wondering about the absolute compatibility between rails for a while - I have the Erbauer saw with the included 2 x 700 rails, I also happened across the Excel 1500 rail for £27 a week or so back, at the price I took the chance and glad I did, it works a treat - Cant say for sure it's 100% the same but the saw glides fine and the splinter guards align so it's good enough for me.
I Look forward to your Erbauer review as I have no comparison for mine (except a friends Festool which is no comparison at all) - I am only a hobbyist but I had to change the blade before my Erbauer would cut true, with the original blade it veered off the splinter guide 1 - 2 mm every now and then unless I cut VERY slowly (but no perceivable wobble or movement in the blade when stationary) - Very strange but new blade and splinter guards and all seems good.
Good info, thanks! Yes, I’ve had a few positive reports on the Erbauer recently, looking forward to getting my hands on it. 👍👍
Thanks for the Info. Just buying the Excel ones for my Erbauer after your recommendation.
Hi Peter, after watching you David Stanton & Ron Paulk I felt that I needed a Plunge Saw but the cheapest I could get at Total Tools before Christmas was a Detroit (Total Tools Makita anti-tipping). So for $399 it has a 2mm scribing cut button by rotating a dial to scribe/Cut or replace blades it came with dust bag/2 joiners top/bottom/2 clamps/1400mm track with 165mm Plunge Saw & I bought another 1400mm track for $99. In Australia, it is about a bit under about a 1/3 of the Festool & 1/2 of the Mikita in price.
I am very impressed with it and it made making an 850mm wide x 800mm long x 195mm high Ramp at around 10Deg very easy.
Sounds great! And sound very much like the first cuts I made with my plunge saw! 👍👍
I bought one yesterday, it's still in its packaging. I bought the kit which adds the 1400m rail to the body, bot neither clamps nor dust bag.
I do plan on getting a "better" blade from Bunnings, most likely Diablo or Italian Irwin. It seem Italians are especially good at making cutting stuff, and/or persuading the world they do.
Thanks for this Video. I just picked up the 2 x 700 Excel rails for £32:00 delivered inc VAT. Excellent value.
Just be aware that the 2x700mm Excel rails are not the same pattern at the 1x1500mm rail I talk about in this video. They’re more like the Parkside rails, not the Makita pattern.
From the video description:-
“NB: Excel is an own-brand of Tools4Trade. The Excel 1.5metre rail is compatible with Makita and Festool, but their own Excel saw seems to be a clone of the Lidl Parkside, so the 2x700mm rails bundled with the Excel saw, or available as accessories have all the same issues that the Parkside saw and rails have.”
@@10MinuteWorkshop I have a festool saw so I think they should be OK. If not they take returns. Thx
So many guide rails... 😳
Good thing they don't take up a great deal of room. 👌🏽
Great comparison vid, mate 👍🏽
Cheers Bill! 👍
Perfectly timed! I spent the last 3 days scratching my head whether to splash out for Festool or go with Evolution guide rail for my ts55
And the winner is...??? 👍👍
Really useful video. Particularly liked the pdf of the Festool rail profile but a Makita one would be useful too. As a hobby diy er a Festool as much as I would love one seemed hard to justify so I bought an Erbauer. The cuts were good but the anti kick back is fiddly as are the 700mm rails. But there is a deal on 1400 Makita rails and I wonder if they work with the Erbauer, hence looking for a pdf of the profile.
Thanks! I don’t own the Erbauer, but according to the Q&A section on Screwfix, it is compatible with Makita rails. 👍👍
Great stuff again Peter. I have been a long time follower of your track saw wisdom. I bought into the budget titan system from Screwfix but I am really missing a rail that can handle a full sheet of material. Any recommendations that I should consider requesting for an upcoming birthday?
Thanks Brian! The Evolution rail bundle is the best value by far right now, despite the niggles with glide strips. 👍👍
That thumbnail is a thing of beauty
Thank you! A slight break from the usual, but I think it worked OK. 👌👍👍
I have the powertec rails got 2 55" for $110 with couplers that are identical with Makita
Useful to know Peter. Would be a good shout out on the W.W.U.K. Forum.
Thanks! I tend not to promote my videos there as the mods can get a bit antsy about all that - but if a member wanted to shout it out for me... 🤔🤷♂️👌😂
hi peter i am only just getting into diy/woodwork as a hobby and have been looking at the excel plunge saw as they have it on offer and was wondering if you know anything about what it's like or could recommend one .
i quite like the look of the erbauer also thanks.
Thanks Clayton. I don’t know anything about the Excel I’m sorry. I’m a big fan
If the excel rails, and I’ve approached them to ask about review samples, but have heard nothing in return. My go-to entry level saw remains the MacAllister - there are many videos in the tracksaw workshop playlist. The erbauer is a good saw, but has an odd blade size - which erbauer don’t even sell themselves as a spare part - so I wouldn’t really recommend it, unfortunately. Again, I review this it the TW playlist. 👍👍
Hi Peter, very nice to have this overview!. Technical question: in comparison to earlier videos, like the plywood birdbox, this one has more loudness and/or bass in the audio. Did you do anything different in that respect? I had to adjust my speakers a bit.
Hi Caspar, and thanks! Ah, yes - I was using my wireless mic last week and had the camera audio set to -6dB, so I had to boost it in the edit; that may explain the ‘different’ audio, my apologies. Should be back to normal in the next one. 👍👍
Another top video, Having now gone down the 'tracksaw' route when buying the Aldi kit for £29.99! fitted my first Kitchen with it this week, Impressed with it TBH, cut the worktops fine and the cutouts for the sink/hob, grip on the track is good impressive for the money! Having been looking at upgrading, Did I notice you using the Bosch rail in a previous video? I think I'm going to go for the Bosch as their Router works on the same rail and I like the way the rails 'join' (had a good look at the D&M tool show last yearish (I need a new mid range router as my Trend has died, Had it 20+ yrs) I think like you do yourself, pick a system and stick with it, it's not rocket science, Im a Makita fan but the Bosch kicks it ass on tracksaws IMO
Thanks! Yeah, the Aldi’s decent enough - especially at £30! - but I found I needed to do a lot more to it to get it cutting well. I had /have the Mafell on loan, but the Bosch looks good! 👍👍
Great video. Really appreciate the details on the DeWalt. Maybe I can have my cake and eat it, too, by buying the DeWalt saw and using Festool rails. Something for me to ponder and research more... 👍
Thanks! Yep, DeWalt’s a nice saw, I keep trying to pick one up used, but they always go for more than I’m prepared to pay. A healthy sign! 👍👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop I have the DeWalt saw and I'm about to buy some festool rails. I find the DeWalt rail has a large amount of flex, and is also very wide, so when used on an mft with dogs or a rail square, the flex can mess up the cut v often. Fine for long cuts but no good for using it as a an mft mitre saw
Chicken Dinnerz I have wondered if the wider rail would cause a problem. I thought the extra width might help with deflection on long cuts, but that’s good feedback from your experience. Thanks for sharing!
@@g1mpster it is good on long cuts, but for mft cross cuts like Peter does a lot it's not good as it's very happy to sag, and also the extra width can mean there's less material to register on the fence, by the time it gets to the cut line if that makes sense.
Chicken Dinnerz yup, makes sense. Really appreciate the feedback.
Good informative video Peter, have you had any dealings with the Erbauer plunge saw and its compatibility with the other brands you mentioned?
Thanks! I have one on order! The Erbauer tracks are basically identical to the Makita/Excel rails, as far as I know. 👍👍
Peter Millard , thanks 👍
Just incase anyone has an erbauer saw, the excell track works great with it. Anti tip works & saw glides along track. Snugs up great. Only thing is, I haven't tried to join them yet.
I've joined them for a full board cut and alignment is superb 👍🏻
Hi mate, dunno if its been mentioned on here already but have you had a go with the flexvolt plunge saw on any the tracks? The dewalt ones are junk but the saw is very good. Loads of power. The festool ones i know work but at £300 a set im a little reluctant to go beyond the dewalt ones as the ones i have are getting a bit hammered.
Never got my hands on the Dewalt saw so I can’t say for sure I’m sorry. 🤷♂️
@@10MinuteWorkshop no worries cheers for the reply 👍
Neilson block plane. I’ve got one of those.
Hi Peter, thank you for another geat video. But I have one thing to point out. Festool rail sticks to the wood so clamping is not necessary. My other track is Pattfield (Hornbach market brand, 30 euro for 1400mm track), and is also Festool compatible, but it slips on the wood like crazy. I replaced glide strips and splinter guard with Makita spares, so the track now works pretty well now, but with stock soft strips on the bottom it is not any close to Festool grip. I cut the track to 800mm lenght for smaller jobs. And it works with handy Bosch 12V circular saw as well.
Yes, Festool have the most ‘grippy’ rails of any I’ve used, though Mafell comes pretty close. 👍👍
Hi Peter / all. Not sure if this has been mentioned before. After some testing today I can confirm adding EzyGlideTape (the solution for sticking curtain rings) to the Evolution rails eliminates wobble on my new version Parkside PT55 1200 D2 - a relatively inexpensive fix at around £10 delivered from Amazon. Only just got some, put it on and made some test cuts (accurate) so not sure about long term wear etc yet. Regards Ed
Hiya, sounds good. I'm assuming this was installed to create the missing left hand slider?
@@45KevinRyes, a few months in and still working fine. I use the evolution rails for sheet materials and often joined together. Not having to worry about tipping the blade when cutting in awkward positions is a real plus.
I noted the pdf did not record the vertical measurements . Is that something that should be added ? I have an old 90's FESTOOL model ATF 55 EB and have been looking to get some replacement rail .
Hi Peter, I enjoyed your video very much. Just to throw in to mix, I recently bought Metabo KS55FS with FS 160 rail.
The bundle costs around 200 euros.
I guess its oltder model but I could not resist for that price.
The rails looks like "bosh" but I did not do the measurements.
Also, you can get 800mm rail for 60 euros on amazon.de which is close to youtool which costs 40 Euros.
Have a good day.
Thanks Pavel! Great price. 👌👍👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop The downside is that it's really hard to find any accessories. Peter would you be so kind and measure the height of space in which the clamps should be inserted? At my Metabo rail it's 6.5mm. I am trying to assert whether I can use bosh (or other) clamps. Thank you very much.
Any experience with the Triton rail? I’m looking to get a router guide for a Bosch router on an evolution rail... triton do a guide attachment, but I just can’t work out if it fits!!!
Measured the Rutlands tracks - 1.4 m in two parts @£50 - in line with the Festool dimensions, but no outer accessory slot.
Yep, the Rutland’s the same pattern as the Lidl Parkside 👍👍
As I have a number of other Dewalt tools I bought the Dewalt track saw and rail and have been very happy with it. I realise its not the ‘standard’ rail; would have liked to have seen it covered in a bit more detail
I'm sure, but in all honesty there isn't much to say about them; they've gone completely their own way with the double-edged rail which causes all kinds of compatibility issues with accessories, and while the 2.6 metre rail is well priced, no other saw can use it. 🤷♂️
wtf was that at the start .....😂😂😂😂. i love you sir ! this video really helped me
I would love to see you have a look at the Kreg ACS system. Kreg should just send you one to check out. LOL
They’ve decided not to make it available here in the UK, unfortunately. 🤷♂️
Great video, your style is so supportive and encouraging :-)
I bought the 2021 Parkside tracksaw and wanted to use the Festool FSZ 120 guide clamps but I can't find out if they will fit the Parkside track. Axminster Tools sell similar own (don't look like Festool) clamps but they are 7.5mm thick (for inserting into the track lower T slot. The Parkside track T slot is inly 6.25 mm deep Any ideas? Regards
Hi there. Yes, the Festool screw clamps, quick (ratchet) clamps and the similar Axminster trade ratchet clamps all fit the Parkside rails. 👍👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop Many thanks :-)
@@10MinuteWorkshop I Got the Festool clamps from Screwfix worked like a charm. Many thanks
Does anyone know if the bosch saw works well with excell or makita rails? The bosch ones are crazy money
I really like the flexibility of having two 700mm over the 1400mm rail, for smaller cuts it's less of a faff lining it up as you don't have a metre of track in your way, and it's a lot easier to carry around.
In fact, I've taken them on the bus with me!
Yep, there’s always a place for a smaller rail. But having one longer one is pretty handy too. 👍👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop I suppose it depends on what you use the track saw for, for the few times that I've needed a longer track, I've just done it in multiple passes. The rest of my longer cuts are done on the tablesaw as they're usually too narrow to cut safely anyway
Have to agree - in similar vein I have 2 of Axminster's Pro Grip clamps in 610 & 1270 lengths for convenience and handling - I've yet to graduate to a plunge-saw. BTW must be summer, no T-shirt & shorts this week:-)
What a hassle to line up a 1600 (Bosch) rail for a 200mm cut... Bump it off the mark three times only by setting the saw onto the rail...
The WEN rail is identical to the Makita rail and reasonably priced on Amazon. Another reviewer found no improvement on the more expensive Powertec rail.
Very informative and will check your other training videos. Can you tell me which rails are compatible with the scheppach cs55 plunge saw thanks
Thanks. As I think I say in the vid Scheppach have the same issues as the Aldi saws, and I don’t recommend mixing other rails with them; so beat to stick to Scheppach originals throughout.
I use the new festool 55 feq. and the Makita rail guide because of its price.
Again a great video. Does the excell guide rail also (as the Makita) have a rib that's slightly narrower than the festool - I've got a festool 1400 rail (and festool saw) and need to make some longer cuts. Bit reluctant to pay Festool prices but probably will do if 2 different make rails don't fit well together ... Thanks
Yes, it does - it’s an almost exact copy. 👍
thanks for that Peter
Hi Peter, you didn't include the Titan rails which I've found to be the closest to the festool rails and joining bar works from the top. I imagine you can't buy them separately and only come in 700mm lengths but are great from when I upgraded to festool.
Thanks Sam. The Titan’s discontinued now, but yes, the Titan rails are the same as the Makita, Triton, Excel etc... 👍👍
Hi Peter, I like your hinged guide rail set up for giving 90 degree cuts. Is there a video for making? I’m setup with the Makita saw and guide rails. Regards Brian
Hi Brian, and thanks! It’s an off-the-shelf Festool MFT or Multi-function table & the hinged rail comes as standard. See videos #182 and #183 for more details. 👍
Best, Peter
Video 182 czcams.com/video/0V-p5F7SjO4/video.html
Hello Peter,
good timing with the guide rail vid. thanks as I’m contemplating buying a track saw, mainly for cutting down full sheets to make it easier to manhandle onto the table saw. I’ve managed to avoid wearing the green and grey suit for sometime, but having bought my first Festool tool, I’m beginning to get sucked in by the ‘system’ ! It seems that all rails are compared to the Festool and fall short with various niggles. I have noticed that you cut your sheets with the lr32 2.4m which by having the holes drilled increases it’s versatility for router use. Is that successful or is longer necessary ? As a hobbyist, I only want to buy one long rail to complement the 1400 which comes with the saw. Enjoying your wardrobe build too, but don’t hang your tools up when it’s done ! Alex
Hi Alex. Haha, yes - the slippery slope, lol! And yes, all 'equivalent' rails have some niggles that make them slightly incompatible; as mentioned here, Makita come closest, but the anti-tipping lip gets in the way of some things. Yes, I've used the 2400 LR32 rail for the odd long cut, and it works OK, but I do wish they made a 2440 or 2500 version! But yes, having the holes definitely increases the versatility, especially if you ever need to make the odd large bookcase or wardrobe with adjustable shelves. When I was first working with Festool, I bought the 3-metre makita rail as it was about 1/3 of the price of the equivalent Festool 2400 rail; these days the prices are much more competitive, and the 'holey' 2400 rail made more sense. 👍
Cheers Peter, useful stuff and thanks for taking the time. Alex
Interesting video again Peter, thank you. I use a dewalt tracksaw with two 1.5m rails but find that when cutting a 2.4 board length ways, it’s difficult to get a straight cut. Do you find this with festool rails? I was looking at a festool 3m rail as the 2.6m dewalt are all out of stock but they are a massive £300+.
Thanks! Never had any issues joining rails, I must admit, though I know plenty who have. The Makita 3-metre rail was always the best value of the Festool-pattern rails, I think I paid ~£120 for mine, way back, but I'd expect them to more than that now!
I have/had the same issue joining rails for ripping sheets, the saw would bind at the join. Looking into it the rail would flex at the join and cause a crooked cut. The problem was the joining bar was just a hair to narrow in the channels underneath, and would allow the rails the flex and subsequently walk apart from the butt ends. Granted all of the above was with cheap rails so I wasn’t too disappointed.
Solution was to simply machine my own joining bar to be a neat knock in fit.
Hi Peter! Great video, always wondered about rails compatibility. I use Bosch track saw on Makita rails (40€-1m,50€-1,5m) because they are wider than original Bosch rails. One issue is low friction strips. Bosch saw has smaller base plate so strips should be like on Evolution rail. (Bosch/Mafell on Evo rail? Idea for cheapest rail). Changing low friction strip on Makita rail was hell, I managed one strip. What is the best way to change them? Give me god answer and I give you idea for project with that small peaces of rail.
Hiya. Pretty sure the low-friction strips aren't meant to be changed - they sit in a slight recess in the rail, so that they both have the same finished height, so keep the saw level. That said I know plenty of guys who use Festool rails with Mafell/Bosch saws without any problems. When I change splinter guards I always warm the rail up with a hairdryer (or *very* carefully with a hot air gun) to make it easier, maybe that would help with the glide strips if you are determined to change them; maybe check the thickness of the rail on the other side of the rib to see if it will affect the saw being level?
Good point about the evo rails in that regard - someone else mentioned this further down in the comments as well. I still have the Mafell saw - I'll see how it sits on the Evo rails. 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop Try Mafell on Evo and Makita rail. Check Andreas Kalt review on Bosch GKT55 saw. If strips aren't moved than cutting bewel isnt proper 90 degrees. My struggle was to heat and remove strip but secure non-friction strips underneath.
Was just thinking about the titon from screwfix as I know you done a comparison against the festool ts55 Thanks.
Yes the Titan track is pretty good, but I didn’t want to include it as it’s discontinued now. And I think I talked about the rails a bit in the original videos. 👍👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop H Peter, great video, didn't Screwfix & B&Q just change the name to, "Mac Allister MSPS1200", rather than discontinue it? It's available on both sites with rails for £100, i've got one arriving tomorrow for a test.
@@gckw I'd be very interested to hear your findings as Peter and I had that discussion (whether it was just a rebrand or not) a couple of weeks ago.
Like others I've fallen foul of the Excel 2 x 700 incompatibility with Makita. However I'm using a Makita 7601 regular circular saw in conjunction with the recommended rail adaptor, and if approximately 17mm of black plastic it trimmed-off the two protuberances on the 'motor side' of the adaptor it looks like it may well work and retain its integrity. But I'm close to spending nearly as much as the proper item, and ending-up with something which may be a bit of a lash-up. Should have learned this lesson by now at my stage of life, but can't stop myself always chasing to low £££ option.
Do you know if the Mafell MT 55 track saw fits perfectly on a Makita track, any downsides in taking this route. Thanks?
Hi Peter, I am really enjoying your videos! Especially your track saw ones...so much so that I’ve decided to take the ‘plunge’ (sorry 😂). As a diy-er I’m going lower end - just wondering if you had any advice/recommendation between the Mac Allister 165mm or the Erbauer 185mm from Screwfix... the first is £50 cheaper but the Erbauer comes with a better blade, clamps and a track bag. Struggling to make a decision!🤷🏼♂️
Thanks!
Thanks! I haven’t used either I’m sorry; the NacAllistee is the replacement for the old Titan, and the Erbauer is something else again. The people I know who have the Erbauer seem happy with it. My only concern with the Erbauer is the blade - don’t know what the choice is like at that size. Sorry I can’t help more. 🤷♂️👍
Peter Millard Many thanks 🙏 I’ve just ordered the MacAllister... now to re-watch all your videos on how to set up a track saw workshop 🤔
Macalister, Titan and Erbauer saws are all from the same factory, just slightly different specs. Kingfisher who own both B&Q and Screwfix are just amalgamating their brands across all outlets so where the Titan unit has disappeared, it's just the same unit branded under Mac Allister. I'd always go with a bigger blade personally. 185mm is a typical circular saw blade so there will be no issues in getting decent blades.
Hi Peter, could you tell me if the workzone plunge saw will fit and run on the makita or festool rails thanks for the vids really enjoying them
Hi Peter, and thanks. It does fit but not well - I go into the details about why in video #285, starts here - czcams.com/video/nZGt_LqR5O8/video.html
Thanks for the info. great work its much appreciated
I know I’m a little late to this party Peter, but do you have the Mafell still, and does it fit the Makita rails? Many thanks!
Interesting stuff, though I wish you'd explore Dewalt rails a bit more. I have a DCS520 and two 1.5m rails but do find it a bit limited in compatibility with other systems. Things like Dewalt's 17mm rib, the joining bar, right-angle attachments, using the rails for routers, with benchdogs, etc. It's all hard to find info and complex to figure out yourself..
I’m afraid you’ve just listed all the reasons why I don’t want to look into the DeWalt too closely! 🤷♂️👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop Hah, fair enough, worth asking! Definitely much more expensive to get into for testing than all the cheapo supermarket tools.
Just looking at this again as I have been having the exact problem with the TS55 and the Evolution rail. Basically when making long mitre cuts to make a "waterfall" table as we all know the TS55 will tip over when at 45 degrees. So it is necessary to keep very positive pressure on the sole plate to keep the saw flat. Putting the pressure in the wrong place will cause the saw to rock on the track just a little, ruining the cut. I plan to buy some more low-friction tape and put an additional strip in the empty channel, to see if this resolves the problem.
Yes, that would be a pain. If the additional glide strips don't help then something like the Anti-tip from Bisch Basch Bosch - czcams.com/video/hpJXwEJkgpQ/video.html - would do it, but he's out of stock of the Festool now. 🤷♂️
You are the Tracksaw King, I love my Titan I am making a replacement roof cover for my friend’s pond equipment enclosure and needed to cut the fall for the 75x50 timber bearers. I set my table saw up only to find I couldn’t set out my angles so got my track saw out and it cut both bearers perfectly. Love the saw and the tracks think I might now need to replace the splinter guard as is was 50mm cut and there was lots of black bits in the sawdust and there was no burn out. Thanks for your advice on getting the Titan. Keep up the great work.
Cheers Ray! I was using my Titan just the other day - still my favourite entry-level saw, even after all this time! 👍👍
To add the Kreg Track is same width as festool but the middle t-slot track that faces down is about 1 inch or more away from the back.
Thanks! 👍👍
Hi Peter, I have a TS55 and an Erbauer track saw and the rails match perfect, the Erbauer rails have the anti tilt, can I send you a photo to post
Ditto and you get the short ones so need to do Millard surgery.
Thanks, yes, I’ve been told that the Erbauer track is the same as Makita / Excel. I have the Erbauer on order for another video, will be taking a look at that soon. 👍
Can you eventually do a video on replacement blades for the Festool TS 55? I'd like to know if there are other blades that are just as effective as Festool, but cheaper.
See ‘more about blades’ video #284 👍👍 Key blades & fixings -link in this video description - has worked very well for me. 👍👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop Thank you!
Thanks for the video. A tiny bit off topic, what do you think of the Kreg Accucut system? It's very good.
Thanks! The Kreg system looks very good, but until they decide to make it available here in the UK I’ll just have to take everyone else’s word for it! 🤷♂️👍👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop hey, I won't engage you in a huge thread of conversation here and thanks for taking the time to reply....
I'm in Dublin (few kilometres to the left or right of ya!!) anyway, kreg is available online through Caulfield Industrial and ie.Depot companies. The accucut is 110euro inclusive of vat. Sterling not too bad at present and they ship free to the UK! I must stress that it's an attachment piece for a circular saw with guide rail and not a plunge saw system. Take it from a pedantic person, it is really good for squareness and grips well to large sheets without the clamp. And no, I don't work for them, I'm a diyer. It's just a good system, but in lidl yesterday what did I see, only a plunge saw 😅
Love your channel, you're very well spoken.
Ozito is widely available through Bunnings across Australia and NZ. Both Ozito and Parkside names are owned by Einhell. I think Einhell products can be bought here, bot not from anyone near me.
Curiously, Einhell has a 1300 (universal across Australia) number, and Aldi's WorkZone shares that number.
Haha...
For some reason I felt the need to say out allowed... what are you doing!!!!
Then it dawned on me... our fellow Peter knows what he is doing
Up to a point... 😂👍👍
Interesting video again Peter. But I'm interested in how you set up your cut station, ie, how you hinged your track for cross cuts, do you have a video on the build please?
Thanks Brian. It’s an off-the-shelf Festool MFT or Multi-function table & the hinged rail comes as standard. See videos #182 and #183 for more details. 👍 I will be making my own budget version before too long, so watch out for that.
Festool MFT video 182, czcams.com/video/0V-p5F7SjO4/video.html and follow-on 183 czcams.com/video/RxcVY8ZR2fQ/video.html
All MFT related vids in a playlist here - bit.ly/MFT-related
Thanks Peter much appreciated 👍
Happily the Excel rails are back in stock. There is a curious warning about the 700mm rails not being compatible with the 1400mm one. Apparently they are made by different manufacturers and the thickness of the profile is slightly different. I need a couple of short rails as my 1400 ones are often rather awkward for smaller cuts so I have bought a 1400 which I will cut in half so I can join the extra short lengths to a Festool1400mm rail (I hope) if I need a little more than 1400. At £35 with free delivery after adding a few spring clamps it seems a very good deal.
Yes, the 700mm rails that come with the saw are like the older Parkside saw and rails; Because of this the Excel plunge saw wont fit on the Excel 1400mm rails. Madness. 🤷♂️
@@10MinuteWorkshop Hi Peter. It was the comment that the two rails won't join rather than compatibility with the saw that concerned me. I need a couple of short rails but might want to join them onto my 1400mm Festool rail occasionally so I hope that cutting a 1400 Excel rail in half will allow me to do this.
Hello, I watch your vlog with a great pleasure. I learned a lot.
Probably stupidly I bought Erbauer circular saw 165mm but I'm struggling to find a suitable guide rail. Do you think Excel would fit please? Thank you.
Thanks! Yes, the Erbauer rails are identical to the Makita-pattern rails, and the Excel rails are a direct copy. I talk about the Erbauer and the Teuton equivalent in this video - czcams.com/video/ZCVPNFeHAQ8/video.html 👍👍
Thank you. You are a real gentleman!
Informative as usual. In the wild axxx guess department. I can think of a reason why no one has copied the Festool rail despite the fact the patent has expired. Given Festools corporate culture I think you would have to fairly certain you would be sued. IP lawyers fees to other lawyers fees are Festool prices to Aldi prices. All they have to do is allege that the consumers are being misled by the knock off and years of extremely expensive litigation can follow. This may be cynical but it is an informed opinion.
Just out of interest was the patent comment a bit of coat trailing?
Very happy with my Evolution rails matched to the Macallister track saw. Most of my work is on melamine coated chip board. Any ideas on the most "Grippy" cushion strips for the base. I would like to upgrade them
Festool have the grippiest cushion strips on the base, in my experience. 👍
Thank you😊
Another fabulous video Peter and one I've been waiting for! Did you try the Parkside with the Evo rails and if so how did they work?
Thanks! Yes the Parkside rails worked well with the Evo rails - slight height discrepancy, but no problem in use. At the risk of stating the obvious though, if you’re picking up the Evo bundle with 2# 1400 rails, why would you join them to the Parkside rails, unless you wanted a 2100 for something?? 👍👍
Peter Millard Sorry I didn’t explain properly. I wanted to know if you’d tried the Parkside Saw on the Evolution rails as I’m looking into getting the long rail kit. Although they are not listed anymore on Screwfix so I may have missed the boat ☹️ The shorter kit is still there though. Thanks for the reply.
Hi Peter i have bought the erbauer plunge saw with 2 x700 guide rails ,only problem is the rails are not long enough to cut full length of 8x4 sheet or 1981 door could you advise if any other rail fits the erbauer love the video's thanks mike
Erbauer uses the standard Makita-pattern rail, so Makita or Festool rails will be fine. 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop thank you 👍
Metabo have a rail that seems to be a love child between festool and mafell. It has the raised rib that the saw rides on in the middle but no t-slot on the outside. It does use the mafell joining bar though. I've heard that the metabo plunge saw doesn't snug up on the makita rail but it does on the festool and now I know why due t the difference in the width of the rib between the two. It is interesting that your festool saw also didn't snug up on the makita rail either.
Yes, interested in getting my hands on a Metabo, though I think the lack of a t-slot will compromise it in the accessories aftermarket.👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop there is a distinct lack of UK reviews of the metabo saw so I would be very interested if you could get one to review. I've had enough of watching German videos with auto translate subtitles. Robin clevett has one but his review was brief and seemed a sponsored video
Hi Peter, thanks for such a great discussion.
I currently have 2 Macallister track saw sets and I was wondering how compatible they are with the makita guide rail? I would like to upgrade to the longer rails but don't want to get them if they won't fit.
Hi there! The Macallister tracks are virtually identical to Makita pattern, as are the Erbauer and Triton tracks, so you'll be fine with them. 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop Thank you very much for the reply, that helps hugely.👍