Track Saw Notes #2: Track Saw Parallel Guide Systems

Track Saw Parallel Guide Systems

This is an analysis of the three major parallel guide systems for Festool track saws. They also work with Makita, although you should verify compatibility for yourself before you make a purchase for a Makita track.

The three guide systems are from Woodpecker, TSO and Festool. I own both the Woodpecker guide and the Festool guide. TSO is functionally equivalent to Woodpecker and any comments I make about TSO is based on observation and research, and not hands-on experience.

There are small differences in the design of the flip stops for Woodpecker and TSO, so you might want to dig deeper to see if one or the other appeals to you the most.

THE GUIDES:

Woodpecker (review here)
Price: $480, $400 with no Systainer

Included:

• 52 inch capacity with four 12” extension segments per leg
• Two flip stops per leg
• Under-track bar for narrow cuts
• Systainer

Required accessories:

• None

TSO
Price: $190 for 30 inch system, $290 for 30 and 50 inch

Included:

• 30 or 50 inch capacity
• One flip stop per leg
• Under-track bar for narrow cuts

Required accessories:

• Two guide rail adapters $44 or $50 each, depending on type.
  -or-
• One guide rail adapter and GRS-16 ($160) or GRS-16 PE ($180) guide rail square
  -or-
• Two GRS-16 or GRS-16 PE guide rail squares ($320 to $360 total)

Optional:

• Two extra flip stops $50 each

Festool (review pending)
Price:

• 201182 Parallel guides $300
• 201183 Parallel guide extensions $170 (requires 201182 guides)
  -or-
• 203160 Both of the above as a package $360 (save $110)

Included:

• Guides and stops with 25 19/32 inch capacity

Required accessories:

• None

FUNCTIONALITY:

Woodpecker

For standard wide stock cuts, the Woodpecker guide performs flawlessly. The two flip stops that are part of the system allow it to be set up for the type of operation you’d want when cutting things like cabinet carcass components. You can set one pair of stops for the cabinet depth—say, 23 1/4” for a standard base cabinet, and the other for the height. Once set, you can cut out components by simply flipping the stops and be certain that they will all be exactly the same.

For narrow stock cutting, the two narrow stock rods are attached and provide stops under the track. This works well to a point. Since the keeper piece is under the track, for very narrow cuts there is little track holding the workpiece in place and careful clamping is needed to prevent slippage and a ruined cut. It also can become unwieldy since the bulk of the workpiece extends in front of the track.

The Woodpecker system also utilizes four segments in each t-track bar which allows you to use only what is needed for the width of board you are cutting.

TSO

As mentioned earlier, the TSO guide is functionally equivalent to Woodpecker’s guide with the same benefits and shortcomings. Note however, that only two flip stops are included in the base package, so a second set is needed for it to have the same capability as the Woodpecker.

The TSO however, is only available with two lengths of t-track legs, which can make it awkward to manage in situations where that length isn’t required.

One option the TSO guide offers that neither Woodpecker or Festool has is the ability to use the optional square cut guide (GRS-16 or GRS-16 PE), combined with a flip stop on the t-track leg, to make repeatable cross cuts like you would want for face and door frame components.

Festool

For wide stock cuts, the biggest shortcoming of the Festool guide is that it doesn’t utilize flip stops. This means the legs have to be positioned at each end of the workpiece, which can be awkward for long boards. It also means there is no option for having dual stops. It is also available in only one size and the maximum cut width is approximately half that of Woodpecker and TSO.

Where the Festool really shines is doing narrow stock cuts. It is designed such that the keeper piece is cut outside the track, not under it, allowing narrower cuts down to a tiny fraction of an inch with the workpiece held securely under the track. Repositioning for the next cut is simple as well since all that is needed is to slide the board against the stops for each cut.

-- Half of what we read or hear about finishing is right. We just don’t know which half! — Bob Flexner