Procedure - "Cutting Exact Same Widths Using the Parallel Guide"

    It was just a couple of months ago when I put together a procedure for cutting narrow strips accurately and repetitively using the MFT.  It works fine and we do use it in the shop. But there is a limitation. The MFT even turned lengthwise, is only so long.

   I still like the use of this digital readout. Makes me feel like I have a big time CNC panel cutter.

   When Bob Marino was here one day last fall, we had tremendous success cutting long pieces into accurate widths. We simply used the 4' x 8' worktable and measured using the long guide rail for accuracy of the rip. Of course, with a table saw, you just need to set a fence and rip to your heart's content.

   Now a change of subject for a minute. This week when Elena and I were organizing the Festool side of the shop, she came up with this attachment that had been unpacked months (years) ago and never used. She asked what it was for and I told her. I had never used it but "...all circular saws come with some sort of flimsy guide." That is what I said.  I wouldn't think of using the flimsy guide with any of my usual circular saws.
   Then I took a fresh look at it. It is far from flimsy. Fact is, Festool doesn't make flimsy anything. (photo from Festool website)

    I have to be honest with you. By doing a search of the Festool Owners' website, there has been considerable mention of this accessory.  It is only now that I am getting around to it.
    I asked Elena to find a piece of quarter sawn oak that we could use for rails and stiles when ripped down to narrow widths.

   The oak has  rough edges, so Elena will first rip it using the long guide rail. Just as when Bob Marino was here, we use this long rail for "jointing" rough edges. It works fine every time and is so much easier than using the jointer.

   She sets the guide rail so that some wood is visible along the entire length.

  And she makes the rip cut along the length of the guide rail.  We make these cuts so often these days that we start to take for granted the perfection of the Festool plunge saw/guide rail system.  Elena is using the Panther blade that works so very well ripping  hardwoods like this. For rail and stile use, usually a stroke or two with a cabinet scraper finishes the edge.

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