Guide Rails - Your Questions Answered

My FSK Guide Rail no longer springs back?

The built-in retractable cable is not designed to spring the saw back but more to assist. The cutting process should always see the user pull the saw back to a safe position. Loosen the adjustable green cams underneath the saw table, but still the cutting process will see the user draw the saw back into position.

Can FSK and FS guide rails be joined?

The FSK rails cannot be joined to each other. FS guide rails cannot be joined to FSK rails. FS guide rails can be joined to each other using the FS Guide Rail Joiner Set.

Can I get a Festool bag for my FS 1900 / 2400 guide rail?

There is only a bag for the FS 1400 guide rail, the FS Guide Rails Bag. See all the available options for Festool Guide Rails bags on the Festool website.

Can I join my older guide rail to the current FS rails?

No, they are not compatible to join. See the full range of compatible and joinable guide rail components on the Festool website.

Can I use FS Guide Rail Parallel Side Fence with my Makita tools?

Festool Parallel guides will not fit Makita tracks as they have a slightly different extrusion.

Can I use the Gecko clamps with glass?

The Gecko clamp can be used for any non-porous flat surface up to 50kg.

Can older FS 1400 guide rails be joined to the new FS 1400 with adhesive pads?

Yes. The older FS 1400 guide rails are compatible with new FS 1400 guide rails and can be joined.

Can the FS 1400 be joined to the new FS 1400 with adhesive pads?

Yes. Older FS 1400 guide rails and the newer FS 1400 guide rails are compatible and can be joined.

Can the FS Guide Rail Adjustable Angle Stop (FS-WA) be used on the FSK rails?

The FS-WA adjustable stop cannot be used on the FSK guide rails. The FSK rails have the feature to set angles on the guide rails to achieve the same result.

Can the Gecko clamp be used on any type of wood or MDF?

The Gecko clamp is designed for use on any non-porous flat surface. These surfaces include melamine, laminates, aluminium, and acrylic materials. Make sure the surface is clean and dust-free for maximum suction strength.

Can the grub screws for my guide rail connector be purchased separately?

Yes, the part number is 203816 and these can be ordered direct from your closest Festool dealer or from idealtools.com.au.

Guide rail for ATF 55?

Is the ATF 55 plunge saw compatible with new guide rails? Yes, it's compatible.

Guide Rail Tolerances?

From time to time we do receive complaints that FS guide rails are not straight. Knowing the tolerance level can assist in complaint handling. Below is a list of manufacturer-accepted tolerance levels on Festool guide rails: FS 800 = 0.7mm FS 1080 = 0.8mm FS 1400 = 1.0mm FS 1900 = 1.2mm FS 2400 = 1.5mm FS 2700 = 1.5mm FS 3000 = 2.0mm FS 5000 = 3.0mm This information is not for general publication. If complaints regarding guide rail accuracy include the topic of joining guide rails, please refer to Technical Information Sheet No. 6: TSI-Joining Guide Rails-June-10.

How do I remove and replace the FS splinter guard, cushion and sliding strip on FS rails?

Carefully remove the plastic strip or cushion with your fingers or a non-metal scraper (nylon). Use an adhesive remover or wax and grease remover to clean the surface before applying the new strip. In very cold seasons or climates, heat the FS and adhesive slightly to help with initial adhesion.

How do the guide rail connectors/joiners work?

The connectors or joiners are secured with grub screws and have a self-aligning function to ensure a precise and stable connection.

How is the splinter guard applied to a guide rail?

The splinter guard is applied by aligning it carefully along the rail and pressing it into place. For detailed instructions, refer to Festool’s instructional video.

How thick is the denier on the Systainer3 Tool Bag?

The denier on the Systainer3 Tool Bag (part no. 577501) is 600dpi and it is not cut-proof.

Rapid Clamp Set for guide rail comes in Left and Right – how do I know which set I need? Or do I need both?

The Rapid Clamp Set Right (part number 489790) is used for all applications except the SSU 200 and IS 330 Sword Saws. These sword saws use the Rapid Clamp Set Left (part number 768116).

REVIEW: The screws in the FS Guide Rail Joiner seem tight and hard to manoeuvre with the allen key.?

The joiner screws are tight as they insert into a tapered fitting to expand the steel. They do not need extreme pressure to expand and should only be tightened until the pressure is on the rail sides.

What diameter are the spigots on the WALKO clamps? What size holes do they fit?

WALKO tables provide 20mm “dog holes”. WALKO quick clamp sets will fit 20mm holes.

What is the part number for the grub screw for the original Guide Rail Joiners FSV?

Part number is 203816 – Grub Screw for FSV Guide Rail Connector. Available to order from your local Festool Dealer.

What is the part number for the grub screws for the new Guide Rail Joiners FSV/2?

The part number is 10493817 (Grub screw DIN EN ISO 4026 M6 ET-BG). Available to order from your local Festool Dealer.

What is the part number for the Grub Screws in the Guide Rail Connector/Joiner?

The part number for the self-aligning guide rail connector is 10493818.

Why are there serial numbers on my FSK Rail? Do I need to register it?

FSK rails are a safety-relevant piece of equipment. The quality department in Germany requested serial numbers to enable tracing during production in case of quality concerns. FSK rails do not need to be registered at point of sale.

Will all guide rail lengths have the adhesive pads to stick rails to walls?

No, the adhesive pads are only available for 1400mm (577043) and 1900mm (577044) guide rails.

I have lost the grub screws from my Guide Rail Joiner/Connector, can these be purchased separately?

Yes, the part number is 203816 – Grub Screw for FSV Guide Rail Connector. The part number for the FSV/2 screw for the expandable connector is 10493818. These are available for order from your closest Festool Dealer.

When should I buy the left or right FS Guide Rail Rapid Clamp set?

The left Guide Rail Rapid Clamp pivots to the left-hand side of the rail and is used with the SSU chainsaw. The right Guide Rail Rapid Clamp would get damaged cutting angles. The right clamp is the standard and is used with all guide rail tools.