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Woodpecker’s One-Time Tool – Parallel Guide System for Festool Track Saw Tracks
Hi, I’m Andy Glass with Workshop Addict, and today we’re going to take a look at Woodpecker’s latest one-time tool, the Parallel Guide System (PGS) for Festool Track Saw Tracks. This is a rerun of a previous release, but it’s my first time seeing it up close. In this article, we’ll go over assembly, calibration, and its performance in action. Finally, we’ll discuss my overall impressions of the PGS.
What’s Included in the Parallel Guide System
The Parallel Guide System includes:
– 2 main body brackets to attach the PGS to the Festool track
– 4 flip stops to register the desired cutting dimensions
– 8 laser-engraved precision track triple-slot T tracks
– 6 track connectors
– 2 narrow stock ripping guides
Assembly and Calibration of the Parallel Guide System
Connecting the T Tracks
Start by connecting the T track segments using the T track connectors and the included Allen wrench. Ensure that the tracks are in order according to the scale. Place the longer screws on the T track side of the main body bracket and screw on the T-slot nuts a couple of turns. Do the same for the shorter screws on the track side.
Attaching the PGS to the Festool Track
Slide the T-slot tracks and the track saw track onto the main body bracket and temporarily tighten the screws. Next, slide on the flip stops – two per arm. With the two arms in close proximity, insert the narrow stock ripping guide.
Calibrating the Parallel Guide System
Calibration of the PGS is straightforward and easy to follow. Using the knurled knobs on the flip stops, move them to the specific dimensions listed in the instructions (also marked by arrows engraved on the T track). Lock them in place, then slide the narrow ripping guide all the way to the right, closest to the Festool track, and lock it down.
Loosen the two screws connecting the main body bracket to the T track. Place a solid piece of wood with a 90-degree corner against the Festool track’s sacrificial cutting edge. Move the T track assembly towards the block until the narrow stock ripping guide touches the wood block. Tighten the screws, and the PGS is now calibrated.
Testing the Parallel Guide System in Action
We had a project involving ripping down a large amount of MDF stock, providing the perfect opportunity to test the PGS. The results showed that the system is ideal for quickly and accurately ripping down sheet goods, with repeatability being a key feature.
This accessory would be perfect for someone with a smaller workshop that doesn’t have room for a 52-inch rip capacity table saw, or for someone working on a job site with limited space. The PGS, in conjunction with the Festool track saw, can replace a table saw for cross-cutting and even ripping stock lengthwise.
The process of breaking down sheet goods using PGS is faster than marking and placing the track saw on the marks manually. Additionally, it provides finished quality cuts and parts, eliminating the need for rough cutting with a circular saw and subsequent table saw work.
Additional Features and Impressions
The PGS system’s inclusion of narrow stock guides for ripping or cutting anything under 10.5 inches is helpful. Switching from flip stops to narrow stock guides does take time, but planning your cuts to work with parts over 10.5 inches first, followed by the narrower cuts, can minimize that transition time.
While the PGS isn’t a low-cost addition to your workshop, the convenience and high-quality results it offers make it a valuable tool in the right circumstances.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Woodpecker’s Parallel Guide System is a great accessory for the Festool track saw. Its ease of use, repeatability, and speed in breaking down sheet goods make it a valuable addition to any workshop or job site. The high-quality components and results ensure the PGS will satisfy any user. Let us know if you have any questions or comments below, and don’t forget to follow Workshop Addict on social media for more product reviews and project updates. Happy woodworking!
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Thanks for the comprehensive review!
Nice demo and review Andy. Just what I needed to see in use before I decide, particularly the calibration. I have enjoyed other Woodpecker tools. Thank you!
I generally love WorkshopAddict reviews, but this is one which misses the mark — or as they say in baseball, is "Just a little bit outside." While the review shows using it, the explanation of just why this is a useful addition to your tracksaw is barely mentioned. Judging from the comments, it looks like most people not familiar with the parallel cutting guides thought this was just some "Rube Goldberg" more-or-less useless add-on for cuts 90 degrees to the edge. The point is that you can easily set it up, and thereafter, you can quickly cut piece after piece with parallel edges — and exactly the same size all without measuring again.
Festool makes its own parallel guide system and the narrow stock cutting attachment. It would be interesting to learn of the advantages of using the Woodpeckers version vs. the Festool version.
to complicated and way to expensive dont need this to make your cuts use the gsr-16 attachment
There is nothing professional or efficient about using a tracksaw to cut parts.
very nice, I had a terrible time trying to make straight cuts for speaker boxes with a circular saw lol. This would of helped #workshopaddict
Regardless of whether or not I need it, I respect the hell out of the quality of construction and the fact that they're made in the US.
This seems like it will get in the way.
I'll stick with a straight and clamps.
@3:30 just no.
What a tease! I've been waiting for these to be released again. Guess I'll keep holding out. Thanks for the review.