High dollar clamp guide

[iceman61]

Has anybody seen the EZ Smart line of clamp guides yet? I've been needing to buy some clamp guides & have almost bought the ones they have on Rockler & Amazon so many times but I just can't bring myself to it after seeing this other one that I ran across about a month ago. Man they look sweet. The website has some videos that got me hooked. Just can't seem to take one for the team at the prices for this stuff. Anybody own one of these already? I'm just interested in the Guide System.

http://www.eurekazone.com/products/index.html

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Not as expensive as the Festool system, though likely inferior however such a statement has created small wars on other forums.

Here is a section of Sawmillcreek dedicated to EZ

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/forumdisplay.php?f=26

and here is a dude at SMC selling his EZ system . . .

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=68314

[bthere]

I use the EZ system now for almost all panel type cuts. I rarely use the table saw for anything other than ripping of narrow pieces. If you don't use sheet goods much, this may not be a worthwhile investment. However, I must say it is a very nice system and you can get used pieces of the system from time to time from folks.

[dwk]

I guess you can call me an 'EZ Convert', although I still have a bunch of stuff to build before utilizing the full power of the system.

IMHO you shouldn't think of the EZ Smart stuff as a 'clamp guide'. While it is technically such a thing, I can't imagine spending the $$$ on it if the only need you are filling is 'first cut on sheet goods'. There are far cheaper ways to do this. (Although the clamping mechanism is pretty slick, and works with irregular/non-square goods better than most)

Where the EZ stuff starts to make sense to me is when you add the Bridge and/or the Repeaters. This moves the entire system into something that more closely resembles a tablesaw in it's ability to make reproducable precision cuts. This is something I haven't seen on any other guide rail system. The 'Power Bench' idea with a bridge-mounted rail to guide the saw and perimeter rails for clamping, alignment etc really can replace a tablesaw in pretty much all ways except depth of cut, and can do it in a smaller working footprint since the material stays stationary.

Going this route isn't cheap though - for the price I've paid for my EZ stuff I could get a nice contractor saw, and probably even a hybrid or entry-level cabinet saw from Craigslist. However, the small footprint, relative portability and modularity of the EZ sytem fit my needs better. It's certainly not for everyone, though.

[LinuxRandal]

Not as expensive as the Festool system, though likely inferior however such a statement has created small wars on other forums.

Here is a section of Sawmillcreek dedicated to EZ

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/forumdisplay.php?f=26

and here is a dude at SMC selling his EZ system . . .

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=68314

Dust collection is a little bit worse. (after some comparisons over there, we believe somewhere between 10 and 15% worse. While you lose depth of cut adding the removable base to the saw, you can use just about any saw (think I have only heard of one, that was an antique that had problems). This means up to a beam saw.

As to inferior, everyone has their opinions. Only the purchaser can really decide for themselves. Jeff's may not be theirs, mine or anyone elses.
I know both are capable, but I don't and didn't have anywhere to truely compare side by side. (like those close to both Bob Marino and Dino Markopolous's shops)

I use the EZ system now for almost all panel type cuts. I rarely use the table saw for anything other than ripping of narrow pieces. If you don't use sheet goods much, this may not be a worthwhile investment. However, I must say it is a very nice system and you can get used pieces of the system from time to time from folks.

Ripping narrow pieces can be done easily with the repeaters and cabinetmaker. The two reasons I have kept my table saw: 1. It allows me to cut thicker wood (my Bigfoot saw was severly out of whack), and 2. It will eventually find its way out to my brothers farm, for the occasional cut.

I guess you can call me an 'EZ Convert', although I still have a bunch of stuff to build before utilizing the full power of the system.

ROTFL
I am not sure anyone knows yet the full power of the system (or any other guides that keep expanding).

IMHO you shouldn't think of the EZ Smart stuff as a 'clamp guide'. While it is technically such a thing, I can't imagine spending the $$$ on it if the only need you are filling is 'first cut on sheet goods'. There are far cheaper ways to do this. (Although the clamping mechanism is pretty slick, and works with irregular/non-square goods better than most)

Going this route isn't cheap though - for the price I've paid for my EZ stuff I could get a nice contractor saw, and probably even a hybrid or entry-level cabinet saw from Craigslist. However, the small footprint, relative portability and modularity of the EZ sytem fit my needs better. It's certainly not for everyone, though.

I started out thinking of it as an edge guide, with a manual cnc router, when I first purchased it in 2004. Since I found that forum last year, and with the portability of it, my table saw collects dust, not makes it.
Yes it CAN quickly get expensive, but it doesn't have to be, and it can leave you with more of an empty workshop when done (put it away and have space to do other things)

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Dust collection is a little bit worse. (after some comparisons over there, we believe somewhere between 10 and 15% worse. While you lose depth of cut adding the removable base to the saw, you can use just about any saw (think I have only heard of one, that was an antique that had problems). This means up to a beam saw.

As to inferior, everyone has their opinions. Only the purchaser can really decide for themselves. Jeff's may not be theirs, mine or anyone elses.
I know both are capable, but I don't and didn't have anywhere to truely compare side by side. (like those close to both Bob Marino and Dino Markopolous's shops)

I have not compared them side by side at the same time. I have saw both in action at different times. The Festool saw has advantages of better dust collection and certainly better dust collection out of the box. The Festool saw has a very unique plunge feature that I was in awe of when I saw it used to replace sections of antique hardwood flooring. Amazing. The Festool guide seems to stick to the material better as well, but that was purely observational and not my utilization.

As noted you could use a 16" beam saw with the EZ. Of course you would be more of a man than I am . . . .

[LinuxRandal]

I have not compared them side by side at the same time. I have saw both in action at different times. The Festool saw has advantages of better dust collection and certainly better dust collection out of the box. The Festool saw has a very unique plunge feature that I was in awe of when I saw it used to replace sections of antique hardwood flooring. Amazing. The Festool guide seems to stick to the material better as well, but that was purely observational and not my utilization.

As noted you could use a 16" beam saw with the EZ. Of course you would be more of a man than I am . . . .

Plunge can be a bonus in some areas, and a minus in others (I have debated some of the guys over at SMC over that, from my experiences) As to the grip of the guide, Dino makes his guide slick by default (for easy movement over the wood), however, he also carries the tape that makes it so you have to pick up the guide to move it. There are other methods that can be done for temporary grip.
The Beam saw, used to have it's own pictorial, though not as much is left of it (only so much bandwidth). The Bigfoot saw, however, is used by a few people (10 1/4" saw) and I intend to buy another (hopefully not messed up this time).

[iceman61]

Looks like I may go ahead & put a small dent in my credit card for this system. Thanks guys for all info.

One more thing, if you own one of these systems is there any reason own the clamp guides that Emmerson makes, the ones that are on sale right now at Rockler & Amazon?

[LinuxRandal]

Looks like I may go ahead & put a small dent in my credit card for this system. Thanks guys for all info.

One more thing, if you own one of these systems is there any reason own the clamp guides that Emmerson makes, the ones that are on sale right now at Rockler & Amazon?

I have seen people use the back to back clamp sets (not sure if Emerson makes them as well), besides the guides. They were used for clamping. However, depending on how you decide to work, some have used them with their table saws (believe that was part of some jig here).

Where are you looking at getting the guide? Their website, SMC classifieds, his Ebay sales link (has sold cheaper there before).

I would recommend the 114" set, over the 100 (wasn't available when I first ordered).

[niki]

It created a war not only on the SMC but also on a UK forum.

From one side, I envy you guys in USA that you have everything and in such a low prices...on the other hand, I'm so happy that Poland is still so "retarded"...

I don't need any guide system to break down 8 x 4 actually, I even don't see the 8 x 4 sheets.
We have here a different "patent", we order cut plates...I go to the shop (that is more like an office in the town) and put a "cutting list" and the next day, I get the plates (delivered to my home) perfectly cut on one of those big sliders with scoring blade so the cut is nice from both sides.

I pay about 50 Cents for each plate so, when I made my kitchen, I ordered something like 100 plates so, the kitchen cost me another $50 but, no big heavy sheets to carry, no dust and perfect cut.

Oh, I also don't need planer/thicknesser....for the same reason.

Sorry, just had to tell you

Regards
niki

[LinuxRandal]

It created a war not only on the SMC but also on a UK forum.

From one side, I envy you guys in USA that you have everything and in such a low prices...on the other hand, I'm so happy that Poland is still so "retarded"...

I don't need any guide system to break down 8 x 4 actually, I even don't see the 8 x 4 sheets.
We have here a different "patent", we order cut plates...I go to the shop (that is more like an office in the town) and put a "cutting list" and the next day, I get the plates (delivered to my home) perfectly cut on one of those big sliders with scoring blade so the cut is nice from both sides.

I pay about 50 Cents for each plate so, when I made my kitchen, I ordered something like 100 plates so, the kitchen cost me another $50 but, no big heavy sheets to carry, no dust and perfect cut.

Oh, I also don't need planer/thicknesser....for the same reason.

Sorry, just had to tell you

Regards
niki

I wish that were the case here. You CAN get the borg to crosscut things (and yes, plywood is mostly crosscut both directions), but (at least locally), they may have a 40 tooth blade, or an 18 tooth blade, and they won't change it for you.

If all your doing is plywood, save the dough and google Sawboards. You can also put (carpet tape and hardboard) a zero clearance base on your saw, just make sure the guard works (not full across the base).
I have seen the wars, on MULTIPLE forums, and quite frankly, I get tired of the rhetoric/maturity level, from both sides. A tool is a tool. While it can help and improve a user, don't let it take over your life.

[niki]

Hi LinuxRandel

You are so correct about those childish wars and same like the real war...there are no winners but, it was fun to read...

I have a saw board and a 9' straight edge but use them very seldom (more with the router).

In Europe, the kitchens are made of Melamine (even the "high end" kitchens) the thought is that within 5~7 years we are going to change it for a newer design so we don't invest so much and we make simple boxes connected with Confirmat screws (no face frames) and than choose the doors that are covering everything.

Regards
niki

[Andrew Benedetto]

I just do not see the same quality of cut with any direct drive sidewinder circ saws. The advantages of the TS are many, 10" blade with more teeth and tip velocity, belt driven machined arbor, little runout, less vibration, blades are much better quality and selection is almost unlimited,easy repeatability with a good fence. If you have infeed and outfeed support I can rip down a sheet , with a more accurate repeatable result and better cut quality on my Unisaw or BT3k for that matter. I can see if space is a problem but that Festool table plunge saw thing costs as much as a Cab TS if you want 110" length and it still only a 7" circ. saw. that need another options.(the 7" blade alone is $93)
"For the TS 75, we recommend purchasing a 3000 mm (118") guide rail for ripping 8ft. sheets. The larger 15" base of the TS 75 reguires a longer rail to provide extra support for starting the cut. Two 1400 mm (55") connected to form a 110" will work, but you will have to plunge into your "
$950+ for the 55", add $250 more for the 118"
http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/PT1561188
I have a Pro Trugrip track and plate and it is OK but it is no Unisaw. I know the Eurazone is less expensive but it seems to get mixed reviews.
Niki ,is right, I would have the woodshop cut it over buying those systems if you live in Poland. Then you would have more money and free time for trying out his clever inventions!

[iceman61]

I have seen people use the back to back clamp sets (not sure if Emerson makes them as well), besides the guides. They were used for clamping. However, depending on how you decide to work, some have used them with their table saws (believe that was part of some jig here).

Where are you looking at getting the guide? Their website, SMC classifieds, his Ebay sales link (has sold cheaper there before).

I would recommend the 114" set, over the 100 (wasn't available when I first ordered).

Yes & I am thinking about getting the 114" set. Already I can see several times I could have put it to good use. With the EZ Smart I can't really see any reason to get the Emerson clamp guides that Rockler & Amazon sells.

[siliconbauhaus]

I think the emerson guides are worthwhile even if you have a ez or the festool system. There are times where it would just be quicker to clamp the guide down and cut. Especially if you're using a router or a jigsaw. Without buying extra bits for either system you're SOOL.

I had the ez 114 and sold it. My main reason was I wanted a guided saw that had good DC and a riving knife. Unless I bought a hilti 267 there was no way I was going the get the same features as the ts55 and when you throw the price of the hilti into the mix you end up spending more.

I'm fed up with all the crap between both sides. They both do a good job.