Editor's Review: Can a Circular-Saw Edge Guide Replace Your Tablesaw?

The Festool system stands out because of the dedicated circular saw that's integral to the system. It has a large arbor that minimizes blade runout and a built-in dust collection system. The saw's baseplate doubles as the carriage, riding on a matching rail on the fence, and its configuration allows tilting for a bevel cut without affecting the zero-clearance qualities of the fence, an excellent feature.

The fence itself also has some standout features. The friction strips on the underside grip the work like tape, eliminating the need for clamps without collecting dirt or dust. The fence is light and easy to move around. If you're concerned about getting the fence to the job intact, you can buy shorter fences and connect them on site.

When used to guide a router, optional mini-bar clamps slide into the fence to provide extra holding power. You'll also need Festool's guide-rail adapter and one of the company's routers. Festool is really in the business of selling systems; their fences alone are excellent enough, but they don't make much sense without their matching, dedicated tools.

Editor Test Results:

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Can a Circular-Saw Edge Guide Replace Your Tablesaw? These systems offer a safe, precise way to cut sheet goods by Michael Standish