The new Parallel Guide accessory for Festool guide rails will be available for purchase on March 1st. This new accessory offers greater capability to the guide rail system by providing a faster, easier, smarter way to create consistent rip cuts. Visit your local Festool dealer for more information and a demonstration of this brilliant new addition to the Festool system.

The Parallel Guide is available in three configurations. The Parallel Guide (495717), the Parallel Guide Extension (495718) and the Parallel Guide Extension Set (P00108), which is comprised of the Parallel Guide and Extensions. The Parallel Guide can be used with any length Festool FS/2 guide rail. Please note that the Parallel Guide components do not include a guide rail.

The Parallel Guide (495717) are the longer sections and offer consistent rip cuts using two adjustable stops that engage the edge of the material parallel to the cut line. They are adjustable up to 25-19/32" (650mm).

The Parallel Guide Extension (495718) connect to the Parallel Guide (495717) using a tool-less thumb screw. The Extension allows you to make narrow repetitive rip cuts ranging from 1/16" to 7-11/16" (1mm to 195mm). The Extensions must be used in conjunction with the Parallel Guide. The best value is purchasing these two components as a set (P00108).

Jerry Work, a well respected member of the Festool community and author of numerous Festool tutorials, recently was given the opportunity to review the new Parallel Guide Set (Product No. P00108) which launches on March 1st.

Jerry prepared an 11-page pictorial tutorial for the new Parallel Guide Set that we would like to share with you. From what's in the box, to set up, to demonstration and tips, this tutorial is a great resource for anyone considering adding the Parallel Guide to their Festool arsenal. In Jerry's own words, "This tutorial shows how these impressive guides can elevate guided rail cutting to the point that there is little need for a table saw any more".

We encourage you to visit "The Dovetail Joint", Jerry's website, to peruse the numerous other Festool documents and tutorials he has produced.

Jerry Work's Parallel Guide Tutorial (PDF - 5MB)

Festool will be introducing its first new power tool for 2009 on April 1st, the EHL 65 E one-handed planer. Visit our new micro website to learn all the details, view video and photos, and check out the specs for this great addition to the Festool product line.

Smooth cuts are just part of the story with Festool planers. When planing carcasses, trim, panels, or doors, the one-handed EHL 65 is both ergonomic, as well as powerful. With depth control that can be adjusted on-the-fly, spiral cutterhead, and 720 watts (6.0 Amps), the EHL 65 planer fits the bill for most planing applications. The base of the EHL 65 planer features an angled groove for chamfering operations with the size of the chamfer being controlled by the depth of cut, which can be controlled in 1/256" increments.

So many trimming and planing tasks require working in awkward and sometimes difficult to reach areas. Being able to control the planer with one hand allows easy access for challenging cuts, while leaving one hand free to help secure the material. Not only does the EHL 65 planer allow for one handed use, it also produces clean and smooth shear cuts. The spiral single-knife cutterhead cuts quickly, quietly, and cleanly for less re-work and great results. Conveniently arrange the dust collection port on either side of the machine for optimum extraction. It is a simple and straightforward machine that performs like no other.

Learn more about the EHL 65 E Planer...

The perfect complement for the Kapex Sliding Compound Miter Saw and MFT/3-Kapex Multifunction Table, the Kapex Extension Set, will be available on April 1st, 2009. The Kapex Extension Set (P00107) offer material support with flip down stops for accurate, repeatable cuts. The extensions attach to the Kapex's crown stops (494369), sold separately.

The Kapex Extension Set includes measuring tape with metric and imperial markings. The extensions expand to give a range from 60-3/4" to 91" from the blade for material support. When fully extended, the Kapex Extensions will accommodate materials up to 16' in length. An adjustable flip stop can travel the entire length of the extensions, even when they are fully expanded, providing accurate measurements. A crown support provides additional support for taller materials up to 5-5/8". The legs of the extensions can be removed for compact transportation. The extensions are primarily made from extruded aluminum and weigh 18 pounds per side.

The Kapex extensions may also be purchased individually as left side (495969) and right side (495968).

Contact your local Festool dealer for more information and for availability on or after April 1st.

* Please note that some of images of the extensions show them with black legs but they will actually come with gray legs to match the MFT/3-Kapex.

This month, SysNotes readers get a peak at some of the cool Festool wares that the professional remodelers and woodworkers saw in January at the International Builders Show in Las Vegas.   In addition to great demos that focused on sanding, sawing, drilling, routing, and trim carpentry, visitors were able to see some of our new products coming out this spring.  The new Parallel Guide, EHL 65 E one-handed planer, and T+3 Lithium Ion cordless drill sets created great anticipation for their availability later this year.

This was the first time Festool attended the IBS show, and was it ever worth it! The best thing about the experience was seeing how well our tools were received by those who visited our booth.  Visitors, primarily consisting of professionals who make their living as builders and remodelers, immediately understood the value offered by Festool.  It was obvious from their reactions that they saw Festool as the solution to some of their challenges and a way to increase their margins through improved efficiencies.  Ninety-seven percent of the visitors to the booth had no hands-on experience with Festool, but they soon become Festool converts.  We heard time and time again “I can’t believe what these tools can do!” 

We even got a visit from our friend, Chris Grundy of DIY Network's Cool Tools, who has featured many of our products on his show.

If you didn’t catch some of the buzz, here are some websites to visit.

This Old House - The Hardware Aisle
The Woodworker's Journal Video
Professional Remodeler

Be sure to visit us at our next tradeshow, details below. We look forward to seeing you there!

Journal of Light Construction (JLC) - Providence
More Information
March 20th - 21st
Providence, RI
Booth #719
Complimentary Pass (a $35 value)