The benchdogs square also has tapped holes into which you can screw long dogs, for when you need to cut a post-formed kitchen worktop and can’t reference off the top edge. These are also spaced so that you can drop the dogs through the holes in a MFT table to make a cutting station...there are specific dogs with a tapered end to make set up easy. I have the mk I square, which uses Allen head screws to secure it to the rail, a little less convenient but dead on accurate. I highly recommend it.
Great video. My wife is buying me the Festool MFT 3 Table and Track Saw for my 60th birthday. The video motivated me to get the Woodpecker Track Saw Square. Thanks for the detailed comparison. Job well done Sir.
FC tools of UK (Scotland) does too. Their original square was an absolute work of art, and nicer than the Benchdogs, but both companies made 'improvements' to their squares now I think the new Benchdog is nicer, but I have not tested it's accuracy yet. The FC uses cams with a Allen key to tighten, the throw lever cam on Benchdog is more elegant.
I've got the Benchdogs UK square and it is really excellent! It does come in models that are compatible with Bosch/Mafell, but you do need to buy two versions to maintain compatibility with Festool/Makita/Triton as well. As I write, the TSO GR16 is currently available in the UK at £99 sterling. A real bargain IMHO, given that I previously owned the Triton - aka, the kinda square railsquare - which came in at around £35 about 4 years ago. I was in the market for the 'Clyde built' FC square, made right here in Bonnie Scotland, but it was always out of stock, and I just gave up on it, opting instead for the Benchdogs version. I'm not experiencing any retail regret.
I just want to thank you for this in depth video and comparison with different companies, this is my first track saw and looking for accessories for this Makita. Thank you
Great video thank you, I'm in the UK, and have some Benchdogs products, have found them very precise and well made can't recommend them enough. Thanks again for a very informative video.
I received the new MK2 Rail Square - Mafell / Bosch (version 2) from Benchdog UK a month ago, and have used it a dozen times up to now. It's awesome. No complaints. Yes, it is not lite, but it's tight and extremely accurate. I love it. Note: The locks on version 2 are made of nylon or hard plastic.
The MK2s are now being supplied with Aluminium locks instead of plastic ones. We will be offering an exchange for anyone who has the MK2 Rail Square with the plastic locks.
I chose a track saw square from Banggood website because it is half as wide. I would have purchased the TSO product but it is ~6" wide and when attached to the end of a 1400mm track, the track does not extend past the edge of a 4' panel by more than an inch or so. The Banggood product is ~3" wide so the 1400 track extends ~4" past the end of a 4' panel. It works well on my Makita or Festool tracks and is about $30. I wish the standard track length was 1500mm, and if it was I would have gone with the TSO square.
Unfortunately, no check about the reality of the squaring of them has been made: and it's the key of the quality of the cut! In fact, as I have the TSO, I can mention it's usable only for small lengths pieces: over 0,8 meter length you'll see the squaring fail Maybe except the Woodpecker model, all the other have no way to calibrate the squaring: so you can't adjust anything. When you buy one, the squaring should be good, but if it's not, there is nothing you can do to fix that.
I picked up the TSO with my parallel guides and really like it. It has been working very well for me and zero complaints about the system. The Woodpeckers is nice, but I just don't see a need for anything but 90 degree cuts for my use. I did, however, buy an Amazon Chinese knock-off that is smaller (~10x3",
My Triton system has an adjustable angle square as well. They make a static 90 degree model and an adjustable model. It works great for my needs. Thanks for the great review!
I’ve had the TSO GSR-16 for a couple of years. Before the GSR-PE was available. I can’t complain about anything regarding TSO and their products. No regrets. Great video as always.
Well I’ve got the Mikita track saw system and will be adding the TSO system (30-50) with the squares . I also have the Kreg pocket hole gigs along with the foreman and cabinet gigs they make. Adding the TSO system will complete my perfect set up for cabinets.
A few points, the TSO is now rebadged and called Festool Rail Square in Europe. I had both the TSO and the Benchdogs squares. I found I was always reaching for the Benchdogs mark 1 version, it felt better and produced more accurate cuts for me. Also over here in the UK the Benchdogs is way cheaper then the TSO. The additional pieces for the Benchdogs make it really useful and it will soon have a parallel guide to go with it which again will be way cheaper than the TSO over here. The developer Ralph is just such an enthusiast that he is constantly improving his products.
Yep - I bought Festo Square today and it is excellent. Will use it with Bosch track saw. The price vary across EU - I´ve got it for 130 USD from local dealer + 40 USD extra for 1000mm Makita rail. Very happy so far.
I started with the InstaRail and for whatever reason would not give me a square cut. Checked the machined features and they are square to the reference edge... but when attached to the rail would not clamp square. Replaced with the TSO w/ parallel guides and have never been happier. Can't keep a tool around if I can't trust it!
Recently purchased the Festool TS55 track saw. Looking for a square guide to make my crosscuts that much faster. Thank you for this very informative review! It was well thought out and put together. My only additional question would be accuracy...perhaps a 5 cut method test for each to show their degree of accuracy. Did you find they were all dead on or was there a little slop (say 1/32" at 24") on any of them?
A detail you didn't mention is the TSO (and perhaps others) was sized to fit in the TS 55 systainer case. A detail I appreciate every time I go to use it.
+I believe that benchdogsuk has an option for Bosch/ Mafell rails, another option for Bosch owners is the Bosch rail with integrated angle guide FSN WAN, though I'm not sure of the precision of this vs dedicated track square.
I have the Benchdogs UK track square and love the ease of taking on/off. I have the w/p adjustable but use it less often. UK track saw square helps me use with MFT and not need an festool MF3 setup or kreg
I realize that this video was aired a year ago but I just watched it. TSO now makes the GRS-16 PE K Guide Rail Square for the Kreg Track Saw. This Square is compatible with all the accessories as the other Guide Rail Squares TSO makes… Just thought you should know (which you probably already do)
Great review Jason. I have the InstaRail one and regret not getting the TSO one. Over time the InstaRail made dents on my rails and the clip will lock on it's self all the time.
@@acerjuglans383 Apparently they have a new version. They might have fixed the denting problem. Other then that the tool works fine. The TSO one in my opinion is more accurate and more flexible with many options.
Great video - I have the woodpecker and use it for angled cuts and agree it is well made but it’s not my go to ... I prefer the Festool with T-Loc Guide rail .. would like to see you add this one to the comparison.
I have the Woodpecker product and it does a good job, and yes, it is heavy. I liked to see the other products for making just 90 degree cuts, would work in most of my cuts and an option for a friend who builds tables. Thanks for the video.
Good video and thanks for comparing. I’ve had TSO for a couple years. Never get a true 90 degree cut paired with my Makita track saw. I haven’t been able to determine if it is the TSO or the Makita track. I just cut about 1/2” bigger and use table saw for final cut. Would really like being able to just rely on tracksaw and square.
I still rough cut on the larger side and the final at the table saw. It isn’t because I don’t have confidence, it just the method I am use to doing. It’s like a habit I don’t care to break. 🤣
It looks like the InstaRail also doesn't have the notches for using a rail clamp like the GRS or Bench Dog. I recently purchased the TSO and I love it. Plus you have all the accessories to make a whole system like the angle accessory for rounded edges, and of course the fantastic parallel guides w/ flip stops.
I really wanted the Benchdog one because they're so innovative and also the benchdog compatibility which extends the reference of the square (also great on round-over edges. BUT!!!!! they were about two months behind on delivery so I didn't want to wait and therefore I went with the TSO16GS. (glad I did), nice video.
Benchdogs also make one for Bosch. Which I think is the only one on the market in North America from their other options. I'm happy with mine for the Bosch rails.
A good informative video Jason. I have the Festool one which is the TSO rebranded. I also have the Festool protractor attachment for angle cuts. It doesn’t have the positive stops that click on like the woodpecker but it works perfectly fine and is no where near as big and heavy as the woodpecker.
Having one that makes angled cuts is important to me, even if it's "not all the time". I like options. I also have two TSO GSR-PE squares. I like to do one at each end of my track. Plus, now they have the parallel guides! I love TSO Products.
Great compendious review. I love my TSO GRS; you can absolutely take the accuracy to the bank. But despite the light weight, I wish it included an anti-tipping tab. I added a handle that incorporates such a tab to mine and find it especially useful for shorter crosscuts.
Glad you put this out there. I just got my TSC-55 at the end of December. I love it. And it seems like I haven't done tons of stuff I've needed it for... but it's done things I wouldn't have done very well before. Anyhow... I want a rail square. I've leaned toward the BenchDogs one. I love the accessories of it and more. But maybe thats because I watched a lot of the 10 Minute Work Shop. LOL. I haven't seen a whole lot about TSO. But this video was super helpful. Although I want the Benchdogs one... waiting for it and the extra shipping has kept me from pulling the trigger. Knowing the TSO is super comparable will help me decide when I do get one. Thanks again for sharing!
I got the gen 2 of the insta with the dogs. I got my whole makita track saw set up from tool nut. I wanted to get tso but tool nut didn’t sell it and the insta looked comparable. It’s worked great, it fits in the systainer. I do wish there was a comparison video like this when I had got it but oh well, if I really want something else I’ll just get it and sell the one I have.
Hi Jason. Not sure if it's the same in the states. In Australia festool have released the TSO under the festool name at half the price as the TSO and made it the most economical to buy.
That is available in the EU too. I doubt the USA will get it as TSO licenced it to Festool for non Domestic sales, so if they sold it in the USA they would probably be breaking the licence agreement.
UPDATE: Both are now $145, but neither can be sold to a US customer. The TSO is actually quite a bit cheaper at Axminster, $140 US, and Festool sells a rebranded version for $130. Festool does not sell their version in the US , but does appear to sell it everywhere else. There is a build series on TH-cam done by trainer Brent where he is breaking down plywood and when needs to do some 90degree cuts he uses a woodpeckers 1281 square instead of a rail square. Woodpeckers seems to be the only 3rd party brand allowed in Festool US marketing. I’m surprised he didn’t at least use a TSO since they are essentially a sub-contractor.
Is it possible to modify the TSO GRS-16PE to have the additional features of Benchdogs UK MK2 Rail Square like attaching the dogs or the tab to hold it level.
I have had the Woodpeckers one for quite some time, but, to be honest, I really wish I was aware of the TSO when I purchased it. My biggest gripe with the Woodpeckers square is that on more than one occasion, I have found the "pointer" that indexes the angle isn't completely seated in the notch (not out of the notch, but not completely tight, even with the locking knob tightened) and the result is slightly out of square. I also think the weight makes it awkward and moving it around lends itself to bumping the index pointer slightly out of square. And the reality is that, besides when I first got it and was trying it out on scrap, I've never made anything but a 90 degree cut with it.
Good job. I just bought the TSO. Festool sells what looks like a clone of the TSO in Australia. Until recently, the TSO was cheaper from Axminster in UK even with shipping. I thought i saw a Festool adjustable square, maybe in the accessory kit.
The Festool unit is a rebrand of the TSO, it is not for sale in the US, but appears to be sold everywhere else. Axminster sells both side by side in the UK.
You are right. Festool do make a protractor or angle attachment however it doesn’t have the positive stops at each angle. I have it and it works perfectly fine you just have to line the lines up accurately before tightening down.
@@bentswoodworking You already have one, it's just blue. The Festool version even has TSO stamped on the clamp :-). I just checked current pricing on the TSO, Still $179 in the US but backordered till March. Axminster used to sell the Festool [backorded] for $130us and the TSO [in stock] for $140us, both are now $145. And they will sell either to a US customer. It's interesting that a US product can be imported to the UK and sold substantially cheaper, I assume that is due to strength of the GBP vs USD. Now we now how the Canadians feel.
I was actually surprised the woodpeckers didn’t cost as much as the track saw. I love their stuff but they are a little over the top on the pricing of most of their tools. I’m willing to pay twice as much for a tool that’s twice as good, but I won’t pay four times.
In likely because I don’t have all them anymore. I sold them off after this video. I do use the TSO for pretty much everything. I do still have the Benchdogs one.
Jason, TSO Parallel and Square guide Question for my TS 55 REQ. I'm setting my TS 55 REQ up with a TSO products guide rail square and their parallel guide system. My question, Is it worthwhile getting both the GRS-16 PE as well as the GRS-16 or will the GRS-16 PE along with the Guide Rail Adapter for TPG Parallel Guide System be just as acceptable? I can get both GRS-16 PE and the GRS 16 on sale for $319. Is the $100 extra cost for the second rail square a deal maker or will I be just as satisfied and $100 richer going the traditional route with one rail square and the Guide rail adapter?
@@bentswoodworkingThanks for that! I saved the green backs and went wit the same set up you did. Now that I have or will soon have the TSO setup, I need to decide if I really need the PARF GUIDE SYSTEM that Axminster Tools produces. Im thinking not
Great video Jason. Have you done an update for the new Festool square that recently came out? Also do you have a parallel guide video out yet? Thanks. Ron
I have the TSO square, and guides, and wouldn't want to use my track saw without them. With the Woodpeckers variety, there is a way for you to be able to use it on both ends of your work piece, but it does require some minor modification. Unscrew the tab that balances the square on your work piece, and move it to the opposite side of the square. Next, mark, drill and tap new mounting holes, and you have just added new possibilities. Will this void your warranty??? I don't know, I've never owned Woodpeckers square, so I cannot answer that.
I've set aside some funds to buy myself a Makita tracksaw setup for my birthday this year. I know a TSO track square would be super efficient, but I'm curious on your thoughts of how much more efficient than just using a Woodpeckers 1812 or 2616. Being a hobbiest, my time/cost/benefit calculation is slightly different and having something that is multifunctional, like a large accurate try square, is appealing. Of course, I completely understand the value of tools that increase accuracy and decrease frustration.
There are many ways to do things. Don’t feel pressured to buy something if something else is working well for you. To me, this is easier because it connects to the track so I don’t have to use two different tools separately. Do you “need” it, no. Is it nice to have, yes.
Hello there, do you know if any of these work with the mafell tracks? Thanks in advance..ahh the bench dog maybe compatible but has these cams on the back....does not seems as refined as TSO big shame really I like the tso
I have the TSO GRS-16 and it is a wall decoration! I have tried it on four different Festool tracks, checked it for square, and it never squares the track. There is no way to adjust the apparatus to square it either.
Hi, I own the TSO and was actually thinking of upgrading to the benchdogs version die to the compatibility with Dogs. My TSO is a couple of years old and the my holes are spaced at 100mm, not 96mm which would work on the mft. Is that not the case with your TSO square?
No you are right. The Bench dogs does line up with two holes and the TSO does not. The thread size on the TSO is also slightly smaller. There are more bench god use cases for the the Bench Dogs UK model. Less with the TSO and instarail V 2.0 squares.
@@bentswoodworking Thank for verifying this spacing on the TSO square Jason... I'm stuck on the fence between the Bench Dogs UK and the TSO squares. I'm building a custom MFT table as a replacement 4' x 8' top for my Delta Unifence Table Saw (1989 3HP 220V Model I inherited from Dad). I would really would like to have the ability to use the square I purchase with MFT dogs in conjunction with the Bench Dogs UK Fence, but I also prefer the TSO Parallel Guide system to BD's current version. Decisions...
I noticed that the Benchdogs UK pushes with two cams instead pulling with a clamp. This turns the much shorter than full width T-slot rail into the reference surface. Will this compromise its accuracy? As several have stated, the Benchdogs UK still seems to have excellent 90 deg. accuracy so maybe this is not an issue.
Maybe about a year ago I bought the newer version Insta square on sale I think for $149.00 and so far it's worked perfectly, but, I'm planning on buying the TSO combo and some accessories and I'm wondering if the Insta square will work/attach to the TSO guides. Would you be able to let me know? Thanks
I have the instasquare and it sucked. It makes dents in the rail everytime you lock it down. I fit a cut off finger from a nitrile glove to cover it and fixed the problem. However it wasn't accurate 90. Bought the FC hybrid square from UK. It was pricy, but it is the ONLY square which works with BOTH the mafell and festool rail. It is very accurate. If I needed another one I would buy the new Benchdogs square because works 2 direction and the no tip tab is nicer. Don't know it's accuracy.
I've had the TSO GRS-16PE for about 3 yrs and couldn't agree with you more. The one thing you forgot to add is there is an accessory that extends the reference edge even longer and you can use the GRS 16 and the 16 PE in conjunction with each other. Keep up the awesome Vids!
I think you missed details in regard to the MFT dog’s compatibility. If you have an MFT( probably a high number if into the whole festool track range) the added benefit of Dogs compatibility with the Benchdog uk track square should easily put it into the lead.
Great vid. MK2 isn't a track saw make. It means Mark 2. Which is like you in America saying version 2.0. Benchdogs UK do make a second rail square which is compatible with Bosch and Mafell track saws. Which I think may be because of differences in the tracks.
The benchdogs square also has tapped holes into which you can screw long dogs, for when you need to cut a post-formed kitchen worktop and can’t reference off the top edge. These are also spaced so that you can drop the dogs through the holes in a MFT table to make a cutting station...there are specific dogs with a tapered end to make set up easy. I have the mk I square, which uses Allen head screws to secure it to the rail, a little less convenient but dead on accurate. I highly recommend it.
Great video. My wife is buying me the Festool MFT 3 Table and Track Saw for my 60th birthday. The video motivated me to get the Woodpecker Track Saw Square. Thanks for the detailed comparison. Job well done Sir.
Glad you found it helpful
Thanks!😅
No problem! Thank you!!
I went with the instaRail square...works great.
For those that care, only Benchdogs UK makes one that is compatible with the Bosch/Mafell track saws, or at least the only one I have found.
FC tools of UK (Scotland) does too. Their original square was an absolute work of art, and nicer than the Benchdogs, but both companies made 'improvements' to their squares now I think the new Benchdog is nicer, but I have not tested it's accuracy yet. The FC uses cams with a Allen key to tighten, the throw lever cam on Benchdog is more elegant.
no just to let u know fctools do it to
I've got the Benchdogs UK square and it is really excellent! It does come in models that are compatible with Bosch/Mafell, but you do need to buy two versions to maintain compatibility with Festool/Makita/Triton as well.
As I write, the TSO GR16 is currently available in the UK at £99 sterling. A real bargain IMHO, given that I previously owned the Triton - aka, the kinda square railsquare - which came in at around £35 about 4 years ago.
I was in the market for the 'Clyde built' FC square, made right here in Bonnie Scotland, but it was always out of stock, and I just gave up on it, opting instead for the Benchdogs version.
I'm not experiencing any retail regret.
Thanks for the suggestion. Im in scotland and would rather support a local company! @@ericdillenberger7873
I just want to thank you for this in depth video and comparison with different companies, this is my first track saw and looking for accessories for this Makita. Thank you
You’re welcome
Yet another great video Jason to help other make a decision on their next purchase. Thanks for waiting for me to get this out to you. 👍🏻
Thank you Ralph! Really wanted to have this in the video!
I'll be getting the benchdog one
Great video thank you, I'm in the UK, and have some Benchdogs products, have found them very precise and well made can't recommend them enough. Thanks again for a very informative video.
Glad to help
I received the new MK2 Rail Square - Mafell / Bosch (version 2) from Benchdog UK a month ago, and have used it a dozen times up to now. It's awesome. No complaints. Yes, it is not lite, but it's tight and extremely accurate. I love it. Note: The locks on version 2 are made of nylon or hard plastic.
The MK2s are now being supplied with Aluminium locks instead of plastic ones. We will be offering an exchange for anyone who has the MK2 Rail Square with the plastic locks.
@@Benchdogtools I will get in touch with you then.
@@Benchdogtools I received the aluminum locks. Thanks!
Great summary Jason. Thank you. I ordered the TSO one based on this video and your recommendation.
Awesome! You will like it. They make awesome stuff
I chose a track saw square from Banggood website because it is half as wide. I would have purchased the TSO product but it is ~6" wide and when attached to the end of a 1400mm track, the track does not extend past the edge of a 4' panel by more than an inch or so. The Banggood product is ~3" wide so the 1400 track extends ~4" past the end of a 4' panel. It works well on my Makita or Festool tracks and is about $30. I wish the standard track length was 1500mm, and if it was I would have gone with the TSO square.
This NEEDED to be done. Thank you
You’re very welcome!
Unfortunately, no check about the reality of the squaring of them has been made: and it's the key of the quality of the cut!
In fact, as I have the TSO, I can mention it's usable only for small lengths pieces: over 0,8 meter length you'll see the squaring fail
Maybe except the Woodpecker model, all the other have no way to calibrate the squaring: so you can't adjust anything. When you buy one, the squaring should be good, but if it's not, there is nothing you can do to fix that.
There's a 75 dollar difference here in Canada so I just went with the insta rail square, works great!
I picked up the TSO with my parallel guides and really like it. It has been working very well for me and zero complaints about the system. The Woodpeckers is nice, but I just don't see a need for anything but 90 degree cuts for my use.
I did, however, buy an Amazon Chinese knock-off that is smaller (~10x3",
My Triton system has an adjustable angle square as well. They make a static 90 degree model and an adjustable model. It works great for my needs. Thanks for the great review!
Excellent delivery, excellent comparison. I appreciate your professionalism. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the video! I bought my TSO before watching, now I'm glad I did! Looking forward to the parallel guide video!
The parallel guide video will actually be coming out next week 👍
I’ve had the TSO GSR-16 for a couple of years. Before the GSR-PE was available. I can’t complain about anything regarding TSO and their products. No regrets. Great video as always.
Thanks, glad you found it helpful
I'm over in the UK of course I use the Benchdogs UK Ralph who owns Benchdogs can't do enough to help you 👍
Ralph is great!
Well I’ve got the Mikita track saw system and will be adding the TSO system (30-50) with the squares . I also have the Kreg pocket hole gigs along with the foreman and cabinet gigs they make. Adding the TSO system will complete my perfect set up for cabinets.
Nice, glad you found it helpful
You explained it well, thanks, I believe I’ll be going with the tso, thanks!
You’re welcome!
Always good to see some side by side comparison videos they are most helpful
Glad you enjoyed it
You’re a great communicator. Such a rarity. Thank you!
I keep going back to the TSO and will most likely be getting that one.
Totally agree about the weight. Too heavy and you start to counter balance the track maybe lifting it up on one end. Thanks for the comparison!
You’re welcome
A few points, the TSO is now rebadged and called Festool Rail Square in Europe. I had both the TSO and the Benchdogs squares. I found I was always reaching for the Benchdogs mark 1 version, it felt better and produced more accurate cuts for me. Also over here in the UK the Benchdogs is way cheaper then the TSO. The additional pieces for the Benchdogs make it really useful and it will soon have a parallel guide to go with it which again will be way cheaper than the TSO over here. The developer Ralph is just such an enthusiast that he is constantly improving his products.
Ralph is great!
Yep - I bought Festo Square today and it is excellent. Will use it with Bosch track saw. The price vary across EU - I´ve got it for 130 USD from local dealer + 40 USD extra for 1000mm Makita rail. Very happy so far.
I started with the InstaRail and for whatever reason would not give me a square cut. Checked the machined features and they are square to the reference edge... but when attached to the rail would not clamp square. Replaced with the TSO w/ parallel guides and have never been happier. Can't keep a tool around if I can't trust it!
TSO makes great stuff
Recently purchased the Festool TS55 track saw. Looking for a square guide to make my crosscuts that much faster. Thank you for this very informative review! It was well thought out and put together. My only additional question would be accuracy...perhaps a 5 cut method test for each to show their degree of accuracy. Did you find they were all dead on or was there a little slop (say 1/32" at 24") on any of them?
A detail you didn't mention is the TSO (and perhaps others) was sized to fit in the TS 55 systainer case. A detail I appreciate every time I go to use it.
I've got the Benchdogs one and it fits into the systainer next to the saw.
+I believe that benchdogsuk has an option for Bosch/ Mafell rails, another option for Bosch owners is the Bosch rail with integrated angle guide FSN WAN, though I'm not sure of the precision of this vs dedicated track square.
I went for the Benchdog UK version although it is a MK3 now so a little different - cheers for the great comparisons.
I have the Benchdogs UK track square and love the ease of taking on/off. I have the w/p adjustable but use it less often. UK track saw square helps me use with MFT and not need an festool MF3 setup or kreg
I was lucky, and the guy who sold me a used Makita track saw threw in a Bench Dogs square. It's a great tool.
I realize that this video was aired a year ago but I just watched it. TSO now makes the GRS-16 PE K Guide Rail Square for the Kreg Track Saw. This Square is compatible with all the accessories as the other Guide Rail Squares TSO makes… Just thought you should know (which you probably already do)
Great review Jason. I have the InstaRail one and regret not getting the TSO one. Over time the InstaRail made dents on my rails and the clip will lock on it's self all the time.
It definitely does it’s job but for the money I think the TSO makes the most sense for sure. I’m glad you you found the video helpful 👍👍
I was just about to order the insta rail xl, but now I'll think about it some more.
@@acerjuglans383 Apparently they have a new version. They might have fixed the denting problem. Other then that the tool works fine. The TSO one in my opinion is more accurate and more flexible with many options.
Great video - I have the woodpecker and use it for angled cuts and agree it is well made but it’s not my go to ... I prefer the Festool with T-Loc Guide rail .. would like to see you add this one to the comparison.
I have actually never used that one
I have the Woodpecker product and it does a good job, and yes, it is heavy. I liked to see the other products for making just 90 degree cuts, would work in most of my cuts and an option for a friend who builds tables. Thanks for the video.
You’re welcome!!
Thanks for this great info. Helped me make up my mind on which one to get.
Glad you found it helpful
Good video and thanks for comparing. I’ve had TSO for a couple years. Never get a true 90 degree cut paired with my Makita track saw. I haven’t been able to determine if it is the TSO or the Makita track. I just cut about 1/2” bigger and use table saw for final cut. Would really like being able to just rely on tracksaw and square.
I still rough cut on the larger side and the final at the table saw. It isn’t because I don’t have confidence, it just the method I am use to doing. It’s like a habit I don’t care to break. 🤣
The purpose of those squares is to cut square. You should be able to trust it with your track to cut square.
It looks like the InstaRail also doesn't have the notches for using a rail clamp like the GRS or Bench Dog. I recently purchased the TSO and I love it. Plus you have all the accessories to make a whole system like the angle accessory for rounded edges, and of course the fantastic parallel guides w/ flip stops.
The TSO one is great and I love how it can be used with their parallel guide system as well.
That Bench Dogs UK track square looks very good.
It is
I really wanted the Benchdog one because they're so innovative and also the benchdog compatibility which extends the reference of the square (also great on round-over edges. BUT!!!!! they were about two months behind on delivery so I didn't want to wait and therefore I went with the TSO16GS. (glad I did), nice video.
Glad you found it helpful
Benchdogs also make one for Bosch. Which I think is the only one on the market in North America from their other options. I'm happy with mine for the Bosch rails.
A good informative video Jason. I have the Festool one which is the TSO rebranded.
I also have the Festool protractor attachment for angle cuts. It doesn’t have the positive stops that click on like the woodpecker but it works perfectly fine and is no where near as big and heavy as the woodpecker.
I want to check out the Festool one eventually
Having one that makes angled cuts is important to me, even if it's "not all the time". I like options. I also have two TSO GSR-PE squares. I like to do one at each end of my track. Plus, now they have the parallel guides! I love TSO Products.
They make great stuff
Hi do you find having two squares @ one at each end is beneficial?
@@kenjames2214 very much so. I don't have to measure 5 times and make micro nudges after clamping one end of the track down.
Great compendious review. I love my TSO GRS; you can absolutely take the accuracy to the bank. But despite the light weight, I wish it included an anti-tipping tab. I added a handle that incorporates such a tab to mine and find it especially useful for shorter crosscuts.
Yeah, I can see how it would be helpful. Maybe they will update it and add one at some point
I cut a piece of plexiglass that is held in place by some knobs that fit into the threaded holes.
Glad you put this out there. I just got my TSC-55 at the end of December. I love it. And it seems like I haven't done tons of stuff I've needed it for... but it's done things I wouldn't have done very well before. Anyhow... I want a rail square. I've leaned toward the BenchDogs one. I love the accessories of it and more. But maybe thats because I watched a lot of the 10 Minute Work Shop. LOL. I haven't seen a whole lot about TSO. But this video was super helpful. Although I want the Benchdogs one... waiting for it and the extra shipping has kept me from pulling the trigger. Knowing the TSO is super comparable will help me decide when I do get one. Thanks again for sharing!
You are very welcome! Either option would be great choices 👍
I'm some what new. Can you show how they work using the bench dogs?
Maybe in a later video. I wanted to show it in this video however it was already getting a little long.
th-cam.com/video/Yso2ybNQ5sc/w-d-xo.html
I got the gen 2 of the insta with the dogs. I got my whole makita track saw set up from tool nut. I wanted to get tso but tool nut didn’t sell it and the insta looked comparable. It’s worked great, it fits in the systainer. I do wish there was a comparison video like this when I had got it but oh well, if I really want something else I’ll just get it and sell the one I have.
Hey if it’s working for you then that’s awesome. Doesn’t matter which one you have if it does what you need. 👍
Hi Jason. Not sure if it's the same in the states. In Australia festool have released the TSO under the festool name at half the price as the TSO and made it the most economical to buy.
It isn’t available here. Wish it was!
That is available in the EU too. I doubt the USA will get it as TSO licenced it to Festool for non Domestic sales, so if they sold it in the USA they would probably be breaking the licence agreement.
UPDATE: Both are now $145, but neither can be sold to a US customer.
The TSO is actually quite a bit cheaper at Axminster, $140 US, and Festool sells a rebranded version for $130. Festool does not sell their version in the US , but does appear to sell it everywhere else.
There is a build series on TH-cam done by trainer Brent where he is breaking down plywood and when needs to do some 90degree cuts he uses a woodpeckers 1281 square instead of a rail square. Woodpeckers seems to be the only 3rd party brand allowed in Festool US marketing. I’m surprised he didn’t at least use a TSO since they are essentially a sub-contractor.
That’s a really good price!
Is it possible to modify the TSO GRS-16PE to have the additional features of Benchdogs UK MK2 Rail Square like attaching the dogs or the tab to hold it level.
I couldn’t say
There is an aftermarket part that’s I found in Etsy that is 2d printed that fits the tso.
I have had the Woodpeckers one for quite some time, but, to be honest, I really wish I was aware of the TSO when I purchased it. My biggest gripe with the Woodpeckers square is that on more than one occasion, I have found the "pointer" that indexes the angle isn't completely seated in the notch (not out of the notch, but not completely tight, even with the locking knob tightened) and the result is slightly out of square. I also think the weight makes it awkward and moving it around lends itself to bumping the index pointer slightly out of square. And the reality is that, besides when I first got it and was trying it out on scrap, I've never made anything but a 90 degree cut with it.
That a good point on the tooth being fully seated. I never thought about that
Good job. I just bought the TSO. Festool sells what looks like a clone of the TSO in Australia. Until recently, the TSO was cheaper from Axminster in UK even with shipping. I thought i saw a Festool adjustable square, maybe in the accessory kit.
The Festool unit is a rebrand of the TSO, it is not for sale in the US, but appears to be sold everywhere else. Axminster sells both side by side in the UK.
You are right. Festool do make a protractor or angle attachment however it doesn’t have the positive stops at each angle. I have it and it works perfectly fine you just have to line the lines up accurately before tightening down.
Glad you found it helpful. I hope that someday I am able to get the Festool branded one here in the states.
@@bentswoodworking You already have one, it's just blue. The Festool version even has TSO stamped on the clamp :-).
I just checked current pricing on the TSO, Still $179 in the US but backordered till March. Axminster used to sell the Festool [backorded] for $130us and the TSO [in stock] for $140us, both are now $145. And they will sell either to a US customer. It's interesting that a US product can be imported to the UK and sold substantially cheaper, I assume that is due to strength of the GBP vs USD. Now we now how the Canadians feel.
I was actually surprised the woodpeckers didn’t cost as much as the track saw. I love their stuff but they are a little over the top on the pricing of most of their tools. I’m willing to pay twice as much for a tool that’s twice as good, but I won’t pay four times.
Thank you so much for a detailed review !!
You’re welcome
Great review. Any thoughts of updating this video to include the new Festool Angle Stop?
In likely because I don’t have all them anymore. I sold them off after this video. I do use the TSO for pretty much everything. I do still have the Benchdogs one.
Update: The Bench Dogs UK square also comes in a version that is compatible with Kreg's track saw.
I have the insta rail and it works great. I wish I had gotten the tso though for the parallel guides.
It seems that the insta has two bench dogs that you çan fit into table bench holes which makes it handy to cut square
@Jason bent's woodworking & more are there any track squares that are compatible with dewalt track saw? I can't seem to find one.
I believe there are some overseas and may be available here. Otherwise, I couldn’t really say. I don’t have any experience with the dewalt.
thanks Jason !
You’re welcome
Good video. You said that the Woodpeckers version cannot be used at the far end of the rail but it is not clear why. Can you elaborate?
Jason,
TSO Parallel and Square guide Question for my TS 55 REQ.
I'm setting my TS 55 REQ up with a TSO products guide rail square and their parallel guide system. My question, Is it worthwhile getting both the GRS-16 PE as well as the GRS-16 or will the GRS-16 PE along with the Guide Rail Adapter for TPG Parallel Guide System be just as acceptable? I can get both GRS-16 PE and the GRS 16 on sale for $319. Is the $100 extra cost for the second rail square a deal maker or will I be just as satisfied and $100 richer going the traditional route with one rail square and the Guide rail adapter?
I couldn’t say for sure because I only have a 16PE so I have never used both in conjunction with each other. I get by just fine.
@@bentswoodworkingThanks for that! I saved the green backs and went wit the same set up you did. Now that I have or will soon have the TSO setup, I need to decide if I really need the PARF GUIDE SYSTEM that Axminster Tools produces. Im thinking not
Great video Jason. Have you done an update for the new Festool square that recently came out?
Also do you have a parallel guide video out yet? Thanks.
Ron
I have not done a comparison of the new festool to these. I only use the TSO and I got rid of the others.
Great explanations and reviews. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome
Appreciate this video help. Really helpful I getting one of those 👍👍
Glad I could help
I have the TSO square, and guides, and wouldn't want to use my track saw without them. With the Woodpeckers variety, there is a way for you to be able to use it on both ends of your work piece, but it does require some minor modification. Unscrew the tab that balances the square on your work piece, and move it to the opposite side of the square. Next, mark, drill and tap new mounting holes, and you have just added new possibilities. Will this void your warranty??? I don't know, I've never owned Woodpeckers square, so I cannot answer that.
Hi Jason. Awesome video. Thanks for sharing
You’re welcome
I've set aside some funds to buy myself a Makita tracksaw setup for my birthday this year. I know a TSO track square would be super efficient, but I'm curious on your thoughts of how much more efficient than just using a Woodpeckers 1812 or 2616. Being a hobbiest, my time/cost/benefit calculation is slightly different and having something that is multifunctional, like a large accurate try square, is appealing. Of course, I completely understand the value of tools that increase accuracy and decrease frustration.
There are many ways to do things. Don’t feel pressured to buy something if something else is working well for you. To me, this is easier because it connects to the track so I don’t have to use two different tools separately. Do you “need” it, no. Is it nice to have, yes.
Hello there, do you know if any of these work with the mafell tracks? Thanks in advance..ahh the bench dog maybe compatible but has these cams on the back....does not seems as refined as TSO big shame really I like the tso
I’m not sure if any are compatible with the Mafell
Great breakdown. Thanks for the info!
You’re welcome
I have the TSO GRS-16 and it is a wall decoration! I have tried it on four different Festool tracks, checked it for square, and it never squares the track. There is no way to adjust the apparatus to square it either.
I would reach out to TSO
I have the Tso Also, and am totally disappointed. A lot of money, for a piece of aluminium,and it isnt even square😤😤.
Hey Jason does the woodpeckers work with festool clamps?
Not certain, I rarely use clamps with the track squares.
Hi, I own the TSO and was actually thinking of upgrading to the benchdogs version die to the compatibility with Dogs. My TSO is a couple of years old and the my holes are spaced at 100mm, not 96mm which would work on the mft. Is that not the case with your TSO square?
No you are right. The Bench dogs does line up with two holes and the TSO does not. The thread size on the TSO is also slightly smaller. There are more bench god use cases for the the Bench Dogs UK model. Less with the TSO and instarail V 2.0 squares.
@@bentswoodworking Thank for verifying this spacing on the TSO square Jason... I'm stuck on the fence between the Bench Dogs UK and the TSO squares. I'm building a custom MFT table as a replacement 4' x 8' top for my Delta Unifence Table Saw (1989 3HP 220V Model I inherited from Dad). I would really would like to have the ability to use the square I purchase with MFT dogs in conjunction with the Bench Dogs UK Fence, but I also prefer the TSO Parallel Guide system to BD's current version. Decisions...
I noticed that the Benchdogs UK pushes with two cams instead pulling with a clamp. This turns the much shorter than full width T-slot rail into the reference surface.
Will this compromise its accuracy?
As several have stated, the Benchdogs UK still seems to have excellent 90 deg. accuracy so maybe this is not an issue.
Have you had to any damage to the rail using the bench dogs square when the cams are engaged on the rail
I haven’t noticed any issues but I primarily use my TSO
Maybe about a year ago I bought the newer version Insta square on sale I think for $149.00 and so far it's worked perfectly, but, I'm planning on buying the TSO combo and some accessories and I'm wondering if the Insta square will work/attach to the TSO guides. Would you be able to let me know? Thanks
The TSO guides only work with the TSO square
I've got the TSO but festool branded and being festool in europe makes it cost less than an "original" TSO
What is the angle on the insta-rail? Can it be put on the far side and used for angle cuts?
I haven’t tried it personally but I imagine you could
I have the instasquare and it sucked. It makes dents in the rail everytime you lock it down. I fit a cut off finger from a nitrile glove to cover it and fixed the problem. However it wasn't accurate 90. Bought the FC hybrid square from UK. It was pricy, but it is the ONLY square which works with BOTH the mafell and festool rail. It is very accurate. If I needed another one I would buy the new Benchdogs square because works 2 direction and the no tip tab is nicer. Don't know it's accuracy.
It’s a great square for sure.
Do you think the cams on the Bench Dogs UK rail square would damage the aluminum rail over time?
I haven’t noticed any issues
@@bentswoodworking Great! Thank you for the feedback.
Very cool! Makes my decision easier.
Glad you found it helpful
Thanks. Just what I wanted to know.
Glad you found it helpful
Great video, very informative, I agree, if the insta-rail was $99, it'd be a great "budget" option. That's the price my mind first went to as well.
Glad you found it helpful
Can you use any of these track s to square your Guiderail and the protractor? Of the mft3?
Yes, you theoretically you’d use any know 90 degree device
@@bentswoodworking i thought so. Sometimes i think its a great idea but it turns out to be a bad one. Thank you for confirming.
I've had the TSO GRS-16PE for about 3 yrs and couldn't agree with you more. The one thing you forgot to add is there is an accessory that extends the reference edge even longer and you can use the GRS 16 and the 16 PE in conjunction with each other. Keep up the awesome Vids!
Glad you found it helpful! 👍
I have a DeWalt track saw. Do you know if any of these are compatible with DeWalt tracks?
I do not know if any of these specific ones are
The TSO is also available in Festool colors ;-) Also cheaper than the blue one.
Great demo and explanation Jason, yeah Woodpeckers stuff is always quite a bit more expensive as you know lol
I'm new to rail squares, so what's the point of the "triangle" side of the TSO? Is it just a reference 45° and 90° corner?
I think you missed details in regard to the MFT dog’s compatibility. If you have an MFT( probably a high number if into the whole festool track range) the added benefit of Dogs compatibility with the Benchdog uk track square should easily put it into the lead.
That’s true. I wanted to share examples of use cases for the bench dogs but the video was getting long.
@@bentswoodworking maybe a quick seperate video? it is one of its selling points that not many others do.
Hi there, does it work with the mafell plunge saw?
I’m not sure
Does the TSO Square and others work with PowerTech track???
Not that I know of
Do the TSO ones come standard in a blue systainer?
No they do not
Great vid. MK2 isn't a track saw make. It means Mark 2. Which is like you in America saying version 2.0. Benchdogs UK do make a second rail square which is compatible with Bosch and Mafell track saws. Which I think may be because of differences in the tracks.
Which I now realise you've pointed out
Hi. How does the festool one compare? Festool FS-WA Angle Stop For FS/2 Guide Rail (577040)
Didn't read all the comments to see, but if you still have the woodpecker I'd be interested in buying it
It was sold
There are many cheaper options available now. Any thoughts on those in general?
Might need an update to this. Festool makes an adjustable square now and a couple more companies
Great old vid. Still relevant IMO. Any since then to consider? TSO updated theirs for the M18 tracks, too.