FC Hybrid Rail Square used with a Festool guide rail

[@StamosTee]

Really nice product! Awesome video with a clear point of view and honesty! 👍

[@WelshRabbit]

I've been using the "brand blue" rail square and I've been very pleased with its accuracy & performance, but Frank's FC rail square with the anti-tip lug is positively brilliant. I wish he were local here in the US. I'd love to give him some business. I really admire people who can take a good product and make it even better.

[@stevennachlas9596]

Andy, I really enjoyed your review of this guide rail square, as well as a review you did of a US-made square a few months ago. I have subscribed to your channel as I recently discovered you and I really like what you’re doing. Like you, I appreciate quality and I like to back small vendors whenever possible. I retired about a year ago and I’m just a do-it-yourselfer. But I do appreciate nice tools and I’ve treated myself to a lot of Festool equipment, amongst others. In fact, I told my wife if I should pass away suddenly, please do not sell the woodworking equipment for what I said I paid for it! On another note, I wanted to comment on the “five cut method“. There actually is a benefit to the fifth cut, at least in theory. After making cuts one through four, the fifth cut is made along the same edge as the first cut was made. Usually this fifth cut is about an inch wide. Since any error is magnified by the cumulative nature of the four cuts preceding it, the fifth cut will show the total error over all the cuts. One simply needs to measure the width of the approximately 1 inch piece with a micrometer at both ends of the piece. The difference in these two measurements will be the cumulative error over all the cuts. In theory at least this will be more accurate than simply placing a good square on the final cut. However, in practice, I find that the five cut method is really overkill for the kind of sheet cutting that we are speaking of. Measuring that last corner like you did with a good square is totally sufficient in my book. After all, this is wood that we’re working with! Keep up the great work. I really enjoy your content and your style. Regards, Steve (a subscriber from across the pond in Houston Texas)

[@KaaFOFO]

Calibrating your tools properly the first time allows you to focus on other potential reasons that can lead to out of square cuts.

[@alanlloyd7208]

Have used a colleagues, wow what an incredible bit of kit, such a great time saver. Will be ordering mine this week. Well worth the costs and Frank is an absolute gent

[@greentin36]

Had a mk3 for over a year Brilliant 👍👍👍👍👍and makes life so much easier Handy it fits in the systainer with saw

[@rivergate]

I bought two at the same time a while back; one for each rail I use regularly (3m and 1.4m). I never knew that narrower brass guides were available; awesome. And great to see such a positive review too.

[@stevebosun7410]

Thanks Andy. Nice to see some brilliant UK engineering.

[@rdocking]

I ordered my mine as soon as I saw your unboxing, I use mafell track and absolutely love it!

[@richpbrown2]

Bought one from frank at Christmas, has already more than paid for itself, your spot on with the point if you use it day in day out it will pay for itself. Must save me a minimum of 50% in time marking out (probably 75%) Also check out some of the new additions fir the squares to get even more benefit

[@iangough7659]

Can you tell where I can buy it from?

[@karlhiggins6749]

Andy you have got me spending money. I ordered one this morning 😜 can’t wait to use it

[@mururoa7024]

Some viewers were wondering what the 5 cut method is... - Factory edge = 1st cut - 3 other edges = 3 more cuts - Cut strip from factory edge again = 5th cut -> measure thickness of the waste strip on both ends: if exact same thickness then all is square, otherwise google for the formula to find how much your angles are off. Accurate method to adjust jigs, but only informative with the FC Hybrid MK5 since there's not much you can do should it not be 100% square.

[@Psychlist1972]

This looks the business. I really like the anti-tip tab, too. I have the TSO Products rail squares. This looks a bit more fiddly to attach, but also looks like it has the potential to be more accurate. If I didn't already have those, I'd go for this one, I think.

[@Psychlist1972]

From that closing shot, I see you have the TSO ones as well.

[@seanjay886]

Bet Frank is having a rail of a time making them. In all seriousness though it’s good to see some support for kit made in the UK. 👍🏻

[@BischBaschBosch]

It looks like a hefty but lovely piece of kit. I'll have to look into his Mafell option as it should work with my Bosch rails - being exactly the same as the Mafell's.

[@Fchybridrailsquare]

Bisch Basch Bosch hi mate yes the mk5 S m1 works with Mafell Bosch and flex rails

[@garyk559]

Well done for talking about local businesses. Love the videos 👍

[@81Sazerac]

Beautiful square! It comes in Woodpecker Red! Lovely color. I love the accuracy of my woodpecker measurement tools and this looks to be on par or greater in terms of fine tooling. I do like that the GRS square is a bit faster to set up. It looks like Frank’s square also has that little notch to allow for placement of a clamp under that rail.

[@adamhasan4736]

Thanks Andy - I want one! I may have to invest once the workshop is built.

[@alanmullock381]

Poor Frank just cant keep up with orders! Cracking bit of kit for discerning owners of all track saws!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@itzmeagain8011]

I don’t agree Andy, this is a video for more than professional woodworkers. I’m a hobbyist and would find it a stretch to justify buying one but I learned a lot from your video. Plus, it’s always refreshing to see an honest evaluation where you actually say, to some people, “this might not be for you”

[@darkmalton99]

Great video, and it looks like an extremely well made piece of kit. Love that anti sag tab!

[@mbcarpentryltd2420]

Awesome piece of kit 👌 mines the mk1, yours has a few more features but basically the same square. Great service from Frank aswel 👍

[@michael.schuler]

As a professional joiner and cabinetmaker, I have absolute trust in the accuracy of my TSO (American made) guide rail square. Its tool-less ease of use makes it a far more practical tool than the fine one shown here. I'd also be very curious as to whether the tool shown here violates the TSO patent. The means of applying sideways force to secure square to rail is basically identical, although the specific embodiment is different.

[@angusthomson7381]

Great video, maybe a little too good as I've just ordered a Mk5 SM1 for my new Mafell MT55! Quality is always worth it and this will outlast me, so time saved and guarantees of Square cuts every time are worth it. I'd be interested to see a video of the FC Parallel Guides as I can see these being beneficial too but I need some convincing! Keep up the great work - thanks.

[@jrichardson6]

I have this tool - first class quality will pay for itself very quickly so I would say it’s an essential tool if you are using rails.

[@jamesrobinson1141]

Tight as a Scotsman! Shows how good the quality is.

[@woodbassguitars]

My experience is you do get what you pay for. This looks like the Rolls Royce of squares. It is frustrating when you cut a board newly perfect but not quite.

[@swjang3584]

I was a bit surprised that you don't speak with a geordie accent! LOL I'm korean and I lived in Fenham years ago. It was so glad to meet you from Newcastle. And thanks for the informative vid.

[@johnschotz1614]

Genius tool. Going to look for one.

[@xsbxsbxsb]

Lovely bit of kit - can easily compete with the big brands by the look of it.

[@caskwith]

The FC square isn't compatible with clamps as far as I can see which all the cheaper ones seem to be. Bit of an omission there?

[@kevinsteer7920]

Lovely tool. I have the domino plate which is also a game changer. 👍👏👏👏

[@michaelgrant6920]

I have liked this since I first saw it a couple of months ago, I have the Dewalt track saw and this is a must get as soon as funds will allow me.👍👍

[@johnanderson2406]

Hi just viewed the FC Hybrid Rail square and tried to follow the link to buy but think the link isn't working? Thanks and kind regards, Jack/Edinburgh

[@jronmanbuilds]

Great video. I had no idea about the FC square. I currently use the GRS-16 PE. The GRS-16 is nice but this one looks to one up it. The portion that slides into the rail is much longer which would make the square that much more accurate. Maybe one day I will upgrade to this but right now I will save my money. I don't believe the DeWALT works with this at least on the mk7 product page DeWALT is not listed.

[@CanadianSmitty]

"Conglomerates who have loads of money and don't need free adverts from me." He says with a TSO square over his left shoulder. LOL

[@ericb.davenport9762]

I have the same question as asked by Chris B. Very nice presentation however. Thanks,

[@djflicker8430]

looks like a great piece of engineering

[@bugsysiegals]

I see your TSO guide rail on the wall ... how's that working out for you?

[@peterjohnson4006]

does the anti sag tab lift the rail of the board a bit? it looks like it may as it's on the same plane as the lower side of the rail.

[@pippanappleton2421]

That is a work of art!

[@mtb1340]

Nice bit of kit. Would love to have one. Thanks for the vid.

[@animationcreations42]

You reckon one of those will fit on my Parkside track 😂 I mean, it's only 3 times the price of the saw itself but I really do want one!

[@caskwith]

12" speed square ;)

[@vileguile4]

There's a rail stop attachment for sale as well .. looks interesting. Maybe he can send you that? I'd love to see a review on it as well :)

[@angusthomson7381]

I agree 100% on that!

[@eversleyowl]

It's soooooooooo pretty. But I did like the red and brass, so hope the shot blast looks as good. Had laugh that whole piece to camera had a competitor product next to your left ear 😂

[@stephendixon8575]

Hi Andy, I see you also have the TSO square version hanging on your wall in the background there! I hear great things about that so would be interested to know if having tried both whether you think this is better (and if so, while/how). By the way, I had a look at Frank’s brand specific versions and they’re only £165, unlike the universal fit unit, so they are slightly cheaper than the TSO square and only marginally cheaper than the fat east knock off copy of the TSO (you know the one!)

[@mururoa7024]

I sense the next shelf I build for a customer will suddenly cost £210 more because it's going to be very very square. ;)

[@chrisb4009]

How does it compare to the one on the wall behind you?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Accuracy wise I found very little difference. Franks has the anti-tip and can be used on pretty much any rail. 👍

[@chrisb4009]

Gosforth Handyman Mafell do one that goes with their rails. It has stops at various angles, I’ve been using for a while and ta not bad. I’ve also got a festool MFT table for smaller stuff that’s really good or I think I’d have bought one of these. £200+ seems a bit of a psychological barrier to me, I’m more tempted by the new ones that are one brand only but £160. I’ve been tempted with a few of franks products, he turns out some really nice stuff.

[@Mr_Judge_Benny_Hinn]

Well done frank !

[@ronh9384]

A very nice product Andy. Do you know if they ship to the U.S.? And will it work with clamps?

[@Fchybridrailsquare]

Ron H yes mate we do ship overseas and it works with ur clamps

[@patrickshaw9376]

It might be worth dropping a bit of locksmiths graphite in the track slot to make it go together a bit easier.

[@NomadMakes]

Thanks for another fun and informative video. It is great to hear someone else say that if a square is not square, that completely defeats the purpose, because I so wholeheartedly agree. It is so annoying working for hours on a make and not getting it right because your tools are not up to the task. On that note, I am looking for a large accurate framing square. They seem to be impossible to get in Norway. I have bought ones costing as much as 120 euros, and they have been several degrees out! That black one you used, are you happy with the accuracy on that one, or can you reccomend another?

[@Fchybridrailsquare]

A Nomads Projects great point mate 👍

[@Fchybridrailsquare]

A Nomads Projects u can also use my square as a big set square by using it with a rail perfect 90 degrees

[@NomadMakes]

@@Fchybridrailsquare You wouldn't consider branching out, and making other precision squares. I got my regular squares from woodpeckers, and they were a right hasssle to order, because they didn't send across the pond. I would support a small european producer.

[@GosforthHandyman]

I'll second that for precision squares! Just when you have nothing better to do Frank! 😂👍

[@motosnape]

Frank, I’ll second this. If you have the will, I genuinely think there’s space for a European ‘Woodpecker’s’, and it could be you! I’m a Brit living in France, so if you needed help making your website multi-lingual, I’d be happy to help with the French aspect of it.

[@thesultanmerchant]

is your metal square is precisely square right angle?

[@Adrianyoutubing]

Not to be a neigh saying nelly, but for a precision instrument, the main point of this device to to produce a 90° angle from the face to the brass cross member. Hard to see in the video but the brass cross member looks to be located by the screws. Even the best tapped holes cannot be used to give a location in engineering trems. It would be cheaper and more accurate to use machined pins in the billet with a single holding screw. If it has pins ignore this message...

[@GosforthHandyman]

It has guide pins 👍

[@gslavik]

Air craft grade aluminum = 6061. It is also used for computer cases.

[@BrainFizz]

"Aircraft grade aluminium" has become a marketing department slogan in the last few years, and basically means nothing. In the aero industry the term is irrelevant as everything has to be fit for task.... there's actually quite a few grades used for various jobs, depending on the components and placement of them. 6061, 6063, 2024 5052... there's some 70XX as well from memory....sounds cool in other industries... but it depends on the metal its alloyed with...

[@Parafinn1970]

Andy could you get a discount code for your viewers??

[@Tez73]

I borrowed my mates festool saw a few years ago and I thought straight away it seemed like it was made for a left handed user . Just didn’t feel right to me . I’ve prob got used to my makita 18 v that’s got the blade on the other side . When I’ve seen people on here using a track saw , they all seem kak handed when using it . If you had a hand saw and was to take say a 2 inch ripping off an 8 by 4 sheet I would stand with the sheet to my right and saw in right hand .

[@stuartarnold9444]

Quality costs. Did you buy one?

[@RueFondary]

Interesting video, as usual... but ;-) - The "5-cut" method has the advantage of showing the cumulated deviation after 4 cuts (measuring, with callipers, the difference in thickness at both ends of the resulting strip is a way to magnify any deviation... as checking against a square can only go so far, ditto for diagonal measurements)… granted this may be overkill for woodworking and is probably more suitable for engineering/metal works - A comparison with the TSO product would be interesting (the TSO product can do 45 degree cuts, but is not compatible with Mafell/Bosch track saws, for instance) - Regarding Parkside compatibility, I suspect the difference in width with the Festool rails means it won't work with Parkside rails

[@GosforthHandyman]

5 cut - defo agree for engineering, but in woodwork if there's no discernible difference along the length of the board on the final cut then you're getting in to the realms of

[@BrainFizz]

can you explain or clarify "Accuracy of 4 microns or something like that"???? 4 microns is less that 1/5 of 1thousandth of an inch.... ).00015" I think that might be a little over optimistic, for a machining tolerance.....

[@GosforthHandyman]

No idea - I'm sure Frank will clarify though. 👍

[@BrainFizz]

Gosforth Handyman 👍👍 cheers.

[@FoxFox0077]

You’d think that Festool would supply this gizmo, but they do not. And You have a blue one on the wall.

[@RonKillian]

Sadly the page for the square does not work. :(

[@warrensmith2902]

ohhh, you've done it now by saying not for everyone who dosen't want that level of precision. hehehe Sill nicely made and love the anti tip add to the jig.

[@fuzzy1dk]

looks very nice and all, but it does seem a bit overkill to be so concerned about cnc machined accuracy when it'll be mounted on a cheap extruded rail

[@peterfitzpatrick7032]

The thing is.... tolerances can add up so if the track is a thou off, making the square to a very fine tolerance means the max. error will be down to the rail only... not the rail PLUS the square... 😎👍☘️

[@Fchybridrailsquare]

Lasse Langwadt Christensen but that is the exact reason why we have made it so well so it works on a aluminium rail that has been cut with a dye and it does it job well . That is what everyone what’s from there square that it cuts square

[@danielgeng2306]

I’d buy one if the website was working ~

[@paultay23]

Nice one Andy, that looks like a great tool for as you say professionals... I love my GHM Tape, really useful to have the measurements any which way... btw i have sent you an email about Makers Central

[@normanboyes4983]

Excellent review for an excellent product. Is Frank knocking these out or has he subbed the manufacture?

[@Fchybridrailsquare]

Norman Boyes hi mate just doing them myself

[@normanboyes4983]

F.C Hybrid Rail Square Good on ‘ya.😀👍

[@raishwretch]

I've used the MFT before and still do, but I found the need for this when cutting across 60cm, which is too much for the MFT. Ordered it off the site and received two or three days later (in Norway, mind). Bloody marvellous piece of kit, and frighteningly accurate. Can't possibly do what it says on the tin, and yet ... and yet ...

[@garyblake3130]

so for sheet material there seems to be no need for a table saw, and safer to use.

[@bighands69]

Table saws have their place. I have a table saw that allows me to put a 4x8 sheet on it and cut it. With a table saw you can do multiple cuts to the exact same size. Tracks saws are very handy for cutting up fast individual pieces.

[@dubtownman9508]

And the rail square over your shoulder hanging on the wall is being promoted aswell, 😜🤭🤭🤭😃

[@marknkatz]

Don't get me wrong - I do enjoy your videos, including this one. But I found your comments about the 5-cut method being really 4-cut or 3-cut really indicating that you don't fully understand it. First, your first cut really does count, so you did do 4 cuts. Second, the fifth cut is to cut a small strip (maybe an inch) off the very first side you cut. Measuring this strip with a calipers at both ends and subtracting one from the other will tell you how much error you have (actually it gives you 4 times the error). This is far more accurate than putting the rail against the first edge and looking at it or feeling with your finger. Also, checking with your framing square is not all that reliable. Now you could argue that your method of checking at the end is good enough for your woodworking needs, and you're probably right, but don't disparage the full 5-cut method for evaluating how really good the results are.

[@GosforthHandyman]

You've lost me. If the final cut is completely parallel - i.e. there is zero difference at the front and back of the rail. Even measured with calipers (which is pointless since you're getting in to the realms of the thickness of dust) the final cut is the same size at both ends. I wasn't disparaging the 5 cut method - I was disparaging folk who were saying "you should have done the 5 cut method" last time, which I did.

[@prduguid]

Is the '5 cut method' specifically a method for measuring the accuracy, rather than an everyday method for cutting an accurate rectangle of wood?

[@normanboyes4983]

Gosforth Handyman I agree with Mark if you watch Peter Parfitts video on this you will get it Andy.👍

[@marknkatz]

@@prduguid Yes, for measuring accuracy. Once you are convinced that your tools/setup are accurate (exactly 90 degrees) you can then use it for cutting with full confidence.

[@GosforthHandyman]

@@normanboyes4983 I get it Norman but there's no point doing the final cut when the final cut is already obviously square! 🤣

[@raysmith1992]

Looks amazing, and that jig was more than my Tracksaw and rail combined

[@acerjuglans383]

Yikes

[@simonelliott7570]

I’ve been looking at this and the TSO

[@octorsep]

Going with TSO. No fumbling with adjustments

[@vjurco]

Festool has its own dedicated Festool FS-WA/90° - licensed from TSO GRS 16 PE. Costs around 130 USD in Europe (CZ).

[@Tensquaremetreworkshop]

Has anybody else noted how a right-handed person has difficulty doing rail-saw cuts? Definitely easier for a left-hander. Makes a change...

[@edwarhurst3155]

Well Andy, I can honestly say I hate you!!! now!!! lol. I said to myself I would cut back on buying items for the workshop for a while. Only to see your video of this beautifully engineered square for the rail of a track saw, which I bought today after talking to Frank. Now all I need do is to change my track saw ;) lol :)

[@Fchybridrailsquare]

Hi that’s all the mk5 S back in stock ok

[@camaro375]

GRS-16 guide rail is better On and off easily 90 degree every time Also the fifth cut is to gauge if it is square it only has to be about an inch wide or so but you take a caliper and measure both ends and that tells you exactly how far off you are after you do some calculations

[@GosforthHandyman]

The 5th cut is obviously square if the rail is completely flush at both ends. 👍

[@gavjav1]

Brilliant bit of kit 👍 but just used your link and there out of stock 😔

[@greentin36]

gavin george Frank dose small batches but often Worth checking with him for the next run

[@gavjav1]

How do I check with him? Does he have a website

[@Fchybridrailsquare]

gavin george hi mate the mk5 hybrid ones are in on thur just been selling crazy just now but u can refresh the website page and there is a back order button so u can order yours and they fit in a systainer 1 thanks

[@gavjav1]

F.C Hybrid Rail Square brilliant thanks mate

[@Fchybridrailsquare]

gavin george in now mate

[@davidosullivan3432]

What’s the 5 cut method ??🤪

[@mururoa7024]

Factory edge = 1st cut 3 other edges = 3 more cuts cut strip from factory edge again = 5th cut -> measure thickness of the waste strip on both ends: if all is square both ends should have exact same thickness, otherwise google for the formula to find how much your angles are off.

[@davidosullivan3432]

I understand but why cut the factory edge off ?

[@mururoa7024]

@@davidosullivan3432 It's usually already straight but not clean, so it's a good place to start on a new board. In reality it doesn't really matter what edge #1 is.

[@donepearce]

Please make the fifth cut - a strip about an inch wide. Then measure the width at both ends with a caliper. They should be the same. THAT is why you make five cuts.

[@GosforthHandyman]

There's no point when you line up the 5th cut and the guide is perfectly on the edge at both ends.

[@donepearce]

@@GosforthHandyman It's always useful to be able to put a number to a measurement - particularly if that number is zero!

[@trek520rider2]

Actually diagonals can lie. An isosceles trapezium has equal diagonals however if one corner is square you're OK.

[@richarddalton7085]

All of Franks products look awesome! Shame though, the 2-3 that I’d love to buy are all out of stock 😫 Love the vids Andy 👍🏼

[@Fchybridrailsquare]

Richard Dalton only two things out of stock now lol

[@troyboy4345]

Don't worry about the tightness of the slide fitting, as you use it and may fit differently at other points on the rail, it will succumb to the Brass material and at some point you may find that it causes some marks, that look like burns on the Aluminium, this is also nothing to be concerned over, just spray a little silicone, dry lubricant on your components and it will seat comfortably …. all proven when it comes to new tool use … cough ! … no puns will follow.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yup - I found it tight on some rails and fine on others. It's Festool and their shoddy tolerances. 😉👍

[@karlrobinson8986]

TIGHT IS RIGHT

[@casparvanderburgh]

That looks good. And it will fit in the TS55 systainer, I think.

[@Fchybridrailsquare]

Caspar van der Burgh hi mate yes it fits in a systainer 1

[@jamiestewart4831]

Can you attach dogs to this square?

[@KevinGarcia-yp5rk]

I have the insta square with the dogs, works just as well for me and transforms the mft table for those who don't have the expensive drop down hinge version.

[@Badgerworkshop]

That is a very sext tool

[@Fchybridrailsquare]

I am just wondering why anyone would give this the thumbs down? Would like to here ur thoughts on this

[@GosforthHandyman]

Sometimes it's just when KZbin recommends a video to someone that they don't want to watch. 👍

[@Fchybridrailsquare]

Gosforth Handyman ok well just wondering as if u have a good quality tool and it works well what would u give it a thumbs down for ? Well just need to not look at the thumbs down symbol lol

[@GosforthHandyman]

There'll be at least half a dozen from folk who think you can have more than 360 degrees in a square Frank. 😂

[@johnthompson3462]

I won't be buying one of those tool. Because it is too expensive?? No. I am an amateur woodworker - for 50+ years - who makes stuff for friends and family and myself. I won't buy one for the same reason I won't buy a Festool product or a Sawstop table saw. It would not be fiscally wise.If I was your age and feeding my family through my work I would buy two - incase one broke - Fantastic piece of equipment and would pay for itself with just one good size job. Hope Frank is a millionaire by xmas

[@ThomasWren]

looks like your editing software maybe playing up again. black screen @1:44

[@ThomasWren]

and again @4:37

[@GosforthHandyman]

Weird - seems fine on this side! Can you check it again? I've heard loads of people complaining of similar issues on KZbin today. 👍

[@onlyme7939]

I agree with the times

[@onlyme7939]

Add to that 5:09

[@ThomasWren]

Checked on my phone and laptop and they're still there. There are a few of them spaced out throughout the video. I don't have the times for them all but it goes all the way through to the end.

[@SirBenJamin_]

Great engineering. But surely its only as accurate as the quality of the track? I doubt festool machine down to 4 micron accuracy.

[@Fchybridrailsquare]

wforl hi mate I can assure you it is that accurate or ur money back

[@SirBenJamin_]

@@FchybridrailsquareI meant the festool track.

[@stephenshipley1066]

I remember you were keen on a hydraulic lifting table - well here's a manual one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZncfoV3ibSna7c

[@gusvieira6140]

this is not the 5 cuts, dont call it if you dont know what is it

[@GosforthHandyman]

Explained in the video. Listen all of the words.

[@paulwhitting4953]

Just tried to buy one & it’s out of stock!!!

[@Fchybridrailsquare]

paul whitting I’m know mate but have to be fast got 20 on Friday and only 9 left

[@nutsmcflurry3737]

if you actually want to know what the five cut method is, here's the correct video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5OqXqFjYrF5nbM

[@tinman7781]

210 quid today....give it a couple of weeks...brexit...hmmm...

[@pandy43k]

I wouldn’t bother it’s not worth the money.

[@1MogJon]

Get rid of the music, please!