Parf Guide System News and Tips #2

[@johnnelson885]

Hello Peter. I wanted to thank you for changing my approach to woodworking. You are a wonderful teacher and I enjoy your videos very much. I learned woodworking by watching Norm Abram's New Yankee Workshop. I have recently purchased the Parf Guide System and am enjoying working through your videos as I build a new cutting and assembly station in my shop. You are a huge blessing to me and I just wanted to thank you sincerely.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Johm, You are so very kind and have made my day - week - year. Cheers. Peter

[@99trampis]

Good morning Peter! Love your videos and am the proud owner of your first version Parf system. I've done 2 bench tops so far and love it. I also enjoy watching your videos as your teaching skills are wonderful. I would have loved to have you as my woodshop teacher in school! Take care and keep up the great work! Cheers! Mike

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Mike, You are very kind indeed and if you lived nearby I am sure that you would be a perfect student. Cheers. Peter

[@robertkuc8571]

Hi Peter. I just wanted to say to you that I have just purchased the system from Carbotec in Australia and have just finished using it to build a portable cutting / assembly table. The quality and tolerance across the entire system is outstanding. Well done and I highly recommend anyone thinking about purchasing the system to do it.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Robert, Thank you so much for the positive feedback. Cheers. Peter

[@joegregory5515]

Great update Peter, always enjoyed your videos... I purchased the the Park Guide System with a spare 20 MM bit, now have both old style and new style shanks. Take care. Joe

[@MrMnchstr]

Ordered my set from Lee Valley last night(were backordered for a while). There's a high demand because this is a VERY useful product/tool.

[@Glasside]

One little addendum.. inspired by your link I decided to try the 5 cut test myself and am very happy to report 0.00008039 as the result (over 311.5mm using igaging and starett for the measurements). I thought you'd enjoy the number. Very many thanks.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi David, How absolutely brilliant - well done. Many thanks for sharing this. Peter

[@adamaubrey-rees9825]

Hi Peter. Having finally got my complete PGS from Axminster (demand appears to be heavy still!) I have completed my first worktop using cheap MDF for practice. It is absolutely superb and even though the MDF is of poor quality the accuracy of the top is "spot on". One word of caution; I may have over tightened the collar on the drill bit as the grub screw created a burr on the shaft of the bit. When I tried to remove the bit if fouled the inner sleeve of the brass bush. I little bit of emery paper solved the problem but in an ideal world it would be nice if a small flat face was put on the top of the shaft. Overall a fantastic product and I will put this up on the Axminster feedback page. Thank you

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Adam, I am so glad that you are pleased with the PGS - many thanks for your kind comments. I have noted what you have said about the grub screw and will forward your comments to Axminster on Monday. Many thanks for preparing a review for the PGS product page on the Axminster site. Cheers. Peter

[@mimibecks7049]

Hi Peter I finally had a chance to use your guide side to build my bench top and I was absolutely surprised with the accuracy of my 90 degree cut. I used my most accurate tool that I have in the shop that was machined used most advanced CNC and it registered perfectly to the UJK super parf dog that I bought from tso products. So long for buying expensive replacement top from Festool. P.S. I used 1 3/4 inch flush door as my bench and had no trouble drilling through it but had to modify Festool clamps to make it fit.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Mimi, Brilliant. Peter

[@DavidStanton]

I think I need one of these Peter. Might need to wait a couple of months as I am snowed under with other projects.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi David, I will contact you by PM through the FOG. Many thanks. Peter

[@twjull]

Brilliant and well designed system, Peter!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Terry, Thank you so much. Peter

[@biffo1960]

When are they coming to lidle

[@Ostap1974]

Peter, you have made a really nice product.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Thank you so much. Peter

[@YouGumppy]

These are available now from TSO Products in the States

[@A3osDorados]

Love your videos. I want to build a assembly table using 1.5 in Butcher-Block table top. Would I be able to use the Parf system to make the hole all the way through?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Not accurately as the 20 mm drill has to have a 3 mm pilot hole all the way through the material. The maximum depth of cut for the 3 mm drill in the guide is 22 mm. You could then carefully extend these holes with a 3 mm drill in a chuck but the system would lose accuracy. The maximum depth of cut for the 20 mm cutter in the guide block is 32 mm but again these could be extended by hand without the guide but you would lose accuracy and would need a 3 mm pilot hole all the way through as well. Peter

[@davidsykes7644]

Hi peter just used the parf guide system 2 and have to say it’s a fantastic bit of kit. My only question is regarding the fit of the dogs in the holes, at the moment I can fit the dogs in but they are impossible to get out without hammering from below. Is this something that improves over time and use?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi David, When drilled MDF ends up with fibres on the inside of the hole. It is made worse if the holes are drilled rapidly in one pass and so I recommend using a pecking motion of drilling a quarter way through, then another quarter and so on. Everything is designed to be a tight fit for accuracy and I too use a home made tool to help remove dogs and even have to give them a knock from underneath sometimes. I tend to leave my bench dogs in place. Peter

[@davidsykes7644]

New Brit Workshop thanks for the reply and the explanation regarding mdf. I used a pecking motion when drilling the holes, but I suspect the MDF I used is not the best quality will get a sheet of medite for the next bench I make. Thanks again for the great videos always find them easy to follow and very useful.

[@sleepymoose1]

Hi Peter, I love your videos, hav'nt invested in the Parf guide system yet as still using my worktop with 20mm holes before you had invented the guide system,(not that accurate ) however what would clinch the deal would be if you could use the system to make a shelf pin hole jig . Any chance that can be done? Martin from Bristol

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Martin, There is a lot of development work going on right now and nothing is being ruled out. Peter

[@JD-cz5ci]

Hi Peter, just purchased the system from Axminster and setting about redesigning the workshop benches. Do you have a suggestion for the spacing around the edges for a full 2.44x1.22 sheet? As this will change the design of the box the sacrificial sheet will lay on. Thank you very much for the videos.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi JD, You can have (just) 26 holes across a 2.44m sheet but a slightly larger margin would be better so try 25 holes which span 24x96 = 2304 mm. Across the 1.22 you can have 13 holes which span 12x96 mm. When you lay out the PGS to do the top start with the first Parf Stick evenly in the centre of the long side. That way you then extend left and right and get the most accuracy. I think that I cover this in one of my videos. Good luck. Peter

[@StevePrior]

Peter, do you have any tips on using this guide to drill holes that line up with the feet of a Kapex? I'm only asking because it appears the Kapex MFT has extra holes which are not in the normal grid pattern.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Steve, I don't think that the Kapex feet are set at exact multiples of 96 mm so the PGS probably would not help. However, it is easy to mark things up using a steel rule (one from the PGS perhaps) and the diagram shown in this link may help: festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/kapex-120-measure-from-base-to-cutting-platform/ I do recommend that you check your own Kapex before you drill as the measurements could vary very slightly. Peter

[@jfdskfs]

Hi, Peter! I am the very happy owner of the Parf Guide System (first generation). It works so well that I have even made table tops for several of my woodworking friends. It has truly been a game changer for all of us. I am now planning to make a plywood peg board using the system, and a question has arisen: is it possible to make a top where i skip every other hole? In other words, I want to end up with a laouyt where the distance between the centre of the holes is 192mm, rather than 96mm. Is there any way to avoid drilling every single hole (even the 3mm ones) and still use the system. I am sorry for bothering you with this, but I cannot seem to find an answer by thinking about it myself. Thanks again for a truly wonderful product!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

No problem, I always answer questions. I have never tried it and I do not think that it is possible as the 3 mm pins will need a hole 96 mm from the drill centre. What you could do, if accuracy is not an issue, is to only drill out the 3mm holes at 192 mm centres and then drill the 20 mm ones without the drill guide. Peter

[@jfdskfs]

@@NewBritWorkshop Thanks! Lars

[@cpmills1975]

Peter, can you remind me what MDF you would suggest for a bench top, where in the U.K. to get it and whether you know whether the supplier will do small quantities - I'm guessing you buy lots and I only need enough for a bench top or two! Many thanks.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Chris, The best "everyday" quality MDF is Medite MR (MR=moisture resistant). A lot of places sell it but mine comes from Timbmet (Google it to find th enearest to you). I have bought single sheets from them and I know people who buy pallet loads at a time. Peter

[@markkoons7488]

Is there a US vendor of Parf System components? I'm particularly interested in the custom grind you've designed for the hex shank 20mm Forstner bit.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

TSO stock Parf products a they do not have what you want then go direct to Axminster. Peter

[@darbo7]

Outstanding stuff!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi David, Thank you so much. Do you own a PGS ? Peter

[@darbo7]

Not yet...it absolutely looks like a must have. Looking forward to ordering the kit soon from Lee Valley. Really impressed.

[@WasimBarri]

Peter, I find there are a lot more 3/4" dogs, in line clamps and hold downs in the market compared with their 20mm equivalents. They're a lot cheaper too. Can you use 3/4" (19mm) dogs in the 20mm holes or would there be too much slop? I already own Kreg's dogs, base clamps and in line clamps which have 3/4" shafts and I was hoping to use them on your system without the added expensive of dogs etc

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi John, The whole idea of the PGS is to create a cutting table/bench top which provides the most accurate array of 20 mm holes so that perfect 90 degree (and 30,45 and 60 degree too) cuts can be made using dogs and a tracksaw or circular saw. Using 3/4" dogs will mean such a sloppy fit that the accuracy will be lost. Peter

[@WasimBarri]

Thanks Peter, I thought that was the case but since posting this I've found a company that makes sleeves that convert a 3/4" shaft to 20mm, so in fact I can now use both. I will still buy some 20mm dogs but I'ts pleasing that I don't have to throw away my old ones.

[@narcorex]

I tried the drill with the centrotec adapter, but I had some difficulties to remove it again. Is this normal?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Tom, There are times when Centrotec items are tight in the chuck but it improves over time. If you have a new Centrotec chuck which has not had a lot of inserting and removing of tools then they can be a little stiff. If you feel that the Axminster drill is worse than it should be (compared to your other Centrotec items) then contact Axminster Customer Services - they are brilliant and always very helpful. Peter

[@slhasebroock]

Hi Peter! I am designing a new top for my main bench and will be using the Parf Guide System to drill the holes. I will encase the top in a wooden frame and plan to add aluminum extrusions on the sides. This is similar to what Jeff Fischer has done for his new work surface. I know you use MDF for your work tops, Jeff used Baltic Birch plywood for his. Do you have any thoughts about pros and cons of using the 2 different surfaces? Thank you for any thoughts and input you have.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Steve, Good quality MDF has far better overall properties to plywood. Plywood can have voids between layers which is not desirable. Also, the 20 mm drill will leave some breakout on the underside of plywood which rarely occurs with good quality MDF. Peter

[@slhasebroock]

Peter, thank you!!! MDF it is. I believe you talked at some point about CNC quality MDF, so I will try to find that. So far no luck in the states. Thanks again for your help.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Steve, In the UK (and I am sure World wide) Medite Moisture Resistant MDF is excellent quality and value for money. I used to pay a lot for CNC grade HDF but found that the hard outer layers of Medite MR just as good. Peter

[@slhasebroock]

Peter-Excellent Thank you! I will search for MMR MDF! Enjoy your videos and appreciate your help!

[@bramslangen9524]

Hi, Is the CXS strong enough to drill those 20 mm holes?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Bram, Yes, I prefer it as it is so much lighter. I am not sure if Festool would recommend it but I have been using mine for several years and many hundreds of holes. Peter

[@Glasside]

Hi Peter, I've been having great success with your parf guide system, I really do like it very much. One thing I ask out of sheer curiosity is which you use for mitre cuts, your parf guide system or your CMS with TS55 (for cuts longer than the capacity of your kapex). I have mixed results with the CMS and am about to try the TS55 with the Parf Guide System. Just curious to read your thoughts on it. Many thanks for all your efforts.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi David, I use the Cutting station created with the Parf Guide System for anything too big for the Kapex. I often use this method even for pieces that would fit in the Kapex as it is so accurate. Take a look at this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eomtaZ2qZ56Fas0 Peter

[@Glasside]

New Brit Workshop Hi Peter, thanks for the link, very interesting video indeed, and genuinely, I really have been getting better results with your PGS than with my CMS. You can take that as the compliment it is meant as. I did subsequently indeed try the mitre with the PGS and am delighted with the result. Intriguingly I was having an awful time with some bevel cuts on the CMS as the ply I was cutting had some undulations, it was far easier to clamp this to my workbench and cut it with the PGS than use the CMS. I really am questioning the need for the CMS at this point! Many thanks again...

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi David, I think that you will find it useful to have a CMS-TS for long thin strip cuts and for rebate work. I am so pleased that you have had such a good experience with the PGS. Have you managed to put a review on the PGS product page of the Axminster site? Cheers. Peter

[@Glasside]

New Brit Workshop Hi Peter, indeed, regarding the strips, I was of the same mind. I have, with great pleasure, left a review on the Axminster site. Wishing you continued success with it! Just need more part dogs now ;)

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi David, Many thanks for leaving the review. Good luck with everything. Peter

[@paulmccann3855]

How much clearance is needed beneath the bench top to enable use of the Festool and Axminster clamps ? I intend to make a demountable one that I could set on top of muy existing workbench.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Paul, I have just measured my setup and say that with an 18 mm top the space below needs to be about 57 mm but it might be wise to allow an extra 3 mm to be on the safe side. Peter

[@paulmccann3855]

Many thanks. I have an order on for the system with Axminster and this info will save ne faffing around. Really enjoy your video blog

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Paul, Many thanks. Peter

[@bradleysummerhayes9504]

Can you do a video on how to place the holes on a vertical to match with the table top?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Bradley, It is on the list but the list currently represents about 3 years work ! Cheers. Peter

[@marcosbatistarb9811]

is Very good , perfect i like vídeos mister Peter ,i here Brasil i love to vídeos congratulações Peter.....

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Marcos, Many thanks. Peter

[@kevinclark8311]

superb video... as usual1

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Kevin, Thank you so much. Peter

[@pierreblattner4527]

unfortunately one of the parf dogs from Axminster can just be just with a hammer! Impossible to get in and out with out! hopefully I both two from Veritas. Those are a lot better!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Pierre, What type of dogs did you get from Axminster? Peter