Replies

1. 
   BruceS | Nov 14, 2008 03:56am | #1

   Sure looks like a knock-off of Festool system to me.

   Those systems have some nice features and practicalities, like being easily mobile.  But I will stick to my stationary Iron.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

2. 
   Rich14 | Nov 14, 2008 05:46am | #2

   Eemad,

   I've looked at this system closely and I think it is very well designed and made. In many ways, it is more flexible to use than the Festool version. It can rip and cross cut and set-up is very quick.

   Have you gone through the videos on the site? They are very compelling.

   I made a mock-up of the design using a piece of 1/4" plywood for the saw base, and an offset fence, designed so that there was zero deviation from where the edge of the fence was clamped to the workpiece and where the cut occurred - just like the EZ system. The circular saw blade cut its own zero-clearance slot through the base, emulating the plastic anti chip-out inserts in the EZ base.

   It was crude, but worked beautifully, resulting in the cut edge exactly where the guide was laid down and no chip-out using an ordinary blade. If my crude mock up worked, I figure the EZ system is extremely good.

   It's important to get a circular saw that has a dust port and use a good vacuum system. There aren't many. I think the Porter-Cable 325 Mag is ideal for this system.

   Rich

3. 
   MikeHennessy | Nov 14, 2008 03:49pm | #3

   New here? ;-)

   A while back, there were loads of threads with folks arguing the merits/demerits of the EZ vs. Festool. The owner/inventor of EZ used to post here a lot, but I think he was asked to leave for being too comercial, or argumentative, or . . .?

   Anyhow, it does allow you to cut a straight line, as does the Festool, and now the similar offerings from DeWalt, Makita and others perhaps, or a home made straight edge saw guide. It cannot replace a table saw completely -- for example, none of these systems allows you to use a dado blade or a tenon jig, or to cut more than a couple of inches deep -- but they will all allow you to cut a straight line.

   Bottom line -- only you can say if this will be a good option for you.

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

4. 
   Jimurock | Nov 14, 2008 05:04pm | #4

   The inventor of this system sponsors a Manufacturer's Forum over at Sawmill Creek, where devotees discuss the benefits at great length.

   Jim

5. 
   Hastings | Nov 15, 2008 03:08am | #5

   Eemad:

   Only you can tell whether the Festool or EZ system guide rail systems can replace a cabinet saw. It will depend upon the type of work you do, the volume, the materials, and the amount of shop space you have available.

   Both Festool and EZ have their fanboys, but I think it fair to say that the Festool system has greater virtuosity. I have just used it today with my router for accurate placement of slots and flutes. I don't know enough about EZ so I am prepared to be quite wrong on this point.

   Good luck,

   Hastings

1. 
   bcook01 | Nov 15, 2008 12:58pm | #6

   There is no question the festool can replace a table saw especially for cutting up 4x8 sheets.  One of the differences is in dust collection and the stability over longer cuts. The festool can cut clean as good as any tablesaw. It is great for on- the- job work. For other work the ts is far faster,however, it needs to be a real good contractors saw minimum with a good fence.

   Decision is workspace available, amount of use, and precision required.. and $$. Suppose that applys to all purchases.  You get what you pay for. I know the TS75 has paid for itself many times over and I have a good TS. 

   bob

    

1. 
   rhino1 | Nov 16, 2008 05:52am | #7

   I made a set of kitchen cabients using the EZ guide.  I felt much safer using it than my UNi with a 30 inch fence.  It's one tool, among many, that I use.

   With a sharp blade (frued diablo), you can cut wispy thin cuts.  My only issue was that with PC CS, I could not get a 1 1/2 depth of cut, so I could not cut two sheets of ply at once.  Other CS may have that functionality.

   It was well worth my money, and something I use with much more frenquency than I ever thought I would.

6. 
   nikkiwood | Nov 17, 2008 08:59am | #8

   I was one of the participants in the EZ / Festool wars that raged in this forum a few years back.

   Here are the factors to consider:

   *** Festool is expensive, tool quality is first rate, and dust collection is without peer.

   *** EZ is just a guide system, but with accessories, a very versatile one.

   ***If you already have a set of portable power tools (especially a circular saw and a router), you should look first at EZ to see if it will meet your needs.

   *** with Festool you pretty much have to buy their tools to use their guide systems.

   In sum, EZ will give you quality cuts (as good as Festool) at a lower cost. Dust collection is adequate, but not at the same level as Festool (whose tools are specifically engineered with this in mind).

   On the other hand, if cost is no object, and dust collection is of paramount importance to you, go Festool.

   EDIT: bear in mind that the Festool products sometimes don't work so well if you do NOT use the dust collection set up. Thus, if you don't care much about the DC, then you are probably further ahead with the EZ system.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/17/2008 1:04 am by nikkiwood

1. 
   Domer | Apr 07, 2009 05:22am | #9

   My son and I bought the EZ System. It works pretty well. But I wish we had bought the Festool. The EZ System cost almost as much as the Festool if you have to buy the circular saw. The quality of the Festool is superb. The dept of cut easy to set and the plunge allows you to do things you can't with the EZ System plus the dust collection.Both will help you cut plywood panels but neither will take the place of a table saw for accuracy and repeatability. Domer