Replies

1. 
   nikkiwood | Dec 09, 2006 11:16pm | #1

   Do a search for Festool vs. EZ Smart and you will be flooded with information. Each tool has its adherents, and the debate sometimes gets contentious.

   Festool:

   http://www.festoolusa.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=3&prodid=561174

   EZ Smart:

   http://www.eurekazone.com/products/index.html

   http://eurekazone.com/gallery/

   You can also visit these user sites for more information; you have to join, but it's free.

   http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FestoolOwnersGroup/

   http://tinyurl.com/ykshh5

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

   John Wooden 1910-

2. 
   skip555 | Dec 09, 2006 11:24pm | #2

   ezsmart forum here

   http://www.sawmillcreek.org/forumdisplay.php?f=26

   reveiw was in fine homebuilding a couple of months ago

1. 
   user-74932 | Dec 10, 2006 12:54am | #3

   Amazing how quickly I can forget. I am surprised that a web site search for Tool Trolley did not bhring it up.

   Dave

1. 
   stevemorris | Dec 11, 2006 01:00am | #4

   ive used the leevalley edge guide system for years, simple easy to set up, nicely made

   note: some edge guides will not allow setup at angles other than close to 90 degrees(lee valley does)

1. 
   user-74932 | Dec 11, 2006 01:37am | #5

   Thanks! I will definately check that out.

   Dave

3. 
   davidwood | Dec 11, 2006 02:04am | #6

   Who has what experience with these products.

     ez... Things to Keep in mind.

   1. clean cuts. (antichip protecion) top on the FHB review.

   2. straight cuts. (connection system) top on Wood review.

   3. narrow cuts. (the only system with smart clamping) 1/4"

   4. square cuts. (the only system with self aligning square/fence)

   5. repeat cuts. ( the only system with  a repeater  and cabinetmaker device)

   6. 2 axis routing kit. (no limits here)

   7. edge joining. (with the same router kit)

   8. No dedicated tools. (use your tools on and off the guide without removal of plates)

   9.10.11.....

   From  Woodsmith:

   ...At first glance, the ez smart looks like a lot of other straightedge saw guides on the market. But there are some key differences in how the Ez Smart works.

   ...All this features are great,but what makes the EZ Smart really stand out are the accessories available for it.

   ...After taking a look at these, you quickly realize that this isn't just a saw guide---it's a precision cutting system for the circular saw.

   PS.

   You will need dust collection with the ez system.

   Hilti-Festool-PC-Bosch -Worx CS offer dust collection.

   Makita-Dewalt-Hitachi-Milwaukee and others can be modified for dust ports.

   Good luck.

   david

   
   

   ---

   Edited 12/10/2006 6:05 pm ET by davidwood

4. 
   Burts | Dec 11, 2006 05:09am | #7

   New - easier to remember - EZ smart address - http://www.EZsmarttools.com.

   Both David and Nikkiwood gave addresses for the EZ Smart forum on Sawmill Creek.  That is a greatplace to ask specific questions about the EZ.

   I am using the EZ Smart equipment in a small commerical cabinet shop and have found it be a very valuable asset.

5. 
   MatthewSchenker | Dec 11, 2006 10:50pm | #8

   If you just want a reliable straight-edge for cutting, nice and simple, then check out the Red-Line guides. They are sold at Hartville Tool. For about $200, you get a reliable guide that hooks to your saw and cuts up to 8'.

   If you are interested in more of a tool system, where a saw and guide are made to work together, you would do well with the Festool options. The cost gets up in the $500 range, which includes the saw and 8' cutting capacity.

   There are other details to consider on this, but take a look at the links below.

   Hartville Tool:
   http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/10833

   Festool:
   http://www.festoolusa.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=3&prodid=561174