How to Replace a Festool Splinter Guard for FREE
Do you own a Festool track saw, or are you planning to purchase one? If so, it is likely that at some point you may need to replace your splinter guard. In this post, I’m going to show you how to replace the splinter guard on your Festool guide rail, for free!
What is a Splinter Guard?
If you look at the bottom of your guide rail, you will see neoprene strips that help hold the guide rail down to your cutting surface.
Next to it, you will see your splinter guard. The splinter guard does two things. One, it keeps the wood from splintering. Second, it helps you to see exactly where your saw blade is going to come down. This helps you to know if you’re right on your “pencil mark.” Over time, the splinter guard has a tendency to be affected by different angle cuts and “wear and tear.”
How to Replace Your Splinter Guard for Free!
If you carefully peel this splinter guard off, you can simply move it over. You can then apply it with the same adhesive tape that is already on it. You don’t even have to use a different double sided tape. I’ve used this method with three different tracks and it’s worked really well. It has also helped save a little bit of money and time in going to the store or even going online to order it. Hopefully this will be helpful for you as well!
Important Things to Keep In Mind
There are a couple of important notes to keep in mind when you’re removing the splinter guard.
- One, is to do it on a clean work surface so that you don’t risk getting any dust or debris on the adhesive strip.
- Second, pull off the adhesive strip or tape with the actual splinter guard. The reason this is important, is if you leave on the adhesive tape, you may risk leaving it exposed when you move the splinter guard over. That could result in sawdust and debris getting stuck to the bottom of your track. This actually did happen to one of the three tracks that I did this with. It was fine, and didn’t end up leaving the tape exposed but it’s a good idea to be aware of this.
- Third, keep in mind that when you re-apply the splinter guard, you want to have enough of it overhanging the guide rail or the track to be able to get a clean cut with your saw. In my case I moved it over probably 3/16th’s of an inch, and that worked well.
Trimming the Adjusted Splinter Guard
When you go back and run the saw over the splinter guard, it will re-trim the guide. You should have a “zero tolerance.” As a result, when you put down your guide rail, you can put it down and see exactly where the saw blade is going to hit it.
Accuracy in Cutting with the Newly Trimmed Splinter Guard
In the example shown, I’ve gone ahead and re-trimmed the splinter guard and everything looks good. I can put this guide rail right on the surface that I’m going to cut and right up against the “pencil mark” if I choose to do so. I have confidence about exactly where the saw blade is going to come down. I’m really happy with the results from this, and hope that it is helpful for you as well!
If you are interested in learning more about track saws or if you would like to purchase a Festool track saw, you can click here.