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I have been using a Festool TS 55 in the table saw configuration (Compact Modular System) for about a year now and have been very satisfied. I usually work on my own and had some large beams that I had to cross cut. This is difficult to do on a table saw even if assited by extra hands because it is difficult to keep the piece against the fence as you slide it through the saw. A compound drop saw would have done the job, but my workshop is small and my budget is tight.

Instead, I decided to try a guide rail. As I said previously, my budget is limited so I purchased the Makita guide rail instead of the Festool guide rail. They are almost identical in profile, plus a comparison in the shop left me thinking the equipments slides a little more smoothly in the Makita guide rail.

Before using the rail for the first time, I calibrated the rubber stip at the side by running my saw along the entire length. This cut the rubber exactly at the edge of the saw.

The guide rail has a slot designed for Festool clamps to slide in. These clamps held the guide rail securely to the beams I needed to cut. With the newly calibrated rubber against my cut line, I was able to easily cut the beam at exactly the right location. I have since found the guide rail useful for a number of other situations and the plunge action of the TS 55 complements it well.

Note that if you want to use Festool parallel guides with a Makita guide rail, you will have to remove the lip on the top channel. I think this lip is designed to stop the Makita saw from tipping and is the only incompatibility between the rails that I am aware of.