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I would not use a metal C-clamp though, simply because that would be too easy to crush, bend or dent this aluminum rail. Highly recommended. That means you can use the same guide for different tools. It also acts as an exact line-of-cut gauge. I made plates for those that attach to the base of the routers in a minute and glide on the protruding channel.
I reviewed the jigsaw adapter-plate elsewhere here on Amazon, so if you want more detailed information and a few tips, look for that review.The real appeal of this Bosch product is the reasonable price. Over the last few decades, I have used numerous guide-rails, including Festool's and many shop-built ones, but for the low price, this can't be beat. I have two routers that I routinely use with this, a Porter-Cable trim router and a DeWalt plunge router. Then make your first cut with whatever saw you use. I do use this with my Bosch jigsaw, but have found that the wider side is great for my hand-held circular saw too.
Obviously, you need a separate backer-board for each saw / blade combo.The particle board acts as a "zero-clearance" plate, that dramatically reduces tear-out, splintering and rough edges. and if you intend to use this with your router for dados or rabbets, I highly recommend making your own router bases. That first cut automatically aligns with whatever saw / blade combo you use. The body of this guide-rail is wide enough that you can easily use spring clamps or padded quick-clamps and they will not interfere with your cuts. The off-set distance from the protruding channel is different on the left and right sides, which is an advantage in some cases. With a tool of this size, that's an important detail because it's very handy to have nearby, but a nuisance to have in the way. C-clamps can develop tremendous clamping force, far more than is needed for holding this securely. Any pair of light-duty clamps will hold the rail in place because of the friction strips on the bottom.
I did not have to buy those clamps, because I already got those with another Bosch product. In conjunction with this accurate guide-rail, you can whip out some neat joinery fast.The picture shows the guide-rail clamps underneath the board. The backer-board provides some extra rigidity too so you don't have to worry so much about "babying" the soft aluminum.Overall, I am perfectly satisfied with the quality and features of this simple yet well though-out tool and am delighted to have the same quality as Festool without paying those exorbitant prices. I used quarter-inch thick smooth particle board. just place the edge exactly on top of your layout line. No matter what saw you use, the cut will always be right there, perfect every time.
It performs very well with standard spring clamps and without the adapter. Hanging it on the wall solves both problems. I leave two cheap spring clamps attached to it when I hang it up, so the guide also acts as a clamp-holder, and those clamps are always right where you need them, when you need them.If you plan on using this for cutting-down sheet-goods, (with either a circ-saw or jigsaw) I recommend attaching the guide to a thin backer-board. Those really help keep the guide in place. It has the same friction pads on the bottom as the Festool model.
That's easy to do. I compared this to the festool guide-rail and found it to be the same quality and features for much less cash.I purchased both this guide-rail and the adapter from a local Bosch dealer, for thirty-three bucks.
However, you do not necessarily need those clamps. I prefer the spring-clamps because they are fast and easy to reposition.
There's no guesswork or "ciphering" to determine off-set. Cut it slightly over-size, attach it with bolts (recessed on the bottom) and butterfly nuts (on top) in three places: one bolt near each end and one in the middle.
With the right adapter or a shop-built plate, this works great with any router. The friction strips are relatively unaffected by sawdust and hold well even on melamine or phenolic-covered plywood.
It positively holds the jigsaw and prevents wandering, especially if you apply a thin strip of UHMW tape to remove any vestige of "slop" or "play."It has a hole on the end which makes it easy to hang on a peg-board hanger or anywhere you can put a nail on the wall. For security and safety though, I recommend the adapter for jigsaws.
I used a Bosch fine wood blade (and the anti-splinter insert) and the cut on wood doors was as good as a router. Unfortunately, Bosch doesn't seem to be offering any alternative at this time for the newer saws.All in all, an awesome and useful tool. Also note, it works with the older 1584/1587 saws but not the newer 1590/1591 saws. This guide tool makes great straight cuts on doors and other large items. It can take the place of many circular and table saw tasks with even better results and one-person operation.You will also need to buy the Bosch 2607001082 Guide Rail Adapter and 1607960008 Guide Rail Clamps. It is also perhaps a good reason to purchase the older Bosch saws which are still offered at an even better price. If you want to double the length (to 110") you will need another Rail Guide and 1602319003 Guide Rail Connector.
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