Review on Festool 495209 197In Replacement Splinterguard by Dustin Wheeler

I have had a Festool saw for 15 years. The saw is excellent; I wouldn't be without him. The original splinter guards were indestructible. I recently needed new ones for my three splints. I bought this product twice, I used only mechanical means to remove the old shields (very laborious I will say) and installed this shield on a clean surface. I had problems with the first roll. The second time I rotated the strip and even used clips on the ends to make sure they stayed attached. I live in Texas, the heat can be brutal and this track is not up to the task, even moving the track to a warehouse instead of a garage only delayed the breakdown. This time I ordered the Makita version. I hope the sizes match, I think the transparent festool strip is thinner than the old one. It is a pity! Update 6/27/2012: Festool USA was kind enough to send another replacement and I bought the Makita version. A few words about Festool USA, they have ALWAYS been top notch and very quick to respond. I love this saw and would highly recommend the tool and system. I mostly use sheet material and this makes it safe and easy to work alone. Here is my comparison of Makita and Festool anti-splinter inserts. Remember I live in a hot climate! 1. Makita has the same thickness as the old Festool bar. With a new (thinner) Festool, simply match the blade to the new one, but if you ever use a guide bar tool you'll be a hair's breadth sideways in the other direction! 2. Makita is softer, very similar to the old Festool strip, which holds a narrow job better than the new Festool, but it can also be squeezed. 3. Makita appears while the strip is stickier. The new Festool will not get stuck in hot climates, perhaps the main problem is its hardness. The strip wants to derail, and it's robust enough and has enough memory to do so. The big dent I recently had on my long splint was in the middle, there was a slight bend in the strip when I took it out of the box, I didn't think anything of it at the time but that's where it broke. I clipped the ends when not in use!). 4. The new Festool strip is great for finding the mark, unless you're like me and need reading glasses to do it (I've been known to use precision knives and a combination square for repeat cuts. I prefer the guide to the edges the blade). . 5. The new Festool bar is tougher and less likely to be damaged or crushed when installing the hard bumper, which is also a disadvantage, see 2. If the Makita fails, I'll upgrade again.