Customer Reviews

Tru-Grip FT4TS 4 Tru-Grip Pro FTR Series

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

At last a guide that is easy to set up, accurate, and adaptable. The integral t-slots are a real joy. I built a long stop, that mounts to the bottom set of t-slots, that acts as a t-square. It makes it quick and easy to do solid nineties.

The Tru Grip Pro FTR series is a first class product. The thing that is very important is that they grip well (you can adjust it) and they are very true and accurate when using the Stop, or Router Guide, or Saw guide. No wobble, no play, just tight, smooth, snag free accuracy.
When you consider the tools they replace, they are also a bargain. With a 4 foot and an 8 foot model, you can cut 4 x 8 sheets of plywood, without having to shell out twenty times the money for a panel cutter. If I was cutting plywood sheets all day long, of course the panel cutter has some setup advantages. For example you don't have to bother to use a square when cutting with a panel cutter. But for portability, and accurate use, the Tru Grip system can't be beat.
The pro series is a lot wider than their regular guide clamps, that is to allow for the mitre T slots on both sides. That way the accessories can ride along those tracks. Their regular guide clamps are great for doing dadoes with a router for example. Use two of them, and you have an instant routing guide.
The circular saw accessory is very accurate. You just drill holes in the plate, which is phenolic plastic, and mount your saw. Then you drop your saw down through the plate, giving you an extremely tight fit, which prevents tear out, when cutting through finish work. So you wind up dedicating a circular saw to it.
The stop piece is great for all sorts of uses, like when routing blind dadoes, or for making repeated cuts at a certain depth.
Having the 4' and the 8 foot model is convenient. Using an 8' for everything is not advised. The long overhang left by an 8' on a short piece of work is not easy to deal with.
I use the 8' when trimming door edges. How else can you run an 80 inch door through a machine in order to get an adjusted edge?
The router plate is already machined out with a circle in the middle that is oversize, so as to keep the bit at a maximum clearance for plunging. Once again, you drill it yourself to accomodate your specific router.
The router , saw, and stop accessories are premade to fit into the specific configuration on the edge of the guide, as well as the T slot, creating a very snug fit, with no play, yet not binding.
The days of finding a left over edge of a plywood sheet, then figuring out how to clamp it down, in order to cut larger sheets are over. This system is lightweight, made out of thick aluminum, which makes it substantial, yet a breeze to carry around.

The equipment it replaces, and the accurracy it creates in your work, make it well worth the price. Highly recommended.

I originally purchased the 4ft. Tru-Grip Pro to build a router table carcass and top. Once I mastered the efficient use of the tool, I found making deadon accurate square cuts quick and painless. I do not have the bases, but I don't really need them. I just use the edge of the tool for a fence, check square and offset for the operation and either saw off edges or route dados and rabbet cuts. It's a bit more of a pain to set up than my table saw, but the accuracy is spot on and for large pieces and panel crosscuts, this absolutely provides maximum utility for the cost.

I like my tools to have a very solid feel to them, and this tool certainly provides that. Additionally it is very accurate and has made crosscutting plywood in my small shop much less painful (still have that space issue..). Combined with a cross cutting jig comprised of a few 2x4s, this thing will deliver results each and every time.

Really helps cross cutting operations in a small shop, and when combined with one of the bases also available helps deliver repeatable, accurate results. What more do you need?

I built a work bench last week and needed to make alot of straight cuts in plywood. Once the saw was mounted on the plate it was so easy to make perfectly straight cuts. I definitely think this was a good purchase, and am going to get the 8' one as well.

I have the 8'too both are great with the bases for an accurate and inexpensive "panel saw ". Tighten the set screw if you want more hold.

I have owned many straight edges and with out a doubt this is the best.Its easy to use and very accurate.If you own a work shop this is a must.This is the best money I have spent on a tool.

With the 8' version or the 4' version, plus the CH Hanson 45EX 4' x 4' Layout Triangle with 45 Degree Angle, there are few projects that can not be laid out and/or cut with great precision using a skil saw. The pro version is slightly more expensive, but it is built better so the additional cost is justified. These tools will save you the cost of a panel saw unless all you do is cut panels. Even then, you'll think twice before you shell out thousands for little more utility.

Can't say a whole lot more - fantastic device that works exactly as it's intended to. I didn't give it 5 stars becasue the accessory bases and stop are MUCH too expensive and VERY easy to make with some MDF and T-nuts. Griset -> make the accessories more reasonable and you'll win more repeat customers.