Jeremy,
Volumes have been written on this subject so I’ll hit a few highlights that make the system appeal to me.
First the EZ Smart system is universal. Use any circular saw or router you would like. I currently have 7 saws equipped with EZ Bases. First is a Festool. It’s plunge action gives some unique capabilities but at the same times creates some difficulties. Second, 3 makita’s - a 61/2 Cordless, A siding saw with a built in dust catcher and one of the 5007F Makita’s. A Porter cable for general use - Primarily on the Festool MFT. The final pair are a Bosch 8 1/4 and a Skil 10" for straight line ripping heavy materials.
EZ has the repeaters that offer repeatability - serves the same function as a fence on a table saw - set the repeaters and cut as many pieces as you wish without measuring.
The EZ Cabinet maker is a combination of the EZ Square and a repeater. These are used for cutting large panels and almost anything else you can think of. When using the cabinetmaker, you normally crosscut the sheet first and then do rip cuts. Just lay the sheet on the smart table and start cutting. You only move that big panel once. It is a much easier way to work.
The EZ Smart was designed as a replacement for the table saw. The Festool system was designed to supplement the table saw. The EZ Smart system when equipped with either the EZ Smart clamping system or the guide control units, can rip cut a piece as small as 1/4".
The rails are the heart of the system. The EZ rails are much stronger, have a dovetail self aligning joining system so you can join shorter rails and not have transport longer rails. Also you can cut on both sides of the EZ rail. Festool is single sided.
Anti chip protection on the EZ Smart is very good. Today I was cutting formica face up with a Freud Diablo 7 1/4" blade. There was no chipping.
What do the Festool owners think of some of the EZ features? Several are asking EZ Smart to make a version of the repeaters, Smart routing kit, and cabinet maker for the Festool rails. You can read their posts on the EZ Smart Forum (a manufacturers forum on Sawmill Creek.).
And I guess to be honest the most meaningful thing to me is to be able to pickup the phone and talk with Dino, inventer of the EZ Smart system. I can tell him a problem I’m having or relay an idea to him for a better tool. He has incorporated the ideas of many of his customers into his tools. I think it might be rather difficult to get a chance to talk directly with the chief designer at the festool factory in Germany.
I hope this information helps. I’ll try to answer any questions you may have. If I don’t know the answers, I’ll find someone who does.
Burt
. I'd like to know what else makes one better than the other (some hard facts/opinions)
