The Festool 578246 FS 1400 Limited Edition 100th Anniversary Blue Anodized 55" Guide Rail is a precision guide rail for track saw, router, and jigsaw work. This is a guide rail designed for straight, splinter-free cuts and routing grooves. Model Number 578246. If you want cleaner results without dragging big sheet goods across stationary machines, this rail gives you a controlled, repeatable cutting path right where the workpiece sits.

The big reason guys buy a rail like this is accuracy that actually saves time. Festool builds the FS 1400 around a splinter guard positioned directly at the scribe mark, so you can place the rail on your line and cut with less guessing. That matters on finished plywood, veneered panels, interior trim stock, and any job where chipped edges turn into touch-up work. The slideway lining also helps the saw or router move smoothly along the rail, which keeps the cut consistent and makes the whole setup feel more controlled.

This rail is more than just a straightedge. It is part of Festool's guide rail system, which means it is meant to work with compatible saws, routers, jigsaws, clamps, limit stops, connectors, and other rail accessories. Festool also calls out zero-play guidance when paired with compatible circular saws because the guidance jaws can be adjusted to fit the rail without tools. That tighter fit is what helps deliver clean, exact cuts instead of a tool wandering on the track.

On the job, the practical stuff matters as much as the cut quality. The underside grip strips help the rail stay positioned on smooth materials and help protect the workpiece surface. That speeds up setup, especially when you are making layout-sensitive cuts on sheet goods or finished stock. When extra hold is needed, the rail is also compatible with clamps and other securing accessories, so you can scale from quick shop cuts to more locked-in production work.

The 55 inch length hits a sweet spot for cabinet parts, sheet breakdown, furniture work, interior finishing, and general woodworking. It is long enough for many common rip and crosscut tasks, but still manageable to move, store, and carry. At about 5.864 lbs assembled weight, it stays light enough to handle easily without feeling flimsy. The aluminum construction is called out as lightweight yet robust, which is exactly what you want in a rail that needs to stay straight and travel well.

Another strong point is flexibility. Festool notes that multiple guide rails can be connected for longer cuts, which is a big deal if you are breaking down larger panels or handling site-built cabinetry and millwork. With the right accessories, the system also supports angle transfer, precise groove routing, and other guided operations that go well beyond basic straight cutting.

This limited-edition version adds the 100th-anniversary blue anodized finish, so it stands out from the standard rail while keeping the same core function. That special finish is nice if you appreciate Festool history or just want something different in the shop, but the real reason to buy it is still performance: fast setup, accurate alignment, cleaner cut edges, and compatibility with the broader Festool guide rail platform.

Who should buy it? Woodworkers, cabinet installers, finish carpenters, remodelers, and serious DIY users who want better control when cutting sheet goods or routing straight grooves. If you already run Festool guide-rail-compatible tools, this is an easy fit. If you are trying to get cleaner results with less measuring, less tear-out, and less wrestling material onto larger machines, this rail makes a lot of sense.

A track saw rail that earns its spot fast

The Festool 578246 FS 1400 Limited Edition 100th Anniversary Blue Anodized 55" Guide Rail is the kind of accessory that makes your saw, router, or jigsaw setup feel more dialed-in from the first cut.

• Who it's for: Woodworkers, cabinet installers, finish carpenters, and serious DIY users who care about straight cuts, cleaner edges, and faster setup on sheet goods and finished stock.
• Why it stands out: The splinter guard, low-friction slideway, and Festool system compatibility are the real story here. You are not just buying a straightedge. You are buying repeatability.
• Worth knowing: This is sold as a rail only, so its value really shows up when paired with compatible Festool tools and accessories. The 100-year blue finish is cool, but the precision is the reason to grab it.

• What kind of product is this? It is a guide rail for making straight, controlled cuts and grooves with compatible Festool saws, routers, and jigsaws.
• How long is the rail? The rail is 55 inches long, also identified as FS 1400 or 1400 mm.
• Can this rail be connected to other rails? Yes. Festool states that multiple guide rails can be connected for longer cutting setups.
• Does it help reduce splintering? Yes. It uses a splinter guard positioned at the scribe mark to help minimize tear-out and produce cleaner edges.