For rough work, not much use for it. But finish work, things like long tapers on a board, or a really good straight edge where maybe you are butting something against it, I find it very useful. I have two tracks with splice pieces that make it about 9' long so 8' rips are easy. With Festool you really need to use a straight edge to make sure the spliced pieces are in perfect alignment, probably with any brand you should always check.