Guide Rail System

Alpha® has re-designed and improved the already popular Alpha® Guide Rail and Carriage System designed for the AWS-125 stone cutter, which made the precise cutting application easier. Now, the new Guide Rails have a track for the new Carriage System wheels to ride along to ensure a smoother, more precision motion. Due to this, the Guide Rails are not only used for cutting applications but also for beveling and polishing. It is an ideal system for the preparation of seamless countertop installations. The base of the system starts with the guide rails that come in lengths of 4’, 7’ and 12’. Typically, the 4’ is the most popular for the trimming application of countertops at the job site. It is also great for the preparation for the seamless countertop installation, and bevel grinding and polishing for side edges of countertops. The 7’ and 12’ lengths are designed for slab cutting and bevel grinding and polishing on the main edges of countertops. Alpha® also offers an assortment kit with all three lengths, at a cost savings, to the fabricator. The 5” Guide Rail Carriage Assembly (ASC-5CSM) is designed for new ESC-125 Wet/Dry Stone Cutter only. Just remove the TT Guide from the base plate of the Stone Cutter, then use the same holding mechanism to attach the Stone Cutter to the Carriage, making it a fast and easy installation. This system allows you to cut straight only. The 6” Guide Rail Carriage Assembly (ASC-6CSM) is designed for the PSC-150 Wet Stone Cutter for straight cuts as well as miter cuts. This carriage has three templates included that assist the install of the stone cutter for left side or right side miter cutting and straight cutting. If you have two sets (Stone Cutter & Carriage Assembly) setup in each direction on the same guide rail, you can cut a V and the edges would be ready for lamination. If you have a single setup (Stone Cutter & Carriage Assembly), the guide rail need only be setup once on the material. The Stone Cutter can then be positioned to create a miter cut, then repositioned for a second miter cut to create the V. The Carriage Assembly for Beveling Auxiliary Base (BAB-CASM) is designed for the Beveling Auxiliary Base (BAB1590) to assist the precision grinding, beveling and polishing applications. Since the application is supported by the guide rail system, it creates the perfect chamfer edge, and difficult edges such as Hollywood Bevel, as well as the straight edge by hand application. We also recommend using the grinding wheel to make mitered edges for the laminated waterfall edge on thin porcelain panels (Laminam, Neolith, Panoramic…etc.) with ½” or less thickness. This method may be used to make a precise miter edge for the perfect laminated edge, instead of the technically demanding miter cut application.

Question : What materials can the Alpha® Guide Rail System be attached to?

Answer : The Alpha® Guide Rails can be attached to various materials such as granite, marble, engineered stone, porcelain slab, glass, etc.

Question : What lengths are available for the Alpha® Guide Rails?

Answer : The Alpha® Guide Rails come in 4’ (1.2m) for working with short pieces and vanity tops, 7’ (2.1m) for intermediate lengths and 12’ (3.6m) for long countertops or conference tables. See specifications chart.

Question : Can I purchase these Guide Rails individually?

Answer : Yes. All lengths can be purchased individually or they may be purchased as a combo kit with all three guides. All Alpha® Guide Rails come with two clamps for securing the Guide Rail to the material.

Question : Which Alpha® Stone Cutter should I choose to use on the Guide Rail System?

Answer : Refer to the Compatible Combinations List for to correct tool.

Question : What are the part numbers of the various Carriage Assemblies which accept the Alpha® AWS-110/220 and AWS-125/225 Wet Stone Cutters?

Answer : Refer to the Compatible Combinations List for to correct tool.

Question : Can I cut dry using the Guide Rail System?

Answer : Yes. You can perform dry and wet applications using the Guide Rail System. The cast aluminum will not rust so it’s ideal for wet applications.

Question : What are the lengths of the groove cuts on the backside of the Alpha® Guide Rails for inserting the clamps?

Answer : • GR-AG04 (4’ or 1.2m) = 19-1/2” • GR-AG07 (7’ or 2.1m) = 23-1/2” • GR-AG12 (12’ or 3.6m) = 23-1/2” • ASC-GR04 (4’ or 1.2m) = 16” • ASC-GR07 (7’ or 2.1m) = 24” • ASC-GR12 (12’ or 3.6m) = 36”

Question : How is the 12’ Guide Rail attached if it comes in two pieces of 6’ length?

Answer : The 12’ Guide Rail is two pieces of 6’ guide rails which are attached by a connector and 4 bolts (12mm Hex Head).

Question : Can I purchase the 12 foot Guide Rail and use one of the 6’ length piece separately?

Answer : No. The two pieces cannot be used as a single guide rail due to the fact there is no groove cut for the clamp on both ends of each 6 foot pieces. Only one side of each 6 foot piece is grooved for the sliding clamp.

Question : What tools are required for assembly of the 12” Guide Rails?

Answer : The only tool required is a 12mm wrench. We also recommend using Loctite or similar bond to secure the threaded area of the bolts and guide when assembling for the first time. This will keep the connection secure.

Question : What is the distance from the Alpha® Guide Rail to the desired cut line?

Answer : Please refer to the appropriate Carriage Assembly User Manual for specific information.

Question : When attaching the Alpha® Carriage Assembly onto the Guide Rail, does it make a difference which side it is attached?

Answer : No, the Carriage Assembly can be attached on either side of the Guide Rail.

Question : I don’t understand how to use the three templates that came with the 6” Guide Rail Carriage Assembly. How can I get more How-To information?

Answer : Visit our website at www.alpha-tools.com and view the manual and/or the application video on the product page. Additionally, you can call us for technical assistance at 800-648-7229.

Question : I need to replace a guide rail since it is bent. Can I use the carriage I already have for AWS-125 with a new guide rail?

Answer : Yes. However, they will require spacers to adjust the height of the carriage position in order to use the AWS-UCAM or ECO-CAM. Please call Alpha® at 800-648-7229 to get the spacers at no charge.

Question : Did Alpha® discontinue the old guide rails and carriage system?

Answer : Yes. We discontinued the old guide rails (GR series); however, we will continue offering the Universal Carriage Assembly (AWS-UCAM), while supplies last, which is suitable for the AWS-125 and AWS-110 and will fit on the new guide rails (ASC series).

Question : How can I prevent wheel marks or scratches on the stone surface when I use the Carriage Assembly for Beveling Base?

Answer : Alpha® recommends using Surface Protection Tape (BAB0650) to protect the surface from potential scratches caused by any application. This tape is waterproof and very easy to work with. It also doesn’t leave residue on the surface so that the cleanup will be fast and easy.

Question : Can I use the Alpha® Guide Rail System on 2mm porcelain panels to make a beveled edge?

Answer : Yes. As long as you have a large enough table to secure the 2mm porcelain panel properly with Alpha® Guide Rail System.

Question : Can I use the Alpha® Guide Rail System with any other stone cutters?

Answer : No. the Alpha® Guide Rail System is designed for machines from Alpha® only. Please see the compatibility chart for the right combination of carriage and rails.

Question : I couldn’t find a local Alpha® stocking dealer near me. Where can I get the Alpha® Guide Rail System?

Answer : Visit our website at www.alpha-tools.com and go to the desired product page. Select the "BUY NOW" tab, enter the quantity desired and click Add To Cart. Once checkout is complete, the order will then be processed and shipped directly to you.