Henry
I wouldn't, and don't, rely on the strips on rough cut lumber. The strips work on surface tension for adhesion. The smoother the surface, and cleaner the strips, the better the adhesion. Rough cut, at least what I get, isn't smooth enough, so I use the clamps.
The cord and hose don't get in the way, but the guide rail end piece Festool sells to mitigate this is only so-so. It has too sharp a leading edge and the cord, and hose, can get a little "grabby" on that edge. I've seen some home made adapters that are a little smoother. I have the cord and hose coming down from the ceiling.
I don't see a track saw taking the place of a Jointer. They're good, but not that good.
Last edited by Mike Cutler; 06-28-2015 at 10:22 AM.
"The first thing you need to know, will likely be the last thing you learn." (Unknown)