About to take the plunge

[wndll]

Hello all,

I'm new to the forum, as I haven't ordered my green machines yet. I'll try to keep this as short yet detailed as possible. I've considered myself to be a hobbyist woodworker for about 10 years now. For four years prior to that, I did professional car audio. That is where I feel in love with the hobby. Fast forward to today. I've built a lot the furniture when I bought my first home a few years ago. I've also recently built some pieces (furniture, podiums, and a bar to name a few) over the past year that seemed to spark interest in others wanting me to build for them. I currently do 90% of my work in my garage, but plan on being mobile. I recently sold my router and table, table saw, and band saw on craigslist. My intent is to replace all the tools that I can with the Festool system, and start to take things to the next level, all while minimizing the size of the tools and time needed to complete jobs (not to mention dust management). When I retire, I plan to take woodworking from hobby to a full endeavor, so I consider this an investment in my future.

I've summed my initial Festool purchase to be the TS55REQ+CT MIDI, Domino DF 500 + Trim and Cross Stops, and OF1010 by February. One immediate issue I'm debating is the jigsaw. I currently have the Bosch 1590, and was looking to see how the Carvex 420 compared to it. I honestly didn't know that the Bosch 1590 was held in such high regards as it was until I started researching today. So, the question becomes, since I already have the 1590, will the Carvex 420 be such an improvement over it that I should include it in my initial purchase, or can it be a piece that is ordered a few months after with other Festool items? The reason I ask is because I noticed that the only way to get beveled cuts with the Carvex is to switch to that base, which comes with the Carvex accessory kit. That adds another $200 on to the $350 for the saw, adding $550 on to my budget. I gotta be able to sell this dream to the wife. Thanks for reading.

 

[Zacharytanner]

My 2cents is to skip the jigsaw as you have a Great saw already and I would add the 150/3 sander for fine sanding.

Lots of great people on FOG and lots of Great Dealers. Bob Marino is one that I have ordered from and he is fantastic. Almost forgot Welcome!!! I also recommend the Domiplate from Seneca Tools.

Frank

 

[Daver]

Hello all,

I'm new to the forum, as I haven't ordered my green machines yet.

Welcome to the FOG!
Dave [laughing]

 

[sprior]

Welcome to the FOG.

I have a Bosch jigsaw and think it's great and besides maybe dust collection I don't see any motivation to ditch it for the Carvex.

One tip for you is that when you buy the track saw I'd recommend making a deal with the dealer to pay the small difference and get the guide rails with the holes rather than the ones without.  You're probably going to want 2 of the 55" guide rails and the connector kit so you can rip a sheet of plywood.  The upgrade to the rails with holes is because I'm assuming that you're planning to do some cabinetry so the next recommendation is to use the money you were planning to spend on the Carvex and get the LR32 kit.  I can also see a MFT/3 in your future.  Also allocate some money for at least 2 of the speed clamps.  And BTW the Domino assortment is a good deal because it includes one of every size bit.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Welcome. Go for a sander. 150/3 or 125/3

You will use it much more than a jig saw, which you already have.

 

[wndll]

Thanks all, I will look into the Domiplate from Seneca Tools, and look into the LR32 rail. I was going to try to get by with a Kreg shelf hole jig, but if I can get the LR32 track instead, that will be great. As far as the 2 55" rails, will they be as accurate as a single longer rail? I think 'll order the dust extractor for the Bosch if it can be connected to the CT. Also, since the Bosch is good enough, does anyone know if there is a rail adapter available for it to be put on the rails? Just wanna know in case I run into a situation that calls for it. A sander was going to be in the next order I made, once I showed the wife how much of an improvement Festool is over what I had. May finally get around to making her cabinets first. Thanks for all the quick responses also.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I would agree that a sander would be a great addition.  Also, consider the MFT with the saw -- it really adds to the rest of the Festools and gives you a portable bench...it is probably my most used Festool.  The Bosch jigsaw yo uhave is a good one.  I have the Carvex and accessory kit and really like it a lot, but it is something you can always add at a later point.  Don't forget other accessories like clamps, vacuum bags maybe an extra blade or two for the saw -- accessories can quickly add up and they really enhance the tool. 

Welcome to the FOG and enjoy the ride!

Scot

 

[wow]

I was in the same boat as you a couple months ago, and advise I got here kept me from making an expensive mistake. Listen to these guys - they know whereof they speak.



And welcome to the FOG!

 

[Motown]

Welcome, you are going to love these tools! One recommendation: I am not sure what type of routing requirements you have but you may want to compare the OF1400 as it supports 1/2 inch shanks. It looks like your also considering the LR32 in the future and the 1400 works with that kit. Let us know how it goes.

 

[stvrowe]

I would echo the others comments on the jigsaw, sander, and the MFT.  I will also add the following for your consideration;

1) If you ever intend on getting the MFT, the only tool you can get a package discount is with one of the plunge saws.  Every other tool that has a dust collection port you can also purchase as a package with the dust extractor.  Purchasing packages will save you money but only if you plan to eventually get the MFT.

2) Instead of the OF1010, I would consider the OF1400 primarily because it has the capability to accept 1/2" shank bits.  This will give you more flexibility in the future

Welcome to the FOG where members excel at helping others spend their money and providing lubricant for the slippery slope.   ;D

 

[Motown]

LOL.  [big grin]

Plus one on what Steve said.

 

[JeromeM]

Thanks all, I will look into the Domiplate from Seneca Tools, and look into the LR32 rail. I was going to try to get by with a Kreg shelf hole jig, but if I can get the LR32 track instead, that will be great. As far as the 2 55" rails, will they be as accurate as a single longer rail?

the shorter rails can be as accurate as a long one but The Betterley StraightLine Connector for $99 makes joining rails much more easy, accurate and fast. However I wouldn't get 2 55" rails, as having different length rails are more useful than 2 of the same.  
You will probably find that 2 55" rails are a bit short if you need to rip a full sheet at an angle.

If you don't have another router then I would also think very carefully about the difference between the OF1100 and OF1400 as the machines are not so different in weight, both work well with the LR32 but the OF1400 can also use ½ inch bits which the OF1100 can't.

 

[sancho57]

Buy the domino kit and you will get the cross stop and trim stops as well as a couple of more accessories. Then buy the dominos in the systainer and you will get all the  domino bits as well as a very good selection of dominos.

One thing about festool, if they offer a kit, get the kit...

 

[semenza]

Welcome to the forum wndll  [smile]

I'll add my two cents on the router. I think the 1400 will be more all purpose. Especially consider it if you think you might get the CMS router table set up in the future. The added power will handle bigger bits in the table better. Personally I like the 1400s snap fit accessories and DC better than the 1010 also.

Seth

 

[Jmaichel]

Welcome to the FOG!
I am not a pro just a hobbyist but here are my 2 cents. Are you going to be building furniture too or just cabinetry? Since you got rid of your table saw you might want to consider stepping up to the TS 75, if you are going to rip hardwoods the TS 75 is a much better choice IMHO. +1 for those who mentioned the OF1400 over the 1010. Since you had a router table I am assuming that you have a good supply of bits that are 1/2" shanks. If you are considering a sander skip the ETS 125 and go with the ETS 150. +1 for the MFT/3 not only for the package discount but its just so darn useful, I use my MFT probably more than anything else in my shop. I would consider getting a 75" rail to go along with the 55" instead of two 55" rails.

 

[Kev]

Welcome to the FOG [smile]

I like my cordless CARVEX - it's particularly handy if you want to hitch it to a rail and make a straight cut somewhere without power handy. Less value if you intend to stay shop bound).

KAPEX would be high on my list too.

cheer,

Kev

 

[wow]

If you ever intend on getting the MFT, the only tool you can get a package discount is with one of the plunge saws.  Every other tool that has a dust collection port you can also purchase as a package with the dust extractor.  Purchasing packages will save you money but only if you plan to eventually get the MFT.

Is this true? If so, I am, REALLY bummed that I didn't know it before I bought my TS. I guess I am within my 30 days - how do I do a return of what I bought so I can get the discount on the MFT I had panned to buy later?

 

[peter halle]

Yes it is true that there are package discounts.  Contact your dealer and talk to them about what you are trying to accomplish.

Peter

 

[Walk On Wood]

If you ever intend on getting the MFT, the only tool you can get a package discount is with one of the plunge saws.  Every other tool that has a dust collection port you can also purchase as a package with the dust extractor.  Purchasing packages will save you money but only if you plan to eventually get the MFT.

Is this true? If so, I am, REALLY bummed that I didn't know it before I bought my TS. I guess I am within my 30 days - how do I do a return of what I bought so I can get the discount on the MFT I had panned to buy later?

Not true. At festoolproducts.com you can add mft to any of the tools for 10% off...

 

[stvrowe]

If you ever intend on getting the MFT, the only tool you can get a package discount is with one of the plunge saws.  Every other tool that has a dust collection port you can also purchase as a package with the dust extractor.  Purchasing packages will save you money but only if you plan to eventually get the MFT.

Is this true? If so, I am, REALLY bummed that I didn't know it before I bought my TS. I guess I am within my 30 days - how do I do a return of what I bought so I can get the discount on the MFT I had panned to buy later?

Not true. At festoolproducts.com you can add mft to any of the tools for 10% off...

Sorry, but according the catalog, package discounts for the MFT are only applicable to the TS55 and TS75 saws.  FWIW, I tried adding an MFT/3 to the cart where a tool is included at the referenced website and (drum roll please) - no 10% discount is applied.  If you know of some secret code or handshake, then let it be known because I would love to get a 10% discount and add an MFT/3 basic to a tool purchase.