Another What to Buy Post....

[davkj]

Hoping the experts here can give me a hand. I'm a DIY'er / hobbiyist, with limited space - after struggling to get accurate cuts with the circular saw and a guide, I'm ready to take the plunge for a TS55.  I've been throught the table saw/track saw debate in my head and think the track saw will be OK for now, plus I really don't have the space for a table saw.  I work in my garage, and need to be able to quickly set up and tear down to get the cars in the garage.  I typically use a hollow core door over sawhorses as a workbench.

I have a collection of tools, some hand me downs, some a few years old.  I try to buy when I have a project, makes it easier to get the cost by the CFO.
6" Craftsman Jointer
7" Crafstsman Circular saw
Craftsman router (circa 1972)
12" DeWalt Compound Miter Saw
5" DeWalt ROS, Porter Cable 1/4 sheet sander
Makita Jig Saw
16g Brad Nailer, 23g Pin Nailer
Makita Drill, Hitachi Impact Driver
Shop Vac Banshee 5000
Kreg Jr. Jig

Projects:
Shallow wall cabinets (6") for kitchen
Panelled Wainscoting (probably not raised panel)
Built-in bookcases w/lower cabinets

So the question becomes, what else should I consider to go with the TS55? Rails?  Sander? MFT? Router? I want dust collection, so I think either a CT-Midi or a CT-26, but not sure which is really needed, it seems the larger unit works better with the routers, etc.  Looking to spend between $1500 and $2000.

Thanks.

 

[nickao]

With the Saws I find you just have to get the bigger vacs. CT 26 for sure. The saw is one thing unless you really take care you will get some dust. Putting foam under the ply when cutting and some other tricks can be found in the forum for helping to catch dust while using the TS saws.

 

[mouppe]

I cope just fine with a CT22 and TS55, and I recommend you get a domino. After all this is your hobby, and the domino makes everything easier and more fun too.

The MFT is fantastic, but there are other tools you could prioritize given your budget, such as a Rotex sander.

So in summary, I would get 1) Ct22 (or a CT26 which is the newer version) 2) a Domino 3) a Rotex. This would come in under $2000.

Richard.

 

[nickao]

Well yeah a CT 22 is a bigger vac. 

 

[ajones]

Hi and  [welcome]

+1 on the domino its just the job for the projects you have listed. you do not need a ro150 a ets150/3 would be better suited

and get a ct 26 a boom arm is a nice addition...

Have fun

 

[psee]

I am in the exact same situation that you are.  Have to move the car out of the garage to set up shop.  If you plan to get the TS get the MFT/3 to go with it, you can save some money and buy it in a package .  The MFT/3  breaks down and stores easily.  I used a shop vac to collect dust for a while but recentlty broke down and purchased a CT 26 along with an OF 1400 Router.  There is nothing like having dust collection for a router and festool does it right.  Good luck with your decision you won't be dissapointed

 

[grobin]

You don't say what type of work you want to do.  I second he domino as its an excellent jointry gadget.  If you are going to use ply get the parallel guides and extensions for the TS55.  If your current vac is OK then you can just get the hose from Festool.  All of the Festool hoses and DC are interchangeable and the hose mates with almost all shop vac type gadgets.  If you feel that you need better DC then get the 36 not the 26 ans the 36 has a lot more capacity and can be used with heaver tasks—and it doesn't sound like a lot of portability is important.  The TS55 and Domino are available in packages.  I would look at the 1400 as a router before the MFT.  BTW the smaller MFT800 are still available on blowout.