Basic equipment list

[Holmz]

...
... especially the carbon fiber stuff, making it from scratch (except for the tubular areas) with cloth and resin and a vacuum bag method, very satisfying. I hope to incorporate the carbon/composite work into my woodworking.
...

Is that RTIM?
Or wet layup and then whacked into the vac bag?

I am looking at this for a veneer project.

 

[Zebt]

This is a struggle!
Just left the shop, now have a list of options and variations and combos and it's hard to work out what's best!! Aaarghh.
So much of it is like, ....if you get one bit then you need the other....if you don't have this bit then there is no point having this bit... [unsure] I wish I knew my budget, but just can't figure that out either, or if I should embark on this at all??

For the cabinet work you'd do for a camper fit out ... my honest thinking would be ...

MFT/3
Track Saw
DC
Sander
Domino DF500
Router

Anything above that you can already limp along with (sander / DC) postpone for a bit. Keep in mind, a Festool sander behaves best with variable suction. A track saw and the Domino just need plenty of sucking power!

Sure the LR32, OF1400, etc, etc make for a more interesting cabinet build - but I'm not in favour of shelf pin internals for a mobile application. I prefer solid, fixed and thought out positions in advance.

Over and above I'd be getting some bench dogs for the MFT and some quick clamps.

Then you have a foundation that'll get you really producing. To grow your collection, get a green tin and just put some spare $'s and make that your new tool limit. If you can justify a new tool outside of you saving fund, great .. but don't let it send you broke or break the calm at home [wink] [smile]

No doubt you've got a decent drill driver and a viable jigsaw from you other hobbies.

You will need decent measuring and making stuff. Maybe the odd template or jig for drawer runners hinges, etc.

Wise words Kev, I need to stay grounded and not let the green dream cloud my judgement!

 

[Zebt]

...
... especially the carbon fiber stuff, making it from scratch (except for the tubular areas) with cloth and resin and a vacuum bag method, very satisfying. I hope to incorporate the carbon/composite work into my woodworking.
...

Is that RTIM?
Or wet layup and then whacked into the vac bag?

I am looking at this for a veneer project.

Wet then bagged. End up with one gloss side and one matt/rough side.

 

[Holmz]

[member=54871]Zebt[/member] - Did you use a core?

Plywood is certainly strong and has history in both cars and boats. I doubt you will want to use chipboard or other less durable base material for your cabinets.

Then depending on how big your engine is (or is not), then it may be possible to have the fit out make using the flat pack style connections for the cabinet carcasses. It also may be possible to have the cabinets be light and vibration and fatigue resistant by applying your existing vacuum bagging skills of face sheets over core material?
One could use veneer to have the wood appearance and/or paint it with a high gloss finish which would be easier cleaning.

 

[Zebt]

[member=54871]Zebt[/member] - Did you use a core?

Plywood is certainly strong and has history in both cars and boats. I doubt you will want to use chipboard or other less durable base material for your cabinets.

Then depending on how big your engine is (or is not), then it may be possible to have the fit out make using the flat pack style connections for the cabinet carcasses. It also may be possible to have the cabinets be light and vibration and fatigue resistant by applying your existing vacuum bagging skills of face sheets over core material?
One could use veneer to have the wood appearance and/or paint it with a high gloss finish which would be easier cleaning.

The carbon work I have done in the past were sheets and were only around 4mm thick then cut into smaller plates to form the centre and equipment housing of the drone. Some friends are making free diving fins and parts for spear guns, same technique but adding curing in a custom made oven.

I will check out local suppliers of normal 15mm laminate sheet with a veneer, not sure exactly what yet. The main question will be how to join, a lot of options. My inspiration is from evomotion design in the UK, they do some great work, but to ship out a complete set is almost as much as buying tools and making it myself, which is partly how I'm justifying doing this project.

 

[Holmz]

Rather than melamine, I was thinking 15-mm core with two 0.6-mm glass or carbon facesheets... Maybe with veneer on top of those.

Either way would work.

 

[sancho57]

To the OP

I would give you advice but I've found once you drink of the green Kool aid you'll own pretty much every Festool known to man.

So we at the FOG have developed a 12 Step program and a Help line.
They will not help  you control of your Festool  spending habit, it actually helps you spend more.