Best tool manufacturer

[roblg3]

I'm asking if anyone knows of a better tool system.  I think Festool is quite good.  I wonder if there's something even better?  Having worked with the "system" for a while my only interest is if there's something out there that's a more complete or comprehensive solution to organization, and integration of tools that work together that "GO" together to complement each other and so on.  Does someone know?

 

[GhostFist]

"Best" is completely subjective. It depends on your style of work and budget. All manufacturers have pluses and minuses. Nothing is perfect

 

[Stephen B]

[size=14pt]

Big Store Brand - Makita - DeWalt - Milwaukee - Blue Bosch - Metabo - Festool - ?

Or reverse or mix it up.

What it really depends on is factors such as purpose, affordability, perceived quality, design, expectation, experience, knowledge, perception, usage, warranty . . . .

I had a customer last Saturday who purchased a cheap heat gun. I showed him a Makita (3X price), but as he said - "I am going to strip the exterior of my house probably once in my life . . . And they both have a 1 year warranty" So for him and his needs, that cheap heat gun was made by the Best Tool Manufacturer.

But I wouldn't have bought it!

 

[waho6o9]

Mafell is in the running.

 

[r cash]

Mafell for me anyway here's what the Mafell band saw did for me recently.

 

[jacko9]

Sure, just outfit your whole shop with Felder.

 

[r cash]

We'll if we're talking spare no expense. Martin which makes Felder look middle of the road price wise. I was shopping for a new planer 2 yrs ago Martin 25" $32,000
Felder $18,000 and the one I got is 25" 15hp Laguna for $12,000

 

[jmbfestool]

Nice truss!

 

[roblg3]

i Should make a clarification...price isn't my main concern.  I should included portability since about half of my work is site jobs.  i also need to be able to purchase in N america.  I suppose if i wanted a "plant" type machine a CNC would be what i was looking for.  I build anything from humidors, to decks and chairs and architectural millwork such as the beautiful truss pictured by r cash.  I'll look at mafell, thanks for the input!

 

[Pixel]

From my own 45 years experience in the construction industry

Drills; Hilti and there is no competition.
Saws; Mafell.
Routers; Festool, Bosch.
Sanders; Festool, and there is no competition.
Dust Ex; Hilti, Festool.
Planers; Festool, and there is no competition, the PL245 is a dream to use.
Bench Saws; I think the Festool CS70 takes some beating especially as it ties in with other Festool stationary products.

 

[Jason Kehl]

If you only want one tool brand for your system then I would say Festool is tough to beat as most tools are quite good and complete system integration is the most comprehensive that I have encountered. For shop work I find the boom arm and plug-it cords to be extremely efficient when swapping tools.

If you do on-site construction, particparticularly beyond interior finish and cabinet installation then Mafell has to be considered very seriously. Their saws are very well designed/built and virtually all of them from the KSS400 all the way up to the big timber saws can use the same guide rails. I find these qualities beneficial enough that I have switched to nearly exclusive use of Mafell saws for the tool trailer.

j

 

[Wuffles]

If you only want one tool brand for your system then I would say Festool is tough to beat as most tools are quite good and complete system integration is the most comprehensive that I have encountered. For shop work I find the boom arm and plug-it cords to be extremely efficient when swapping tools.

If you do on-site construction, particparticularly beyond interior finish and cabinet installation then Mafell has to be considered very seriously. Their saws are very well designed/built and virtually all of them from the KSS400 all the way up to the big timber saws can use the same guide rails. I find these qualities beneficial enough that I have switched to nearly exclusive use of Mafell saws for the tool trailer.

j

It's not too difficult to swap their power leads for a plug-it cord too if you want to use them with a boom arm. Anyone who has come from that painful situation of endless switching between domino and Mafell saw off the boom arm will understand.

 

[thedude306]

IMO the best is constantly evolving.  You need to find the best tool for the job at hand.  That involves evaluating techniques, function and cost.

The "system" isn't all it's cracked up to be.  My biggest take away from it is trying to get the best dust collection possible and having common plug ends (ins??) at your tools.  Both conveniences can be had outside of festool.

 

[r cash]

I miss understood the question. The best tool sys m.... .. . Like Roblg3 my work goes from really big to small so having overlap and multiples is key set up time is the most costly.
For example I have 13 routers only 5 are festool rest bosch
I have 7 portable saws 1 festool 5 mafell 1 not worth naming only dust collector
10 sanders all festool 7 shop vacs
drills 5 battery festool  hardwire 2 bosch 1 milwaukee
chopsaw 2 kapex 2 hitachi
Then I have a complete shop of industrial grade stationary tools. 3 shapers 2 tablesaws panelsaw planer joiner radial armsaw 4 drill press bandsaw lathe and a lot more specialty tools.
All  manufactuers with names we all know.
This for me is the best sys for someone else this could be OCD.
I know people who make good product with less and others with more.
Are there brands I wont buy you betcha but they make up someone else sys
Have a great day [smile]
RC