Buying into Festool with CTL26 & CSC SYS 50

[njt1000]

I’ve been fairly mix and match with tools over the years. A Mirza sander, makita impact driver and track saw.

I’ve found myself doing lots more small repeatable cuts and a track saw is hard work for me in that regard because I generally work outside, so setting up from scratch each time. I have a local store so went to look at table saws and dust extraction (I use a shop vac)

Having looked at Dewalt 7485 job site saw, which seemed so noisy and banging, then I spotted the lovely festool table saw, which seemed very refined in comparison, though many times the price.

I’m heading into retirement looking for something a bit special so am thinking of the sys50 and CTL26 dust extractor. I only have 12v festool batteries for the CXS12. Other than the price, I don’t see any negatives with the table saw as I never cut to more than 25mm and I have a makita track saw for sheet cuts.

My question is really about batteries. Are the batteries included in some bundles the best to get, or if I’m starting out fresh are there some better standalone battery/charger bundles I should be looking at? Better capacity, charge times etc.

I’m buying in the UK, but more interested in technical specs rather than prices. Interested in people’s thoughts on best way to enter the system - should I care about Bluetooth etc. on the CTL26, I was planning to get the corded version so I can plug in the Mirka sander, but maybe battery dust extraction and a Bluetooth button may be more flexible.

Interested in thoughts of this with experience of the system.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Your question about batteries indicates that you might be interested in going fully cordless.
In that case streamline your thought process and buy the CSC full set. The batteries are good enough.

On the other hand, maybe you want to wait and see if Festool offers a set with the new 8amp batteries?

 

[njt1000]

Well I’ve no choice with the table saw, but if I go cordless with the dust extractor as well, then that’s four batteries.

It doesn’t make economical sense to swap out my makita DSP600ZJ for the Festool plunge saw and my Miriam sander is corded. The battery dust extractor was more about total convenience, but not if it impacts performance of a 240v.

 

[njt1000]

My mistake. It looks like the CTL26 is corded only. I must have mixed it up with the MIDI.

 

[HighlandMarine]

Personally, I would stick with the CT26L, if replacing your track saw, I’d look at either the corded TS55 or the new TS60 if budget allows, along with an 1400/lr32 for your first rail. (Although possibly not necessary as I believe you could run your makita rails with it. (Cordless is good for site work, but adds weight. The osc18 is one cordless tool I can’t say enough good things about.) I always try to buy the full set of any Festool item at initial purchase, as buying a basic unit and adding accessories later costs more.

 

[prjones]

Welcome [member=81739]njt1000[/member] 

My question is really about batteries. Are the batteries included in some bundles the best to get, or if I’m starting out fresh are there some better standalone battery/charger bundles I should be looking at? Better capacity, charge times etc.

I’m buying in the UK, but more interested in technical specs rather than prices. Interested in people’s thoughts on best way to enter the system - should I care about Bluetooth etc. on the CTL26, I was planning to get the corded version so I can plug in the Mirka sander, but maybe battery dust extraction and a Bluetooth button may be more flexible.

Interested in thoughts of this with experience of the system.

Like you I've had just about every tool brand made over the last 30 years, and bought and sold them many times over many moves. Now that space is a premium and money is less of a worry, I want to enjoy my time making. I don't want to spend time cleaning up, fussing to get things square, rigging this or that to 'make' something work - I just want it to...work.

That's why I just recently switched to Festool. It just...works. The design and system thinking built around dust extraction and precision sold me. And I HATE cords

I started with the CT36 and TSC55 to build a set of base cabinets for my studio. The TSC55 runs on two 18V 5.0AH batteries (the same ones that the SYS50 uses). I used the TS exclusively to build these, every single cut. And I finished the job with 37% battery remaining on both batteries - never had to re-charge them, not once:

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

Both batteries fully recharged in less than 40 minutes. But, I also picked up the energy set for about $300 US. That way I always have 2 spare batteries at the ready. So there's never a time that I will be without batteries.

Yesterday I went for it and purchased the SYS50 in a $1999 US set that included a 2nd energy set, so now I have six 5.0AH batteries total:

[attachimg=3]

I use everything with the CT36b and installed the bluetooth module, and yes, that has been a DREAM to use. You don't really think about how many wasted trips back and forth you make turning things on/off, etc. The system that Festool has designed really does make the whole experience more enjoyable and I can spend time on my craft instead of the work-about-the-work, if that makes sense.

[attachimg=4]

Lastly, as you can see, I've been setting things up to work indoors. The Festool system is so clean, there is ZERO dust floating in the air, I haven't sneezed once, and the heavier sawdust left behind on the tables with all the work I've done so far probably amounts to about a few ounces.

If you aren't worried about price and love convenience, get the CT36 and make the leap to cordless tools. You'll rarely have to change the dust extractor bag and you won't stop smiling for days.

Hope this helps, enjoy!

 

[njt1000]

It helps me spend more money

Slightly off topic, what are you using for 90degree cuts with the mft/3 and track saw? Hinge, fences, butting up against dogs etc.

I may go for the 36, it thought it was much heavier for some reason, though I guess it it when it gets full.

Dust extraction and table saw first, then see how I get on. I’ll be looking for good bundles from uk retailers, or maybe a good used one in the classifieds.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[FestitaMakool]

Yes! You should buy the Bluetooth option for the CT26 - otherwise the CT won’t start automatically when you start the CSC-SYS .. Be sure if you end up buying batteries second hand - that they have Bluetooth  [wink]

 

[pixelated]

I don't know about the UK pricing, but here the battery set is around 100 USD cheaper if you get it bundled with the saw. The battery set also comes with a two slot charger.

 

[prjones]

It helps me spend more money

Slightly off topic, what are you using for 90degree cuts with the mft/3 and track saw? Hinge, fences, butting up against dogs etc.

Right now I'm using the fence and protractor that came with the MFT, along with the guide rail and hinge system. I plan to upgrade to the BenchDogs UK fence for the MFT so I can get the setup closer to the wall. The protractor requires a lot of clearance in the back and I'm more interested in 90's than angles. Plus the UK fence gives a few more mils crosscut capacity.