Do I really need Festool - Newbie, be gentle

[Steven Owen]

You don’t really need Festool.  Festool is something you “want” to make some projects easier.  The Domino and LR32 system, routers are the most unique items in the Festool line-up.

If you have a business and you can write off Festool purchases, it makes it easier.  Festool pricing gets more to be a more difficult pill to swallow if you’re a hobbyist or casual woodworker. 

 

[Gregor]

You don’t really need Festool. Festool is something you “want” to make some projects easier.  The Domino and LR32 system, routers are the most unique items in the Festool line-up.

True. But it also makes things easier for the less experienced as it leaves with compensating the own shortcomings - instead of also having to compensate the shortcomings of cheap tools.

Also there is dust collection:


Health is priceless...

If you have a business and you can write off Festool purchases, it makes it easier.  Festool pricing gets more to be a more difficult pill to swallow if you’re a hobbyist or casual woodworker.

Festool pricing isn't fun, but resale value is quite good in comparison to cheap stuff.

 

[Sanderxpander]

I've only been doing woodworking (and mainly remodeling) for a few yeara and I bought a lot of cheap tools in the beginning, until I found the better stores and brands. I feel like I almost get MORE out of more expensive tools than a pro would, because the tool works the way it's supposed to and it's a lot easier to figure out what you're doing wrong. A seasoned pro knows what to watch for with bad tools.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Aside from the "system" working very well together, I don't regret any of my Festool stable. While it might sound strange at first to some folks, they have been less costly than the "cheap" hand-held electric tools I used to own and also have provided more consistent results. Some of my Festool products have been with me since the mid-2000s thanks to my friend Bob Marino. Some have been game changers...the Domino is something I regret waiting so long to acquire.

I also don't really do much work outside of my shop, but I do appreciate that in those rare moments I do either head into my own house or install the occasional "built-in" something or another at a client's home, that the system transports well and works even better. This past week I did go out to install a 13' long by 6" wide by 1.75" thick shelf at a client's home. I only needed two of my drill/drivers for this particular task relative to power tools and I mostly used the CSX. The T15 only got the task of boring some really deep 7/16" holes. The client was "like wow" about how the tiny D/D worked so hard and wanted to know more about it. I suspect some Festool reseller will be getting an order from him real soon now...

 

[Jesse Cloud]

If you do woodworking for a living, the question is whether Festool will save you enough time to recoup their cost.  I see a lot of pro posters claim the Domino is a no-brainer in that area as well as a track saw.

If you are a hobbyist doing this for fun, then you need tools that will please you everytime you use them.  If you can afford Festool, get them.

 

[Fxfymn]

Kind of late to the thread, but I was in your shoes not so long ago. I found some great buys on Festool items in the used market which really opened my eyes to what great tools they are. My $.02 is that Festool is worth every cent you pay for it. They are dead nuts accurate, have great saw dust control, and are just a joy to use.

One item not often considered is how much material will be saved by using superior tools like Festool. I do a fair amount of case work using pre-finished 3/4" plywood. I own a panel saw for breaking down plywood, but it will splinter sheets out if I am not super careful. I now use my TS-55 track saw for the job which never splinters the sheets and gives me an accurate cut every time. Net result: less waste of both time and material.

Last thought; no one ever regretted getting the best you can afford. They will last longer, keep a higher re-sale value, and make doing your wood working more enjoyable.

 

[Kodi Crescent]

There are other shelf drilling solutions like the Mafell DuoDoweler. Pricey, but easier to use and it joins too. I have never understood why everyone wants an LR32. It's overpriced and non-trivial to use unless you do so regularly. Part of it must be the "part of the system" mentality because it is certainly not price. I'd recommend that everyone lift their head occasionally and look around to see what is outside of "the system".

Have you ever noticed how many aftermarket accessories there are for Festool?  Some may think that's great.  In my opinion, it's due to entrepreneurs correcting some shortcoming in the original design.  Those shortcomings become noticeable and quite expensive and frustrating over time.

Look at Mafell.  More expensive up front for the tool, but probably much cheaper in the long run when you consider the accessories and all the little gimmicks you need to make or purchase to get certain jobs done.  With Mafell, you only need to buy a few rails and a few accessories to cover most of your needs.