Festool based, table saw-less, small homeshop - comments/suggestions?

[ScottS]

What do you think about a bench saw for those bevel cuts and narrow rips?  I have wondered what I would replace my old 9 in. Sears aluminum frame RAS with when it bites the dust.

You know, every time I end up having to do these two operations I invariably think to myself: 1) I should build a jig to make this easier, followed quickly by 2) I should just buy some sort of table saw. I've definitely considered a benchtop saw, like the Ridgid TS2400 or Bosch 4000. The advantages to these saws are price and how little space they take up.

Having not used a quality benchtop saw, I can't say how good they are nor what kinds of results they produce. I've certainly heard good things about several of them, but that's no substitute for hands-on experience. Ultimately, I always end up wondering if the limited capacity and flimsy-looking fences on these saws would end up being a problem. I'd probably be more comfortable spending a bit more for a contractor or hybrid saw... if they didn't require so much space.

In the end, the Festools always get the job done and it seems hard to justify spending $400-500+ for a tablesaw once the project is complete ;D If I spent more time doing narrow rips or bevel cuts, I'd almost certainly own a benchtop saw, if not something larger.

 

[Corwin]

I also have started a woodworking shop with the Festool TS-55 saw, 22-vac, 1080 MFT, and so on, and have also wondered about adding a benchtop TS (maybe Ridgid or Bosch) to my shop for the above reasons.  And I would probably buy one if the Incra LS fence would fit...  But I might be happier waiting for Festool's CMT, or whatever, to get US approval.  Seems that this arrangement should fullfill any 'need' for a benchtop TS for me.  And I would have the Festool quality that I have now grown accustom to!  But, can I wait for it to become available???

Corwin

 

[woodshopdemos]

FWIW, the Router Raizer website says that their RZ100 Kit now works with both the M12V2 and the M12VC!

News to me. I will get one in pronto. I have the R2D2 new router. I am sure it is a nice tool. Design doesnt do any thing for me.

 

[LaserGecko]

Well, I dropped by Woodworkers Emporium today.

....must...get...taxes...filed...

I played around with the MFT 1080, saw, router, Systainers, the whole schebang. Boy, I thought the small 12V drill was kind of dorky looking online, but man, that thing is built! After fifteen minutes of playing with the "system", I'm convinced. I want to drop back by when I don't have my son with me and actually make a few cuts, (How cool is that? Actually getting to use the equipment before you buy it!) but I'm pretty sure this is the way to go.

For big bucks, Milwaukee/Jessem has come out with a 3.5 hp router with an external speed control...it is meant to fit into a Jessem lift. I hope to have one of these soon too but it is pricey. About $1200 with all the table...and yes that exceeds costs of many shapers.

Surprisingly enough, I saw that exact setup today. Their new price on the table was $699 instead of the previous $1,000 tag. The motor was only there in spirit via an ad taped to the top of it, but I thought it was a very good deal since the table has a large readout dial in the surface right next to the extremely large anodized aluminum handle. I've always been leaning towards Woodpecker lifts, but this may have changed my mind!

The salesman also said the SawStop Contractor Model should be out in a few weeks.

Thanks again for all of the words of wisdom, folks! Your time and knowledge are much appreciated.

 

[clintholeman]

Not sure what all the issues are about retitive ripping of smaller pieces with the FesTool system?

I build furniture and cabinets for a living, and find the system works consistently to an accuracy of about 0.5 mm over 2400 mm [8 foot nominal length] for ripping rails, stiles and other face frame components.  It is fast and simple to use and set up.  It works well enough that a couple of contractors I work with in the area like me to cut pieces for them when they need some "precision" work. 

I built a very simple jig that allows me to set it up in about a minute, and accurately make pieces in 51 mm [2 inch] widths, as well as other widths as narrow as 12 mm and as wide as 152 mm [6 in.] - I'll post some pix later today.

One of the beauties of the FesTool system, IMO, is that you don't need large, fixed pieces of equipment -- and you don't have to spend the bucks on them, which makes the system very economical and a terrific value.

 

[LaserGecko]

I'd love to see a pic of that!

It does seem to me that even the $227 price tag on the 118" guide rail is a lot less expensive and easier to store than a tablesaw.

I know enough about theatrical rigging to know that flying a tablesaw to the ceiling in a house is a very bad idea.

 

[Dave Ronyak]

I also have started a woodworking shop ... , and have also wondered about adding a benchtop TS (maybe Ridgid or Bosch) to my shop for the above reasons.  And I would probably buy one if the Incra LS fence would fit... 
Corwin

Late last year a Festool technical representative told me that the modular system for the saw/router was likely to be coming to the USA in Spring 2007.  You said 'benchtop TS.'  Consider a Bosch or Ridgid portable table saw if your budget and space permits.  I know a couple of satisfied owners of the Ridgid floor model TS.  Since your considering the Incra LS fence, you might also want to consider JoinTech's SmartFence which you can also use with a router table.

 

[Lou Miller]

It does seem to me that even the $227 price tag on the 118" guide rail is a lot less expensive and easier to store than a tablesaw.

I agree that its easier to store, but its not all that easy to transport it for me. I'd love to get a longer rail and do away with the connectors, but I'd only get it all nicked up in my truck. Until I figure out a way to transport one of them properly (no ladder racks on my truck), I'll have to stick to the connectors.