Festool buying spree!

[AofD]

I'm a hobbyist woodworker and home remodelers.  My near term future project include a few built-in, practical furniture for the home, picture frames and anything else that catches my fancy.  I have a good start on popular Festool items such as TS55, MFT/3, CT26 OF1400 and ETS150.  I also have a Jet contractor saw, Rigid drill press, Dewalt718 SCMS w/poor dust collection capabilities, Bosch hand planner, crappy jigsaw, 14V Milwaukee drill in need of new batteries, air compressor and pair of nail guns.  The workshop space is limited as is evident in the pictures below.

I have about $5,000 burning a hole in my pocket and I want to go on a tool buying spree.  I have my eye on the following ...

CMS VL set:            $1300
Domino DF 500 set:  $900
CXS + Right Angle:  $300
Centrotec 98-pcs Set $425
SysLite x2:              $350
Kapex:                    $1375

Including taxes, that should add up to my budget.  I'd like to hear what others think of my list and comment on whether or not I should target stationary tools such as a jointer, planner, bandsaw, etc. instead.

[attachthumb=#]

 

[festoolviking]

Hi

I would consider getting the CMS over the CMS-VL. Sometimes you might want to be able to use the CMS without the MFT and it wouldn't take up a lot more space then the VL. If you're considering getting any of the TS modules for it and want to use the MFT as an outfeed-table it won't work with the VL since you can't turn it. And sometimes when cutting long pieces on your MFT whatever is mounted on your VL (like the fence) will be in the way. Then it's easier to move the CMS out of the way.

Festoolviking

 

[MrToolJunkie]

This is a good list.  I might opt for a jigsaw to give you capability to cut curves and shaped work.  The Carvex and accessories are good, but the Trion is capable too.

Scot

 

[RC]

Thou if you do get the CMS-GE base you will need fairly quickly the awfully expensive extension tables and the optional fence (CS50 one) to cut anything wider than 150mm against the fence.

With the VL you still need the other optional fence (CS70 one) but it should slide along the MFT/3 as well as a side extension.

And then there are a few interesting threads about a MFT+VL+Incra fence if you want to do a deep dive.

I've got a GE and I'm saving up for a VL & the Incra LS positioner Superfence combo for TS sawing applications and joint routing and will keep the GE for the PS module and edge routing. Hopefully best of both worlds. (Knock on wood)

 

[AofD]

This is a good list.  I might opt for a jigsaw to give you capability to cut curves and shaped work.  The Carvex and accessories are good, but the Trion is capable too.

Scot

I was considering upgrading my current jigsaw with the Carvex.  I can swing it by substituting the CXS and 1 SysLite.  Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[AofD]

Hi

I would consider getting the CMS over the CMS-VL. Sometimes you might want to be able to use the CMS without the MFT and it wouldn't take up a lot more space then the VL. If you're considering getting any of the TS modules for it and want to use the MFT as an outfeed-table it won't work with the VL since you can't turn it. And sometimes when cutting long pieces on your MFT whatever is mounted on your VL (like the fence) will be in the way. Then it's easier to move the CMS out of the way.

Festoolviking

Thou if you do get the CMS-GE base you will need fairly quickly the awfully expensive extension tables and the optional fence (CS50 one) to cut anything wider than 150mm against the fence.

With the VL you still need the other optional fence (CS70 one) but it should slide along the MFT/3 as well as a side extension.

And then there are a few interesting threads about a MFT+VL+Incra fence if you want to do a deep dive.

I've got a GE and I'm saving up for a VL & the Incra LS positioner Superfence combo for TS sawing applications and joint routing and will keep the GE for the PS module and edge routing. Hopefully best of both worlds. (Knock on wood)

I'm struggling with deciding which version to get.  There are good arguments for either version.  I'm looking forward to inputs from others in support of one over the other.

 

[peter halle]

Here in the US the price difference is $300 I believe.  With the CMS GE you are not dependent on having a MFT set up.  And vice versa.  In a small shop where space is at a premium and placement of two separate components apart from each other might be worth the extra expense.  Festool USA had the foresight to have the sliding tables and fences included in the full kits so that expense is already there.

I have no regrets at all having the GE set.  It is usually folded up and can be stored out of the way, but if needed I can have it upright and just scoot it when needed.

Peter

 

[nclemmons]

I got the full GE set and really like it.  I debated the other one but decided on the GE for a couple of reasons:

- better workflow - I can work on both tables at once with different aspects of a project - crosscutting on the MFT and routing on the CMS
- more flexibility on day-to-day usage - I have the MFT in the middle of my workshop and the CMS against one wall.  I use the boom arm at the MFT and have the GE connected into my central dust collection system.  I did not want to deal with swapping hoses back and forth
- better orientation - I like the layout of the GE system better than the VL
- storage - I have a shelf under the MFT and the VL unit would have obstructed access to that.  I made an accessory holder that attaches to the GE setup that gives me storage for router accessories without a need to interrupt the MFT
- sliding table and extension table - work great without taking a lot of extra room as they would given the orientation of the VL table.
- the GE table is portable for use without having to bring along the MFT

neil

 

[bkharman]

Looks like I am the odd man out here!  I specifically went for the VL.  Reason being is that i wanted a highly repeatable and portable system.  That being said, I have never taken the CMS out of my workshop!! 

I have added an Incra positioner to my MFT/CMS-VL setup and wouldn't be able to do that with the stock GE.  I went back and forth and for me the VL was the way to go.  Having the extra table top is nice and if I need to bring it with me for some "offsite" work, I just need my MFT as well.

Tough call mate... both have their winning assets.

Bryan

 

[wow]

I am brand new to the green addiction as of Christmas, but I am not new to woodworking or remodeling or tools.

My only comment would be to consider the impact driver instead of the drill. I *think* ( I don't know for sure - yet ) that most or all of the accessories that work with the drill work with the impact. Since I started using a hex impact about 2 years ago ( I currently use a certain red brand that's named after a city near Chicago  [smile] ) I now have FOUR of them that I use multiple times daily and I almost never touch my drill/drivers anymore. When I first used the impact for something other than bolts on vehicles, the ease of driving screws with it was mind-boggling to me. If (WHEN?) I pick up a cordless driver from Festool it will almost certainly be their impact that I get first.

In the meantime, you reminded me that i need to pick up a Systainer for the M12 stuff and get it fitted. And pick up a red T-LOC' for it I suppose. Dang this disease is really virulent!

 

[NVA_WW]

Here are my recommendations.  Please note, I own quite a bit of Festool tools, so keep that in mind when you read my recommendations (in other words, I am loyal to Festool, but I don't always purchase Festool):

1) Router table - I was faced with a similar decision this past year and I ended up going with a dedicated Woodpecker router table.  I purchased a complete package with the lift, stand, large 27x43" table, and PC7518 dedicated router.  I am very happy with my purchase and it was a few hundred dollars less than the Festool table.  I purchased a Keen dust collector to go with it and the dust collection is quite nice. BTW, I own two dedicated router tables.  A small one (Bench Dog cast iron table with the Bench Dog router lift) and large one (the Woodpecker).  I use my Woodpecker table 90% of the time.  I only use the smaller table when I'm doing rail & stile doors or using my Kreg beading face frame jig.

2) Definitely purchase the Domino.  Wait on purchasing the tenon kit in order to see what tenons you will most likely use.  My most used are the 4mm, 5mm, & 6mm.  You might want to look at a Kreg pocket hole jig to go along with your Domino.  I find the two to be a perfect match for cabinet building.  Take a look at Erock's videos for a good tutorial on using both tools together.

3 & 4) I also enjoy using my CXS with the right angle chuck.  I also own a T15 and Ti15.  I have been going back and forth on the Centrotec set for some time.  I ended up going with a couple of Twinbox sets and the Imperial drill set for much less than the complete Centrotec set.  I've purchased a few Festool drilling accessories over the years and I have still spent less than the complete Centrotec set.  For the stuff I do, I wouldn't use more than 50% of the stuff in the Centrotec set.

5) Skip the Syslites for now and invest in a good quality headlamp for significantly less.  I run quite a bit and when needed, I use my running headlamp for tight dark space while installing cabinets.

6) Keep the Dewalt and purchase other stationary machinery instead.  I personally would save up for a Sawstop.  I was at an emergency room for another reason when a table saw accident patient arrived.  The reaction of the doctors and nurses was enough for me to go buy a Sawstop.  I purchased it within a week.  I sold my old table saw on Craigslist.  I have never regretted purchasing the Sawstop.  The Kapex is very nice, but the Dewalt does a decent job cutting large crown and baseboard.

Hope this helps.  Please keep in mind, this is my opinion as a hobbyist that enjoys building various built-ins and solid hardwood furniture for my home.

Thanks!

 

[wow]

One thing I forgot - I believe these Centrotec kits are a 'limited time' offering. If you want one, get it sooner rather than later.

 

[dltflt]

First off I would go for the C12, it is a nice drill driver and it comes with the right angle chuck.  You will not regret it.  And I would definitely get the Domino. The tenon kit is a good option because it includes all the different size cutters plus a good selection of Domino.

 

[ceddy]

I think the C12 is discontinued. I would go for the GE as well and skip one sys light for now. I would also get the C15 over the CXS. I have both and rarely use the CXS.

 

[RC]

On the topic of drill-drivers I went for the CXS with lots of doubts, but since I've got it I haven't touched my old Panasonic 14.4V driver and I have yet to use my Ti15 either since the CXS has swung every bit I've thrown at it except a 30mm Forstner bit through solid baltic birch. Even thou the CXS doesn't have a offset chuck it really doesn't need one due to its small size and thinness and I prefer its corner chuck over the larger T/C-series counterpart. The most solid corner chuck is by far on the ex Protool drills (the newly re-branded Festool PDC 18-4-gear drill) but they also weigh a ton.

The main reason I bought the Ti15 was a) it was on 50% off sale (with the older 3Ah battery) b) I have some shed construction work ahead of me c) I couldn't find reasonably priced replacement batteries for my old trusty Panasonic. So I could easily survive 98% of my screwing and drilling needs with the CXS alone and not break a wrist hauling it around.

I would also start with one syslite - its handy to have one to get indirect light from the side when working in tight spaces like under the stairs. There are many cheaper alternatives on the market for this thou and if you don't need the ruggedness or battery compatibility with Festool T/C-series batteries (no CXS compatibility due to different battery design). Maybe invest that money towards a Trion or Carvex 420.

 

[wow]

The main reason I bought the Ti15 was a) it was on 50% off sale (with the older 3Ah battery)

Are there any pf these deals still out there? I can do a google search, but since I'm new to the addiction I don't know exactly what to search for?

Thanks in advance!

 

[GarryMartin]

They're always country specific. Reiska is from Finland.

 

[RC]

It was a one-day special sale by Tooltechnic to get rid of old inventory. Also face to face @ their showroom, not online at all.

 

[jeep jake]

I would skip the kapex and roll with the dewalt, I recommend getting a forrest blade, or something comparable for it. I also would skip the syslight, and try to get something corded thats a lot less. I would also look into other router tables, and make sure that the cms is really the best for you.

 

[duburban]

stationary tools all the way... its hard to use festools if you dont have good milled lumber.