Festool buying spree

[anan_34567]

Hello all,

I need some help selecting the best combination of Festool power tools. 

A little back ground: I have a bunch of projects to be completed this year.  I have a full time office job, I am more of a DIYer than a wood working hobbyist.  My goal here is to complete the projects as quickly as possible with the right tools.  I am willing to pay to the tools if they save me time, free time is more valuable for me so that I can do other stuff, however I don't have the budget to hire contractors to do all the projects we want to do so we have to use our labor.  I am also willing to sell some of the tools after the projects are completed to re-coup some of the funds.  I have gone through building stuff without the correct tools which has led to frustration and wasted time... don't want to repeat that.

Below is a listing of some of the projects on our plate for 2016. 

- build a desk and built-in shelving for the office.  A sit-stand desk from IKEA was $599.  I am not a big fan of IKEA products and I would rather build a cheaper alternative diverting the funds towards a tool
- Kitchen & living room re-model and build custom cabinets (of course I will practice building a few boxes before proceeding).  This will involve tearing down plaster walls and putting up drywall as well (I hate plaster).  Perhaps a movable kitchen island.
- Bathroom re-model.  The space is small, we might have to build custom storage if we cannot find anything suitable to fit that space.
- Re-finish our Kincaid dresser and coffee table we bought about 10 years ago.  The kids have dented the surface and removed some of the stain (accidental spill of nail polish remover)
- Build a couple of bed frames for the Kids  (IKEA is not an option, just like the desk, I would rather spend money on the tools)

I purchased the TS 55,  OF 1400,  the 1400 guide rail and 1400 LR32 guide rail last year.  I currently use them with a QSP Shop-vac.  I also have a Ryobi BT3100 table saw.

I am thinking of adding the following
- Domino 500
- LR 32 Hole drilling set
- MFT3 table
- RO 125 (after watching the Larry Smith festool video.)
- Dust Extraction??

The MFT/3 is possibly one I can skip.  However that means I will have to build some kind of surface similar to the MFT/3 top and a sled to make accurate rip cuts on the table saw.  I don't currently have any kind of work surface.  The $800 going into the MFT/3 can certainly pay for another tool (or a better table saw (BOSCH) & Mitre saw).  However the clamping versatility is very attractive.

Dust extraction: I was happy with the shop-vac and I was planning to add a cyclone dust separator, however the sanding is going to require a vac with adjustable suction.  So perhaps a MIDI/MINI would be a good addition.  Then again I will be sanding drywall - how about drywall dust will I need the CT 36 - AC with auto clean?  I would prefer to get just one festool vacuum - will the other vacuums (CT 26) work with drywall? 

-  Can I sand 2 or 3 rooms with new drywall with something other than the Planex?
- Will I need the ETS EC 125 as well?

This is quite a bit of money $3-5K.  However hiring contractors will easily push all this work over $20-30K.  So I would welcome your suggestions for the best combination of tools.  Portability will not be an issue, most of the work will be done in my garage and maybe the occasional move into the house. 

Sorry for the long rambling post.

 

[tiralie]

Then again I will be sanding drywall - how about drywall dust will I need the CT 36 - AC with auto clean?  I would prefer to get just one festool vacuum - will the other vacuums (CT 26) work with drywall? 

Yes, all (to my knowledge) CT vacuums work with drywall. I use my midi for it all the time. No problem.

Can I sand 2 or 3 rooms with new drywall with something other than the Planex?

Yes. It will be slower, depending on how good you are at taping and mudding drywall but the ETS 150 works well.

Will I need the ETS EC 125 as well?

Easier to manage and lighter than the Rotex in random mode. You will have "Popeye forearms" if you are doing 2- 3 rooms -but then again you may want that.

This is quite a bit of money $3-5K.

 
Yep. Get ready for more withdrawals...

Sorry for the long rambling post.

No apology required. We were all in your position at one time.
Tim

 

[SoonerFan]

Welcome to FOG.  I have a TS55, DF500, OF1400 and a RO125 plus an MFT/3 and CT36.  I think those would be a good match for your needs.  I know the MFT/3 is expensive but it's worth it in my opinion.

 

[anan_34567]

.....
Yes, all (to my knowledge) CT vacuums work with drywall. I use my midi for it all the time. No problem.
....

No apology required. We were all in your position at one time.
Tim

Glad to hear the midi works with drywall.  Do you have to do anything special?  Doesn't the filter clog up without the auto clean.  If the planex + midi solves the drywall sanding I will be very happy.  Since space is an issue in my garage.

 

[tiralie]

Glad to hear the midi works with drywall.  Do you have to do anything special?

Nope

Doesn't the filter clog up without the auto clean.

Well mine has never clogged up and it doesn't have auto clean. The self cleaning bags are very good. Not cheap but good. I wish there was a bag full indicator on these vacuums but other than that nothing.

If the planex + midi solves the drywall sanding I will be very happy.  Since space is an issue in my garage.

I don't have a Planex, so I cannot advise you of whether it will work with a midi or not.

Someone will be along soon to let us know though...
Tim

 

[Kev]

The PLANEX generates far more dust volume than an ETS150 .. I've happily used an ETS150/5 with CT mini and CT36 on drywall.

... not certain on a non-auto clean keeping up with the PLANEX, but if you're only doing a few rooms I wouldn't invest in a PLANEX.

 

[Holmz]

You would be better off at IKEA, so do not tell her ladyship that you are saving money as you will lose any credibility... Just tell you want to do it.

A dust ectractor is worthwhile.
Any sander will work. On dry wall you need more like a Mirka than an RO series. Surely that is not the right sander, you need a finish sander.

You do NOT "need" an MFT.

Not sure what the Domino is for? Dowels or biscuits may be better for sheet goods.

 

[#Tee]

good luck to our new addiction! if being efficient and saving time you already made the right move. midi or mini with dust deputy would suit you well! invest in the cxs/t18 and the installer centrotec set drilling holes and switching bits in tight areas these items pays for itself and makes working fun [tongue]

 

[G3Trim]

I would suggest a ct extracter probably the ct 26 for you, it will do all that your wanting to do with a bit more capacity then the midi or mini. It will also allow you to use a 36mm hose for your ts55 and of1400 which are big chip and dust producers. The 36mm hose will do a much better job at collecting those large amount's of dust then the standard 27mm. From what your saying about your sanding needs I would suggest a ets ec 125 or 150, note you do need dust ext. for the ets ec sanders. they are not equipped with internal fans to expel the dust from the sander. Like someone else said I wouldn't worry about getting the lr32, its designed for someone that does a lot of line boring for shelves. Rockler has a few good line boring jigs that will save you a lot of money. instead of spending the money on a mft3, you might look at building a mft slab at http://www.multifunctionslab.com . It should do all that your wanting to do with an mft and save some money, note: look into getting some veritas parf dogs. they will allow you to make perfect 90 degree cuts with your mft slab. You should check out the new brit workshop youtube video on the parf dogs.  Good luck with your future projects, let us know how they turn out.

 

[sancho57]

Festool is a system. The basic foundation of the system is a MFT, TS55/75 and a CT. Everything else is based off those. You'll probably want of couple of different length guide rails to

 

[Holmz]

Festool is a system. The basic foundation of the system is a MFT, TS55/75 and a CT. Everything else is based off those. You'll probably want of couple of different length guide rails to

I can hardly take it... :-X That is totally marketing B$ as almost everyone has their system.

In the same way that I do not need to wear argyll socks and sweater-vest with deck shoes... One can plug a TS55 into almost any vacuum, and one can hook almost any modern saw or sander onto a CT.

I use my MT55 on a Bosch rail on an MFT, with a CT26 sitting underneath it.
A Bosch sander also gets used as well as Mafell 1/2 sheet on the CT26.
If the CT26 fails again out of warranty I will likely get a Bosch vacuum for the Domino.

The only reason for a requirement is to be colour coordinated, like the argyll socks and sweater.

 

[Steve-Rice]

Welcome to the FOG!

Obviously,  everyone has their own methods of working, but for me a track saw and the Domino are "must have" tools. Sure, there are alternatives to every tool, and everyone has their own favorites, but  I build a lot of furniture and cabinetry and these two tools really speed the process for me.  Although I have a very well equipped shop with a 52" cabinet saw, the track saw (I have the TS 55 REQ) is indispensable for breaking down sheet goods.  As far as joinery goes, unless I want decorative hand cut dovetails, I use the Domino for all my joinery- it's very fast, very clean (with dust extraction), super easy and creates rock solid joints.  Test fitting pieces without glue is also very simple with Dominoes.  Although I have easily over $25,000 in tools and machinery, the Domino DF 500 is my undisputed number one favorite.

For an all around sander, I am extremely pleased with the performance of my ETS EC 150/3.  It is very powerful and very light weight.  For extended sanding periods, light weight and ergonomic design are very important features for me. You mentioned sanding several rooms - believe me, you'll appreciate a light weight, one handed sander - especially over a heavy, two handed Rotex.

So, in my humble opinion, I would recommend the Domino DF 500, the TS 55 REQ track saw, one of the ETS EC sanders and one of the CT dust extractors as the "basics" of your tool system.

I hope some of this is helpful.

Best of luck

 

[TealaG]

If money was no object and I was doing the buying spree, I'd also consider an Oneida DustDeputy for Festool, which I would hope would make the dust collection last longer since most of the "dust" would be collected by the deputy before the actual vacuum. 

Honestly...I'd try working a project or two with what you have (adding the dust collection and dust deputy) and get a feel for how you work and what you like.  Then you can add on a tool as you go.  Even with unlimited amounts of money, I think that's a better way, unless you really enjoy selling off what you bought and didn't like or realized later that you didn't need.  I"m going through some of that now with my "mistakes". 

 

[DB10]

If money was no object and I was doing the buying spree, I'd also consider an Oneida DustDeputy for Festool, which I would hope would make the dust collection last longer since most of the "dust" would be collected by the deputy before the actual vacuum. 

Honestly...I'd try working a project or two with what you have (adding the dust collection and dust deputy) and get a feel for how you work and what you like.  Then you can add on a tool as you go.  Even with unlimited amounts of money, I think that's a better way, unless you really enjoy selling off what you bought and didn't like or realized later that you didn't need.  I"m going through some of that now with my "mistakes". 

Wise words, If you make a lot of saw dust,  the Dust deputy pays for itself pretty quickly.

 

[Holmz]

Welcome to the FOG!

Obviously,  everyone has their own methods of working, but for me a track saw and the Domino are "must have" tools. Sure, there are alternatives to every tool, and everyone has their own favorites, but  I build a lot of furniture and cabinetry and these two tools really speed the process for me.  Although I have a vey well equipped shop with a 52" cabinet saw, the track saw (I have the TS 55 REQ) is indispensable for breaking down sheet goods.  As far as joinery goes, unless I want decorative hand cut dovetails, I use the Domino for all my joinery- it's very fast, very clean (with dust extraction), super easy and creates rock solid joints.  Test fitting pieces without glue is also very simple with Dominoes.  Although I have easily over $25,000 in tools and machinery, the Domino DF 500 is my undisputed number one favorite.

For an all around sander, I am extremely pleased with the performance of my ETS EC 150/3.  It is very powerful and very light weight.  For extended sanding periods, light weight and ergonomic design are very important features for me. You mentioned sanding several rooms - believe me, you'll appreciate a light weight, one handed sander - especially over a heavy, two handed Rotex.

So, in my humble opinion, I would recommend the Domino DF 500, the TS 55 REQ track saw, one of the ETS EC sanders and one of the CT dust extractors as the "basics" of your tool system.

I hope some of this is helpful.

Best of luck

Conceptually ^these words^ are wise.

 

[gunnyr]

Festool is a system. The basic foundation of the system is a MFT, TS55/75 and a CT. Everything else is based off those. You'll probably want of couple of different length guide rails to

+1!  Very well said.

Last year I started on a path similar to yours. My stack has now grown large enough for me enjoy the benefits of the system (and need/want to grow the stack!).

For me the dust extraction radically changed my work habits and the way I feel about it.  I can now use my limited free time to work on projects rather than clean up!  The MFT, Domino and the LR32 have introduced a level of precision I could not come close to with dowels or jigs.  If, after your current projects, you find you don't need the Domino or LR32 I believe you will be able to sell them and recoup a big part of your costs. 

I can't speak to the Planex, but given the scope of your projects I don't believe it is worth it.  I struggle with drywall, I can't see needed get a Planex until I gain some proficiency finishing by hand.  I drywall only rarely so I will likely never attain any decent level of skill.  [big grin]

Best of luck, please post some progress reports as you go along!

 

[Tflapointe]

Hello all,

I need some help selecting the best combination of Festool power tools. 

A little back ground: I have a bunch of projects to be completed this year.  I have a full time office job, I am more of a DIYer than a wood working hobbyist.  My goal here is to complete the projects as quickly as possible with the right tools.  I am willing to pay to the tools if they save me time, free time is more valuable for me so that I can do other stuff, however I don't have the budget to hire contractors to do all the projects we want to do so we have to use our labor.  I am also willing to sell some of the tools after the projects are completed to re-coup some of the funds.  I have gone through building stuff without the correct tools which has led to frustration and wasted time... don't want to repeat that.

Below is a listing of some of the projects on our plate for 2016. 

- build a desk and built-in shelving for the office.  A sit-stand desk from IKEA was $599.  I am not a big fan of IKEA products and I would rather build a cheaper alternative diverting the funds towards a tool
- Kitchen & living room re-model and build custom cabinets (of course I will practice building a few boxes before proceeding).  This will involve tearing down plaster walls and putting up drywall as well (I hate plaster).  Perhaps a movable kitchen island.
- Bathroom re-model.  The space is small, we might have to build custom storage if we cannot find anything suitable to fit that space.
- Re-finish our Kincaid dresser and coffee table we bought about 10 years ago.  The kids have dented the surface and removed some of the stain (accidental spill of nail polish remover)
- Build a couple of bed frames for the Kids  (IKEA is not an option, just like the desk, I would rather spend money on the tools)

I purchased the TS 55,  OF 1400,  the 1400 guide rail and 1400 LR32 guide rail last year.  I currently use them with a QSP Shop-vac.  I also have a Ryobi BT3100 table saw.

I am thinking of adding the following
- Domino 500
- LR 32 Hole drilling set
- MFT3 table
- RO 125 (after watching the Larry Smith festool video.)
- Dust Extraction??

The MFT/3 is possibly one I can skip.  However that means I will have to build some kind of surface similar to the MFT/3 top and a sled to make accurate rip cuts on the table saw.  I don't currently have any kind of work surface.  The $800 going into the MFT/3 can certainly pay for another tool (or a better table saw (BOSCH) & Mitre saw).  However the clamping versatility is very attractive.

Dust extraction: I was happy with the shop-vac and I was planning to add a cyclone dust separator, however the sanding is going to require a vac with adjustable suction.  So perhaps a MIDI/MINI would be a good addition.  Then again I will be sanding drywall - how about drywall dust will I need the CT 36 - AC with auto clean?  I would prefer to get just one festool vacuum - will the other vacuums (CT 26) work with drywall? 

-  Can I sand 2 or 3 rooms with new drywall with something other than the Planex?
- Will I need the ETS EC 125 as well?

This is quite a bit of money $3-5K.  However hiring contractors will easily push all this work over $20-30K.  So I would welcome your suggestions for the best combination of tools.  Portability will not be an issue, most of the work will be done in my garage and maybe the occasional move into the house. 

Sorry for the long rambling post.

.

This is going to end in a disaster. 

Sell your house and buy a new one with everything you want already in it.  .

 

[anan_34567]

Thank you for all the responses.  Glad to hear about the cheaper alternatives for the LR32 system.  To be clear, this is not my first foray into building stuff however I always spent too much time on each project due to the lack of proper tools.  My plan is to keep as much of the tools as possible (I would sell some only if the expenses got out of hand or I didn't need the tool again).

Agreed regarding the comments for the Domino.  That was something I knew I was going to buy for precise joins.

My revised buy list is as follows:
Domino 500
ETS EC 150/3

For dust extraction I think I will stay with my Shop Vac for now.. add a PVC ball value to the tube  so that I can adjust the suction power when sanding.  Perhaps add the dust deputy ( i was going to add this eventually even with a CT vacuum).  I have lived without the auto trigger until now.

Really going back and forth on the MFT/3.  I found a place that can do CNC milling, so I think I will try something like the MFTmultifunctionslap first.  It would match what I currently use (sawhorses & some kind of surface), except the surface will now have 20mm holes in it.

 

[Holmz]

More expensive option include the 32mm include the DD40, which makes sense if you consider dowels rather than Dominos. There ae biscuit options for sheets that also can make sense.

There is a wood pecker or Rockler 32-mm drill bushed guide bar that looks decent.

So there are multiple options to end up at the same result.
They have have goodness.

 

[anan_34567]

You would be better off at IKEA, so do not tell her ladyship that you are saving money as you will lose any credibility... Just tell you want to do it.

It is not about getting the cheapest furniture, we want something custom build for the space.  I avoid IKEA furniture like the plague if I can.

More expensive option include the 32mm include the DD40, which makes sense if you consider dowels rather than Dominos. There ae biscuit options for sheets that also can make sense.

There is a wood pecker or Rockler 32-mm drill bushed guide bar that looks decent.

So there are multiple options to end up at the same result.
They have have goodness.

Unfortunately Marfell is a harder option for me.  I am in Canada and getting my hands on one is not easy (shipping from the US involves duties etc).  Lee Valley is just a 5min drive for me and much easier to get my hands on Festool items and would rather buy from Lee Valley and support them.