Festool (or other) must haves

[yetihunter]

That said:  definitely buy an ETS EC150.

 

[jimmy986]

Why will the ets do, whether 125 or 150, do that the rotex won't? I have an RO 125.

 

[Holmz]

Why will the ets do, whether 125 or 150, do that the rotex won't? I have an RO 125.

The other question is will a Rotex do that the ETS will not do? Or a Mirka?
(SFA)

The hand tools are usually useful. I need to get another pull saw myself.

 

[Jozsef Kozma]

The Ets will not remove material as fest as the Rotex but needs 2 hands were the Ets
is requires only one hand

 

[yetihunter]

Why will the ets do, whether 125 or 150, do that the rotex won't? I have an RO 125.

You caught me skimming, as I managed to misread "sides" as working on vertical surfaces.

If you think you need or could benefit from the RS 2, I say go for it. 
Comparable products would be the Makita BO4900V, Bosch OS50VC or the Mafell UVA 115E. 

The caveat, here in the states, is that the Mafell is pricey and not available in 110/120.  So, even with a bulky transformer or 220 in the shop, I don't believe you can automatically actuate the dust extractor. 

I have no user experience, only hands on at the store, but I'd go for the RS 2 over the Makita and Bosch, personally.  I'm lazy, and would pay more for conveniences like the fast fix hook and loop consumables. 

 

[rvieceli]

[member=19475]yetihunter[/member]

Just an FYI but the Makita BO4900V takes Festool paper made for the RS2 without any problems. Hook and loop works fine.  As well as having the clamps for 4 1/2 X 11 half sheets.

The only inconvenience is that the dust port is a little bit smaller than the Festool ports and needs an cheapie adapter bushing.

It also can use the Festool paper punch if you use half sheets. It is frankly a very nice sander and is currently selling for around $160 at Amazon

 

[Holmz]

...
If you think you need or could benefit from the RS 2, I say go for it. 
Comparable products would be the Makita BO4900V, Bosch OS50VC or the Mafell UVA 115E. 
...

I have a UVA115e and it is brillient.
But for a green-fellow, on 110v, I can not make a great arguement that it is absolutely needed.
... However it would probably be good to trade the RO for a RS2.

Once one has a dx93 and finish sander is hard to argue for more sanders.

A plane or a scraper, or some other needed handtools would be better if they were needed.

 

[jimmy986]

I wouldn't trade the Rotex. I would the rs2 as well for finish sanding.

 

[Jamestoolie]

DC.  I think it's always something we over look and now consider it a must have in the shop.  Something big +1000 cfm with a pleated filter down to a micron or better.

Last thing I bought, first thing I should have and now is a must have. 

Same goes for a regular old vac.  I like my bosch but the Festool is cool too.  Even an old rigid gets the job done.

+1 for a dc or larger vac.  You listed a jointer, planer, tablesaw, router and midi.  You must be emptying that midi all the time. 

 

[Stephen B]

[attachimg=1]
[size=13pt]
Sure does.

I made a hose adapter that fits over the dust port to make the circumference similar in size to the inside circumference of the Festool hose. Australian model comes with 1/2 sheet hole punch.

[member=3192]rvieceli[/member][member=19475]yetihunter[/member]
[size=18pt]

[member=19475]yetihunter[/member]

Just an FYI but the Makita BO4900V takes Festool paper made for the RS2 without any problems. Hook and loop works fine.  As well as having the clamps for 4 1/2 X 11 half sheets.

The only inconvenience is that the dust port is a little bit smaller than the Festool ports and needs an cheapie adapter bushing.

It also can use the Festool paper punch if you use half sheets. It is frankly a very nice sander and is currently selling for around $160 at Amazon

 

[yetihunter]

[member=19475]yetihunter[/member]

Just an FYI but the Makita BO4900V takes Festool paper made for the RS2 without any problems. Hook and loop works fine.  As well as having the clamps for 4 1/2 X 11 half sheets.

The only inconvenience is that the dust port is a little bit smaller than the Festool ports and needs an cheapie adapter bushing.

It also can use the Festool paper punch if you use half sheets. It is frankly a very nice sander and is currently selling for around $160 at Amazon

I did not know that.  Very interesting. 

 

[Billy D]

Anybody else using the Makita BO4900V and getting zapped by it during use?
I can't tell if it is static build up or a short - I have had 2 different ones and they both do it.

 

[air19]

Another vote for the OF1400 router.  I use my 1400 with my MFT/3 table to do any dados I need for furniture work.  With the flip stop on the MFT I have good repeatability.  I even bought a couple extra flip stops so I can do three dados at a time on a board before I switch to the matching side. 

I also find the OF 1400 handle very comfortable and stable for edge work (other folks don't) so this is a personal thing that you should check out at a store.  It's my router of choice for any edging.