Festool tools to purchase in order of priority

[Onebean]

I have the TSO parallel guides for my TS55 and I think it's a fantastic addition to a great tool. My cuts on 8' sheet stock are extremely parallel, easily within .5 mm, maybe even closer (I'm a toolmaker by profession, so I know how to measure accurately). I recently purchased the MKF700 and love it. It you do any edge banding, it's a game changer over manually trimming. I tend to agree with the comments on drills. I have a variety of Milwaukee M12 drills that work very well, so I'm not motivated to replace them. I have the same EC150 as you, and it's my workhorse sander. It was my first Festool item, and love it for it's performance. I also have the Rotex 90 and 150, EC125 with the angle guide for edge sanding, and the RTS 400. These don't get used nearly as much as the EC150, but they all have their place. All these tools connect to my CT Midi, CT26, or CT36, which are fantastic. I don't buy to collect, I buy based on the project need. Good luck on your decision.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

[member=13115]RussellS[/member] My only experience with Makita track saws was the one that the company bought for the guys in the solid surface department. It sawed just fine, but the track was not straight. It had a slight bow to the right, so if you joined to pieces together, there would be a gap in the middle.
Since it was sold as a set, they had to return all of it. Instead of getting another one, they bought a TSC55.
I'm not entirely sure why? but it wasn't my decision.

 

[sancho57]

Since Ive answered this question more times then I can remember, Ill refer to my standard response.

Festool is a system. The core tools of the system is a TS 55, MFT and CT. Of course the various clamps to fit your needs. Everything else, drills, jig saw, etc etc all revolves around the core tools. My suggestion of to get the core tools and buy the rest as needed for the work you plan o doing.

 

[mino]

Since Ive answered this question more times then I can remember, Ill refer to my standard response.

Festool is a system. The core tools of the system is a TS 55, MFT and CT. Of course the various clamps to fit your needs. Everything else, drills, jig saw, etc etc all revolves around the core tools. My suggestion of to get the core tools and buy the rest as needed for the work you plan o doing.

Nicely said. I would:

1) Add an OF 1010R, an ETS EC 125/3 sander, two "holy" 1400 LR32 rails and a Makita connector set to the "core set". With these tools, one can do an end-to-end project using sheet goods or even from pre-finished wood. Drill or jigsaw can stay from the pre-Festool times. Those are ergonomic plays that do not affect the end result that much.

2) If not needing to be very mobile, would skip the MFT/3 for a self-made MFT-ish bench more suitable for shop/static use. Something along the Paulk Smart Bench etc.

 

[bidn]

I take "best tools" as those which are the most time saving and the most unique compared to those of the competing companies.

With this definition, I find that Festool best tools are the two Domino machines. Among all my tools, these are the absolute Festool "must-have".

 

[ChuckM]

Snip.

With this definition, I find that Festool best tools are the two Domino machines. Among all my tools, these are the absolute Festool "must-have".

Agreed (also if one does enough large projects with the DF700).

 

[waho6o9]

Since Ive answered this question more times then I can remember, Ill refer to my standard response.

Festool is a system. The core tools of the system is a TS 55, MFT and CT. Of course the various clamps to fit your needs. Everything else, drills, jig saw, etc etc all revolves around the core tools. My suggestion of to get the core tools and buy the rest as needed for the work you plan o doing.

Well stated.

For my needs, I like the Walko IV and a couple of MFT tops on Stanley saw horses and adjust as needed. 
View attachment 1

 

[Imemiter]

I'd recommend getting the current CSX. Battery outlier, drills you already have, and all. I've used the Milwaukee and I've owned the Bosch, but there's nothing like a CSX. If you don't have an OMT, I'd be hard pressed to choose the OSC 18 over the DeWalt. One has a lot of nice accessories, the other has a damn light. Either way you need an OMT.

 

[Packard]

When I first got into woodworking 28 years ago (pre-internet), I collected all the books on the subject that I could find. 

There was just one universal “truth” that they all pushed forward:  The backbone of any woodworking shop was the table saw. 

I was surprised to learn years later that in Europe, that was not as universally held as a “truth”. 

But as an owner of a track saw (Festool) and a table saw (Delta Contractors’ II), a radial arm saw (Craftsman) and a chop saw (DeWalt), the only one that I would absolutely not give up was the table saw. 

So for me, that early “truth” I read, still holds true. 

I do like the track saw.  It is far better for cutting large sheets of plywood, particle board, and MDF.  And it is accurate enough to make the “final cuts”.  But mostly it is because I find carrying full sheets of plywood through the house and down 13 steep stairs is not very pleasant. 

Before the track saw, I cut sheets to approximate sizes with circular saw, and made finish cuts on the table saw.  Sometimes making those finial cuts on large sheets are difficult. 

I remember cutting a 21” x 74” sheet down to 20” x 72”.  On the table saw, cutting to 20” was a snap.  But cutting to 72” was a huge chore.  It exceeded the width of cut of my radial arm saw, and was hugely difficult to cut on the table saw. 

In any case, I don’t see the point of collecting Festool equipment (except that the Systainers are so cool). 

I do see the point in purchasing the next piece of equipment as the need arises and choosing the equipment by what best fills that need.  It might not be a Festool product.

Another plus of Festool ownership is this website.  I quit the other woodworking site because of all the underlying political nastiness—which I won’t go into.  But the membership here is vastly better educated and easier to get along with.

A key indicator of the education of the members is the number of spelling errors and grammar errors in the posts.  In some of the other websites a large percentage seem unable to type two intelligent sentences in a row. 

Wow.  That sounded snarky.  Sorry.

 

[luvmytoolz]

Another plus of Festool ownership is this website.  I quit the other woodworking site because of all the underlying political nastiness—which I won’t go into.  But the membership here is vastly better educated and easier to get along with.

A key indicator of the education of the members is the number of spelling errors and grammar errors in the posts.  In some of the other websites a large percentage seem unable to type two intelligent sentences in a row. 

Wow.  That sounded snarky.  Sorry.

That's pretty much why I stopped using cnczone, the unbridled nastiness and rampant arrogance, and at times ignorance, there at times was just unbelievable. I do like this board and the Woodworkers Forum though, they're very similar crowds and generally well behaved and most members are quite helpful to others. To Ubeauts (Neil) credit, the WWF immediately jumps on any posts deemed offensive.

 

[Lincoln]

Since Ive answered this question more times then I can remember, Ill refer to my standard response.

Festool is a system. The core tools of the system is a TS 55, MFT and CT. Of course the various clamps to fit your needs. Everything else, drills, jig saw, etc etc all revolves around the core tools. My suggestion of to get the core tools and buy the rest as needed for the work you plan o doing.

Well stated.

For my needs, I like the Walko IV and a couple of MFT tops on Stanley saw horses and adjust as needed. 
View attachment 1

Love my Walko 4, but only use it in the 'standard' configuration - move the tops around, but always with the frame in the standard A frame position. How is it set up in your photo? Is the frame opened up and sitting on the horses?

 

[waho6o9]

" Is the frame opened up and sitting on the horses? "

Yes it is open sitting on the horses.  The advantages of this set up let's me back my truck up to the work table and slide the

sheet goods on to the work table.  With the TS75 I can dimension sheet goods 2 or 3 sheets at a time. 

Works for me. 

 

[mino]

...
Wow.  That sounded snarky.  Sorry.

Not a politics point (please read to end).

Not that it was snarky, it is the wrong reading.

IMO what makes FOG is the focus on substance, not form. This is well seen this "what to buy" thread.

---
"Education", culture, respect for others and, especially, intelligence have not much of a relation to how people pronounciate. Even less so with their written presentation.

I have colleagues (granted, IT field) who cannot write a gramatically correct email if their life depended on it. In their native tongue.

Yet, those are often the people one wants to listen to. Then I have those who write wonderful "essay" level emails full of utter gibberish at best times and well-sculpted demagogy at worse. Those who write well *and* have valuable things to say are very few in between.

I have friends who talk like common sailors of the 18th century. Among them are utter jerks as well as folks who would give you their last. But also folks which tend to overflow with wisdom and experience yet have no formal education to speak of. No relation to their language skills.

/end OT

 

[MikkelF]

I have the full TSO parallel edge guide and 2 x of their squares,  can't say I am too happy with the system.

what aren't you happy about with the TSO system?  I've heard of a few examples on this forum where less than desirable results were produced but for the most part it is a highly rated system.  Asking also since I've been interested in buying into the system myself.

Im ready to sell mine, just PM me - I have the whole set as well and have the same issues as the OP.

 

[webfarmer]

I'm late to the thread...

But my two cents would be:

Get a track saw first; and a dust extractor with.

Then a sander - because whatever you build, however you do it - it's gonna need finished.

Then upgrade your router.

I would add an MFT in the mix somewhere - but one can make their own, so I did not make it a "priority."

Then the fun stuff, like a domino; and a jigsaw.  Things I use all the time - but could live without.

 

[Packard]

I have central dust collection, so after the track saw, a vacuum hose to fit.

I do most of my track cuts on my driveway, and I use a leaf blower to scatter the dust after making my cuts.  There are likely some who would object to that approach.

But, for sure, a Festool saw can generate a lot of sawdust.

As a side note, my oil delivery company said that they would not continue to offer a maintenance contract if I didn’t do something to mitigate the dust.  Apparently, they believe that sawdust can cause maintenance issues, though I don’t see how.

If you don’t plan on using your saw on site, a shop dust collection unit can save you money, and I believe the larger ones, like I have, generate more volume of suction.

My system does not rely on disposable bags (apparently, a not insignificant cost).

Again, I expect to hear a lot of nay sayers on that point too.

 

[derekcohen]

I am considering buy a Festool drill (CXS18) and close to pulling the trigger. I can't honestly say I have a need for it, as have Dewalt drills already.

However, I keep reading that drill should be low down in the priority list of Festool tools, so was wondering what everyone see's as the priority order of tools.

So far I have:

- TS60
- 2 x 1400 rails
- 1 x 800mm rail
- 1 x FSK 420mm

- Class M Midi
- Cyclone
- Bluetooth attachment

- 1400 Router

- DF500 Domino
- Domino Assortment box 

- ETS EC 150/5 Sander

Is there anything else I should prioritise over drills?

I am a hobbyist and make a range of things, but nothing specific.

On one level, this thread is just so silly, but I also recognise and identify where you are coming from.

It is silly as you do not need our permission to buy another tool. You have done just fine so far purchasing all the other Festool tools you own.

It is silly since no one can identify your specific needs in tools as you do not state what you build. Usually, a serious and wise woodworker waits until there is a need to decide on the tool.

What I recognise - and somewhat identify - is the obsessional-based interest in matching tools … in this case, own all green tools. I like having good tools, and generally would rather wait to afford the purchase of a better tool, and there is no doubting that Festool make some of the better tools. But there are other makers of higher repute, and for myself I do not limit myself to one manufacturer.

In your situation, the tools you already own are a complete list for a hobbiest. You do not need more. But why should that stop any red-blooded guy meeting a want!

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[Vondawg]

So we’ll said.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

I have central dust collection, so after the track saw, a vacuum hose to fit.

Dust collectors are not optimal for small port machines like the TrackSaw, sanders, etc., because they work on a different principle to vacs/extractors. DCs depend upon moving large volumes of air at a given velocity (CFM) at lower static pressure to move the dust/chips along and duct/hose size matters. Small hose applications can't move much air volume so they require much higher static pressure ("vacuum") in order to work well with small hand-held tools with dust ports. So a Festool CT or similar is going to perform a lot better with these tools than a central workshop dust collector. They are very different animals.

 

[Cheese]

I do most of my track cuts on my driveway, and I use a leaf blower to scatter the dust after making my cuts.  There are likely some who would object to that approach.

As a side note, my oil delivery company said that they would not continue to offer a maintenance contract if I didn’t do something to mitigate the dust.  Apparently, they believe that sawdust can cause maintenance issues, though I don’t see how.

Have you considered adding a bag attachment to the Festool track saw? I added this attachment to a TS 55. It allows the use of the Festool bag or a vac hose. Using the bag catches 90% or more of the dust.

[attachimg=1]

Attach this item to use with a hose.

[attachimg=2]