Daniel Platt
Member
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2007
- Messages
- 28
Hello everyone. I've been visiting this user's group (often!) for the past month and though I'd take a moment to say hello and offer up my recent experiences with Festool.
I have been dabbling with small woodworking projects for a number of years. My wife and I bought a new house recently and I'm now using my half of the garage for a workshop. Prior to our move, my "workshop" was either a patch of grass in the backyard or a dirt floored crawlspace that was just tall enough to stand up straight...at least in some spots. While much improved, my work in the garage lead me swiftly to two conclusions:
(1) I had a severe under appreciation for how much sawdust power tools generate when operated in an enclosed space
(2) I was never going to be able to fit all the tools I was hoping to buy in my small workspace (cabinet saw w/ extension table, European styled workbench, cyclone w/ 8" ducts, etc.)
It was time to rethink my strategy.
Soon afterward I was reading another forum's discussion on sanders and saw a very positive reference to a "black and green" device. I had never heard of Festool so it took another 20 minutes of Googling before I was able figure out what they were talking about. I'm so happy I did...
After hours of reading and researching over the following weeks, I made the decision to dip my toe into the Festool waters sight unseen. Here's what I started out with and why:
It's still early days and I'm learning new ways of working. For example, it's clear to me that there is a ton of potential with the MFT that I have yet to tap. I'll be sure to report back with more detailed comments and ask many questions as I gain more experience with my new tools.
Before I sign off, I want to offer my sincere appreciation to Matthew for providing this excellent forum; Bob Marino for his guidance and quick shipments; Per, Jerry Work, John Lucas, Bill Esposito and all the forum members whose wealth of knowledge make this such a rich community. Thank you!
I have been dabbling with small woodworking projects for a number of years. My wife and I bought a new house recently and I'm now using my half of the garage for a workshop. Prior to our move, my "workshop" was either a patch of grass in the backyard or a dirt floored crawlspace that was just tall enough to stand up straight...at least in some spots. While much improved, my work in the garage lead me swiftly to two conclusions:
(1) I had a severe under appreciation for how much sawdust power tools generate when operated in an enclosed space
(2) I was never going to be able to fit all the tools I was hoping to buy in my small workspace (cabinet saw w/ extension table, European styled workbench, cyclone w/ 8" ducts, etc.)
It was time to rethink my strategy.
Soon afterward I was reading another forum's discussion on sanders and saw a very positive reference to a "black and green" device. I had never heard of Festool so it took another 20 minutes of Googling before I was able figure out what they were talking about. I'm so happy I did...
After hours of reading and researching over the following weeks, I made the decision to dip my toe into the Festool waters sight unseen. Here's what I started out with and why:
- RO 150 FEQ: To replace my underpowered, bronchitis inducing, hand numbing B&D sander I've been meaning to rid myself of for years
- CT 22: Dust collection was a must as I was advised that it would be in my own best interest not to track any more sawdust into the house.
- TS 55: Processing sheet goods has been a struggle. I have been able to get fair results with my Craftsman contractor TS, but it certainly was not the quality I was looking for. My setup was awkward at best and in the worst case, dangerous. I admired the precision one could get using the Festool guide rails.
- C12: My cordless drill gave up the ghost years ago and I haven't gotten around to getting another one. After a number of stripped pocket screws using the corded drill, it's time to get a decent drill with a clutch.
- MFT 1080: I was severely lacking in proper horizontal surfaces with two mismatched Workmate workbenches and an old Office Depot chipboard office desk. None of these seemed worthy cutting surfaces for my CT22.
- Boom Arm: I have large feet. They have a predilection for cords and hoses.
- Domino (preorder): While I have been mostly pleased with my Kreg pocket hole jig, I'm finding that the screw holes aren't as easy to hide and I first thought they would be
It's still early days and I'm learning new ways of working. For example, it's clear to me that there is a ton of potential with the MFT that I have yet to tap. I'll be sure to report back with more detailed comments and ask many questions as I gain more experience with my new tools.
Before I sign off, I want to offer my sincere appreciation to Matthew for providing this excellent forum; Bob Marino for his guidance and quick shipments; Per, Jerry Work, John Lucas, Bill Esposito and all the forum members whose wealth of knowledge make this such a rich community. Thank you!
