- Joined
- Jan 22, 2007
- Messages
- 8,426
JeromeM said:
That brochure is outdated and incorrect, it still has the CT 22/33 models after all.
First Festool Purchase - convince me the CT is worth getting?
- Thread starter BarBuilder
- Start date
That brochure is outdated and incorrect, it still has the CT 22/33 models after all.
The CT is an awesome bit of kit and this thread is very topical for me right now. I am currently refitting an in frame kitchen that was taken out of another house. It involves cannibalising a lot of units as they have too many to make others to suit the new space. My TS55 has been invaluable for that task excelling at cutting MDF and chipboard panels accurately. But the real star player has been the CT. It has been raining for the 3 days I have been there and I have done all my cutting inside the occupied house. It is a young married couple with a 9 month old baby and I have absolutely no concerns about their health. The kitchen and living area are open plan so I can't even shut myself in but there is no need. This job has made me really appreciate the TS/CT package again and I am as excited about them now as I was when I first bought them. This job alone has paid for either the TS or CT as I wouldn't have been working for days without them as a combo.
You did mention that you considered the CT to be expensive. There are other good quality extractors that would do the job but I personally wouldn't consider them for all sorts of reasons which are:
1. The fleece bags on the CT are awesome. The capacity is great and they don't lose suction over their life. I have used mine for 6 months and I'm always amazed when I open the unit how clean the Hepa filter is. I take this to mean that the bags as the primary method of filtration are doing such a good job that the Hepa filter hardly needs to be there. The whole unit always looks like new inside.
2. You can stack systainers on the CT and this can be really handy even if you only use it to get tools in and out of a job. Clients are always impressed and it starts the job with a statement of intent. Without moving your lips you have told your clients that you have a professional approach.
3. There is somewhere to keep the power lead. It is a small thing but invaluable and so often overlooked on other extractors.
4. On the same note the hose garage is invaluable. I love the fact that I can store the hose neatly when the tool is not in use.
5. You can lock off the front wheels easily so it doesn't slide around your van like a bumper car on crack.
6. The hose is the perfect length to go with a Plug-it cable and this is one tiny part of the extensive approach that Festool have towards an overall system.
7. On the system note, you can turn your CT into a work centre either with the Festool WCR or something home made.
8. The CT26 in particular also looks so damned cool compared to other extractors. It's comforting after you have just paid for it!
9. Again on the CT26, it is the perfect size for me working in domestic properties where space is limited. I have enough capacity though I can still carry it up stairs. It is still heavy particularly when the bags are close to full but is a good compromise between functionality and weight. I was going to get a Midi and I'm glad the Festool dealer talked me into having the CT26.
10. I had a meeting the other day regarding what could be lots of work for next year. The guy told me his installation manager is a Festool junkie and meticulous about his work. I had mentioned that I use Festool tools and dust extraction. He then told me that he knew my work would be good as no-one who buys Festool would do a rubbish job! His words not mine but I wasn't about to disagree! So owning CT26 in particular has probably secured my future for the whole of 2012.
11. It is very quiet compared to other extractors/vacs that I have used and that really counts for a lot. I hate hate hat hate noisy hoovers and it is still possible to carry on a conversation when using the CT without having to raise your voice too much.
12. Customers are impressed by the CT. If I had a choice on spending £460.80 on either a CT or advertising I would always opt for the CT. Customers will tell their friends about you and you couldn't buy that amount goodwill or exposure with £460 through advertising.
13. Finally the whole thing is just put together so well. It is an example of the Germans doing what they do best.
All in all my CT is probably my most important tool and though I moan on here at times about accessory prices the tools themselves are worth their weight in gold. That might be pushing it if taken literally! The ability to do what you can do with them and be so clean is awesome.
Edit:
I had an afterthought! The above was a long winded way to say the CT is good. Here's the short version. I was so so impressed with the CT/TS combination package on Thurs afternoon that I was grinning like a Cheshire cat at work. I really was in the zone and happy to be doing what I was doing and the tools were such a big part of that. It culminated in a bout of air guitar on my 4 foot level when Radio 2 played Summer of 69!
The customer was out!
Edit no 2:
Just read another thread and it reminded me of reason no 14:
They are tough as old boots. I had 4 sheets of 18mm ply in the back of my van which fell over whilst I was driving. It made a horrible noise and what was worse was the fact that I knew they had landed on my CT as it was right next to the. I pulled over fearing the worst to find the sheets at 45 degrees wedged in position by the CT and a few other bits. The CT was supported by one rear wheel. I pulled it out of the carnage and the only damage was the axle was ever so slightly bent. I was amazed.
You did mention that you considered the CT to be expensive. There are other good quality extractors that would do the job but I personally wouldn't consider them for all sorts of reasons which are:
1. The fleece bags on the CT are awesome. The capacity is great and they don't lose suction over their life. I have used mine for 6 months and I'm always amazed when I open the unit how clean the Hepa filter is. I take this to mean that the bags as the primary method of filtration are doing such a good job that the Hepa filter hardly needs to be there. The whole unit always looks like new inside.
2. You can stack systainers on the CT and this can be really handy even if you only use it to get tools in and out of a job. Clients are always impressed and it starts the job with a statement of intent. Without moving your lips you have told your clients that you have a professional approach.
3. There is somewhere to keep the power lead. It is a small thing but invaluable and so often overlooked on other extractors.
4. On the same note the hose garage is invaluable. I love the fact that I can store the hose neatly when the tool is not in use.
5. You can lock off the front wheels easily so it doesn't slide around your van like a bumper car on crack.
6. The hose is the perfect length to go with a Plug-it cable and this is one tiny part of the extensive approach that Festool have towards an overall system.
7. On the system note, you can turn your CT into a work centre either with the Festool WCR or something home made.
8. The CT26 in particular also looks so damned cool compared to other extractors. It's comforting after you have just paid for it!
9. Again on the CT26, it is the perfect size for me working in domestic properties where space is limited. I have enough capacity though I can still carry it up stairs. It is still heavy particularly when the bags are close to full but is a good compromise between functionality and weight. I was going to get a Midi and I'm glad the Festool dealer talked me into having the CT26.
10. I had a meeting the other day regarding what could be lots of work for next year. The guy told me his installation manager is a Festool junkie and meticulous about his work. I had mentioned that I use Festool tools and dust extraction. He then told me that he knew my work would be good as no-one who buys Festool would do a rubbish job! His words not mine but I wasn't about to disagree! So owning CT26 in particular has probably secured my future for the whole of 2012.
11. It is very quiet compared to other extractors/vacs that I have used and that really counts for a lot. I hate hate hat hate noisy hoovers and it is still possible to carry on a conversation when using the CT without having to raise your voice too much.
12. Customers are impressed by the CT. If I had a choice on spending £460.80 on either a CT or advertising I would always opt for the CT. Customers will tell their friends about you and you couldn't buy that amount goodwill or exposure with £460 through advertising.
13. Finally the whole thing is just put together so well. It is an example of the Germans doing what they do best.
All in all my CT is probably my most important tool and though I moan on here at times about accessory prices the tools themselves are worth their weight in gold. That might be pushing it if taken literally! The ability to do what you can do with them and be so clean is awesome.
Edit:
I had an afterthought! The above was a long winded way to say the CT is good. Here's the short version. I was so so impressed with the CT/TS combination package on Thurs afternoon that I was grinning like a Cheshire cat at work. I really was in the zone and happy to be doing what I was doing and the tools were such a big part of that. It culminated in a bout of air guitar on my 4 foot level when Radio 2 played Summer of 69!
The customer was out!
Edit no 2:
Just read another thread and it reminded me of reason no 14:
They are tough as old boots. I had 4 sheets of 18mm ply in the back of my van which fell over whilst I was driving. It made a horrible noise and what was worse was the fact that I knew they had landed on my CT as it was right next to the. I pulled over fearing the worst to find the sheets at 45 degrees wedged in position by the CT and a few other bits. The CT was supported by one rear wheel. I pulled it out of the carnage and the only damage was the axle was ever so slightly bent. I was amazed.
BarBuilder
Member
- Joined
- Nov 27, 2011
- Messages
- 88
Well no doubt I am 100% convinced at this point - I'll be getting a CT/TS package. Are you sure that you all are not being bribed/compensated by Shane to influence my decision? ;D Now I only need to decide on a Mini, Midi or CT26. I also believe i'll take the Dust Deputy route as well. Not sure If I'll buy Oneida's Festool ready package or build my own. Thanks again to all for your input - I'm thankful but my wallet and wife may not be!
greenMonster
Member
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2011
- Messages
- 289
mini or 26, midi is pointless imo if youre going the DD route.
There is definitely a convenience difference between the 2 both in general and as far as the DD is concerned
There is definitely a convenience difference between the 2 both in general and as far as the DD is concerned
Kev
Member
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2011
- Messages
- 7,698
Why does that dust deputy have to be such a huge ugly thing? The videos look very effective though ... I may even consider something like that down the track.
I went with a CT36 and a CT/Mini ... it gives me the range I need and a small DC for sanding away from the main work area.
I went with a CT36 and a CT/Mini ... it gives me the range I need and a small DC for sanding away from the main work area.
The ct is often the first tool I use and always the last tool I use on a job. Customers are always impressed and pleased with the clean aspect of the job. They are addicting I guess because I now have 3 ct22's, 1 ct26, and just got a "mini" about a month ago. I would use the ct even if I was working on the ground because life is soo much better without dust billowing around.
Corwin
Member
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2007
- Messages
- 2,624
BarBuilder said:
No, if we were being bribed or compensated we would have pointed out that you should order the TS saw with the MFT/3 as a package deal, and get a CT extractor with any of the other Festool tools that you will be ordering. [tongue] You may notice that the only package deal on the MFT/3 is with a TS saw...
andvari said:
I totally agree with getting the longer 3000mm rail if at all possible. You won't regret it.
I DEFINITELY support getting the long rail - either the 2700 or 3000 if you have the space.
You can, in theory, connect rails together for longer rips; I still do this, but find it much more efficient to have a shorter one and a very long one available to go back and forth.
You can also get away with some sort of shop vac if you are on a tight budget. I did for several years. The challenge is remembering to turn the darn thing on/off in concert with the saw, though you can also plug both tools into an adapter that makes the vac "tool-triggered."
Where the Festool vac becomes absolutely necessary is sanding - without adjustable suction, having any other vac hooked to your sander is equivalent to
having the new helper putting every bit of his triceps into sanding your material, complete with clouds of swirl marks [wink]
You can, in theory, connect rails together for longer rips; I still do this, but find it much more efficient to have a shorter one and a very long one available to go back and forth.
You can also get away with some sort of shop vac if you are on a tight budget. I did for several years. The challenge is remembering to turn the darn thing on/off in concert with the saw, though you can also plug both tools into an adapter that makes the vac "tool-triggered."
Where the Festool vac becomes absolutely necessary is sanding - without adjustable suction, having any other vac hooked to your sander is equivalent to
having the new helper putting every bit of his triceps into sanding your material, complete with clouds of swirl marks [wink]
BarBuilder said:
None of us are being bribed, we're just Festool junkies that are beyond help. I have never come a brand of any tool in any line of work that seems to be so addictive and generates so much loyalty. It is however a love/hate relationship. We all love what the tools and accessories do but hate what some of them cost from time to time. It is the accessories and consumables that really hit your wallet. The Festool system approach is talked a lot a lot on this forum. It has taken me a while to fully appreciate how well everything works together and how you can and do constantly spend money to buy accessories that extend the capability of your tools. I've only just got how good the parallel guides and extensions are and how they can really make my TS55 cook on gas without the need to have a table saw on site. It will cost me £270 for the privilege and it could be argued that they are over priced if you just consider the components and not their functionality. It is however what they can do that you pay for and the level of convenience and mobility they provide compared to lugging around a heavy table saw. When you consider them from that perspective they actually seem cheap.
Whatever route you choose, it is just the start of a long and always expensive journey. The tools are worth it but not if you become so addicted that you buy a tool rather than the holiday you promised yourself!
Wonderwino
Member
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2008
- Messages
- 800
BarBuilder, if you need to make a long, string-straight cut onsite, there is no better tool than a TS55 and dust extractor. The bar I built a few years ago required three rails joined to make the 17' cut:
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/festools-used-in-fhb-article/
http://www.talkfestool.com/vb/woodworking-projects/2557-bar.html
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/festools-used-in-fhb-article/
http://www.talkfestool.com/vb/woodworking-projects/2557-bar.html
BarBuilder
Member
- Joined
- Nov 27, 2011
- Messages
- 88
Wonderwino -
I like your bar. The raised panel work looks good and I like the brass corbels, they're a nice accent to the piece. As far as long cuts are concerned, I think I am pretty well sold on a 2700mm rail in addition to the 55" rail that comes with the TS55 package. The previous track saw system I had consisted of 2 pieces of track (64" and 50" pieces) that I would join for ripping plywood sheets and though this worked okay, I was always a bit skeptical that the line was truly straight. I was always afraid that the joint may not be square. Anyhow, I can't imagine needing to process anything larger than a 4x8 sheet BUT if the need arose I would have 161" of rail to cut with!
I like your bar. The raised panel work looks good and I like the brass corbels, they're a nice accent to the piece. As far as long cuts are concerned, I think I am pretty well sold on a 2700mm rail in addition to the 55" rail that comes with the TS55 package. The previous track saw system I had consisted of 2 pieces of track (64" and 50" pieces) that I would join for ripping plywood sheets and though this worked okay, I was always a bit skeptical that the line was truly straight. I was always afraid that the joint may not be square. Anyhow, I can't imagine needing to process anything larger than a 4x8 sheet BUT if the need arose I would have 161" of rail to cut with!
Festoolfootstool said:
That's a regular comment and it's certainly true, but it's got an unfortunate downside. Try it, you'll almost certainly like it and then you'll want to
I have to wonder how many unfortunate home owners are berated by their wives everytime they bring another Festool home to "try out". I hope you realize Festool that you're destroying the fabric of married society. Fortunately, I'm not married so I only have to worry about the little things like rent and lack of beer. [crying] [crying]
Kev
Member
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2011
- Messages
- 7,698
Upscale said:
Tell me about it ...
Once upon a time I would buy a tool to do a job ...
Early in my Festool addiction days (just early October this year) I'd buy a new Festool and think "what job can I do with this?".
Now I've advanced to the stage where I have a growing list of Festool essentials and seem to be buying them with increasing frequency! I've stopped kidding myself about any specific jobs and just vary the sequence of my Festool "want/need list".
Don't get me wrong - the tools will see use .. but I'm behaving like I'm afraid there'll be a Festool famine in the near future.
Kev.
