First Festool tool recomendations for new homeowners shop

[rljatl]

For remodeling,  the Vecturo for sure.

 

[schtumpig]

First off Wow  [smile] thank you for all the help and advice on what tools to start with setting up my shop. I can tell that I came to the right place. Also I am sure I am not alone as a newbie and I am sure someone else is reading through this and getting lots of good ideas on how to set up a great shop. Thank you!

I also have the UG wings for the Kapex. They are very nice but I'm sure you could build something much cheaper and still get the job done.

I agree that when possible I prefer to build my own, it is cheaper and you can customize to your needs better.

I currently have mine sitting on one of the adjustable Keter tables. It works great, and only cost $50!
That said, it is my intent to build a miter saw table station for my Kapex at some point.

Love it! $1400 saw $50 table. Thanks for the welcome.

Peter Parfitt Thanks for the new video I really appreciate all the work that goes into making it. After your video I think the OF-1400 is probably the best fit for my journeyman's shop. I do want to use it for Leigh D4R but I need it for general use also. If I really get into the Leigh I will add the OF1010 later.

Birdhunter That is a good list. I think it may take a while to reach that point but those are some good ideas to look into.

I'm going to put in a vote for a CT 36 AC ....I'll also throw in a vote for the TS 75.
I'm of the mind that I want my tools to cover the entire range of my needs and those are 2 options that will allow you to do more and really not affect your day to day use.

Great point. I love when my tools cover all my needs an then some. For example I own a lot of 1000V Knipex tools. Great tools for general use but even better when you accidentally find you need them. I will do some more research on buying the CT-36 AC vs the CT-26. I will eventually need to sand drywall and the auto-clean function would be nice. I also am still debating on the bigger track saw. Lots to think about.

Couldn't agree more the TS55 v TS75 debate seems like it will never end. I recently got into festool and bought the TS55... returned it for the TS75. I used the TS75 for the first time yesterday, it's fabulous , I'm not sure why people get so concerned about the weight. Its not as though your lifting it while its cutting, your sliding it. My 5 year old could push it with his pinky finger (if I'd let him.)

Good to hear you like the TS75. I went down to my local dealer and tried out both the TS-55 REQ and TS-75. The TS-55 felt better designed and a little easier to use. I am sure after a short time that would not matter. I did find the TS-75 was more tippy when doing bevel cuts but with a little care and a good setup that would be no issue also.
I have a 4-year old and I know they are stronger than they look.

Cross-cut Canuck thanks for explaining the table set up. I am going to start with 1 MFT but it seams like 2 in a row would be the ideal setup with a 3rd MFT for final assembly. Thanks.

Nothing has been mentioned about a new version of the Kapex coming out.  Usually Europe gets a new tool 9 months to a year earlier than North America does, so I wouldn't worry about instant outdatedness.

Just what I wanted to hear. Thank you for going though my questions point by point. Another vote for the CT-26 max. As far as the TS75 I was planning on "recycling" some of the existing hardwood used in the house when possible not only to save money but because it is the way this house was built, back in 1800's people reused wood and there is plenty of wood in this house that was scavenged from other structures so I can see a potential need for the bigger TS-75 saw. As far as the router I am 99% set on the OF1400. Great to hear that you have enjoyed yours.

As you  know festool is a system. The foundation of the system is the  MFT, CT and TS. Everything else is built up those 3 items. My suggestion is buy those 3 items then buy as you need...

Very well put, the Festool system starts there and so shall I. I am planning on making two package deal purchases to save some money. MFT+TS & CT+Kapex. Ok, I snuck in the Kapex  [smile]. I received official permission from my wife tonight to buy two package deals so that was also kinda important. I will check out the holey rails.

Personally I went with the 1400 years ago and have never regretted my purchase.
As for using the OF 2200 for doing dovetails, this would be like using a .300 Winchester Magnum to swat a fly.

Thanks for the vote for the OF1400 and I agree with your point on the OF-2200. Though for flies I prefer the Remington 870.

I think Festool offers two sizes of tracksaws for a reason... Unfortunately, 1/2" is the standard for larger bits here which makes a strong case for the 1400. 
My view on craigslist after having trying for many months...people ask too much for their used tools.  In many cases, so much that I won't even make the initial call to negotiate as it seems they are a bit unreasonable in their expectations.  For not much more, I get a 30 day no questions return policy and a full 3 years warranty.... Lots of right answers in this thread, and in the end it depends on what's important to you.  Soak it all in, make your decision and don't look back.  You'll enjoy every minute using these tools. 

Your view of craigslist is right on. I have sold around $4000 in stuff on craigslist (not including 3 cars) and I am not planning on looking for my tools there, too much drama for too little reward. As far as the router I have a plenty of 1/2" bits and without the OF1400 they are useless. In the USA 1/2" is kinda the standard so the OF1400 it is then. Still thinking about the track saw but the negatives of the TS-75 you pointed out are things to consider.

Edward A Reno III, I can see your point on the CMS simply put that thing is not cheap so it would be a good long time before I would even consider one. I did like the smooth travel and even in a home shop it is nice to be able to move things out to the side and keep the basement clean and clear. At this point I just wanted to make sure I buy a router that is compatible with lots of uses including the CMS, if that day ever comes.

First i think it is worth suggesting to slow down on your purchases and purchase only what you need for your next project... I think the TS 75 is a no brainer. The whole argument of it being heavy is silly. Its not heavy and if it was it is sliding in a rail. Rocket science people ... I think having the size of the CT 36 as a stationary CT is great because even it with regular use will fill up quicker than you would like. Im not keen on the Dust Deputy setup because i do move my CT around and moving the Dust Deputy also would get old quick.....
I love my Festools "really i do" but dont get to caught up in the hype or drink to much of the coolaid. Many of them are great "like great" i could not live without them. Many of them are just another tool.

Lots of good points in there. Yea I get your point on the TS-75. Why buy something twice. I am trying to go slow and "think twice, buy once" but simple fact is remodeling is kinda pointless without a miter saw and a way to rip down boards (table saw or track saw). And the vacuum and MFT table are coming along for the discount. The only thing I may hold up on for a few months is the router. The OF1400 would make an awesome birthday wish. As far as the coolaid, I am always aware of that in my mind. I can tell you that some people make good stuff. And the Kapex is on a different level in the "portable" category. Festool makes good stuff and using good stuff never gets old. A couple of weeks ago when I was on the side of the road changing out the battery on that 1975 Airstream motor-home while a cop watched me, I was using the first good tool I ever bought a 1/4" set of Snap-On Ratchet. Here it was again saving my butt, working like a champ, and that never gets old.

Tim Raleigh & Iceclimber I take your point on the table saw. I will most likely find I need one down the road but I am going to give this MFT+TS+CT thing a shot and see how it goes and add a table saw later if I need one. I can't think of a project I did in our first home that would have not been possible with the TS. Honestly the Kapex will get the most use. Now I have never done any cabinetry or furniture just normal home carpentry (trim, crown, built a fireplace, doors, floors, siding, etc.) so I have only limited experience. Time will tell.

Welcome to the forum!... Lots of good advice. You just need to sort it out for your situation. My brief recommendations --------------
- 1400 Router. Big enough but small enough.
- TS75. I normally would say TS55 but you are likely to run into cuts that need the depth and power. Get the Fine blade too.
- MFT/3.  A great versatile and portable workbench. Get one and set up a cutting table for sheet goods and long boards.
- CT36 or 48 (maybe).  If not going with the DD. If going with the DD then CT26. BUT keep in mind the DD will really cut down portability.
Seth

Hey Seth... Thanks for the advice, very much what I was thinking. I will check out the smaller vac, and the fine blade for the TS-75

Your initial list is excellent.  The MFT/CT/TS55 (older versions) were my first Festools.  When I was remodeling my master bath (10' X 13'), my shop was IN the bathroom.  And that includes the CT22 WITH the boom arm.  There are some bathroom pics in this boom arm review on talkFestool: Boom Arm Review.  It's amazing how fast you can work when you don't have to run up and down stairs to your shop.
Since then, I've added the OF1400, five Festool sanders, a bunch of guide rails, Domino, HL850, Kapex, and a CT26.    The OF1400 is excellent.  For finish carpentry, the Kapex is the best miter saw available (add zero clearance plates and a Tenryu finish blade).  The HL850 made planing a bunch of joists coplaner quite easy. 

My CT22 is now my portable vac and the CT26 with the boom arm is my "shop" vac.  They are core to almost everything I do.
IMO, the TS55 is the best overall option, unless you will be cutting a lot of thicker material, especially hardwoods.  Then the TS75 is probably the best option.

One philosophical point... While I agree with the concept that quality work is mostly the skills and knowledge of the woodworker, the problem is how to get skilled and knowledgeable?  We can study books and videos, but skills and knowledge come mostly from doing - learning on the job.  When a relative beginner encounters a problem, the question is: What caused the problem - the tools or the person?  With poor quality tools, it's difficult to know.  With good quality tools, you can be pretty sure who (not what) caused the problem. [cool]  IMO, Festool tools are MORE important for us folks who aren't expert craftsman. 

A final point... Ask yourself: Why so much passion about Festool tools?  IMO, it's because they work and keep working, and every day we use them, they tell us "You made a darn-fine buying decision!".  The cost fades quickly, but the quality keeps talkin' to us.

Dan thank you for that. One of the coolest things about the Festool system is being able to set up in the workspace and your photos are a great illustration of that. Good to hear you like the OF1400 and the Kapex. On the philosophical point I think that you are right it is a balance between the tool and the craftsman. And anyone on this forum is already trying to give themselves the best shot of a great finished product by using high quality tools, Festool or otherwise. But yes a great tool is more important to the rookie because it stacks the deck in their favor. I know given the great community here I will be able to set up a great home shop.

Thanks again for all the advice to recap here is the current picks (officially wife approved) purchased as two package deals + the router:

-Kapex
-MFT/3
-TS-55REQ or TS-75
-CT26 HEPA or CT 36 AC Auto-Clean (I am considering the CT 36AC for drywall work in addition to dust extraction if you have any opinion please let me know)
-OF1400

 

[sancho57]

FYI
The table vs track saw debate has beeen going on here for a while. Do a searrch and you will ffind some long informative threads as t the pluses and neggatives per ffolks opinions.

I suggest you read those before you decidde. Both views have ecellent points

 

[wow]

I'm going to put in a vote for a CT 36 AC ....I'll also throw in a vote for the TS 75.
I'm of the mind that I want my tools to cover the entire range of my needs and those are 2 options that will allow you to do more and really not affect your day to day use.

Great point. I love when my tools cover all my needs an then some. For example I own a lot of 1000V Knipex tools.

I LOL'd at this. I also own both the CT36AC and the TS75, but that's not what made me laugh. This is - it's my 'Insulated Tool' drawer in the shop:

[attachimg=1]

And here's my collection of Knipex 1000 Volt tools that is in my Veto Pro Eectrician Bag:

[attachimg=2]

FWIW, i got into Knipex before I got into Festool, but the addiction power is just as strong.

[embarassed]

 

[pjblues]

Wow, I remember being in your position about a year ago. I went nuts on Festool and purchased anything I could get my hands on. The 55 saw, MFT, Kapex, 1400 Router, Router table and accessories, Carvex, etc. I love the tools but it is a very expensive investment. I have no regrets but I recommend taking it slow. For me, there are no other tools on the market that are comparable.

These folks on the forum really helped guide me through the process of what to purchase after I slowed down and how to use the tools the proper way.

 

[Sparktrician]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned is that Festool offers some really great end-user training classes.  You would do well to subscribe for emailed class announcements.  Be aware, though, that there are only six seats in any given class, and that they fill up within minutes (yes, minutes) of the time when they are announced.  So if you see one that's to your liking, jump on it right now or you'll miss the opportunity. 

 

[schtumpig]

Great point. I love when my tools cover all my needs an then some. For example I own a lot of 1000V Knipex tools.

I LOL'd at this. I also own both the CT36AC and the TS75, but that's not what made me laugh. This is - it's my 'Insulated Tool' drawer in the shop:
[embarassed]

Great minds think alike  [big grin] Here is my top drawer in my stainless tool chest (looks almost the same as yours) with my essential tools. Lots of 1000v Knipex. My addiction began with Snap-on then Wiha then Knipex then Stihl and now Festool. It seems to be getting more expensive every year.

jobsworth: I will defiantly do more research on track saws.
pjblues: It is good to hear what you bought, I will take it slow once I get the essentials. Thank  [smile]
Sparktrician: I have had several people recommend the classes so I will defiantly take some once we get settle in our home.

 

[Iceclimber]

Hello,

My name is "insert here" and i am a tool addict.....

 

[schtumpig]

And it begins........ 

Bought my first 2 tools  [big grin]
- MFT/3 table on Craigslist
- OF1400 router on Amazon Warehouse
Both were really good deals for new tools so I couldn't let them get away.

So my list was:
-Worktable: MFT/3
-Router: OF1400
-Vacuum: CT-26 or CT-36 autoclean
-Track Saw: TS-55 or TS-75
-Miter Saw: Kapex
-Something to put the miter saw on

So I have three more specific questions as I figure out my last few purchases. And as always any advice is welcome. I really appreciate all the help I have received so far:

1. Vacuum...sorry Dust Extractor: I am debating between the CT 26 HEPA and the CT 36 AC Auto Clean. I am only going to buy one vacuum. The reason I am considering the CT 36 Auto Clean is that I will need to sand some drywall eventually during our remodel. As a do-it-yourselfer I don't see myself going out and buying an $1100 Planex to knock out a few rooms but a smaller sander could make drywall sanding a lot easier and cleaner. Would the CT 36 AC Auto Clean work as regular shop dust extractor for tools like the Kapex, Track Saw, and router? Has anyone used a non-Planex router for drywall work with the CT 36 AC? What are your thoughts on which vacuum to go with?

2. Does anyone have any opinion of the older TS-55 vs the newer TS-55 REQ? I have an offer on the older model and I was just curious if there were any opinions on one vs. the other.

3. The Kapex is my next purchase I just need to figure out what to put it on. I love the idea of building a miter station eventually and Peter Parfitt was kind enough to send me some plans for one. Thank you! But in the interim I need a basic portable miter stand to get the shop going. The two options I am looking at are the Kapex UG Cart and the MFT/3 Kapex. I am not a contractor so I won't be moving it everyday, so the Kapex UG Cart seems like overkill. And I like the fact that the MFT/3 Kapex can be used as a workspace if needed. Does anyone have a preference based on stability or other utility? I am leaning strongly toward the MFT/3 Kapex but I do love the the wings that come with the UG cart, I could use them on the MFT/3 or the Kapex. Gosh I love how all this stuff interconnects. Very helpful in a small shop.

Again thanks for the advice I am hoping to buy the Kapex and some kind of stand this week (2 tools down 4 to go)  [unsure]

My name is "alex" and i am a tool addict.....  [embarassed]

 

[wow]

The CT36 works fine as a regular Dust Extractor. But when you say "I don't see myself going out and buying an $1100 Planex to knock out a few rooms" well, I'd like to challenge that.

I don't know how much rocking and mudding you need to do, but assuming that you are starting with only studs you MIGHT want to consider getting the Planex, using it, then selling it on CraigsList. You could likely sell it for about $100-$200 less than you paid for it.

You need to decide if having it is worth that to you for what you're going to do, but it never hurts to ask the missus if she's gonna be OK with sheetrock dust EVERYWHERE on EVERYTHING or if she's rather you pick up a tool that will capture 98% (my number) of the dust?

 

[sae]

Has anyone ever clarified w/ Festool USA what the warranty situation is w/ the Amazon Warehouse deals?

 

[ScotF]

I really like the mini-MFT for the Kapex and I have the UG extensions - works great for a semi-permanent set-up. Plus you can use the extensions on the regular MFT to expand its capabilities.

 

[rizzoa13]

The CT36 works fine as a regular Dust Extractor. But when you say "I don't see myself going out and buying an $1100 Planex to knock out a few rooms" well, I'd like to challenge that.

I don't know how much rocking and mudding you need to do, but assuming that you are starting with only studs you MIGHT want to consider getting the Planex, using it, then selling it on CraigsList. You could likely sell it for about $100-$200 less than you paid for it.

You need to decide if having it is worth that to you for what you're going to do, but it never hurts to ask the missus if she's gonna be OK with sheetrock dust EVERYWHERE on EVERYTHING or if she's rather you pick up a tool that will capture 98% (my number) of the dust?

I use the RTS 400 with either 180 or 220 grit paper to do everything but my finish coat sanding and it works amazing. Because it only oscillates it doesn't throw dust to the outside of the pad and the extractor does an amazing job collecting it.

It wouldn't be fast enough in say commercial applications where time=profit but I can sand up an entire wall that's been skimmed in minutes. Plus it's got to be more user friendly than a huge spinning disc with tons of power, I never gouge the wall up with the RTS 400.

 

[Kodi Crescent]

You are absolutely correct sir. It gets old really fast. When I was working on our first home I set up the saws in the driveway because of all the sawdust and noise. But with the Festool system I will probably set up in whatever I am working at the time, especially with dust extraction. So for that reason I am leaning toward the CT26 to make moving it around easier.

4. I am going to need a track saw. I am a big-ish guy 6'2" and so the weight of the TS-75 is not an issue. In an old house like this there is a lot of real wood, so would the TS-75 be better at cutting hardwoods? Which saw do people prefer and why? The TS-55 or TS-75?

I like the TS-55 and rarely had the need to consider the TS-75 as I have a table saw for ripping thicker stock. That may change however.

So if you did not have a table saw would you want the TS-75 for sure? I know that the table saw is kind of indispensable but for the time being I am going to start with one track saw and see how it goes, the question is just which one.

[/quote]

A bit of advice about this stuff.  Since it almost never goes on sale, only buy tools ONLY as you need them.  Don't buy them because you think you'll need them.  I have a garage full of nearly new tools that I bought because I thought one day I'd need them.  The TS 75 is a prime example.  I bought it for some harebrained reason, used it a few times and then tried to calibrate it to my TS 55 rails without success.  It NEVER gets used (unless I want to replace a rail strip for my TS 55 rails).  The TS 55 is so much easier and convenient to work with.

I bought a SawStop thinking it would be some indispensable tool.  Frankly, it sits in my garage taking up space and is a rust maintenance issue.  It is only used on very rare occasions, such as when I need to rip a 2x4 or something like that.  It requires double the space to make cut due to having to feed the stock through the blade. The TS 55 only requires a bit more than the length of the cut.  Ripping thin pieces is its weakness though (and why I bought the Sawstop).

You can do a lot of things with the track saw and tracks of the appropriate sizes.  Try to learn how to use it before you buy a bunch of tools.  You may end up with many of them over time anyhow.

 

[Mavrik]

I've had my ts 55 for 10+ years and it's as good as the day I got it aftee plenty of use. The beauty of the festool system is the range is stable, system compatible, keeps working and doesn't become obsolete.  You don't find yourself worrying too much that a new model is about to come out that you have to upgrade to

 

[schtumpig]

The CT36 works fine as a regular Dust Extractor. But when you say "I don't see myself going out and buying an $1100 Planex to knock out a few rooms" well, I'd like to challenge that.

wow you may be right. In fact the missus told me "get the right tool so you can work happy" of course I didn't tell her the price  [embarassed]. I am leaning strongly toward the CT36 Auto-Clean because you can always set it to work like the CT-36 HEPA but when you need to work on drywall then you have the perfect tool minus the Planex.

Has anyone ever clarified w/ Festool USA what the warranty situation is w/ the Amazon Warehouse deals?

Ok, I called Festool USA and asked them if I bought a returned tool from Amazon Warehouse Deals would that be covered by the warrenty. They told me that yes since it had been bought from Amazon an authorized retailer and since the tool had been returned and had not been used it would be covered by the warranty. Now if anyone has hear different please let me know. And if anyone from Festool is on this forum please let me know. I went ahead and registered it tonight but I don't have a problem returning it to Amazon if it not going to be covered under the warranty.

I use the RTS 400 with either 180 or 220 grit paper to do everything but my finish coat sanding and it works amazing. Because it only oscillates it doesn't throw dust to the outside of the pad and the extractor does an amazing job collecting it.

Thank You!  [smile] Exactly what I wanted to know. I will look into buying a sander a ways down the line when I have a specific need for it but I wanted to know how well they worked on drywall. That option makes buying the CT-36 Auto-Clean make more sense. The difference in cost between the CT-26 HEPA and CT-36 Auto-Clean is $158 when you buy it as a combo deal. Plus it comes with the larger 36mm hose which I would prefer to use on the Kapex and TS-75 anyway.

A bit of advice about this stuff.  Since it almost never goes on sale, only buy tools ONLY as you need them.  Don't buy them because you think you'll need them.  I have a garage full of nearly new tools that I bought because I thought one day I'd need them.  The TS 75 is a prime example.  I bought it for some harebrained reason, used it a few times and then tried to calibrate it to my TS 55 rails without success.  It NEVER gets used (unless I want to replace a rail strip for my TS 55 rails).  The TS 55 is so much easier and convenient to work with.

Thanks for the advice. And I agree buy tools you need. But when you have no tool (Festool) then your going to need the basics. Based on fixing up one house the one tool from Festool that I simply could not live without is the Kapex Miter Saw. If I could only have one Festool it would be the Kapex. Then as someone mentioned the MFT Table, TS Track Saw, and CT Vacuum make up the core of the Festool system. This tool trifecta is the heart of the system. Finally I want a router. That it for now. That's my core homeowners shop. I will add more as a need presents itself.

I made a few decisions, I am buying the TS-75. I know I am going to need the depth. So it is a no brainier. Also I am not going to buy the MFT Kapex table. I am just going to buy another MFT table and put the Kapex on it. I tried this out at a friends house and since I am 6'2" the extra height felt fine. And then I can start with 2 MFT tables to have lots of even, flat, workspace if I need it. And a basic Kapex station until I get around to building one. Also I put an order in for a Woodpecker's Precision Square 660mm. That should help keep everything square. Again thanks for all the advice  [smile]

 

[Gwerner]

One philosophical point... While I agree with the concept that quality work is mostly the skills and knowledge of the woodworker, the problem is how to get skilled and knowledgeable?  We can study books and videos, but skills and knowledge come mostly from doing - learning on the job.  When a relative beginner encounters a problem, the question is: What caused the problem - the tools or the person?  With poor quality tools, it's difficult to know.  With good quality tools, you can be pretty sure who (not what) caused the problem. [cool]

I had this exact discussion with my wife the other night while talking about my tools and her sewing machines. We both agreed that if a saw cut, routed edge, or sewing stitch gets screwed up, it should be because WE screwed it up and not because the tool wasn't up to the task.

The result of that discussion is I get to buy a Kapex this weekend and she gets a new sewing machine. Pretty sure I came out on top on this one  [wink]

 

[semenza]

    Since you are going with MFT set up for the Kapex ........ something to note is that the MFT/3 height matches the height of the Kapex  when the Kapex is on the Kapex / MFT. So that a regular MFT/3 can be used as  additional material support for the Kapex. It is a little hard to tell because of the perspective in this picture but a piece being cut on the Kapex will rest at the same height on the regular MFT/3. Makes for a versatile set up.

    [attachimg=1]

Seth

 

[Dan Clark]

Schtumpig,

Since your primary goal is remodeling and not "woodworking", your selections so far make massive sense.  Although my needs are changing now, virtually ALL of experience with Festool tools has been remodeling.  My comments above and below come from that perspective only.

Bandsaws, planers, jointers, large tablesaws, etc - These are very good woodworking tools, but are far less useful when remodeling.  With a few exceptions, these are stationary tools.  Once you start working AT the worksite (e.g. bedroom, living room, deck), you will never want to use a stationary tool in your garage or workshop.  Your productivity gain from a worksite workshop is massive. 

Contractor table saw - First, your MFT + TS55/75 + guide rail IS a table saw.  When set up properly, it is fast and very accurate to use.  And of course, it's in your worksite workshop.  However there are times where a contractor tablesaw can be very useful to supplement your MFT/TS combo - like repeated narrow cuts or certain kinds of bevels.  I have a Dewalt DW7480 with portable stand.  It's a bit small, but works well.

Kapex Stand - There multiple options for a Kapex Stand, but if you are installing a LOT of trim you'll probably want something that handle long trim boards - between 8' and 16' long - and help enable precise cuts.  Using MFTs as outfeed tables is good in theory, but you'll probably want something that will support long trim and be height-adjustable to make them coplanar with your Kapex.  I have a used SawHelper with 5' and a 9' wings that works very well.  Unfortunately they are out of business, but that are other good alternatives out there.

CT36AC - I didn't know that it came with a 36mm hose.  Given that, it's a no brainer.  One caveat - all Festool sandersrequire a 27mm hose connection.  So you'll need something like a 27mm adapter hose.  I made one as described in this post: http://www.talkfestool.com/vb/festool-tools/1929-vac-hose-end-adapter.html#post23925  (with pics).  However, I believe that several dealers sell them.

Regards,

Dan.

 

[schtumpig]

    Since you are going with MFT set up for the Kapex ........ something to note is that the MFT/3 height matches the height of the Kapex  when the Kapex is on the Kapex / MFT. \

Hi Seth, yea I saw that they matched and that is just cool. I think my choice to use a regular MFT is based on the fact that 2 MFT's will open up a lot more options for cutting long boards and without a conventional table saw I figure I may need that length. But I take your point. I think for extra long trim cutting I would just make some basic wings that could be attached to the top of the MFT's to make a good long trim support surface. Then I can go to town cutn' crown. Hey what part of the finger lakes? I spent a lot of time sailing on Canandaigua. We used to live in Rochester. Love that area!

virtually ALL of experience with Festool tools has been remodeling..... Bandsaws, planers, jointers, large tablesaws, etc - These are very good woodworking tools, but are far less useful when remodeling.

I totally agree, again a miter saw and a simple contractor saw was all I used for our first remodel and I did a kitchen, bath, wood floors, trim, doors, etc...

Kapex Stand - There multiple options for a Kapex Stand, but if you are installing a LOT of trim you'll probably want something that handle long trim boards - between 8' and 16' long - and help enable precise cuts.  Using MFTs as outfeed tables is good in theory, but you'll probably want something that will support long trim and be height-adjustable to make them coplanar with your Kapex.  I have a used SawHelper with 5' and a 9' wings that works very well.

So here was my idea, just make a pair of wings that can bolt on top of the MFT's to create a long, wide and flush work area for running crown/trim specifically. While I can't build a Kapex or a TS75 in my basement I can make a very nice pair of wings for my Kapex that will work like the SawHelper setup.

CT36AC - I didn't know that it came with a 36mm hose.  Given that, it's a no brainer.  One caveat - all Festool sandersrequire a 27mm hose connection.  So you'll need something like a 27mm adapter hose.

It said that was the hose it came with according to the website. I am leaning more and more toward the CT36AC. I am going to wait until Feb to order the Kapex+CT36AC combo. That will give me a little time to think about it. Then I am planning on buying the TS75+MFT/3 combo in March. Again more time to think and get feedback and do research maybe even find something at a good price.

I emailed Festool toady and yes Amazon Warehouse does qualify for the warranty. Also they reponded to my email in 15min. Wow. Gotta love that. Again thanks for the advice.  [smile]