first purchase

[BlueMaxx]

Well after some initial agonizing I think I have finally settled on my first order. I am hoping to get some input from folks on anything you think might be required with this or if you have better ideas.
Looks like I am going to get the package MFT/3 & TS 75. Also the package RO 150 & CT22 vac. Plus the Domino with trim & cross stops. The only accessory I am eyeing is the abrassive systainer and some abrassives plus a 55" rail.
I am not sure if I need the guide rail accessory pack or not.
Anyone suggestions welcome.
Thanks,
Michael

edited for spelling

 

[Ted Miller]

Maxx, I went for the TS75/CT22 and the 106" rail for ripping down full sheets.

The TS75 is great but large, using it for doors and thick stock is great.

I then purchased the TS55/Midi for on site work and this made work a piece of pie and the best thing is barley any dust at the clients house. Keeping the dust to a minimum will get you more work, crazy.

I like both saws, blades last long. I do clean the blades with orange hand cleaner very often.

I later went for the Domino, RO 150, OF 1400, LS 130, LR 32 and just added the MFT/3. All of these tools have made my jobs so much easier and much faster. The Domino alone has made carcass work go faster then pocket holes.

I still use all my other tools, but this line has made life easier...

 

[Steve Jones]

Michael,

Nice start, welcome to the slippery slope.

I'd recommend the guide rail accessory pack, I use mine all the time, you get a couple of clamps and stops, and the angle unit, all in a systainer.

Steve

 

[BlueMaxx]

Oh yea, I am also getting the of 1010...forget to add that. I am not sure just what to get with the initial purchase on that. I went back and forth between the 1400 & 1010. I am thinking I will be ok, it looks like Festool has a larger selection of 8mm bits which leads me to think I will be ok to start there. I have a PC d-handle I use for my 1/2" bits for now. My only waffle may be to opt for the 55 and the 1010. Grrrrr...decisions...I work in solid woods mostly, hence the bigger saw.

 

[Cannuck]

Great choices for your first purchase(s).  I started with the Domino in January and bought virtually everything you mentioned, within a 3 month period after that.  The only difference is that I bought the OF1400 instead of the OF1010.

Personally, I would advise against the 55" rail.  With the MFT and the TS75 you will have a 75" rail and a 42" rail included.  If you feel the need for another rail, I would advise you either get the longest rail with LR32 holes (you may eventually want that accessory down the road), or you could get the one that is 106"  or 110" (not exactly sure of the size?).  Trust me, once you've used the system a little (i.e. first week) you'll wish you had a longer rail.

For accessories, you will want the Guide Stop for the OF1010, if its not included with the package.  This will allow you to use it with the guide rails.

Rather than the guide rail accessory kit (You will probably get little value from the angle unit if you have the MFT3), I would suggest you buy 2 Quick Clamps and the Clamping Elements.  An alternative to Festool clamping elements for your MFT are the Veritas Bench Dogs from Lee Valley Tools.

Have fun with your new purchases.

Cheers,
Rob

 

[BlueMaxx]

With the MFT and the TS75 you will have a 75" rail and a 42" rail included.

I may have missed something there...I knew you got the longer rail (75") but I did not see the 42" included?
These are great suggestions and why I am happy coming here...
Out of curiosity do you ever feel the 1010 was too small? Also when getting the Domino do most of you get the systainer assortment?

 

[b_m_hart]

The 42" rail comes with the MFT...

 

[tallgrass]

if you are getting the 1010 get the edge trimming attatchments. it takes most of the capacity of the new trim router.

 

[ChicagoMike]

Bluemaxx,

IMHO, I would get the 1400. I first purchased the 1010 and thought it lacked power. My dealer allowed me to trade up to the 1400. I was very greatfull. The 1400 is a great all around router.

As far as the rails go, whatever you use it for, you need to keep in mind that you should have a rail long enough to plunge the saw first then enter the stock. You can plunge directly into stock but it is a little trickier. When I am performing a plunge cut, I use the clamps. I have 4 rails, 1 ea small, med, and the longest. The fourth came with my MFT. In retrospect, I would have gotten the med on with the holes for the shelf drilling.

 

[Jack Rafter]

Bluemaxx,

The 1010 is an excellent all around little router and I find myself using it more then the 1400 which I really like as well. So the answer to the riddle is to buy both of them  ;D. Good luck.

 

[rwdawson]

Bluemax,

When I bought the Domino, it was recommended to me by the salesman that I not get the systainer assortment.  Instead, he suggested getting one bag each of 8 x 40mm, 8 x 50mm, and 5 x 30mm dominoes, plus the bit for the 5 x 30mm dominoes.  His logic was these would be my most used dominoes and I could add more bits and/or dominoes, as needed.  I think he was right.

I also bought some food containers at The Container Store (I can get part numbers if desired), which I use for the dominoes, since the bags they come in are subject to wear and tear.  This works well for me.

As for the router question, I own the 1400 and couldn't be happier.  One reason for having it is the 1/2 inch shank capability.  I think this is especially important if you work a lot with hard woods, as you indicated.  However, I must qualify my praise for the 1400 by saying I have never used the 1010, I think it is a great router, and most important, the decision depends on the use you give your router, not my sense of euphoria every time I even think about my 1400.  My only regret is I didn't buy it sooner.

And, I also own a D handle P-C that I will sell right after I get my next Festool router.

As for your other choices, they are rock solid, as confirmed the other contributors.  They have all raised very valid points that should be of real help to you.  And, they confirm my decisions.

Regards,

Richard

 

[Les]

Blue,

You are getting some great advise. Get the 1010 if you are going to do edge work or lighter cuts. I have never asked my 1010 to do anything that if hasn't been able to handle easily. The smaller size is really ideal for edge work and the 32mm hole system. I go to the 1400 when needing more power, Tim Taylor style, or need to use a 1/2" shank bit.

I bought the RO150 first then the ETS150. In hindsight, I should have reversed them since I have a 15" planer.

My go to's are the 1010 router and the ETS150 sander. With the sander, the new Cristal paper, is my go to paper. It's hard to quantify, but it seems to outlast Rubin by 2-3 times. Be prepared to make a "small" investment in paper. Cristal for bare wood up to 120 grit. Rubin above 120 for bare. Brilliant for finished.