First time to FOG

[gnarly]

Hello All, this is my first post, I am going next week to a Festool demo. at Lee Valley here in southern Ontario. I haven't used any of these tools before and am interested in what I see and read so far. I have a shop and do mostly work for myself and some of my friends, (Cabinets, some furniture etc.) My wife just advised me that she wants the bathrooms remodeled, with new cabinets, a walk in closet (for herself) new kitchen cabinets, and island, etc, master bedroom upgraded, and the living room farm kitchen remodeled. So my job list is pretty full for the next while.
My observation with the Festools is how compact and dust free things appear, I have a dust system, but it still seems that as good as it is at the end of the day there is still dust everywhere. I would really like to get away from the dusty environment that I have so far tolerated. From what I have been reading is appears that the efficiency of these tools is far better than with other tools.
So I am thinking that I may sell off some of my equipment, and re supply my shop with some of the Festools. My thoughts are to get the MFT/3, CT 26, Domino 500, TS55. Most of my work will be Cabinets, that's what I have the most fun building, so lots of sheet stock to cut and join.
I would appreciate any thoughts and input from those that have experience with Festools.
I have a feeling my wife gave me these projects, as I am just about to retire, and I think she wants me to keep busy, and not in her way.  [smile]

 

[ccarrolladams]

Hi Gnarley,

[welcome] to Festools, FOG and the famous green Kool Aide!

Clearly you have experience woodworking.

Just remember that there are many tricks to getting the most from your Festools. There is no equivalent to the Domino. My own experience with the Domino is shared by many here in FOG. Because it vibrates differently than other tools, the Domino learning curve is longer than expected.

To get the most from your Festools you should find the time to experiment and practice.

 

[live4ever]

I'm a recent Festoolie myself, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

For mostly cabinet work, I'd equip myself with a TS55, Domino, vac, and sander or two of my choosing.  Then would come a LR32 + router if I were doing A LOT of cabinet sides.  If you are using these tools in a shop space, I'm not sure about the value of the MFT/3.  Yes, it's a nifty table with a lot of clamping options, but part of its appeal is that it's lightweight and portable, and it's also very expensive.  If you're going to be doing most of your work in a shop space and already have decent worksurfaces, I think limited funds would be better put towards the Domino or a sander.  That's just my opinion.  

You are going to love these things.  It is amazing how other tool manufacturers have not incorporated such simple concepts into their tools.  Neat and functional tool storage?  Check.  Detachable/shared power cords?  Seems like a small thing, but I can't tell you how much I love this.  The dust collection?  You'll start hating your tools that don't do it as well.  And of course, the tools do what they're supposed to smoothly and flawlessly.  

 

[andy5405]

I think I have got the gist of your post but it's been a long week and I am mildly affected by Liffey Water as it TGIF today. So the question seems to be will you regret buying the tool list you mentioned??? Initially you won't as they really are as good as people say and if you stopped there it would all be super. However there is a very high probability that you will develop an addiction and that's not clever. You will have the capability to do amazing things with wood, the flipside is that you will be permanently skint. Go buy some Dewalt stuff, it's a smart move.

 

[dltflt]

I agree with live4ever except on the MFT3.  I think the MFT3 is a valuable part of the system.  I would also suggest the Parallel guide for breaking down your sheet goods for the cabinets.  That is only if funds are permitting.
You will enjoy the slippery slope.

 

[peter halle]

Welcome to the FOG!  [welcome]

You have a great list of acquisitions going.  Whenever you have a question - even at three in the morning - there is generally someone around to give advice.  We have a FABULOUS bunch of forum members; all who were where you are at sometime.  We love to share information!

I agree with Don that the MFT is a game changer.  Go to youtube and watch a bunch of videos on Festool.  You will have a blast!

Peter

 

[semenza]

Hi Gnarly,

Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

I think your list has very good choices for what you are planning.  It is difficult to offer advise on additional tools with out knowing what tools and equipment you curently own. I will suggest that the Domino teams up very well with pocket holes for cabinet  boxes.

Seth

 

[agehall]

Of all the Festool things I've bought so far, the item my wife was the most skeptical about wasn't the Kapex, but the used MFT 1080. I almost had to sleep on the couch when I brought that home.

Last weekend, I helped my brother-in-law build a few small things at his place and only then did I realize how much I love my MFT. It is truly a game-changer!

 

[jacko9]

Hello All, this is my first post, I am going next week to a Festool demo. at Lee Valley here in southern Ontario. I haven't used any of these tools before and am interested in what I see and read so far. I have a shop and do mostly work for myself and some of my friends, (Cabinets, some furniture etc.) My wife just advised me that she wants the bathrooms remodeled, with new cabinets, a walk in closet (for herself) new kitchen cabinets, and island, etc, master bedroom upgraded, and the living room farm kitchen remodeled. So my job list is pretty full for the next while.
My observation with the Festools is how compact and dust free things appear, I have a dust system, but it still seems that as good as it is at the end of the day there is still dust everywhere. I would really like to get away from the dusty environment that I have so far tolerated. From what I have been reading is appears that the efficiency of these tools is far better than with other tools.
So I am thinking that I may sell off some of my equipment, and re supply my shop with some of the Festools. My thoughts are to get the MFT/3, CT 26, Domino 500, TS55. Most of my work will be Cabinets, that's what I have the most fun building, so lots of sheet stock to cut and join.
I would appreciate any thoughts and input from those that have experience with Festools.
I have a feeling my wife gave me these projects, as I am just about to retire, and I think she wants me to keep busy, and not in her way.  [smile]

Welcome gnarley.  I'm sure that you won't go wrong with your list of Festool products.  I've been making cabinets and furniture for the past 35 years and I still can't believe how much time I save with my Domino Joiner and Jig Saw.  I just remodeled my wife's bathroom and even thought it's a small room, I managed to build a very nice Honduras Mahogany faced vanity with sliding doors that functions very nicely.  Good luck in retirement (I'm in my 7th year and manage to stay out of the wife's way between golf and woodworking).

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Welcome to the forum. The members here can certainly give some great, first hand advice so be sure to ask them any questions you might have. I just wanted to pop in and introduce myself. I am Shane Holland and I work for Festool USA (which operates in Canada). If I can ever be of assistance, feel free to contact me.

 

[gnarly]

Thanks all for your input. I will try to respond to all the great points made, probably in no specific order. As for Dewalt tools, those are the ones I want to replace, enough said on that. !!
I have watched a number of youtube videos on the MFT, and my mind reals at the possibilities that this system can open up for me, that's why it is on my list. I don't for a moment think that I will be up to speed with these new tools from the start. I have some smaller projects (new and redesigned cabinets for my shop, etc.) that I will practice on before the other projects are started.
I have also come to the realization that over the years my shop has grown smaller, with all the additions (machinery, etc.) and that I really miss the open floor space that I once had, and so that is the other reason for the choices, in the Festools, they will give me the efficiency of space back.
As for what I have in my shop now, various hand and hand power tools,Table saw, Drill press, Band Saw, Resaw, Jointer, Planer, Radial arm saw. I find at this stage in my life if I can simplify things I am happier, and so some of my large machinery will go to be replaced by Festools.
I will certainly look at a sander also, it wasn't neglected, just further down my list.
Thanks Shane Holland for your introduction, I will take you up on your offer if the need arises. This feels pretty good already and I haven't  even got any Festools yet. All I can say WOW !!  [big grin]

 

[Kev]

Welcome gnarly, Madame Zelda here ...

I can see an OF 1010, LR 32 and a KAPEX in your future  [big grin]

 

[HowardH]

I would think very carefully about selling some of your stationary tools, especially your table saw.  There are many many things you can duplicate with a TS55 but there are going to be times where the table saw is going to be a lot faster and less hassle.  I sold my table saw 3 years ago and greatly regretted it.  I recently ordered a new Hammer K3 because of this frustration. It doesn't have to be only one system vs another.

 

[sancho57]

Keep the table saw.  TS 55 / rails and MFT does a lot of different things. But even festool makes a table saw of sorts (which we ont get in North America (yet). The reason they make one is because like others have said there are somethings you need a table saw for.  making rails and styles for cabinets/doors etc for example.

I dont use mine for the heavy work I used to. The TS 55 does most of that .

I was going to sell mines and pick up a small portable but why when I got a great one now.

Its a hassle moving it out and setting it up for a few cuts but once I either sell or rent my current home and move to one with a large shop area, I can leave it set up.

So if you are going to drink the kool aid then you'll need a TS 55 with MFT.

IMO the MFT is the center of the entire festaoo system.

You can build a work bench like Ron Paulks Ultimate work benck which will work .

But you do need one for alot more then just clamping options.

I own 2 and have been considering a 3rd one.

Since I recently got the LR 32 I will give it a shot at making my own top.

LR32 makes multipe holes simple.

 

[gnarly]

Again Thanks Guy's for your input. I should have been more clear as to what machinery I would consider selling. Right now the only ones would be the resaw and radial arm saw. As for my table saw that is my oldest and most trusted friend, I see no need to part with that ever.
I am going to do some serious thinking over the weekend as to the best way to approach my planned purchases. Right now I am still pretty happy with my choices: Dust Extractor, TS55, Domino, MFT3, (As Kev suggested) now looking at the OF1010, LR32. These together would greatly simplify my cabinet workflow.

 

[waho6o9]

Welcome to the Fog Gnarly!
You might want to consider a dust deputy to reduce bag costs on the dust extractor.  Another suggestion would be to get the Domino accessory kit with all the cutters and Dominos.
The OF1400 router is more versatile, however, the OF1010 is a good choice as well.
Have fun and get the longest rails, 3000, to cut down sheet goods, YMMV (your mileage may vary)
[big grin]

http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/ultimate-dust-deputy/

 

[Kev]

Welcome to the Fog Gnarly!
You might want to consider a dust deputy to reduce bag costs on the dust extractor.  Another suggestion would be to get the Domino accessory kit with all the cutters and Dominos.
The OF1400 router is more versatile, however, the OF1010 is a good choice as well.
Have fun and get the longest rails, 3000, to cut down sheet goods, YMMV (your mileage may vary)
[big grin]

http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/ultimate-dust-deputy/

I've got a 1400 ... But I will get a 1010 for the light stuff soon. It's size just akes sense.