First tool for a small workshop?

[gshepherd]

Just to clarify (in the US):

the 10% discount on the MFT is ONLY available when purchased at the same time as one of the saws, the Kapex, the TS55 or the TS75.

You can also get the 10% off on the special MFT/Conturo table when you buy it at the same time as the Conturo.

The 10% discount on an extractor generally applies to an extractor and any tool with a cord bought at the same time.

Do they stack? Meaning if I buy MFT + TS75 + Extractor, would I get 20% off?  [wink]

 

[gshepherd]

I did woodworking for 20 years without an MFT using a series of home build work benches. The MFT system is wonderful except there is no innate ability to mount a real woodworking vise.

If I were advising a new woodworker, I'd suggest he/she first build a good solid work bench incorporating a solid vise. Using an MFT top isn't a bad idea.

I'd suggest getting the TS55 saw with the longer guide rails for cutting plywood sheets down to size. A bench plane is very useful. A Domino 500 is a wonderful tool for the projects you describe. A T18 drill and a Festool vac. Would round out the basics.

I already built a workbench, do you have a good vise you would recommend?

Reason I am interested in the MFT is the portability and versatility with festools other tools.

Thanks for your reply!  [smile]

 

[gshepherd]

If you are married, the vacuum should high on the list.

LOL! Been together 8 years, engaged, and just bought our first house together... Looks like I am buying an extractor!  [eek]

 

[Birdhunter]

I like the "Jorgensen 10" Rapid Acting Woodworker's Bench Vise". There are several on the Highland Woodworking site. You do want one with a quick release feature.

I have a pair of MFTs. They were marginally stable and there wasn't any easy way to hold material as does a vise. I had to build an extension to mount my vise. The extension also provides much needed stability to the MFT due to the steel legs that support it.

 

[Andy UK]

I apologize and fully admit up front that I am green to woodworking. I have done a lot of research however (google, youtube, DIY forums, etc.)

I recently purchased a new house, and wanted to setup a small workshop to pursue my interests in woodworking. I would mainly like to be handy around the house and make things like: desks,  bookcases, picture frames, end tables, bed frames, molding, etc.

In terms of versatility it seems like festool offers the most on a per tool basis meaning each tool seems like it can do more than competitors tools.

I was thinking of starting out with one of the festool MFT/3 work tables, and the festool miter saw. Followed shortly thereafter with a  festool track saw, and then eventually a festool router.

I am mainly concerned with being able to do all I need to do in a small workspace.

All my items will need to be stored inside the garage off to the side, and pulled out when I want to work on something, which is why the worktables are very attractive, as is the miter saw, and track saw.

Can I do everything I want with these tools...

Thoughts? Thanks!

I believe your initial wish list to be sound.
Although I agree with other comments that the mitre saw (kapex) is probably not a priority and I would suggest you omit that from the list at the moment (unless money is no object) and replace the mitre saw with a Domino and Festool vac.
And combined with the MFT/3, Track saw and Router you will be able to handle most tasks with ease.
I don't know what your budget is? But think of a large number, double it and then add a couple of zeros on the end and you will be somewhere close to what it's gonna cost you.  ;D

 

[Cheese]

I've never been a big fan of the MFT. I understand the concept and the portability and for some people it's become a must. I work downstairs so I made my own bench with a 1 1/2" thick maple top. Bored a series of 20mm holes in the top to use metric dogs. Mounted a Record model 53 quick release vise that opens to 15 1/4" wide. Then mounted a Starrett mechanics vise that can be swapped from the LH end to the RH end by loosening 3 knobs. The whole bench is sturdy and doesn't flex or move.

You asked about a vise, I'd suggest looking for an older Record, they're around, otherwise the Jorgenson that [member=15289]Birdhunter[/member] suggested is also very nice, one opens to 9" and another version opens to 12".

 

[gshepherd]

I had to build an extension to mount my vise. The extension also provides much needed stability to the MFT due to the steel legs that support it.

Id love to see a picture of this if you still have it, or have picture of it when you had this setup!

 

[Holmz]

If you are married, the vacuum should high on the list.

LOL! Been together 8 years, engaged, and just bought our first house together... Looks like I am buying an extractor!  [eek]

Rules:
Smart men do not buy white goods (or vacuums) for their spouse.
Most men would like to received a vacuum or a tool as a gift.
Men generally have a higher tolerance for dirt, chaos, disorder.

Another is that people see 10% off and go for it. The tool is only truely valuable if you use/need it.

 

[weekendwarrior]

...
I would mainly like to be handy around the house and make things like: desks,  bookcases, picture frames, end tables, bed frames, molding, etc.

For your first 4 projects: MFT/3 + TS55 (10% discount) making sure you upgrade to holey rails, OF1400 + CT26 (another 10% discount).  You'll need a good pocket hole setup for joinery or throw down for an instant upgrade: a DF500 + Accessory Tenon kit.  Bed frames can be completed with those same tools & specialized bed frame hardware.  Later, get a Bosch GCM12SD for use in larger molding and use the saved $900 on an inexpensive stand, FastCap extensions, and the remainder on an ETS125 finish sander for your (assumption: plywood) projects.  If you're using rough lumber get a RO150.

 

[mcooley]

A couple things I would add about working in small spaces or shops. The Tracksaw really helps in this regard. It may take longer sometimes to setup your cuts than say a tablesaw but all in all it's worth it if you don't have the room. Also, I have found the larger MFT table to work just fine. Not too big or too small.

Tracksaw, dust collector, Rotex sander and Domino are three good choices with a router next on the list.

But as others have said all of this only makes sense if you really want to pursue your wood working interests, otherwise, there are cheaper tools out there that work just fine.

For example, I have an old Hitachi miter saw that keeps on going and is in most ways still pretty accurate.

One last bit of advice or caution is despite Festool tools being very good quality and mostly a pleasure to use you will still find some annoying oversights or features that are simply missing etc. Which is to say by no means are these tools perfect and so be realistic about what you expect.

Enjoy!

 

[kfitzsimons]

  I'm in agreement with McCooley.
  I just finished a deck project (well, almost finished) and my TS55 and MFT tables were invaluable. Beautiful 45 and 22.5 bevel cuts in the facia boards. I used Timbertech. With the Festool dust collection system, I had very little dust to clean up. I also used a 12" Delta double bevel miter saw with a Rousseau dust shroud and small Delta dust collector (maybe 3/4  HP).
  I got rid of my Delta Unisaw and settled on an Inca 259 table saw. It uses an 8" blade (Woodworker II) and it plowed through 2x treated lumber for the step framing. I only ran rip cuts through the table saw. 1.5" is the maximum depth of cut on the Inca. It's a great saw for a small shop.
  I did have to rip a 16' deck board which I did freehand with the TS55. Beautiful straight cut just following the index notch in the base plate.
  I think I have the perfect small shop (two car garage housing two cars) set-up. TS-55, a couple of rails (I think they're about 5' long each), Domino, a couple of Festool sanders (Rotex), a 1400 router, CT (medium) and the above mentioned Delta and DeWalt tools. Add to that several Lie-Nielsen planes and hand saws, and I'm good for my homeowner projects.
  I must say that the Domino is the best thing since drywall screws for building closet systems (using white melamine), bed headboards, and cabinetry. No dust at all, you can dry fit the complete cabinet before gluing, it's a huge time saver, and it's very easy to use.
  The MFT tables (I have the older models) are very useful for a variety of projects and picnics. They're great for painting / staining of small objects or built cabinets and gluing parts together. You'll appreciate being able to clamp wood for routing and sanding.
  Kapex - too expensive when you can purchase a 12" DeWalt double miter saw refurbished for less than $350. You need the Rousseau dust shroud though. The dust collection on the DW is horrible. The 60 tooth Dewalt blade that came with it cut just fine.
  I try to purchase my power tools as factory refurbished, used, or on sale. Festool has their refurbished sale once in awhile. CPO tool outlet is my go-to for other brands of refurbished or sale items. I also frequent my local Woodwerks Store, Woodcraft, and a couple of Festool dealers that frequent the Festool site. These guys are great for advice and service.
  The bottom line is spend the money for good tools and you'll always enjoy your work.

 

[Kev]

Th fact is, in a couple of years time you'll realise that burning the initial pile of cash and never starting down this path would have made you better off.

  Kev, why so bitter........ [wink]

Hah [wink] not bitter ... Just making a point that money just vanishes an tools seem to appear at a phenomenal rate if you're not pragmatic.

 

[Tinker]

Th fact is, in a couple of years time you'll realise that burning the initial pile of cash and never starting down this path would have made you better off.

  Kev, why so bitter........ [wink]

Hah [wink] not bitter ... Just making a point that money just vanishes an tools seem to appear at a phenomenal rate if you're not pragmatic.

I read that entire original post from Kev.  I did not have time to reply as I laughed so long after reading.  I did not see it as bitterness, but... well i guess warped minds think together... a bit of humor.  We all need to have some humor if we are going to justify the expense of buying Festoys  :.

I don't have a sense of humor.  I just married a good German girl who sees the value of buying great German made toys.  She allows me to go to my toy store once a year.
[unsure] [wink] :
Tinker

 

[weekendwarrior]

[member=56985]gshepherd[/member] and a belated [welcome] to the FOG!

 

[Mort]

I don't post a lot here, but I read it every day. The Kapex seems to be the only tool where there is a debate over whether it's worth the money. My $35 Delta cuts pretty darn square too. It doesn't have two "lasers," but I don't own any tool with a "laser," so maybe I don't know what I'm missing.

 

[gshepherd]

I am overwhelmed by all the great responses! I am basically a total newbie, and I havent received one troll response! I really cant express how much all the responses are appreciated and how impressed I am with the community! I havent purchased a single festool yet, but I am sold on the brand, and even more so on the community here. So a big thanks to all of you for the responses and the warm welcome!

[thanks]

 

[CrazyLarry]

Pretty much in agreement with the general gist of the other posts.

From what you've said I'd say:

First Tracksaw + rail + extractor.

Follow on with 1400, DF500 and a RO150 and you've got most of the really versatile tools.

Over here package deals exist for saw + rail + extractor with clamps, cleaning accessories and rail bag, likewise for domino and accessories or 1400 with holey rail and FS32 kit. Apparently you don't get all the same options over there but it never hurts to ask dealers especially if you're buying more than one tool and accessories at a time.

Do bear in mind that in keeping with the 'system' concept it's often the range and scope of accessories that really makes a difference in the utility of each tool so factor them into the budget from the start and you'll have a lot less 'I wish I got one of these months ago' moments