Getting into woodworking, starting the Festool collection. Opinions welcome.

[petersd]

Hi everyone,

Well about a month ago I built a wooden fence and wooden gates for the yard. Found a few gate videos online and used lap joints and some pocked screws for the cross support. I really liked what was possible with some proper tools. Currently own a chainsaw, Dewalt skill saw and borrowed my dads Dewalt compound mitre saw. The dust with these tools sucks and I started asking coworkers about what they use. Festool was there preferred tools.

So I have started the endless purchases. I have currently ordered a CT 36, overhead boom arm, long life bag, reg bags and installer kit for the 36 mm hoses. I also purchased a domino 500.

Planning to build picnic tables and a solid topped picnic table, coffee tables, end tables, tables, stools, benches with storage and beds for the kids. With hope to someday make some cabinets and shelves for the garage and maybe the house a some point. Would also like to make nice end grain cutting boards. Just looking for a good hobby to avoid the purchases for sub par product at too high of a price.

Will also be doing most work in the garage. I have a spot about 10x14 ft that will be open for use in my 24x36 garage. Don't plan to move tools around much but hauling them outside to work on a nice day would be an option and if I get good enough might move some stuff into house for small renovations.

Now the rest of my list to eventually purchase. Most sooner that the visa wants, but need them to start anything.
The MFT, TS, and sanders seem vital for most projects. Then slowly add others.

A track saw. Probably go with the TS 55 with the extra universal blade. Should do most things. The most demanding things I plan to cut would be ripping 2x4 or 2x6 for making solid picnic table tops, end tables, etc. Also thinking of the TS 75, but friends say its a bit to big for most things. But would like to justify both for the just in case I need it situation.

With the TS I would also purchase the parallel guide set for ripping long lumber (2x6).

Router, thinking the 1400 would cover most things a person would do. Rounding edges and someday trying cupboard doors.
The CMS GE table is also a future option.
Also thinking of the 1010 for cutting round stuff (stool seats). But jigsaw should also work or modify the 1400 accessories to work.

Sander. The RO 90 and RO 150 should cover it.

Jigsaw. the 420 plug in version to have the vac turn on when using.

MFT table set and someday a second basic table.

A Kapex. possibly the UG cart with extensions to move around garage and store out of the way. Or possible redo the wall bench to fit saw.

Also thought about the planer for a jointer, but might be overkill for what my projects are.

Thanks for reading and your thought, opinions, other options of tools I missed.

Daryl

 

[copcarcollector]

[welcome] to the fog! Happy building

 

[ear3]

I would only add that the TS75 being too big is a relative term.  The only operation where the lighter size of the TS55 might be more desirable is when doing acute (>30 degree) bevel cuts.

 

[Holmz]

You make be better off with an RO90 and the ETS EC 150 as your second sander. Or just start out with the ETS EC 150. Or for finer work am RS2E 1/2-sheet style. For picnic tables the RO90 or ETS EC 150/5 makes sense.

With the MFT and a track saw you can do most of your cut that a Kaepex would do.
A corded jig saw might make sense of you are near to a vacuum. Even a Bosch would work fine.

 

[Holmz]

If you're going to do a lot of ripping I would seriously suggest getting a tablesaw.  Doesn't have to be a fancy cabinet saw.  A contractors or even jobsite model will do.  You can rip with the tracks as but I think it's way easier and faster on a table saw.

^Yeah^ - Unless you are doing moulding for a living, a table saw will likely be a much more useful tool than a Kapex.
On the other hand of you do not rip narrow pieces then it could not be useful. Most people find it pretty useful.
For sheets a table saw is a mongrel compared to a track saw.

 

[Peter_C]

If you're going to do a lot of ripping I would seriously suggest getting a tablesaw.  Doesn't have to be a fancy cabinet saw.  A contractors or even jobsite model will do.  You can rip with the tracks as but I think it's way easier and faster on a table saw.

^Yeah^ - Unless you are doing moulding for a living, a table saw will likely be a much more useful tool than a Kapex.
On the other hand of you do not rip narrow pieces then it could not be useful. Most people find it pretty useful.
For sheets a table saw is a mongrel compared to a track saw.

Back on the other side...a table saw with a sled can safely make cuts to smaller pieces.

My sanders are an RO150 and an RO90 *shrugs*

 

[petersd]

Thanks for the input so far. I'll look into the other sander options. Just thought the RO 150 would take off rough material faster than the RO 90 for larger surfaces and still do finer sanding. But I have no experience so I'll have to do more research.

Also I am looking at a sawstop jobsite table saw if I get to the point where I am doing enough narrow rips that a tracksaw becomes difficult to use.

 

[DiscoStu]

For me the tools where Festool really shine are:

Domino
TS 55 (I think dust collection on this is better than the 75?)

I also have the OF1400 and that's a lovely bit of kit, maybe not quite so far apart from other manufacturers option as the two above.

Something not on your list and I bought on a bit of a whim / nice to have is the CXS drill. As I said I bought it thinking it was a nice little drill and would be good for a bit of furniture work and small spaces. Well I can say it's now my go to drill. I use it loads. It would only be big framing or decking etc where I would go for my impact driver now.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Birdhunter]

Reading your list of projects would lead me to think you are going to need dimensioned wood where your past projects could use rough wood. Very little purchased wood from lumber yards is straight and true. Being able to "make" a board straight and true is critical to many projects.

Eventually, I think you will need a really good table saw, planer, and jointer. These tools are critical for dimensioning lumber and high precision work.

A Domino XL would also fit your project list.

I like Sawstop table saws and own their biggest. If I were starting over, I'd buy a jointer/planer combo machine with a helical head cutter.

I use the UG cart with my Kapex and it works well and I tuck a vac under it.

 

[Kev]

RAS115 is the often overlooked killer tool to add to the arsenal ...

[welcome]

 

[rizzoa13]

I'll be honest and this is coming from someone who buys really expensive stuff, you need quantity over quality at this point. You have essentially no tools and many of these projects end up taking a lot more than you expect. Think; squares, tape measures, levels, string lines and all the other multitude of layout and clamping tools. If you bought everything from scratch at top dollar your probably going to be in it somewhere to the tune of 30k. Id suggest getting some essentials in a better manufacturer  like festool. Track saw, possibly domino, a vac and 2 sanders. Then look at cheaper but well built brands for other things like the miter saw, jigsaw, circular saw (you can't frame with a ts55).

Next id get a few benchtop tools for stock prep like a dewalt thicknesses, some type of decent jointer and a decent jobsite table saw (dewalt is decent with the fence they have). Put some money in the budget for clamps and a good bench (even building it costs money). I'm really just cautioning you to outfit yourself with a broader range of decent tools rather than not having certain things but the tools you have are best quality.

 

[ear3]

Sound advice.  And the list of those extras/essentials can only be discovered once the projects get going.

I'll be honest and this is coming from someone who buys really expensive stuff, you need quantity over quality at this point. You have essentially no tools and many of these projects end up taking a lot more than you expect. Think; squares, tape measures, levels, string lines and all the other multitude of layout and clamping tools. If you bought everything from scratch at top dollar your probably going to be in it somewhere to the tune of 30k. Id suggest getting some essentials in a better manufacturer  like festool. Track saw, possibly domino, a vac and 2 sanders. Then look at cheaper but well built brands for other things like the miter saw, jigsaw, circular saw (you can't frame with a ts55).

Next id get a few benchtop tools for stock prep like a dewalt thicknesses, some type of decent jointer and a decent jobsite table saw (dewalt is decent with the fence they have). Put some money in the budget for clamps and a good bench (even building it costs money). I'm really just cautioning you to outfit yourself with a broader range of decent tools rather than not having certain things but the tools you have are best quality.

 

[DickyCox]

Sound advice.  And the list of those extras/essentials can only be discovered once the projects get going.

I'll be honest and this is coming from someone who buys really expensive stuff, you need quantity over quality at this point. You have essentially no tools and many of these projects end up taking a lot more than you expect. Think; squares, tape measures, levels, string lines and all the other multitude of layout and clamping tools. If you bought everything from scratch at top dollar your probably going to be in it somewhere to the tune of 30k. Id suggest getting some essentials in a better manufacturer  like festool. Track saw, possibly domino, a vac and 2 sanders. Then look at cheaper but well built brands for other things like the miter saw, jigsaw, circular saw (you can't frame with a ts55).

Next id get a few benchtop tools for stock prep like a dewalt thicknesses, some type of decent jointer and a decent jobsite table saw (dewalt is decent with the fence they have). Put some money in the budget for clamps and a good bench (even building it costs money). I'm really just cautioning you to outfit yourself with a broader range of decent tools rather than not having certain things but the tools you have are best quality.

I was thinking the same thing.  Dude you are gonna spend a TON of money before you have even the slightest idea as to what you're doing.  Learn how to make some stuff first, and then start thinking about  Festool.  As for a more economical brand for some of the essentials, I like Milwaukee. Can't go wrong with Dewalt or Milwaukee.

 

[petersd]

Thanks for the input. Not entirely sure what all I will built. But I do think the tools will be very useful for any projects that the wife, family or I come up with.

I do have some of the basics collected over a few years. I have a few tape measures, square, couple speed squared, pry bars, 4' and 2' levels, wrenches, hammers, rubber hammer, calliper, combination square, set of wood chisels, smoothing plane, and a reg K3 pocket hole set with clamp. I also have a dealt cordless 18v set (1/2' drill, 1/4" impact, 1/2" impact, light, reciprocating saw).

I also have a couple quick clamps. 32" I think. I know I will need a lot more clamps as time goes on.

 

[QuailRider43]

Decide on a project, and buy the tools you need as you go.  You can't get everything at once, and it sounds like you need a lot of the basics.  I would consider the TS55 and MFT/3 with dogs and Festool CT dust extraction as the best starting point.  Consider the FS3000 track for any panel work.  You'd be amazed how nice it is to have a long track to break down sheet goods.  Oh, and clamps.  Lots and lots of clamps...  You can never buy enough clamps.

 

[live4ever]

I'll be honest and this is coming from someone who buys really expensive stuff, you need quantity over quality at this point. You have essentially no tools and many of these projects end up taking a lot more than you expect. Think; squares, tape measures, levels, string lines and all the other multitude of layout and clamping tools. If you bought everything from scratch at top dollar your probably going to be in it somewhere to the tune of 30k. Id suggest getting some essentials in a better manufacturer  like festool. Track saw, possibly domino, a vac and 2 sanders. Then look at cheaper but well built brands for other things like the miter saw, jigsaw, circular saw (you can't frame with a ts55).

Next id get a few benchtop tools for stock prep like a dewalt thicknesses, some type of decent jointer and a decent jobsite table saw (dewalt is decent with the fence they have). Put some money in the budget for clamps and a good bench (even building it costs money). I'm really just cautioning you to outfit yourself with a broader range of decent tools rather than not having certain things but the tools you have are best quality.

This x100.  I realize this is a Festool forum and the goal here is to sell as much Festool as possible and help each other burn increasingly larger holes in our wallets, but I really don't believe folks that are just starting out getting equipped are done a service by diving into Festool and other gear junkie favorites like Woodpeckers from day one unless the budget is essentially unlimited. 

 

[petersd]

My list was my plan to acquire them slowly over a year or two as I get into more projects that would require certain tools.
My first project will be a small stool, then a bench/toybox and eventually picnic table top and an end table to two.

I have purchased the vac and a 500 domino. I also plan to get a track saw. Looking at both but think I will get the TS 55.
Also trying to decide if I should purchase a MFT/3 or build my own bench?

I will also get a sander. Probably the RO 90 and then the RO 150 as projects increase.

The other tools will be purchased as the interest in woodworking and projects grow that require more.
For the time being I will continue to use my dads Mitre saw.

Thanks.
Also looking to get some Bessie clamps. Heard there awesome.

 

[ScotF]

I am going to recommend some different tools. I like the suggestion to start small and get a good range to start. Festool is awesome, but you are going to spend money for the tool and more than the tool on accessories and tooling. A sander is easily going to set you back another $500 - $700 on pads and sandpaper in the various grits. So you need to budget for those expenses as well.

I think if you are going to build projects and furniture that the first stationary tool to buy is a bandsaw. Learn to tune it and it will cut a range of joinery and tasks and will get you further than any other stationary saw IMHO. I would also get a quality router. You can do more with a hand-held router than just about any other hand-held power tool. Joinery, surfacing, jointing, edge profiles, hole drilling - you name it and the router can accomplish a lot of things and solve lots of problems. It was my first hand-held power tool when I started working. I also suggest a set of chisels -- maybe a couple of sizes to start. Of course you need sharpening stones or a piece of plate glass and sandpaper to sharpen. Learn how to use these tools and expand from there.

You need good marking and measuring tools too. A good, accurate square, tape measure, calipers, bevel gauge -- the basics to help you accurately size your material for the different projects.

You have a Domino and it is an awesome joinery tool, but if you just got it and it is within your 30 days I might suggest returning it for a router. If Festool, then the OF1400 or OF1010 would be a good choice.

Just my thoughts.

 

[mkasdin]

Just buy the ts-55 track saw if you so desire? A small table is useful also/instead? Bandsaws for resawing are great. I have personally never owned one, but in JR high and senior high they were always in the shop.

Dewalt router around $129 or $150 with plunge base, so you can skip the 1400
Milwaukee makes some nice cheap drills 12 volt and 18volt.
I personally think the ct-26 is a better dust extractor but it f it is stationary then the ct-36 is fine.
If you splurge on nice stuff (festool) you'll spend 3x the amount. But if this is a hobby not your proffesion then you don't need a Kapex as a starter tool.

I think for the money the mft-3 is nice. As far as sanding goes I would skip the Festool sander for now and just learn to hand sand your first couple of projects. Bosch makes a sub $100 orbital sander that's okay for the money. I would also consider getting a hand planer(s) and learn how to use hand tools when your starting out. Power tools if you don't know what your doing can be dangerous and they mostly save time.

 

[Holmz]

The problem with these threads is that they usually end up with the same 'pretty good spread of advise', and the OPs usually having a preconceived belief of what they want and then use confirmation bias like it is going out of style.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_bias

Statistically all the good advice is meaningless more often than it is not. It is only when one starts to defend why one thing over the deWalt version, etc can it become somewhat apparent that it may be happening.
This is compounded by the fact that many choices can be the best choice, depending on the reasoning used.
And in the end it doesn't matter much anyhow as the job will get done and the person will be happy.