Gravitating to LifeLong tools... and some to be bought in Germany.

[SittingElf]

After having had my entire workshop stored in a warehouse for two years without having access, we finally moved to a new house in Florida with a 950SF garage that is clearly not meant for cars!  I moved all my equipment 500 miles by a liftgate Rider Truck rental after having spent months getting out of boxes in the garage to make room.  I then spent three days and a lot of elbow grease to remove all the surface rust from the cast iron tops of my jointer, bandsaw, tablesaw, drill press, and mortiser. It finally got done.

So, how does this relate to Festool? Simple.  Having not had a chance to work with my tools and machines for a long period of time, it got me thinking seriously about the tools and machines I have acquired over the years, and my conclusion was that if I am to remain a woodworker as a serious hobbyist, I would end up continuing to replace and upgrade the machinery and tools I currently own.

So, after careful and dedicated research, I have elected to spend a great deal of money in the coming months (while I still have the income), to rebuild my entire shop with what I am calling LifeLong Tools, and Festool will be my primary selection for the type of items they manufacture. I also am a big fan of European engineering, and will also be buying Felder, CNC-Step, Kress, Laguna Italian, Bessey, and some other equipment that I deem will last me the remainder of my days without the need to upgrade.

Having said all that, I currently work on a six-week on, six-week off schedule in Nigeria as an offshore oil helicopter pilot. My wife is a senior U.S. Air Force Officer currently stationed in Germany. Therefore, I spend about half my off-time with my family in Germany, and two to three weeks in Florida taking care of our house. So, I have the opportunity to purchase some items while I'm still in Germany, especially those which are not available in the USA. And... because of my wife's status in the military, I am not subject to the 19% VAT in Germany, so buying product there is the equivalent of tax-free purchases in the USA... and I can include large items in our household goods to be shipped upon my wife's reassignment back to the States.

I have already determined to buy Festool Vacuum Clamping System system with accessories in Germany. It is rated for both 50Hz and 60Hz, so all I would have to do in the U.S. is use a 120-240V, 500W Step-Up transformer which can be bought on Amazon for less than $100.

I was going to buy a Carvex PSC420, but now that it is clear that it will be available in the U.S. by the end of the year, I'll wait.

I'll also pick up the Centrotec Assembly System/Package, which appears to not be available in the States.

There are probably about $13,000 - $18,000 of Festool tools I intend to purchase over the next year to replace virtually all of my existing PC, Ryobi, Makita, Bosch, Milwaukee and other hand and tabletop tools.  About the only things that will remain that are NOT European are my PC 7518 which works exceedingly well under my router table with the Mast-R-Lift system; My SawStop Tablesaw, and my Grizzly Downdraft sanding table.  Everything else is to replaced with "LifeLong" tools.

I'd like anyone who is up to date on Festool to list any other items that the company makes that are NOT available in the USA. I want the opportunity to evaluate, and potentially purchase while still having the opportunity in Germany.  My wife and I are extremely fortunate to have the income stream that will allow for this overhaul, at least for now. If we don't do it soon, it is unlikely we will have the same opportunities in a few years when she retires from the Military, and I reach mandatory retirement age for professional pilots. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Quick look with just an iPhone cam of my workshop before the major overhaul coming soon!

[attachthumb=#1]
[attachthumb=#2]

 

[erock]

Nice looking shop.  I love my Incra router table with the PC7518.

So you get to buy NAINA items......you lucky dog!  [drooling]  The Festool Vacuum clamping system looks sweet, plus you're getting the centrotec installers

set.  Why don't you just rub it in a little more  [poke]  [tongue]

I'm not sure if you need a belt sander.  But the Festool BS 105 is NAINA.  I'm not sure if that's the newest model or what.  I just know having dust

collection on a belt sander would be great!

Please post pictures of how your shop make over goes.  I would like to see what you bring over, even with a ton of jealousy over the vacuum clamp and

installers set. 

I remember having to clean the surface rust off my table saw and joiner.  But those days are over for me, I gave those items away after the TS55 found

it's way into my shop. 

IMO...the PS300 is a fantastic jigsaw.  When I look at the Carvex I  see the appeal of it.  But I'm not too sure I need all the accessories that go with it.

I'm yet to use the Carvex to see if it has more power.  Cutting circles seems to be better with the Carvex. 

OH yeah....one more thing you need for your shop is the Festool wall clock!  That's NAINA  [big grin]

Eric

 

[AlexThePalex]

That's a very nice shop for somebody who's not in it professionally.

The tools I know of that are NAINA.
----------------------------------------------

Sander RS 100
Sander RS 100 C
Sander RS 200 (USA has the RS 2, it's the same, without Plug-it cord though)
Sander RS 300
Sander RAS 180
Sander BS 75
Sander BS 105
Sander WTS 150/7

CMS module for plunge saw TS 55 R
CMS module for plunge saw TS 75
CMS module for jigsaw, all models
CMS module belt sander BS 120, not for BS75 or BS105
CMS module OF 2200 (Same as in USA, but USA version lacks OF 2200 ring)

Polisher RAP 80
Polisher Pollux 180

Table saw Precisio CS 50
Table saw Precisio CS 70

Compound mitre saw SYM 70
Sliding compound mitre saw Kapex 88

Stirrer RW 1000
Carpet remover TPE-RS 100
Putty router KF 5
Building materials saw AXT 50 LA      Alternate link
Alumium composite milling machine PF 1200
Brush machine Rustofix RAS 180

Big workshop stuff:
Boom arm ASA 5000
Boom arm ASA 6000
Exhaust turbine Turbo 3091

 

[SittingElf]

Alex,

AWESOME list. Much more than I expected. More research to do!! sigh.....

Erock... Yup... seen the clock. I also saw a beachtowel on one of the German sites as well as a couple of other logo things that are cheap and definitely worth grabbing!

Got sold on the Carvex after seeing a number of video reviews...especially the one by Peter Parfitt.

Plan on the Vacuum Clamp system purchased with the plates for the MFT/3 that allow the attachments to ride under the table when not in use.

Thanks for the updates and any further suggestions!

 

[sancho57]

Alex about covered it. As a Yank heading to the UK as sort of in the same situation as you. Meaning up grading y tools, I just gave away my table saw & accessories , 6" jointer, floor drill press cast iron router table w/ PC 7518 router & pc 690 routers with different bases, plunge, D handle etc.

I upgraded to a almost all festool shop. Mainly for the quality of tools and space saving modular system that is festool.

Now with that being said, With the room you have available I would get 3 MFTs, build a nice solid work bench/ assembly table buy the CMS and get the modules for the 2200 (you can use that router in or out of the table which is why I got it and it is just a incredible tool. Once you try it your PC router will be gone like mines is. Get a 1010 router, can be used in the CMS table as well.
get the jig saw module, and if you want the belt sanding module along with the belt sander. Now with the room you have I would go for the Prescio table saw. The festool drills are nice to, I just got the C12. But they do have a nice assortment of drill motors, drills  and bits.

For non festools, I would get a big band saw , Drum sander , planer.

I would also  set up a nice spray area, I like the Optima spray gun : http://www.spraygunworld.com/products/MotorGuard/Optima.html

http://sprayfinishingstore.com/products/spray_gun/optima-650-lvlp-gravity-spray-gun-1-4mm/

A sotrage area for ply, hard woods etc and buy in quanity to save cost.

Lots a different clamps, I like the bessey

 

[jimbo51]

Be sure to carefully check the warranty coverage for any power tools bought in Europe. It would be a real pain to have Felder tell you a repair is not covered by warranty. I understand that their non warranty repairs can be expensive. On a smaller scale the same applies to Festools bought in Germany. There will be no warranty coverage in the US.

 

[Runhard]

[not worthy]

I'm sure there will be many jealous FOG members reading this topic, me included  [drooling] I bet that you're going to have a lot of people wanting to be your new best friend  [big grin]
Most of the NAINA items I would like would be the CMS inserts, but you already have those covered by large machinery and once you upgrade to your new "life-long" tools you should be set. The ASA 5000 boom arm looks pretty cool too. The vacuum clamping system will be a nice addition to your shop.

Congratulations on being able to build your dream shop, but you deserve it after working hard. I respect and appreciate your wife's, and your, service and sacrifice... Thanks!

Daniel

 

[Kev]

There's also the entire Protool range to consider too!

Maybe a Hegner scroll saw.

Are you going to entertain a lathe - messy suckers those things! ... they need a dedicated space

Given the space you have I'd be setting up workstations for things like Leigh jigs, Tormek, etc.

 

[SittingElf]

Be sure to carefully check the warranty coverage for any power tools bought in Europe. It would be a real pain to have Felder tell you a repair is not covered by warranty. I understand that their non warranty repairs can be expensive. On a smaller scale the same applies to Festools bought in Germany. There will be no warranty coverage in the US.

Actually, I was told by a Festool rep that warranty would probably be covered, but that getting replacement parts could take a month if needed.  We'll see. As long as I test the unit before bringing back to the U.S., I feel pretty confident as I have not heard of anyone having issues with the system.

UPDATE:
I mispoke above. I re-read the email sent to me by Festool, and realized that the warranty would NOT be covered in the USA, but that repairs could be done in the USA, IF...and WHEN the VAC Clamp System is introduced into the country. Nonetheless, I am willing to accept the risk in order to have that awesome system on my workbench, and just hope that FESTOOL quality keeps it going without issues...or I'll have it repaired in Europe if necessary. [big grin]

 

[AlexThePalex]

Edited my list to include links for easy browsing. Also some additions and insertions of the proper English names.

It's a pretty extensive list, but to be honest, I think the only NAINA things that are interesting for a woodworker are the belt sanders BS75/105, the CMS modules and perhaps the Precisio saws, if you're willing to ship such a large thing.

Of course there's also all this fan merchandising stuff, but I couldn't care less about all that.

 

[ccarrolladams]

Actually, I was told by a Festool rep that warranty would probably be covered, but that getting replacement parts could take a month if needed.  We'll see. As long as I test the unit before bringing back to the U.S., I feel pretty confident as I have not heard of anyone having issues with the system.

Based upon everything stated here officially by the designated on-line voice of Festool USA Shane Holland, they only honor the warranty on tools originally sold by a USA dealer. The Canadian warranty is only honored for tools bought in Canada.

Just how much electricity is available in your garage/workshop? Will you have any 20a/120v circuits? How about any 220v circuits? Or are all of your current fixed machines powered by 120v?

 

[Peter Durand]

Actually, I was told by a Festool rep that warranty would probably be covered, but that getting replacement parts could take a month if needed.  We'll see. As long as I test the unit before bringing back to the U.S., I feel pretty confident as I have not heard of anyone having issues with the system.

Based upon everything stated here officially by the designated on-line voice of Festool USA Shane Holland, they only honor the warranty on tools originally sold by a USA dealer. The Canadian warranty is only honored for tools bought in Canada.

Just how much electricity is available in your garage/workshop? Will you have any 20a/120v circuits? How about any 220v circuits? Or are all of your current fixed machines powered by 120v?

Oh my. So if someone moves from Canada to the US or vice verso, they are SOL?

That is not good.

 

[Mavrik]

I'm not going to speak.
Just look at those pictures and wish.
Wow.
And that's the "old" shop that's going to be upgraded?
hmmm ...

 

[SittingElf]

ve

Alex about covered it. As a Yank heading to the UK as sort of in the same situation as you. Meaning up grading y tools, I just gave away my table saw & accessories , 6" jointer, floor drill press cast iron router table w/ PC 7518 router & pc 690 routers with different bases, plunge, D handle etc.

I upgraded to a almost all festool shop. Mainly for the quality of tools and space saving modular system that is festool.

Now with that being said, With the room you ha available I would get 3 MFTs, build a nice solid work bench/ assembly table buy the CMS and get the modules for the 2200 (you can use that router in or out of the table which is why I got it and it is just a incredible tool. Once you try it your PC router will be gone like mines is. Get a 1010 router, can be used in the CMS table as well.
get the jig saw module, and if you want the belt sanding module along with the belt sander. Now with the room you have I would go for the Prescio table saw. The festool drills are nice to, I just got the C12. But they do have a nice assortment of drill motors, drills  and bits.

For non festools, I would get a big band saw , Drum sander , planer.

I would also  set up a nice spray area, I like the Optima spray gun : http://www.spraygunworld.com/products/MotorGuard/Optima.html

http://sprayfinishingstore.com/products/spray_gun/optima-650-lvlp-gravity-spray-gun-1-4mm/

A sotrage area for ply, hard woods etc and buy in quanity to save cost.

Lots a different clamps, I like the bessey

Actually, I've pretty much set my eyes on the other products I plan in addition to Festool items.
I am a fanatical Incra lover. I have MANY of their offerings and planned to add a dedicated router table with the LS system with wonderfence as my primary router table. I'd love it if I could figure out how to use either a 1400 or 2200 in a lift with the Incra table, but I don't think it's possible, at least until Jessum or Incra come up with a lift that will accomodate the Festools.

I will be selling my SawStop Professional 3HP (PCS) and replacing it with a SawStop Industrial Saw 5HP Single-Phase (ICS). I will be adding the same Incra TS-LS Saw and Joinery Systemfence system on that saw, and a router extension like the one I have now. I will take the extension table that comes with the Saw and mount it with T-Tracks to the back of the saw as a outfeed table. (See picture of another person's saw configured with the outfeed below).  I might still go with a CMS system on an MFT/3 as an additional unit for various option usage. Still deciding that one.

I will buy at least two MFT/3's to act as both work tables, and as extensions on either side of a Kapex mounted on the Kapex MFT stand.

I will be selling my 19" Grizzly Bandsaw and replacing it with a Laguna 14X14SUV 14" Bandsaw and a Laguna LT20 Italian 20" Bandsaw. The small one will be used for bandsaw box making and other smalls, and I intend on it having 1/8" to no wider than 1/2" blades for it. Kreg Fence for that one.  The 20" will be heavy duty, and for resawing. I already have a Driftmaster from Laguna that I will mount on that saw, along with some other resaw jigs.

I am replacing my Grizzly GO490 8" Jointer and Delta 488 Planer with a Felder/Hammer A3-41 16" Jointer/Planer. Will not add the Horizontal Mortiser add-on.

Replacing my Grizzly 17" Drill Press with a Delta 18-900L 18" Floor Drill Press. New Dust Collection by combo of CT36 (with boom), CT-Midi (under the Kapex), and JDS 3HP Cyclone Dust Collector. (Selling the Grizzly DC 2HP unit). Planning on ducting with Nordfab equipment for the Cyclone system.

Selling the current hollow-chisel Mortising machine for a Shop Fox with Cast Iron table. Shop Fox Mortiser with Stand

Air Filtration in the workshop with a JDS Air-Tech HP system mounted to the ceiling.
High-Z S-1000/T CNC system with Kress router motor will be new addition to the shop, as well as (For some plans I have...) a Leapfrog Xeed 3D printer system

Heating, cooling and Dehumidifying will be provided by a 42,000 BTU LG Cassette HVAC system mounted in the ceiling.

All machines with mobility capability, whether custom or supplied by MFR's.

42" Flat Screen TV and Sennheiser remote noise-cancelling headphones connected to my DirecTV system.
One of my current Windows (Ewwwww) Computers dedicated to the new CNC, and one of my Mac's (Yayyyyy!) in the shop for other purposes including Sketchup.

Current plans for Festool . (Dealers take note!! Want specials!!!) All to be purchased within the next nine months.
Kapex KS120
CP 36 DC with boom arm and tradesman cleaning system
CP Midi for Kapex under MFT
CTX drill
T18 Cordless Drill Set
Carvex PSC420 Set with accessories
Domino 500 Set
Domino 700 Set
RO150
RO90 DX
OF 1010
OF 1400
OF 2200
ETS 150/5 Finish Sander with Acc
TS55 REQ Set
Surfix System
Misc accessories

I realize that this entire purchase is excessive, but prices only rise...they never fall, and I want to set myself up while I still have the means, and then only have to supplement with minor purchases and upgrades that will be significantly negligable compared to the original purchases.

I'll post pics as my transformation progresses!

Cheers all!

[attachthumb=#]
Sawstop Industrial using the extension table as outfeed...my choice for a solution.

 

[mouppe]

Actually, I was told by a Festool rep that warranty would probably be covered, but that getting replacement parts could take a month if needed.  We'll see. As long as I test the unit before bringing back to the U.S., I feel pretty confident as I have not heard of anyone having issues with the system.

Based upon everything stated here officially by the designated on-line voice of Festool USA Shane Holland, they only honor the warranty on tools originally sold by a USA dealer. The Canadian warranty is only honored for tools bought in Canada.

Just how much electricity is available in your garage/workshop? Will you have any 20a/120v circuits? How about any 220v circuits? Or are all of your current fixed machines powered by 120v?

Oh my. So if someone moves from Canada to the US or vice verso, they are SOL?

That is not good.

My US-purchased ts55 was serviced in Canada (where I live). I think North America must be one single region with respect to warranty coverage.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Actually, I was told by a Festool rep that warranty would probably be covered, but that getting replacement parts could take a month if needed.  We'll see. As long as I test the unit before bringing back to the U.S., I feel pretty confident as I have not heard of anyone having issues with the system.

Based upon everything stated here officially by the designated on-line voice of Festool USA Shane Holland, they only honor the warranty on tools originally sold by a USA dealer. The Canadian warranty is only honored for tools bought in Canada.

Just how much electricity is available in your garage/workshop? Will you have any 20a/120v circuits? How about any 220v circuits? Or are all of your current fixed machines powered by 120v?

Oh my. So if someone moves from Canada to the US or vice verso, they are SOL?

That is not good.

My US-purchased ts55 was serviced in Canada (where I live). I think North America must be one single region with respect to warranty coverage.

Sorry for all the quotes, but I want to address all of this.

Without getting into too many details about the history of the company and why we go by Festool USA instead of Festool North America or something, Festool USA operates in the U.S. and Canada. We do have repair centers in both countries. As such, we honor the warranty for tools sold in those two countries. We do not warranty tools or service Festool products purchased from other countries. In fact, we don't even have the spare parts, repair manuals and in some instances specialized tools to repair those tools. So the rep you talked to was incorrect and might have been misinformed.

I hope that clears up any questions about the topic of warranty for Festool products purchased in other countries.

PS - the same would be true for any Protool products in case that's the next question. [wink]

Shane

A quote from our warranty policy, I highlighted a few sections that apply to this conversation:

This warranty policy is only valid for tools that are purchased in the US and Canada. Warranty policies of other countries may vary when obtaining warranty service outside the US and Canada. Some countries do exclude warranty for products bought outside their territory. Festool reserves the right to reject the repair of any tool that is not part of the US/ Canada product line. No agent, representative, distributor, dealer, or employee of Festool has the authority to increase or otherwise change the obligations or limitations of this warranty.

 

[Peter Durand]

ve

Alex about covered it. As a Yank heading to the UK as sort of in the same situation as you. Meaning up grading y tools, I just gave away my table saw & accessories , 6" jointer, floor drill press cast iron router table w/ PC 7518 router & pc 690 routers with different bases, plunge, D handle etc.

I upgraded to a almost all festool shop. Mainly for the quality of tools and space saving modular system that is festool.

Now with that being said, With the room you ha available I would get 3 MFTs, build a nice solid work bench/ assembly table buy the CMS and get the modules for the 2200 (you can use that router in or out of the table which is why I got it and it is just a incredible tool. Once you try it your PC router will be gone like mines is. Get a 1010 router, can be used in the CMS table as well.
get the jig saw module, and if you want the belt sanding module along with the belt sander. Now with the room you have I would go for the Prescio table saw. The festool drills are nice to, I just got the C12. But they do have a nice assortment of drill motors, drills  and bits.

For non festools, I would get a big band saw , Drum sander , planer.

I would also  set up a nice spray area, I like the Optima spray gun : http://www.spraygunworld.com/products/MotorGuard/Optima.html

http://sprayfinishingstore.com/products/spray_gun/optima-650-lvlp-gravity-spray-gun-1-4mm/

A sotrage area for ply, hard woods etc and buy in quanity to save cost.

Lots a different clamps, I like the bessey

Actually, I've pretty much set my eyes on the other products I plan in addition to Festool items.
I am a fanatical Incra lover. I have MANY of their offerings and planned to add a dedicated router table with the LS system with wonderfence as my primary router table. I'd love it if I could figure out how to use either a 1400 or 2200 in a lift with the Incra table, but I don't think it's possible, at least until Jessum or Incra come up with a lift that will accomodate the Festools.

I will be selling my SawStop Professional 3HP (PCS) and replacing it with a SawStop Industrial Saw 5HP Single-Phase (ICS). I will be adding the same Incra TS-LS Saw and Joinery Systemfence system on that saw, and a router extension like the one I have now. I will take the extension table that comes with the Saw and mount it with T-Tracks to the back of the saw as a outfeed table. (See picture of another person's saw configured with the outfeed below).  I might still go with a CMS system on an MFT/3 as an additional unit for various option usage. Still deciding that one.

I will buy at least two MFT/3's to act as both work tables, and as extensions on either side of a Kapex mounted on the Kapex MFT stand.

I will be selling my 19" Grizzly Bandsaw and replacing it with a Laguna 14X14SUV 14" Bandsaw and a Laguna LT20 Italian 20" Bandsaw. The small one will be used for bandsaw box making and other smalls, and I intend on it having 1/8" to no wider than 1/2" blades for it. Kreg Fence for that one.  The 20" will be heavy duty, and for resawing. I already have a Driftmaster from Laguna that I will mount on that saw, along with some other resaw jigs.

I am replacing my Grizzly GO490 8" Jointer and Delta 488 Planer with a Felder/Hammer A3-41 16" Jointer/Planer. Will not add the Horizontal Mortiser add-on.

Replacing my Grizzly 17" Drill Press with a Delta 18-900L 18" Floor Drill Press. New Dust Collection by combo of CT36 (with boom), CT-Midi (under the Kapex), and JDS 3HP Cyclone Dust Collector. (Selling the Grizzly DC 2HP unit). Planning on ducting with Nordfab equipment for the Cyclone system.

Selling the current hollow-chisel Mortising machine for a Shop Fox with Cast Iron table. Shop Fox Mortiser with Stand

Air Filtration in the workshop with a JDS Air-Tech HP system mounted to the ceiling.
High-Z S-1000/T CNC system with Kress router motor will be new addition to the shop, as well as (For some plans I have...) a Leapfrog Xeed 3D printer system

Heating, cooling and Dehumidifying will be provided by a 42,000 BTU LG Cassette HVAC system mounted in the ceiling.

All machines with mobility capability, whether custom or supplied by MFR's.

42" Flat Screen TV and Sennheiser remote noise-cancelling headphones connected to my DirecTV system.
One of my current Windows (Ewwwww) Computers dedicated to the new CNC, and one of my Mac's (Yayyyyy!) in the shop for other purposes including Sketchup.

Current plans for Festool . (Dealers take note!! Want specials!!!) All to be purchased within the next nine months.
Kapex KS120
CP 36 DC with boom arm and tradesman cleaning system
CP Midi for Kapex under MFT
CTX drill
T18 Cordless Drill Set
Carvex PSC420 Set with accessories
Domino 500 Set
Domino 700 Set
RO150
RO90 DX
OF 1010
OF 1400
OF 2200
ETS 150/5 Finish Sander with Acc
TS55 REQ Set
Surfix System
Misc accessories

I realize that this entire purchase is excessive, but prices only rise...they never fall, and I want to set myself up while I still have the means, and then only have to supplement with minor purchases and upgrades that will be significantly negligable compared to the original purchases.

I'll post pics as my transformation progresses!

Cheers all!

[attachthumb=#]
Sawstop Industrial using the extension table as outfeed...my choice for a solution.

I am curious about the bandsaw choice. I have a Griz 17 inch and am quite fond of it. The reason I did not go to a Laguna at the time was their use of "rubbing" as opposed to "bearings" for tracking and thrust. What do you find needs to be addressed with the Griz?

I am envious regarding your choice of the Felder jointer/planer. Have been looking at one for a while but don't quite have the spare bucks for it.

Drill press wise, you should look into  Powermatic's new model, 2800B. I Have the 2800 and am very satisfied. The new model has a better speed adjustment and a better depth stop.


Cheers,

Peter

 

[SittingElf]

I am curious about the bandsaw choice. I have a Griz 17 inch and am quite fond of it. The reason I did not go to a Laguna at the time was their use of "rubbing" as opposed to "bearings" for tracking and thrust. What do you find needs to be addressed with the Griz?

I am envious regarding your choice of the Felder jointer/planer. Have been looking at one for a while but don't quite have the spare bucks for it.

Drill press wise, you should look into  Powermatic's new model, 2800B. I Have the 2800 and am very satisfied. The new model has a better speed adjustment and a better depth stop.

Cheers,

Peter

Good questions Peter.

Having done a LOT of research on bandsaw guides, I have found that the ceramic bearings (European design) are slicker, cooler, and require far less adjustments. Most reviews strongly favor their performance and longevity.  I could replace the bearings on my Griz with the ceramics (Laguna sells them for other saws), but as I stated in my original post, I am working towards "LifeLong" tools now, and frankly, my experience with the 19" leads me to believe that it would have to be replaced in a few years. The fit and finish is suspect and has developed rust UNDER the paint in a number of spots. The only option for mobility was a ShopFox undercarriage that quickly rusts and the casters wore out within a year. I have had to replace the wheel belts at least once a year, and the saw doesn't have the safety features that Laguna insists on with their Italian models.  I am buying the 14" for the ability to use 1/8" blades for precision work, and it also has the Laguna guides made for the very narrow blades. The 20" Italian has mega features, while the fit and finish is essentially unmatched. As I said, I MUCH prefer the ceramic guides, and I believe that they support the blade far better than roller bearings. The Laguna also comes with a 6HP motor, which is far more powerful than the Griz's. I plan to use it for heavy resawing and difficult woods. The resaw height is much higher than the Griz as well (Full 20"). Just my $.02....others may differ.

On the Drill Press. I considered the Powermatic in my research, and I would love the digitally controlled speed adjustments. That being said, the reviews are very mixed, and the Delta has a lower speed capability than the PM (170rpm vs. 250).  The kicker for me was this review, and one that is similar to other's experiences: Powermatic 2800B Review

The Hammer Jointer/Planer will also be ordered with their relatively new "Silent" helical cutter. I much prefer the spheres over straight blades, although the self adjusting blades on the standard model would certainly suffice and are themselves pretty sweet.

 

[tiralie]

I'll post pics as my transformation progresses!

Look forward to it!
What are/do you making?
Tim

 

[Peter Durand]

I am curious about the bandsaw choice. I have a Griz 17 inch and am quite fond of it. The reason I did not go to a Laguna at the time was their use of "rubbing" as opposed to "bearings" for tracking and thrust. What do you find needs to be addressed with the Griz?

I am envious regarding your choice of the Felder jointer/planer. Have been looking at one for a while but don't quite have the spare bucks for it.

Drill press wise, you should look into  Powermatic's new model, 2800B. I Have the 2800 and am very satisfied. The new model has a better speed adjustment and a better depth stop.

Cheers,

Peter

Good questions Peter.

Having done a LOT of research on bandsaw guides, I have found that the ceramic bearings (European design) are slicker, cooler, and require far less adjustments. Most reviews strongly favor their performance and longevity.  I could replace the bearings on my Griz with the ceramics (Laguna sells them for other saws), but as I stated in my original post, I am working towards "LifeLong" tools now, and frankly, my experience with the 19" leads me to believe that it would have to be replaced in a few years. The fit and finish is suspect and has developed rust UNDER the paint in a number of spots. The only option for mobility was a ShopFox undercarriage that quickly rusts and the casters wore out within a year. I have had to replace the wheel belts at least once a year, and the saw doesn't have the safety features that Laguna insists on with their Italian models.  I am buying the 14" for the ability to use 1/8" blades for precision work, and it also has the Laguna guides made for the very narrow blades. The 20" Italian has mega features, while the fit and finish is essentially unmatched. As I said, I MUCH prefer the ceramic guides, and I believe that they support the blade far better than roller bearings. The Laguna also comes with a 6HP motor, which is far more powerful than the Griz's. I plan to use it for heavy resawing and difficult woods. The resaw height is much higher than the Griz as well (Full 20"). Just my $.02....others may differ.

On the Drill Press. I considered the Powermatic in my research, and I would love the digitally controlled speed adjustments. That being said, the reviews are very mixed, and the Delta has a lower speed capability than the PM (170rpm vs. 250).  The kicker for me was this review, and one that is similar to other's experiences: Powermatic 2800B Review

The Hammer Jointer/Planer will also be ordered with their relatively new "Silent" helical cutter. I much prefer the spheres over straight blades, although the self adjusting blades on the standard model would certainly suffice and are themselves pretty sweet.

Thanks for the info. One last question if I may. How do plan to address the electrical stuff? EU 240V/50 cycles and NA 110V/60 cycles?  Wiring your shop for 220 solves one issue, but the cycles?

Cheers,