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

[AlexThePalex]

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?

Most tools and appliances in American and Europe are rated for both 50 and 60 hertz.

 

[SittingElf]

What are/do you making?
Tim

I'm heavily into ornamental and jewelry boxes, humidors, and inlay items. However, with the updated woodshop, I plan to build furniture items for my house, and other decorative pieces.

 

[SittingElf]

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,

The only item that is powered by a 240V plug that I am purchasing is the Vacuum Clamp System. It is rated for both 50Hz and 60Hz. That means I can run it in the USA on a step-up transformer from 110V to 240V for less than $100.  I will be installing a subpanel in my workshop in September with multiple 220-240V outlets, but the Vacuum Clamp will reside on a 110V system with the transformer.  The Carvex jigsaw that I was going to buy in Germany, (but is now scheduled for release in the USA by the end of the year,) was 18V battery supplied, so all I needed was the U.S. version of the battery charger (TRC3). That is now moot as I will purchase in the States when released.

All of my heavy machinery will be powered by 220-240V, and I'm using 10/3 cabling throughout the workshop with drops from the ceiling as well as wall outlets. I also will be adding a TON of 110-120V outlets within the shop, as there is currently a significant lack. It's a one-time install that I can live with.

Just as an added note, I currently have a 17KW all-house generator that kicks in on power failures, and powered by natural gas underground. I will be updating that as well to a 48KW system that will insure that I can utilize EVERYTHING in the house, including the workshop and three AC units in the event of a catastrophe like a major hurricane (I live near the East Coast of Florida... the Space Coast). It's definitely overkill, but what the hell...be prepared, right? (Also burying a 1000 gallon LPG tank in the back of my house to supply the genny and other Gas items in the event that the Natural Gas lines are disrupted.) Call me a prepper, but I'm dedicated to being ready for anything!

Satellite pic of my home and location of my shop.

 

[Willhoddell]

Looks like you're going to have a very nice shop ;-) I'm an offshore pilot as well working in Norway and just getting the green bug, very addictive!

 

[SittingElf]

Looks like you're going to have a very nice shop ;-) I'm an offshore pilot as well working in Norway and just getting the green bug, very addictive!

Just as an aside, when I used to fly an S-61 in the Gulf of Mexico, we would go to Stavanger every year to fly the simulator located there. Always had a great time, even though we would always go in January.  Took my wife one year, and she and the other wives really enjoyed the fjord tours and walking around the town.

Had great meals, and loved the cathedral with its artwork!

Nigeria is very different from the North Sea!!! Hot here, and no immersion suits!! Currently back in a BH412EP and probably into a EC 175 in the near future!

Cheers!

 

[Willhoddell]

Looks like you're going to have a very nice shop ;-) I'm an offshore pilot as well working in Norway and just getting the green bug, very addictive!

Just as an aside, when I used to fly an S-61 in the Gulf of Mexico, we would go to Stavanger every year to fly the simulator located there. Always had a great time, even though we would always go in January.  Took my wife one year, and she and the other wives really enjoyed the fjord tours and walking around the town.

Had great meals, and loved the cathedral with its artwork!

Nigeria is very different from the North Sea!!! Hot here, and no immersion suits!! Currently back in a BH412EP and probably into a EC 175 in the near future!

Cheers!

I'm based out of Stavanger now, on the S92. Really great place with a nice mix of sea and mountains, it's even sunny at the moment ;-)
Good luck with the 175 and look forward to updates on your shop!

 

[sancho57]

You can get the tools in 110V at least the festool.

 

[Peter Durand]

Looks like you're going to have a very nice shop ;-) I'm an offshore pilot as well working in Norway and just getting the green bug, very addictive!

Just as an aside, when I used to fly an S-61 in the Gulf of Mexico, we would go to Stavanger every year to fly the simulator located there. Always had a great time, even though we would always go in January.  Took my wife one year, and she and the other wives really enjoyed the fjord tours and walking around the town.

Had great meals, and loved the cathedral with its artwork!

Nigeria is very different from the North Sea!!! Hot here, and no immersion suits!! Currently back in a BH412EP and probably into a EC 175 in the near future!

Cheers!

Sounds like a good way to make a living. Fellow pilot here, although different metal. B767 and A320. Retired.

 

[jonny round boy]

You can get the tools in 110V at least the festool.

Not the VacSys you can't, they only make that in 230V.

 

[ajones]

You can get the tools in 110V at least the festool.

Not the VacSys you can't, they only make that in 230V.

I remember seeing 110v motors for the pump on the ekat.. might be wrong [though unsure]

 

[SittingElf]

You can get the tools in 110V at least the festool.

Not the VacSys you can't, they only make that in 230V.

ekat??  what is that if I can be so ignorant?? ???

I remember seeing 110v motors for the pump on the ekat.. might be wrong [though unsure]

 

[Peter Fish]

The 110v pump is listed in EKAT part number 495076 £334.75 !

 

[AlexThePalex]

ekat??  what is that if I can be so ignorant?? ???

Ekat is Festools' online electronic spare parts catalogue. You can access it through most Festool websites' service menu.

Ekat USA

Ekat UK

Funny thing about that VAC SYS pump, the 110 volt version is listed in Ekat UK, but it's not listed on their main website? ???

 

[Peter Fish]

I did buy the 240 volt, not offered the 110v at the time

 

[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.

Having read that review, I would be concerned also. However in the past I have learned to be wary about One review. It does happen that a person will get a lemon, or has an agenda. I can only go by my experience with the 2800 which is that it was good to go out of the box. And I am a person who always tweaks a new tool to specifications. And I was curious how the speed adjustment was done so I opened the top to have a look. And everything I saw was well done. I played with it to see it in action... nothing loose and no vibration. Also a buddy who is a machinist said that the chuck was a very good quality piece of work. Something he would use on his equipment.

Cheers,

Peter

 

[SittingElf]

So, here it is towards the end of August, and the 12-month Workshop Renewal plan is in full swing and on track.

I am still in Nigeria until the first week of September, but then three to four weeks off, and sitting in my Florida house for the peak of hurricane season.  I have ordered a number of items that will be delivered while I'm home, and set up others for my next Florida encampment in early December before going to Germany to spend Xmas and New Years with my wife and son.

First up is shipping my new Festool Vacu-Clamp system from Germany back to the house, along with my newly purchased Carvex PSC420 Jigsaw (Cordless with 110v charger). Also sending back a bunch of toolies, clocks, hopefully some swiss knives (dealer is checking), a bunch of pigtails you guys have wanted, my router bit set, Centrotek installer kit, and other logo items I have purchased in Germany already.  Have to get them home!!

Laguna will be delivering my LT 14X14 SUV and Italian LT20 bandsaws for arrival at the end of September. I ordered the mobility kits with them and Tim at Laguna has thrown in a really nice selection of blades for both, gratis...including a very wide Resaw King for the 20".

Arriving a little earlier will be a JDS 3HP, 2300 CFM Cyclone Dust Collector and a JDS Air-Tech HP air filtration unit.

TOOLNUT will be shipping my Carvex Accessory Kit to arrive just after I get back to Florida, and I'll be purchasing some additional Festool items from them during the three weeks I'm home.

I have reserved the funds for purchasing the Delta 18-900L Floor Drill Press from Amazon just before leaving Nigeria. I'm a Prime member, and they will have it in my hands within 5 days of ordering with free shipping, so it will get to my house just after I get there.

I have reconsidered my purchase of a new mortising machine. I'll be purchasing both Festool Dominos over the coming months, and a new mortiser would probably be duplication of effort. Anyone think differently? Would I have a use for both?  I'll probably use the funds instead for a Jet 22-44 Oscillating Drum Sander later.

I have ordered a Hammer A3 41 16" Jointer Planer with the Silent-Power Spherical Cutterblock, which is scheduled for delivery the first week of December. 20% Deposit done.

I have decided that I DO want to learn how to turn after all, so I will be purchasing the new Laguna 24-36 REVO 3HP Lathe before next summer. I strongly considered the PM 3520B which is the defacto standard at this size, but the new REVO has some features that I think will give the PM a serious run for the money and better torque at low RPM with a new DC motor.

Big 42,000 BTU ceiling mounted LG Cassette AC/Heater/Dehumidifier will be bought and installed before the summer. It's Florida after all!! [scared]. Additionally, I'll be insulating the garage doors for noise and temperature.

I would do more this upcoming September time in Florida, but I have to get some of the existing machines sold and out of my shop to make room. Additionally, I'm having a $7000 custom closets /pantry/laundry room remodel done this trip, as well as hiring an electrical contractor to install a 220V subpanel and put in a ton of both 110V and 220V outlets around the shop...so there's lots going on.

Craig's List will be busy with my old machines!  Listing the Grizzly GO490 8" Jointer, Delta 12" planer, Grizzly Floor Drill Press, Grizzly 19" Bandsaw, the existing Mortiser, Grizzly 2HP DC, Bosch Compound Miter Saw, two maple top work tables (Sam's Club), and a number of powered handtools I own that aren't green!  [big grin]

Stay tuned for pictures as things go in and out! [tongue]

Cheers,
Frank

 

[Kev]

I don't think you'll want a mortiser if you grab both dominos ... anyway you could grab one of these on a trip to Europe http://www.protool.net/Products/Pages/Product-Detail.aspx?pid=617245&name=Chain-mortiser-CMP-150-28x40x100-A

I think the thing that puts me off a lathe is the mess. I'll be interested to see if you use it a lot after your first session [smile]

 

[SittingElf]

Yeah Kev,

That's exactly why I first sort of shied away from turning. That being said, however, I have found a source that makes custom transparent curtains that can be made for floor to ceiling on rollers. I am thinking of encircling the lathe when operating, and making cleanup much easier with the chips held hostage to within the curtains... and my new Dust Collector should make quick work of the cleanup! We'll see!

GEEZ!!!  Just looked at the price of that Protool system. WOW!  Nope.. not for me!!  [eek]

 

[festnoob]

If you're looking for some lifelong tools you should look into the Mafell mt55 saw and the the p1cc jigsaw. From all the reviews I have read those are top of the line. They would throw the color sceme of you shop off but from what I've read in threads from this forum there is nothing better. I know there is brand loyalty here, but take a look at least.

 

[ccarrolladams]

To help me better understand your review, have you actually owned and used the Mafell m55 and jigsaw for an extended period or are you just quoting reviews?