Greetings from MN

[Basshunter]

Hello,

Have been lurking here for a while and finally decided to join.  Great site, you guys have some really good talent and some really good tools!

I am a hobbyist and relatively new as well.  I started in the hobby about 6 years ago, but got frustrated with the tools I had and then got busy with family demands (two young boys and all that goes with them).  I got reinvigorated late last year and have been fairly active since.  Have made many upgrades to the shop in terms of tools, equipment and even lighting...  I am in the midst of my first "real" furniture project and am enjoying it very much.

I don't have anything Festool as of yet, but feel destined to get the track saw, domino and a vac...

Look forward to learning from the members here and hope to get to know some of you as well.

I am a member of a few forums, but mainly read rather than post a lot.  Have been using G+ a little for the hobby and am very active on a chat group via the Woodwhisperer site.  Maybe I'll connect with some of you there in future some time.

Just wanted to say hello, introduce myself and thank you in advance for helping out a newb...

Basshunter
aka Michael

 

[dltflt]

  [welcome] to FOG and the slippery slope

 

[peter halle]

I'll join Don in welcoming you to our forum.  We have a TON of members here who are going thru the same decision making and evolution processes.  Any one of them I'm sure will be happy to talk to you if you have questions.  Don't be shy!

Peter

 

[nclemmons]

It gets cold in Minnesota, so we expect to see you here a lot over the next several months.

Welcome and don't be shy about asking questions.

neil

 

[NERemodeling]

[welcome] to FOG!

I'm not sure how old the boys are but if u want more shop time, consider having them work with you in there..  come up with some simple projects that they can help with and that time is sure to become great memories both you and them will never forget. As a bonus you will teach them a skill they will be able to use forever!!

John

 

[Basshunter]

Thanks guys!

Will definitely not be shy with questions.  Now just have to figure out which is the first tool to get...domino or TS55. 

Another goal is to make a table saw out-feed table with MFT top - there are lots of examples out there...have to focus on one and get going on it.

John, - totally agree with you about getting the kids in the shop.  They are presently 11 an 14.  Have gotten them both out there with me.  The youngest even took a plane making class with me (he made the jack plane in my avatar - the one on the left side).  The oldest is in the middle of making a cutting board with curved inlays (FWW article a few months ago) and we are going to start making some speaker cabinets soon.

Thanks again guys - appreciate the welcome!

 

[NERemodeling]

That's really great that your boys are into woodworking with you! 

Im sure you have already come across THIS post about an mft/outfeed table but i figured i would share it if not, it seems to be a nice setup

I like how you said "which is the FIRST tool to get" haha  at least your honest with yourself that you are pretty damn likely to end up with all of them!!!

It dosent seem like we do similar work so for your reference i am a on site remodeling contractor who has to be portable, I do try to include as much woodworking into my jobs as i can but i do not build standalone pieces. I dont own a domino but i do have the TS,  try to imagine what you need more in your shop right now.    I can tell you that i will buy a domino one day

For starters i think you should pair a Festool vac with whatever you buy, they are amazing little machines 

The TS really excels at breaking down sheet goods and putting a 1st edge on rough lumber, some guys use it for everything but i just cant see it replacing my table saw.  its an amazing tool and a real time saver for me where space is always limited on site and i only have a small portable tablesaw.  once you own it, the possibilities never stop, angled cuts are now super simple, trimming doors, using the guide rails with the routers for dados and rabbets etc.. also opening up to the LR32 system if you ever do cabinets

Someone else can probably give you much better info on the Domino but it seems to really be a tool in its own league,  if you do a lot of joining in your projects where pocket holes, screws or plugs can not be used then you might want to consider the domino

John