Health factors

[RONWEN]

I have nothing more than what has been said -- I almost can't remember the "old" days before Festools.  Sanders, routers, saws all make this hobby much more enjoyable.
If I were earning as a contractor, cabinetmaker or other tradesman the Festools would have to ensure a healthier career.  I can't imagine how much better the new drywall sanding system makes life.

 

[DR T]

I have nothing more than what has been said -- I almost can't remember the "old" days before Festools.  ....

I wonder how long it will be before I can say the same. [Notwithstanding that I usually can't remember much that happened before lunch today, nor anything much from yesterday ...]

Anyway, based on the feedback in this forum, I went to our local dealer, Lee Valley Tools, and bought a basic set to get started. It was good thing I just obtained these few, not more, as they filled up my truck.

Circular Saw TS 55 EQ Plunge Cut Circular Saw
Drill ZT564274  CXS Cordless Drill 10.8 V set
Drill ZT564374 C 15 Cordless Drill 14.4 V set
Dust Extractor CT Mini Dust Extractor
Jigsaw ZT561443 Trion PS 300 EQ Pendulum Jigsaw
Joining System Domino DF 500 Q Joining System 1,010 (on backorder)
Mitre saw ZA497354 UG Set
Mitre saw ZT561287 Kapex KS 120 EB Sliding Compound Mitre Saw
Table MFT/3 Multifunction Table w 42 in guide rail

They ran a few tools in the store when I was there. I saw more sawdust coming out of the circular saw and the mitre saw than I had expected, but I think I can persuade my wife to accept a wee bit of spillage when I use them in the house.

I left the sander etc for another trip to the store (a trip into the Big City, I might add, 2 hours travel each way, so not exactly a daily trip).

We have not used any of the tools yet, as my wife and I just spent our time unpacking them and arranging them, well, they sure feel fine. I like the storage system. I have done something similar with my power tools in the past - uniform dimension containers, my own concept that I put together for my pre-Festool tools, 20 years ago.

My wife really likes the CXS drill.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I have nothing more than what has been said -- I almost can't remember the "old" days before Festools.  ....

I wonder how long it will be before I can say the same. [Notwithstanding that I usually can't remember much that happened before lunch today, nor anything much from yesterday ...]

Anyway, based on the feedback in this forum, I went to our local dealer, Lee Valley Tools, and bought a basic set to get started. It was good thing I just obtained these few, not more, as they filled up my truck.

Circular Saw TS 55 EQ Plunge Cut Circular Saw
Drill ZT564274  CXS Cordless Drill 10.8 V set
Drill ZT564374 C 15 Cordless Drill 14.4 V set
Dust Extractor CT Mini Dust Extractor
Jigsaw ZT561443 Trion PS 300 EQ Pendulum Jigsaw
Joining System Domino DF 500 Q Joining System 1,010 (on backorder)
Mitre saw ZA497354 UG Set
Mitre saw ZT561287 Kapex KS 120 EB Sliding Compound Mitre Saw
Table MFT/3 Multifunction Table w 42 in guide rail

They ran a few tools in the store when I was there. I saw more sawdust coming out of the circular saw and the mitre saw than I had expected, but I think I can persuade my wife to accept a wee bit of spillage when I use them in the house.

I left the sander etc for another trip to the store (a trip into the Big City, I might add, 2 hours travel each way, so not exactly a daily trip).

We have not used any of the tools yet, as my wife and I just spent our time unpacking them and arranging them, well, they sure feel fine. I like the storage system. I have done something similar with my power tools in the past - uniform dimension containers, my own concept that I put together for my pre-Festool tools, 20 years ago.

My wife really likes the CXS drill.

A true Canadian would have grabbed the Centroec or non-Centrotec Robertson bits as soon as he/she entered the store with their large shopping cart.  [big grin]

 

[Kev]

A36mm hose for the KAPEX and TS55 will reduce mess further. There're kits with different configurations ... It's a bit of a hassle piping the 36mm hose into the top of the CT Mini ... the way you're going a CT26/36 (and probably a boom arm) isn't far from happening.

A 491750 "side thingie" will help with the TS55 too.

 

[mouppe]

Nice haul, Dr T.

I believe Lee Valley has one or two Centrotec sets left in stock- I recommend you grab one while you can.

P.S. They have free shipping at the moment!

 

[Stone Message]

Does anyone know why the Centronic sets are in such short supply in NA? Is it a simple supply and demand issue or is there another reason. They appear to be readily available here in the UK.

Peter

 

[AlexThePalex]

Does anyone know why the Centronic sets are in such short supply in NA? Is it a simple supply and demand issue or is there another reason. They appear to be readily available here in the UK.

Festool purposely made it a limited edition only in the USA. Don't ask me why. They could easily sell a lot more sets there, but somehow they don't seem to want that.  [huh]

 

[peter halle]

Does anyone know why the Centronic sets are in such short supply in NA? Is it a simple supply and demand issue or is there another reason. They appear to be readily available here in the UK.

Peter

Your question may never be answered our overseas friend.  It has been a while, but usually it is written that despite the openness of this forum, one thing that will not be revealed is the marketing or pricing strategies of Festool.

Heck, everyone needs to have a secret.  [big grin]

Peter

 

[semenza]

They ran a few tools in the store when I was there. I saw more sawdust coming out of the circular saw and the mitre saw than I had expected, but I think I can persuade my wife to accept a wee bit of spillage when I use them in the house.

When they ran the TS55 in the store was it on a solid cutting surface / table, or the MFT or something open underneath? Collection is definetly better when run on a solid completely closed bottom surface.

Seth

 

[dltflt]

Welcome to FOG Dr. T
I am a ex smoker for 12 years now and was diagnosed with COPD about 6 years ago.  About 5 years ago I started purchasing Festool for dust collection because it made my life better.  Of I also enjoy the superior quality and accuracy.  The tools Also are much quieter than any other woodworking tools I have ever owned.  You will not regret buying Festool, I know I haven't.

 

[Steve R]

They ran a few tools in the store when I was there. I saw more sawdust coming out of the circular saw and the mitre saw than I had expected, but I think I can persuade my wife to accept a wee bit of spillage when I use them in the house.

When they ran the TS55 in the store was it on a solid cutting surface / table, or the MFT or something open underneath? Collection is definetly better when run on a solid completely closed bottom surface.

Seth

I agree solid surface helps. If running the tool with DC still seems like too much dust for the SO.... disconnect the DC and make a cut.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[fshanno]

And productivity, don't forget that.  I'm much faster with my TS55 when it's hooked up.  Very little dust on the track or the workpiece even when I don't have foam spoil sheet below.  Less time spent on clean up.  Good dust collection pays for itself completely apart from health issues.

If you can keep the dust down you'll be more productive with most everything you do in the wood shop.  I think it impacts accuracy too.   

 

[fdengel]

Like Eric said, once you cut MDF and see all the "dust" floating around without DC on makes ya wonder what all is in that stuff.

It's basically sawdust and glue mixed together and formed under pressure:

http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5369543_mdf-made.html

 

[ama]

I'm a bit paranoid about the whole dust thing why I always wear a proper P3-rated respirator when woodworking. The greatest health benefit for me would be less lingering dust (and since I currently only have my small apartment to work in, that is a big deal).

On that topic I recently bought an ETS 150/3. It is my first festool sander and dust pickup was even better than I had expected. With some of my other tools, especially TS55 and OF1400, the way you are set up and how you use them makes a great difference in dust collection. As mentioned before in this thread, you really need a solid surface underneath your workpiece when cutting and a sacrificial piece to end your cut in helps too. But with the ETS, sanding was, as far as I was able to tell, completely free of dust.

 

[jvang]

Dust collection was the main reason i moved to Festool. That or give up woodworking. I have a trach and that does not work with dust. I know sand, domino with festool along with large cyclone dust collection. Add face mask and two wraps around the neck and i fiddle around.

If i had more money I certainly would purchase more of their wonderful tools that are huge in quality and outstanding in dust collection.

Happy wood working to all

 

[BillG]

Is the state of one's lungs a factor for any Festool owners?

It is a huge factor for me.  I am primarily a turner, but I build furniture too.  I wear an air helmet that goes for about $850 when I am turning mainly for protecting my lungs, although it protects my boyish good looks too.    The dust collection on Festool tools is a real positive as far as I am concerned.  I tell my turning students that the cost of the tool (good dust collection) is more than offset by not having to pay expensive deductibles on heath insurance for breathing problems, and a whole lot more comfortable than slowly suffocating to death. 

 

[Wonderwino]

Welcome DR T!  I have been a Festooligan  [scared] for four years now. 

I started buying them for the accuracy and portability they offer.  I "discovered" how great the dust collection is when I started using them.  I have since heard horror stories of peoples houses that have been inundated by dust, despite the contractors putting up curtains around their work areas. 

  I am not a contractor, but I said, "just call me the next time, I'll help you out."

I did refinish a bar in my in-laws restaurant, using the RO125 FEQ in rotary mode to grind off the old finish with 60 Cristal, then switching to orbital mode to smooth the wood to 180 grit.  I used the ETS125 between coats of poly to smooth the surface.  There was not a spec of dust anywhere off the bar and I was using the Midi at 1/2 suction.  Needless to say, they were VERY happy with the results, especially not having to dust all the chandeliers and decor.  I've been eating the Sunday fried chicken buffet with no charge ever since!

The other great side effect of great dust collection is that your sandpaper doesn't clog, so it lasts much longer.  I think I only use about 25% of the number of sheets I did with my old go-to Makita.  Sanding has become an enjoyable aspect of woodworking.

 

[ama]

Yesterday I was rip cutting some oak when the hose popped out of the TS55. It was an interesting reminder of what a messy thing wood working was before I dove into the festool kool-aid. I had almost forgotten.

 

[Alan m]

i left my ct22 on site (flooring job and i hurt my knee so i couldnt go back and get it)
i used the time to fool around in the workshop doing little jobs.
anyway with no vac i got to see how things were before festool. i had to put on a dust mask and run th air filter the whole time and the whole workshop was distroyed in dust.
it is amazing the diference it makes. i could feel the dust in my nose and my breathing was different.
next time im without my ct22 i am going to buy a midi.

 

[Kev]

i left my ct22 on site (flooring job and i hurt my knee so i couldnt go back and get it)
i used the time to fool around in the workshop doing little jobs.
anyway with no vac i got to see how things were before festool. i had to put on a dust mask and run th air filter the whole time and the whole workshop was distroyed in dust.
it is amazing the diference it makes. i could feel the dust in my nose and my breathing was different.
next time im without my ct22 i am going to buy a midi.

Maybe an OF1400+CT Midi bundle ??  [big grin]