Help! Custom Closet and Taking the Plunge
- Thread starter InspektorGadget
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InspektorGadget
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Two 55" it is, don't have a large shop so storing them will be much easier like you said.
Just wanted to also say thanks for the lack of smart ass, wise crack answers that generally fill these forums when a newbie like myself posts for the first time. Nothing but quality, well though out replies. That's pretty rare, and I appreciate the assistance/guidance.
Now, off to the pay day loan store to fund more Festool!
Just wanted to also say thanks for the lack of smart ass, wise crack answers that generally fill these forums when a newbie like myself posts for the first time. Nothing but quality, well though out replies. That's pretty rare, and I appreciate the assistance/guidance.
Now, off to the pay day loan store to fund more Festool!
Just adding to the thread...I'm only a weekend DIYer as well. I started to buy Festool for three main reasons.
1. Dust collection when working inside the house. Some other brands just don't seem to get the dust out of the dust port very well.
2. The re-sell value of Festool is generally very good on the popular tools, even after years of owning them. e.g CT Vacuums, TS55, Domino, Rotex sanders, Systainer cases. (I found this out when I tried to look for used second-hand on Ebay). For around 20% more I could buy new instead of second-hand.
3. The cost of systainer is included in the tool price. They are brilliant cases for workshop or home use. But make sure you decide which stacking cases you will adopt to keep things tidy in a small workshop space.
Yes they are expensive but I only buy slowly when there is a deal going on e.g Festool vouchers, 10% day on Ebay or some retailer, or someone has a special offer for a Festool item. Then I snap it up even though I may not use it straight away. This builds up my collection.
Having said that....dont always buy Festool because its a Festool. For that kind of money its always worth checking an alternative high end brand and trying them out. For example I bought a Mirka Deros orbital sander because it felt so great in the hand compared to Festool. Similar price to Festool though and great dust collection.
If your working outside where dust collection is less important, then I would say Festool isn't always necessary for some tools. Dewalt, Bosch, Makita etc will do the very same job for less money. And dropping your expensive Festool outside on the floor will make you annoyed at yourself.
Hope this helps!
1. Dust collection when working inside the house. Some other brands just don't seem to get the dust out of the dust port very well.
2. The re-sell value of Festool is generally very good on the popular tools, even after years of owning them. e.g CT Vacuums, TS55, Domino, Rotex sanders, Systainer cases. (I found this out when I tried to look for used second-hand on Ebay). For around 20% more I could buy new instead of second-hand.
3. The cost of systainer is included in the tool price. They are brilliant cases for workshop or home use. But make sure you decide which stacking cases you will adopt to keep things tidy in a small workshop space.
Yes they are expensive but I only buy slowly when there is a deal going on e.g Festool vouchers, 10% day on Ebay or some retailer, or someone has a special offer for a Festool item. Then I snap it up even though I may not use it straight away. This builds up my collection.
Having said that....dont always buy Festool because its a Festool. For that kind of money its always worth checking an alternative high end brand and trying them out. For example I bought a Mirka Deros orbital sander because it felt so great in the hand compared to Festool. Similar price to Festool though and great dust collection.
If your working outside where dust collection is less important, then I would say Festool isn't always necessary for some tools. Dewalt, Bosch, Makita etc will do the very same job for less money. And dropping your expensive Festool outside on the floor will make you annoyed at yourself.
Hope this helps!
DIY WoodWerx
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Festool USA just released a 9 part video series on YouTube on Building a cabinet. The instructor uses many different Festool tools. Might help you understand the Festool System or what tools you may want or not want to tackle your project.
InspektorGadget
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Sweet, thanks for pointing out this video series. I'll definitely check it out!
Sanderxpander
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It's worth noting that connecting rails and making sure they're absolutely straight can be more finicky than you might assume. The Festool rail connectors are not great. I've managed for a while but it's worth looking at a tutorial or two.
After much recommendation on here I ordered a set of Makita rail connectors which supposedly work well but I haven't been able to check them out yet. I also found out last week that TSO Products makes a set of self aligning rail connectors for a pretty reasonable price. I don't have any but I have their guide rail square and if they are made to the same standard I would definitely recommend them. Maybe someone who has them can comment. You should get their guide rail square regardless.
After much recommendation on here I ordered a set of Makita rail connectors which supposedly work well but I haven't been able to check them out yet. I also found out last week that TSO Products makes a set of self aligning rail connectors for a pretty reasonable price. I don't have any but I have their guide rail square and if they are made to the same standard I would definitely recommend them. Maybe someone who has them can comment. You should get their guide rail square regardless.
Michael Kellough
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Even with the Makita connectors you have to re-check straightness after moving the combined rails.
Midnight Man
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I had the same doubts as you InspektorGadget when I first started. I'm old and cranky enough to not want to put up with cheap crap made to a price point, that, and the follow on desire to "buy it once, buy it right" persuaded me to get into the Festool system and lineup.
My first purchase was the TS55, and CT36 which I got as a package. The quality of these tools really impressed me, but I was sure that I would stop there...
Then came the Kapex 120. Again a very impressive piece of kit. No worries, I thought, I had all I needed now for sure!
Then came a DTS 400. And the Domino 500. And an ETS EC 150/3. And the LR32 system.
And now I'm thinking (no, I'm kidding myself, I will get it) on the Conturo.
It's a slippery slope, but you will get many years of enjoyment from your tools
My first purchase was the TS55, and CT36 which I got as a package. The quality of these tools really impressed me, but I was sure that I would stop there...
Then came the Kapex 120. Again a very impressive piece of kit. No worries, I thought, I had all I needed now for sure!
Then came a DTS 400. And the Domino 500. And an ETS EC 150/3. And the LR32 system.
And now I'm thinking (no, I'm kidding myself, I will get it) on the Conturo.
It's a slippery slope, but you will get many years of enjoyment from your tools
You made a great first purchase. Those two tools are staples and often a gateway into the Festool ecosystem for many. Just a warning, I started with the same and within a month a domino was at my door! I wasn’t expecting that, but once I saw how fast, clean and dust free the results with the tracksaw were, I wanted to look at their other offerings.
Regarding the domino vs kreg, I never warmed up to the kreg because I would get slight misalignments in the joints. I instantly warmed up to the domino and if using clamps is too cumbersome or you need the flexibility to disassemble for future modifications, the domino and kreg can compliment one another. It’s an expensive way to do it, but my time in the shop is valuable to me, so whatever I’m comfortable with and gives me the results I want....
Congrats and have fun!
Regarding the domino vs kreg, I never warmed up to the kreg because I would get slight misalignments in the joints. I instantly warmed up to the domino and if using clamps is too cumbersome or you need the flexibility to disassemble for future modifications, the domino and kreg can compliment one another. It’s an expensive way to do it, but my time in the shop is valuable to me, so whatever I’m comfortable with and gives me the results I want....
Congrats and have fun!
Congrats on the purchase. That's exactly how I started on the slippery slope that is Festool, CT26 and TS55. That was AFTER I built a couple of cabinets and shelves for our walk in closet... My wife saw how much of a pain I had using a cheap Skill saw and home made straight edge.
For connecting the two tracks check out TSO's new guide rail connectors. About the same price as the Festool version and it looks like they are a lot more fool around proof. You'll want something quick and reliable when you are doing rips down the 8' length of plywood. And get their GRS-PE guide rail square while you are at it.
And the pink, hard foam insulation works great as a cutting platform. They come in 1" or 2", either works.
I took a 4'x8' sheet and broke it into two pieces that fit my MFT's and make it easier to store.
I used the foam on the floor before I had a workbench or MFT. Which, I would strongly suggest looking into the MFT next. It's excellent for clamping and cutting on. Either that, or you might want to look into a router like the OF1400 - if you don't already have a router. The Domino looks great, but with cabinets there are a ton of options for joints like rabbets and dado. And you can easily make those with the OF1400 and the tracks you have.
Like the TS55, the OF1400 was one of those game changers for me. I couldn't believe I'd gone so long without a router. And to get one that makes it so easy with the rails and accessories.
Also, check out the Woodpeckers box clamps. They work really well for helping you get square corners when assembling a cabinet.
For connecting the two tracks check out TSO's new guide rail connectors. About the same price as the Festool version and it looks like they are a lot more fool around proof. You'll want something quick and reliable when you are doing rips down the 8' length of plywood. And get their GRS-PE guide rail square while you are at it.
And the pink, hard foam insulation works great as a cutting platform. They come in 1" or 2", either works.
I took a 4'x8' sheet and broke it into two pieces that fit my MFT's and make it easier to store.
I used the foam on the floor before I had a workbench or MFT. Which, I would strongly suggest looking into the MFT next. It's excellent for clamping and cutting on. Either that, or you might want to look into a router like the OF1400 - if you don't already have a router. The Domino looks great, but with cabinets there are a ton of options for joints like rabbets and dado. And you can easily make those with the OF1400 and the tracks you have.
Like the TS55, the OF1400 was one of those game changers for me. I couldn't believe I'd gone so long without a router. And to get one that makes it so easy with the rails and accessories.
Also, check out the Woodpeckers box clamps. They work really well for helping you get square corners when assembling a cabinet.
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Didn't read through the whole thread, but I would consider the TSC-55 over the TS55. You will come to appreciate the cordless advantage and I do not see any problem with power on mine after over a year but I don't cut much over 1" thick, use it mostly for ply and 4/4 and under material.
pettyconstruction
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I second the TSC-55 , nice saw.Bob D. said:
For a router , the 1400 or 1010 have really good dust extraction.
And the pink insulation is a plus , helps with the dust.
Charlie
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I use all the Festool saws. My TS stays with my MFT in the shop but if I was to settle for one it would be the TSC. Plus if you do not have any other Festool battery powered saw it will give you an excuse to try another. After I bought the cordless jigsaw I now own the C-18, TSC, the Syslites, the TSC and have six or eight batteries. I bought a PDC also but only because it was used on Ebay and was really cheap...turned out the only thing used in the kit was the right angle attachment.
Michael Kellough
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Not a fair comparison but I needed to put a straight edge on some wet pressure treated 2x stock and the HKC was extremely reluctant. Put a Panther blade on the TSC and it sailed through.
PS the little dust bag for those saws only holds about 24 feet of dust @1.5”.
PS the little dust bag for those saws only holds about 24 feet of dust @1.5”.
I will put in my two cents here. The Festool product line is indeed robust. But as it goes with any tool they are not perfect. I think for some things the price makes it impossible. For example, I own the 500 Domino but simply because it is so unique and easy to use, plus, accurate. But the Kapex I have never been convinced by for what it offers and the high price. Same goes for variety of other tools. I will just add some things like clamps or the now infamous "plug-it" cords are way over priced and the latter not being that reliable etc. My "plug-it" cord broke clean off one of the connector pins in the Domino socket which meant a new cord was needed as well as a repair since the pin was stuck in the socket on the machine (BTW, the repair service told me worn cords will do this). But for $50 a cord I expect more.
Also I have had to send in a number of tools. The one which surprised me the most was my 500 Domino. After 4 years of moderate use I had to send it in for what turned out to be a nearly $200 repair including shipping. On the ethical side though I do feel better about using a company that probably pays their employees sustainable wages and when you do call service you get experts etc. Not sure I would be able to handle the cost if when I called I never got sufficient responses. So on a good day when I am feeling optimistic I tell myself they are doing the right thing (or better than most) by not just having everything made by a different company and factory.
One last note Festool could do a lot better in the ergonomics dept as well as giving our tools more features that make sense. LED lights in critical places and an actual ergonomic grip on the 500 Domino because I know like most everyone else here we aren't gripping and pushing it where it is intended! To do that feels like we have less control and feel for the machine. Instead making the plunge from the rear-end where the vents are make the machine much easier to handle. Plus, if you have large knuckles and were gripping it farther up on the main body then the dust shroud starts to cramp your style, plus, it just feels less than ideal. Balance is probably the most critical factor in using this machine and there really aren't any intuitive features that help with that like better form factor and an actual level on board, plus, high visibility plastic for our cross-hair!
Anyhow, I devolve as usual but my hope is the company does listen to our feedback and suggestions. Good luck with your projects and stay realistic about the nature of any tool which ain't perfect.
Also I have had to send in a number of tools. The one which surprised me the most was my 500 Domino. After 4 years of moderate use I had to send it in for what turned out to be a nearly $200 repair including shipping. On the ethical side though I do feel better about using a company that probably pays their employees sustainable wages and when you do call service you get experts etc. Not sure I would be able to handle the cost if when I called I never got sufficient responses. So on a good day when I am feeling optimistic I tell myself they are doing the right thing (or better than most) by not just having everything made by a different company and factory.
One last note Festool could do a lot better in the ergonomics dept as well as giving our tools more features that make sense. LED lights in critical places and an actual ergonomic grip on the 500 Domino because I know like most everyone else here we aren't gripping and pushing it where it is intended! To do that feels like we have less control and feel for the machine. Instead making the plunge from the rear-end where the vents are make the machine much easier to handle. Plus, if you have large knuckles and were gripping it farther up on the main body then the dust shroud starts to cramp your style, plus, it just feels less than ideal. Balance is probably the most critical factor in using this machine and there really aren't any intuitive features that help with that like better form factor and an actual level on board, plus, high visibility plastic for our cross-hair!
Anyhow, I devolve as usual but my hope is the company does listen to our feedback and suggestions. Good luck with your projects and stay realistic about the nature of any tool which ain't perfect.
Michael Kellough
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[member=32478]mcooley[/member] , agree with you about handling the Domino 500. If you’re doing simple edge plunges the Seneca Domi-plate helps keep the machine steady.
