Help me get started with/pick out a TS55, MFT, vac and whatever else I need?

[johnsayen]

Hi all,

I've read great things about the festool system, as well as the track saw and MFT's ability to make square panels.

I'm about to start building my shop cabinets and other various organization systems, and I think I'd like to invest in the festool system.

From what I've read thus far, I believe I should buy the following, but I'd like your input on what you think (specifically) I should start out with.

TS55
Tracks - which ones and how long?
Parallel system - which one?
A festool vac - which one?
MFT - which one?
Anything else? I literally have am empty shop right now, aside from basic hand tools and a miter saw.

I *think* I'd like to stick with imperial since that's what's being offered in the US now, so I'm hoping to have the tracks/parallel system both in imperial.

Thank you.

 

[Wooden Skye]

Hope I don't forget something on your list.

For the rails I would get the 3000 if you have a safe place to store it.  If not, ask your dealer to swap the rail that comes with the saw with the holy rail, should be no price difference, and buy another holy rail.  I personally like the 75" rail for what I do.  Don't forget the connectors if you will be joining rails.  The Betterley connector is a good accessory.

I have the Seneca parallel guides and like them.  You need to buy the Incra T track, but this will allow you to keep imperial.  24" or 36" would be best, but you could cut larger size down to a custom length.

If you won't be taking the vac out of the shop, then CT26 is a good option.  Not to big if you do need to take with you on rare occasion.  The vacs all have the same ratings, but capacity and portability are only differences.

The complete mft/3 will serve you best.  Remember to get clamps.

Sounds like a good purchase to start, you will be happy, but wife and credit card may not be.

 

[johnsayen]

Thank you for the response, I really appreciate it. If I understood everything you said then you are recommending I start with the following?

Quantity 1: Festool 3000 track (I do have a safe place to store it):https://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/guide-rails/tracks/118-guide-rail-fs-3000-491501

Quantity 2: Incra t-track 36" plus:https://www.amazon.com/Incra-TTRACKPLUS36-36-Inch-T-Track-Plus/dp/B00005NMUB?th=1

Quantity 1: Seneca parallel guide system:http://www.senecawoodworking.com/products/parallel-guide-system-for-incra-t-track-plus

Quantity 1: MFT/3:https://www.festoolusa.com/power-tools/work-tables/mft3-multifunction-table-495315

Quantity 1: CT26:https://www.festoolusa.com/power-tools/HEPA-dust-extractors/ct-26-hepa-dust-extractor-583492

Quantity 1: TS55:https://www.festoolusa.com/power-to...aws/ts-55-req-imp-plunge-cut-track-saw-574683

Quantity ?: Quick clamps:https://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/work-tables/clamps/quick-clamp-491594

Does that cover it? Enough to get started building shop cabinets?

Do I need some basic saw horses and something to put below the rip cuts?

Is the 3000 imperial?

 

[antss]

If you're going to be making primarially cabinetry I'd advise going with metric tools.

Most cabinets are usually constructed on a measurement system of 32mm for the hinges and drawer runners.  The metric markings might make it faster if you feel like buying into metric wholesale. 

Some guys still like converting in which case the new imperial would be better.  On the saw the detents are still in metric no matter what the scales say, so there will be very slight depth error with an imperial scale in some of the range.

Not really a big enough deal to be concerned about though in the grand scheme of things.

 

[waho6o9]

A Domino for joinery is highly recommended !

 

[Holmz]

...
I'm about to start building my shop cabinets and other various organization systems, and I think I'd like to invest in the festool system.

TS55
Tracks - which ones and how long?
Parallel system - which one?  Why? just use a pencil
A festool vac - which one?      CT26 is a decent size
MFT - which one?                  The one with the rail on it for cross cutting

Anything else? I literally have am empty shop right now, aside from basic hand tools and a miter saw.
If you are doing cabinets then a Lamello Zeta P2 would be more useful than a Domino, Look for Clampex and Tenso

Alternatively just get the vacuum and Lamello first, and get the sheets cut wherever you buy them. It does not cost a lot to have them to that, and it is a time saver, and the parts will all be square.

Then put the cabinets together with the Zeta and once the area is organised then you will be in a better place to proceed.

 

[mark60]

I like your shopping list. I have the ripdog parallel guides because Seneca was sold out when I bought and the ripdog's are great too. I prefer guides to a pencil when I can use them because it helps me take a little user error out of making same sized rips.
Don't let metric/imperial on the tools scare you either way. I use metric, imperial, decimals, and fractions on a daily basis at work so I can use them all fairly interchangeably and when it comes to the track saw it's not a big deal at all with common lumber sizes.

You'll want a cutting table of some sort with foam board for breaking down sheet goods. I use a Centipede with 1 1/2" foam on top in my garage.

 

[Wooden Skye]

Thank you for the response, I really appreciate it. If I understood everything you said then you are recommending I start with the following?

Quantity 1: Festool 3000 track (I do have a safe place to store it):https://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/guide-rails/tracks/118-guide-rail-fs-3000-491501

Quantity 2: Incra t-track 36" plus:https://www.amazon.com/Incra-TTRACKPLUS36-36-Inch-T-Track-Plus/dp/B00005NMUB?th=1

Quantity 1: Seneca parallel guide system:http://www.senecawoodworking.com/products/parallel-guide-system-for-incra-t-track-plus

Quantity 1: MFT/3:https://www.festoolusa.com/power-tools/work-tables/mft3-multifunction-table-495315

Quantity 1: CT26:https://www.festoolusa.com/power-tools/HEPA-dust-extractors/ct-26-hepa-dust-extractor-583492

Quantity 1: TS55:https://www.festoolusa.com/power-to...aws/ts-55-req-imp-plunge-cut-track-saw-574683

Quantity ?: Quick clamps:https://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/work-tables/clamps/quick-clamp-491594

Does that cover it? Enough to get started building shop cabinets?

Do I need some basic saw horses and something to put below the rip cuts?

Is the 3000 imperial?

I didn't click all the links.  Yes, the 3000 (118") is imperial.  With the 1400 (55") rail that comes with the saw, ask the dealer to swap for the holy rail just in case you are going to get the LR32 down the road.

I use saw horses and 2" pink foam board to place under the sheet goods to be cut. 

Again, welcome to the forum and ask any questions, people are really helpful.

 

[johnsayen]

Thank you for the response, I really appreciate it. If I understood everything you said then you are recommending I start with the following?

Quantity 1: Festool 3000 track (I do have a safe place to store it):https://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/guide-rails/tracks/118-guide-rail-fs-3000-491501

Quantity 2: Incra t-track 36" plus:https://www.amazon.com/Incra-TTRACKPLUS36-36-Inch-T-Track-Plus/dp/B00005NMUB?th=1

Quantity 1: Seneca parallel guide system:http://www.senecawoodworking.com/products/parallel-guide-system-for-incra-t-track-plus

Quantity 1: MFT/3:https://www.festoolusa.com/power-tools/work-tables/mft3-multifunction-table-495315

Quantity 1: CT26:https://www.festoolusa.com/power-tools/HEPA-dust-extractors/ct-26-hepa-dust-extractor-583492

Quantity 1: TS55:https://www.festoolusa.com/power-to...aws/ts-55-req-imp-plunge-cut-track-saw-574683

Quantity ?: Quick clamps:https://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/work-tables/clamps/quick-clamp-491594

Does that cover it? Enough to get started building shop cabinets?

Do I need some basic saw horses and something to put below the rip cuts?

Is the 3000 imperial?

I didn't click all the links.  Yes, the 3000 (118") is imperial.  With the 1400 (55") rail that comes with the saw, ask the dealer to swap for the holy rail just in case you are going to get the LR32 down the road.

I use saw horses and 2" pink foam board to place under the sheet goods to be cut. 

Again, welcome to the forum and ask any questions, people are really helpful.

I did a couple searches but am having trouble figuring out what the "holy rail" is?

Is this it?https://www.festoolusa.com/power-to...mm-hole-drilling-guide-rail-55-1400-mm-496939

 

[Ironmantrev]

Yep, that is the hole drilling track know affectionately as the Holey Rail. Definitely get them to trade the standard one out for a Holey Rail if at all possible, it will allow you to future proof yourself for the system.

If you are building cabinets, why not consider an LR32 system along with an OF 1010 or 1400. I also second a Domino. If you don't see yourself making big thick doors and the like in the future the Domino 500 will likely do all you will need it to do.

If you have extra money burning a hole in your pocket, the drills are also a nice to have. I just picked up a CXS and I really like it. Will come in very handy for the assembly work.

 

[johnsayen]

Yep, that is the hole drilling track know affectionately as the Holey Rail. Definitely get them to trade the standard one out for a Holey Rail if at all possible, it will allow you to future proof yourself for the system.

If you are building cabinets, why not consider an LR32 system along with an OF 1010 or 1400. I also second a Domino. If you don't see yourself making big thick doors and the like in the future the Domino 500 will likely do all you will need it to do.

If you have extra money burning a hole in your pocket, the drills are also a nice to have. I just picked up a CXS and I really like it. Will come in very handy for the assembly work.

Thanks for the help. I don't have extra money burning a hole in my pocket, but I don't want to choke on the tail when eating an elephant.

I really appreciate everyone's responses thus far. I'm looking forward to starting my shop cabinet and organization builds.

 

[ear3]

One substitution and addition on accessories.  When clamping the track, I think the Dewalt track clamps are superior to the Festool quick clamps as they are squeeze trigger activated:
http://www.dewalt.com/products/acce...saw-accessories/tracksaw-track-clamps/dws5026

The quick clamps are excellent for other applications, especially on the MFT.  Some additional clamping suggestions on the MFT: the Festool clamping elements really are the best, even though they are pretty expensive.  Don't forget the slop stop for the MFT rail as well:http://www.festoolproducts.com/tool-improvements-slop-stop-for-festool-mft-tables-and-rails.html

 

[Ironmantrev]

I like you saw that the system approach made sense. I figured buy right, and buy once. Other than a few crappy tools that I had inherited mostly, thought it was best to start my collection with quality tools. Over the last couple of years I have bought all the Festool pieces and then some that are listed in this thread so far. I too like you am thinking about building cabinets to organize my shop. You will not regret buying any and all of these tools and more. Your significant other may not be happy at first with the price tag, but she will be happy when the garage is tidy and organized and with all the other stuff you are going to make her in the future with all your cool tools. Good luck. I highly recommend watching Erock or the Poplar Shop videos on YouTube. Tool reviews, but especially the LR32 system and the Cabinet Series he did. Very well done and informative.

 

[RKA]

There are discounts to be had in Festool land, however, here are two:

MFT ordered with a Track saw nets you 10% off the MFT.
Any power tool ordered with a dust extractor nets you 10% off the DE.

 

[Rustys]

Your list is an excellent start and great suggestions in this thread. If you can't afford the Domino, you might look at Kreg K5 for assembling your cabinets, which I used. I wished I had Domino at the time but I just recently discovered Festool. I agree with the other poster, buy quality first time and don't waste time/money on other tools.

Russ

 

[Holmz]

At some point 3-5k in tools could get the Mrs excited, especially if the cabinets are not flying out, and if it would have been cheaper to buy them premade...

An LR32 and holey rail is not going to help either time/budget, but may be more easily justified than a saw and rail... Mainly as getting the boards cut to size is common, cheap, and likely sensible.

There is still expence in the materials, and there is still time consuming work on assembly and figuring out all the dimensions. Handles, drawers, and hinges (and adjustable shelves) can also complicate the work in terms of time and planning.

You may want to consider whether having the first project get done in a timely fashion and 'on-budget' is a decision driver. If it is not, then disregard my ramblings.

 

[johnsayen]

At some point 3-5k in tools could get the Mrs excited, especially if the cabinets are not flying out, and if it would have been cheaper to buy them premade...

An LR32 and holey rail is not going to help either time/budget, but may be more easily justified than a saw and rail... Mainly as getting the boards cut to size is common, cheap, and likely sensible.

There is still expence in the materials, and there is still time consuming work on assembly and figuring out all the dimensions. Handles, drawers, and hinges (and adjustable shelves) can also complicate the work in terms of time and planning.

You may want to consider whether having the first project get done in a timely fashion and 'on-budget' is a decision driver. If it is not, then disregard my ramblings.

Hi there, thanks for the thoughts. I [perhaps] should have been more clear about my intentions. My goal is to continue down the path of becoming a woodworker. I do not have a deadline or mission to have a complete set of cabinets.

I don't want to buy tools that I don't need just to have them, but I would like to buy what I need to get started.

I'm likely going to start with trying to build practical shop cabinetshttp://www.tomclarkbooks.com/Practical_Shop_Cabinets.html

Other tools on my "list" to procure are a permanent dust collector and a table saw.

I currently have a jointer/planer combination machine (A3-31)

I figured that the cabinet/organization-based work was going to be a lot of plywood work, and read great things about the festool's system ability to produce truly square panels - something that can be difficult to achieve with an american-style table saw.

Do you all think I'm headed down the right path?

 

[antss]

Might be different for the fellas down under - but I have not run across a sheetgoods supplier in the SE United States that will cut sheet goods with any kind of accuracy needed for cabinet construction.

Some won't cut at all. Others have a skilsaw out back for customer convenience. The better ones have a unisaw, built hasn't been calibrated since the Nixon administration.

YMMV

 

[Runhard]

I'm sorry if I missed this, but I didn't read where you would be purchasing your new tools from. I highly recommend for you to use Bob Marinohttp://www.bobmarinosbesttools.com or Shane at Toolnuthttp://www.toolnut.com Both of these guys are awesome and always go above and beyond to help you out. They both are active members here on the FOG. Depending on what state you live in, you may not be charged sales tax and they always have free shipping. You also have the 30 day return policy if you should need it.

Good luck!

 

[johnsayen]

I'm sorry if I missed this, but I didn't read where you would be purchasing your new tools from. I highly recommend for you to use Bob Marinohttp://www.bobmarinosbesttools.com or Shane at Toolnuthttp://www.toolnut.com Both of these guys are awesome and always go above and beyond to help you out. They both are active members here on the FOG. Depending on what state you live in, you may not be charged sales tax and they always have free shipping. You also have the 30 day return policy if you should need it.

Good luck!

Thanks for the recommendation, I will definitely check them out. I have not yet decided where to purchase them from, I wanted to ensure I had a good list first.