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J

Just F Me

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OK...so I'm about 2 months into this woodworking hobby.  I got more things I want to build and things to learn to build.

I'm in need of a router and some other bits.  I currently have a Makita SP6000 track saw (It's actually a nice saw, though I haven't used the Festool TS55 yet), and Festool MFT/3.  Here's my shopping cart right now at Bob Marino's.  Will probably buy all this at once...  [big grin] 

Festool OF1400 Router
Festool OF1400 Guide Rail Adapater
Festool CT 26
Festool Parallel Guides
Festool Domino (MAYBE)
Festool Kapex (MAYBE)

I was wondering...what should I do with a sander?  I know this gets brought up all the time.  "Which sander to buy"  I think I should get a ETS 150/3 since I only deal with plywood right now and it's "right in the middle" of both of the random orbit sanders as far as
throw.  Doesn't have the small throw of the ETS 125, but also doesn't have a large throw like the ETS 150/5. 

I was looking at the Rotax 150, but think that I won't get as good as a finish since most of the wood I'll be working with is not rough.  Do I really need Rotax mode?  Also since it's a 5mm stroke, I probably won't get as good of a finish as the ETS 150/3.  Yes...the debate goes on.  I know you really end up with multiple sanders.  I just need one that I can do a good job with now.  I mainly plan on using Baltic Birch Plywood for my next few projects. 
 
I agree with your reasoning and choice of the ETS 150/3.

This also leaves you open to add the RO150 with it's 5mm orbit ( basically 150/5) and also to add an RO90 down the line. *I have all three, and basically think it's the 'TRIFECTA' of Festool sanders.
 
Domino 500 w/ accessories and domino systainer
various clamps for FT, clamping elements
Kapex w/ extension wings and crown stops
RO 150 rotex sander
CMS GE unit
850 planer with angle stop and bench unit
LR32
CXS drill kit
installer kit
Wood peckers 1281 square
Qwas/parf dogs

that list should just about  get ya divorced [big grin]
 
I noticed you have the makita track saw, and the festool parallel guides on your wishlist. Just a reminder, but the parallel guides won't fit the makita rail (due to the extra lip on the makita rail for the anti-tilt feature)
 
Frank-Jan said:
I noticed you have the makita track saw, and the festool parallel guides on your wishlist. Just a reminder, but the parallel guides won't fit the makita rail (due to the extra lip on the makita rail for the anti-tilt feature)
Click to expand...

Thanks for this info!  It took me forever reading forum after forum to double check, but when I bought my Makita track saw, I purchased a 55" LR32 Festool rail.  [big grin]  It was only a little more expensive, but I got a rail that obviously has more functionality. 
 
Aside from the listed festool goodies above, a nice Hand plane or two and possibly also a solid workbench with a vice  comes in very handy although a MFT with the clamps would do most jobs. A good square too and a set of parallel clamps you can always find useful- you can never have too many!
I'm not sold on the large Rotex, stick with a good finishing sander like the ETS 150/3 its a beaut. The small DTS400 is also sweet for getting into smaller projects, likewise the small Rotexd90.
 
Just placed my order with "Uncle Bob" and got the ETS 150/3, OF 1400 Router, and CT26E vac...Pretty excited right now  [big grin]
 
GOT8SPD said:
Just placed my order with "Uncle Bob" and got the ETS 150/3, OF 1400 Router, and CT26E vac...Pretty excited right now  [big grin]
Click to expand...

Good purchase.  Enjoy!
 
Excellent start!

[thumbs up]

And I say 'start' because we've all Been There, Done That. I predict your next purchase will be less than 90 days from now.
 
strongly suggest moving the Domino from a "maybe" to absolutely.  You mentioned working with plywood, the Domino is terrific at building any cabinets etc.  When i got mine, i had added it to the bottom of my Christmas list.  After using it, it became one of my main toolsl. You may want to consider the RO 90. with the delta pad, it is great for getting into corners and other difficult areas.
 
truck90278 said:
strongly suggest moving the Domino from a "maybe" to absolutely.  You mentioned working with plywood, the Domino is terrific at building any cabinets etc.  When i got mine, i had added it to the bottom of my Christmas list.  After using it, it became one of my main toolsl. You may want to consider the RO 90. with the delta pad, it is great for getting into corners and other difficult areas.
Click to expand...

The Domino and Kapex are MAYBEs as far as MAYBE I'll purchase everything at once, but it was too much to swallow at this point. 
I've been trying to drop hints to the girlfriend since our anniversary is a little more than 2 months away.  Got a 2014 Festool Catalog and put a post it note over the Domino 500 Q and left it at her place  [big grin]
 
That's a good idea. My wife and I were at a family reunion were my Aunt was going on and on about the cabinets I used to make and the furniture. This was years before I met my wife and I grew up in a cabinet shop. She said why can't you build us new cabinets?? I just said , baby, it's an entirely different shop set-up. She replies but you build those guitars out of two little tool bags!! I replied if you want cabinets and furniture I need Festools ! BINGO !!!! Long story short it doesnt' matter which you start with you will end up with ALL OF THEM !!! so just pick your task, then add tool, then on to the next Task/Tool !!! before long you will have your jobs done and the tools to tackle the WORLD !!! (insert smiley face with horns here),,,,
 
I have several of the sanders and my "goto" model without a doubt is the RO150 FEQ.  It gets thing so smooth you won't believe it.  It easy to use, makes quick work of "rough" sanding jobs but will also handle more fine projects.  There's a great video on the Festool website demonstrating the Rotex.  It raised quite a few eyebrows around here.  You won't regret it. 
 
Welcome!
I too was in this postion this winter, and learned a lot by reading on F.O.G. (thanks ro all the dedicated folks who take the time to share!). I took the Essentials class before deciding to invest heavily in Festool (prior to the class I had bought the ts55, and the mft).
I have to say that I am happy with 90% of my tools, and the drool effect my Dad demonstrates regularly in itself is worth it, but here's my 2 cents:
I absolutley swear by my Domino 500. It's changed the way I conceive projects, and has been a huge time-saver. It is unique, it's accurate, and it's a joy to use.
One thing I wish I had done is held off on the Kapex (with extensions and stand) and just stuck with my Dewalt compound miter saw/portable stand. I find that the 3.5 times increase in price hard to swallow. Maybe it's just luck of the draw,  but my DeWalt was calibrated perfectly out of the box, and the Kapex, well I find it's still not dead on. And yes, I've worked through suggestions as offered in the supplemental manual, adjusted my lasers, done the square test, talked with folks from whom I bought it. Everytime I use it, I have buyer's remorse. That's my 2 cents!
Enjoy your new tools!
 
Woodbeam said:
Welcome!
I too was in this postion this winter, and learned a lot by reading on F.O.G. (thanks ro all the dedicated folks who take the time to share!). I took the Essentials class before deciding to invest heavily in Festool (prior to the class I had bought the ts55, and the mft).
I have to say that I am happy with 90% of my tools, and the drool effect my Dad demonstrates regularly in itself is worth it, but here's my 2 cents:
I absolutley swear by my Domino 500. It's changed the way I conceive projects, and has been a huge time-saver. It is unique, it's accurate, and it's a joy to use.
One thing I wish I had done is held off on the Kapex (with extensions and stand) and just stuck with my Dewalt compound miter saw/portable stand. I find that the 3.5 times increase in price hard to swallow. Maybe it's just luck of the draw,  but my DeWalt was calibrated perfectly out of the box, and the Kapex, well I find it's still not dead on. And yes, I've worked through suggestions as offered in the supplemental manual, adjusted my lasers, done the square test, talked with folks from whom I bought it. Everytime I use it, I have buyer's remorse. That's my 2 cents!
Enjoy your new tools!
Click to expand...

Thanks for your 2 cents!  Especially on your first post!  [welcome] to the FOG!

Right now, the Kapex is a miter saw that I think is awesome, however, I currently right now only need to make simple 45 degree miter cuts and my cheapy $200 Ridgid saw is perfect for it.  Actually, let me rephrase that.  currently right now, my skills only allow me to cut 45 degree miter cuts.  [big grin]

I think to "finish" things off, I'll want a Rotex 150, Domino 500, Parallel Guides, and LR32 jig. 
 
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