Home made Sysports

[Gary Nichols]

If it's a metric folding rule you seek, check this one out:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t..._shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A36CEOPQW1INDJ&v=glance

First metric fiberglass folding rule I've seen and I'll be ordering a couple today. Note that it says: "Wiha Tools are precision made in Germany and are the recommended service tools of Mercedes Benz & BMW. ALL Wiha products carry a LIFETIME Warranty."

I've used fiberglas rules in the plumbing trade for quite a few years, and prefer them over the wooden ones. Unlike wooden rules, they're impervious to water, which is important to plumbers, are nearly indestructible, the markings are readable longer because they're stamped in, not just painted on, you can even mark on them with pencil, then clean it off later. But most importantly, the hinge system stays snug for a long time, so they measure true longer. I've never had an Inch/Metric folding rule, and from the photo, I can only assume that this one reads inches as "Outside Read", and the metric measure is "Inside Read".

I've always ordered the Ridgid brand from our local Ace Hardware, and they're stamped "Swiss Made". I've also seen the same "Swiss Made" ruler under both the Klein & General brands, and once, even under the Craftsman name. This is the first and only one I've seen offering a metric or inch/metric version. General offers a model with sliding extension, Craftsman used to as well, but in inches only.

Gary Nichols

 

[markcoutinho]

The green I've used is custom-made paint. I guess any paint-selling shop can make a Festool-like colour on demand.

Good luck!

 

[Texastutt]

Does anyone take these things to job sites? they all look shop based.

 

[semenza]

Hi,

      No reason they could not be built with large wheels (like hand truck type) to be rolled into a trailer with ramp. Or just built into a vehicle. I am pretty sure some others on this forum have done one or both.

Seth

 

[markcoutinho]

I don't go on site, so no need for me to put wheels under them - especially since my floor is as bumpy as Pamela Anderson's body.
But it would be no problemo to put some under them - will cost you some dollars more, though.

 

[rjfarel]

The green I've used is custom-made paint. I guess any paint-selling shop can make a Festool-like colour on demand.

It looks to me like Festool green is the same as Seahawks green, which means that Home Depot should have the exact color in its Team Colors paint line.

 

[TahoeTwoBears]

Does this mean that we all have to become Seahawks fans?      ;D

I just checked online and can't find it. Is this an in-store only item?

Mike

 

[Lancashire Fusilier]

It would be lovely if I knew what a Seahawk was of course  ??? I took a catch from the systainer into my hardware store here in Aus and they made me a litre of my very own Festool Green. Very easy and spot on.

They have a machine that they put the catch under and it does some spectrum analysis and tells them what to mix to make that colour. Very clever stuff I reckon.

 

[Eli]

It would be lovely if I knew what a Seahawk was of course  ???

Seattle, Washington gridiron football team.

I took a catch from the systainer into my hardware store here in Aus and they made me a litre of my very own Festool Green. Very easy and spot on.

They have a machine that they put the catch under and it does some spectrum analysis and tells them what to mix to make that colour. Very clever stuff I reckon.

That's the smart way to do it. You can do that at HD as well.

 

[markcoutinho]

It would be lovely if I knew what a Seahawk was of course  ??? I took a catch from the systainer into my hardware store here in Aus and they made me a litre of my very own Festool Green. Very easy and spot on.

They have a machine that they put the catch under and it does some spectrum analysis and tells them what to mix to make that colour. Very clever stuff I reckon.

That's how they do it here in Holland too.

 

[ericbuggeln]

Just in case anyone was wondering, the paint at the Depot is as bad as there plywood.  I initially started a painting company and transformed it into a remodeling company, but still go to paint pro shows that my local Benjamin Moore store hosts.  First off, any reputable store can match color especially shiny green plastic.  You would want to use a semi-gloss paint over quality primer.  I would recommend for shop furniture- Benjamin Moores Aqua-glo semi-gloss or Benjamin Moores Super Spec semi-gloss which is marketed as "commercial grade" and is cheaper but still what most homes trim is painted in by builders.  For primers Benjamin Moores Fresh Start is excellent, but I primarily use Zinssers Bullseye 1-2-3.  It is a solvent based primer and is very strong.  Paint flows over it like butter.  I just thought I would throw my two cents in b/c if you own and use Festool tools you owe it to yourself to not be using the worst paint on the market for anything.  You get what you pay for.
I just picked up a cube van that I am building stationary sysports for.  Nothing original, just copying all of the wonderful designs here and fitting it to stationary cabinetry.  I will post pics during and after asap. 

 

[ericbuggeln]

In my experience you can kind of get away with not priming ply if it will not be exposed to outdoor elements.  Multiple coats will do nothing if the base/primer coat isn't satisfactory.  You always want a surface that is "scuffed up" with sandpaper so that there is no smooth surfaces.  I usually use 100-150 grit depending on surface.  If the sysport will be stored in garage, you may see problems.  If you paint trim on the exterior of a  house without primer for instance, then you would definately see peeling.  Also you will be able to scrape the paint off accidentally when bumping into it.  All paint will take approximately two weeks to "cure" to the surface before it is scratch proof.  In Matt's case with any sprayer if used properly you would want thin coats in succession to build up to desired finish.  A brush applies much more paint per coat then a sprayer and a roller applies paint at a very exact/unifrom rate.  I only use sprayer if it's going to save me time and with cleanup that might not be the best situation for something small like sysports. IMO. 
For anyone reading this post who will be using brush, spray, or roller with latex paint, you owe it to yourself to buy FLOOD FLOETROL, which you can get at many local paint stores and even some Depots.  This is an additive that will allow the paint to not show streaks when brushed on, flow easier out of spray gun, and roll very easily.  It retards the drying process which allows you to get back to the dry edge later then normal.  This is crucial even if you are an everyday painter, but if you don't paint all the time, then it is a must b/c you will undoubtedly be slower.  Floetrol makes paint flow like butter, just follow directions and steal your wifes measuring cups if confused. 

 

[Dan Clermont]

Nice job on the SYSPORT's!!!

I own one of the SYSPORT 1000's and really like it. I won't be able to buy  another one anytime in the near future so I'll probably build one like yours although I'll probably "hide" everything with full height drawer faces and a locking mechanism to "slow down" a thief.

I am also thinking about a roll around cart with my MFT on top at an optimal height for my 6'2" frame.  I don't know what the optimal height would be and can't complain about the current height of the MFT

Dan Clermont

 

[Brice Burrell]

I'm going to make this one as part of LR32 users guide, its the same height as the MFT so it can be an extension.

 

[Steven in Iowa]

I'm going to make this one as part of LR32 users guide, its the same height as the MFT so it can be an extension.

It's about time you're ready to write another installment.  I'm getting cabin fever here in Iowa with the worst Winter we've had in about 7 years.  Your writing ability is on par with your craftsmanship, excellent.

 

[Steveo48]

Swwweeeeeeet! ;D

I love this sort of thing, custom made to fit your personal needs and easily changed.  I have to chuckle though, kinda flies in the face of the ol'  festool snap em together mantra.

I like it Brice, it looks like two of my cabinets at home.

Steve

 

[bruegf]

Brice,

It would be really neat if it was sized so that you could put the MFT (w/ legs folded) on top of it to get a bit higher MFT work surface when you don't need the extra area, and have the height set so that its the same as the MFT when set besided it as an extensioin.

Fred

 

[Frank Pellow]

There are some great ideas in this thread.  Now that I have the CT Hose Garage and more than one Festool tool I've realized that storing the tools on top of the vac isn't the best solution for my shop so I need to build something like this.  What are you all using for the green parts?  I see some green tape in one of the picutres, but are you all painting or using some kind of tape?  Does someone sell a matching green or is it being custom mixed?

I purchased custom mixed gloss oil based paint.  The match is very good!

 

[Frank Pellow]

Does anyone take these things to job sites? they all look shop based.

I have used this dolly:

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to take both my home made sysport and the sysport I purchased from Festool:

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to remote job sites with rough terain.  And, this has included transporting them in a small boat.

It worked, but was not ideal.  There is a good chance that I am going to make something to purpose fit on the dolly and the thing that I make will carry systainers (among other things).

 

[Brice Burrell]

Brice,

It would be really neat if it was sized so that you could put the MFT (w/ legs folded) on top of it to get a bit higher MFT work surface when you don't need the extra area, and have the height set so that its the same as the MFT when set besided it as an extensioin.

Fred

Fred, that's a good idea.