How long has it taken you

[Shane Holland]

After I’ve made a jillion of posts [member=48572]Shane Holland[/member] horse collared me when I made an incorrect assumption about some brushless sanders. Hey, we all learned from that.

[member=44099]Cheese[/member] sorry if it felt that way. When I saw your post I scramble to triple check myself.  [embarassed] I've been wrong plenty of times myself. 

We're all here just to share and learn from one another. I've learned so much from the members of the forum over the years. This place is a unique and amazing resource.

 

[Cheese]

Shane...just using some drama during this Coronavirus thing to change the subject matter and add a little levity to the conversation.  [smile]

If I had an issue...you’d be the first to know.  [poke]

Seriously, if I’m remiss in any of my answers, I need to be notified of such and being an engineer, my only need is for the truth and factual statements. All else in my world is just chaff for the horses.

 

[RKA]

[member=72021]Thompmd[/member]
Just ask the questions.  Festool doesn’t do the best job explaining every option and accessory or helping navigate the exhaustive combination of tools.  But the people on this forum can give you some great perspectives and many draw from well over a decade of experience with the brand.  And finally you can contact many retailers that post on this site.  Shane in particular has a long history with the brand and is a terrific resource. 

 

[Df1k1]

I started woodworking in my early 40s and I'm now mid 70s. I bought DeWalt routers, Unisaw table saw, Sears Craftsman hand tools, Sears drills, etc. OK stuff.

I started a major upgrade to my shop about 10 years ago. I attended a Festool show at Highland Woodworking and bought a Domino 500 plus kit, Midi vac, CXS drill, TSX55, and two MFTs. That was the start. A SawStop Industrial saw replaced the Unisaw, a big Powermatics jointer replaced the 6" Delta, a big Powermatic planer replaced the DeWalt table top unit, a Delta 18" bandsaw, and a Kapex joined the crowd. Later, additional Festool routers, drills, sanders, vacs, Domino 700, et al showed up in their gray boxes. There are drawers full of really nice super sharp chisels and shelves full of Lie Nielson planes.There are others but that's a good start.

I'm retired and my shop keeps me busy. I do some commission work and some as a charity to poor young friends.

Most of my replaced tools have gone to young woodworkers who cannot yet afford Festool. I get a great deal of pleasure giving tools away and teaching people how to use them.

Nice. Way to give back.

 

[Df1k1]

I started with the  MFT and TS 55.  The MFT and I have had a love/hate relationship due to coming out of square (which I’ve finally resolved with the help of the FOG) and never looked back. Like others I’ve slowly given up on some tools and replaced them with Festool because..they just work. And work together. I now have multiple sanders, routers, Domino etc.
But I still believe every tool by most manufacturers deserve a look. For example, I love my 15 year old Dewalt miter saw and have zero need/want for a Kapex. I’m sure it’s a great saw but I don’t feel the need to replace my Dewalt.

 

[pettyconstruction]

End user training classes?? Tell me more.

Nice to read the variety of stories .

I feel bad asking a lot of questions about what I’m sure lots of you consider basic. I’m researching as well but I like practical stories better and the reasons for them.

I’m looking right now at adding the Bluetooth to the CT36 and I’m not sure if I can use the existing hose and which set of floor nozzles/options are best.

Got to use my df500/tenons for the first time today, neat tool.

Thanks for responding with your stories and helping me along

Definitely get the Bluetooth for the vac, real handy .

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Birdhunter]

I have all the woodworking tools I can imagine ever needing (perhaps more).

I am becoming fascinated by metal working and even started scouting small milling machines. But, have not found anything that fits my space yet.

 

[Sparktrician]

I first became aware of Festool goodies in '03 when I was the production manager for a local franchise of a national closet company.  I got the area rep to come in and demo the products to the franchise owner and one of the senior techs.  We ultimately chose to NOT purchase Festool products for the installers for one simple reason - the installers didn't have the idea in mind to take care of their tools.  Many of them just tossed their tools into the vans and let them bounce around from jobsite to jobsite, losing several of them due to carelessness or a need to have them at home.  It wasn't until '09 that I began acquiring Festool goodies for my own small business.  Right now I have the right combination for the jobs that come in.  That doesn't mean that there aren't other Festool goodies that I wouldn't mind having in the shop, but I can't justify them with a sound business need.