Inherited Dad's stuff.... no idea how to use it.

[Sapper]

So, first post, but we'll see how this goes...

My Dad died during my last deployment to Afghanistan (May 2012). About a year ago, mom said she was going to pitch all Dad's woodworking tools. Not being a complete dummy, I drove over and got everything I could find that seemed worth saving. In that pile was a "Festo AT65," a Festool Router, drill, and the MFT v3 - mom kept the vacuum to do the floors with.

So - fast forward another year. We're closing on a fixer-upper and the wife is asking for several wood related projects. I have used a tablesaw and understand its capabilities and limitations. Unfortunately, the budget is limited - and there is no way I can swing lots of new tools. Today, I thought I might be able to use the Festool stuff for making basic doors \ dish display cabinet \ etc, and started doing research on the Internet. Sounds like folks believe the Festool has no limitation!

Tonight, I cleaned off the MFT and dug around to see if I could find any of the accessories. Sure enough, deep in the pile was the untouched accessory box. So, I've got that all set up including the miter gauge.

More viewing on the Internet about what the MFT can do - and I'm more confused that ever. There are more accessories than I can keep straight - rip guides this, narrow guide that, parallel the other... I'm looking for some basic carpentry and woodworking functionality (that I would normally do on a table saw) - rips of any length and crosscuts.

So regular and angled crosscuts on the MFT I understand - and short \ thin rips on the MFT as well. But for the classic tablesaw cut, the long rip, I assume I'll lay down hard foam insulation and use the long guide - and hope it doesn't move? I can't see that being accurate by any stretch.... My ignorance, but really?

Are there some "must have" accessories I should try to swing by the household accountant?

Thanks -

 

[jbasen]

My condolences on the loss of your Dad.  I'm sure he would be very happy that his tools have gone to you and that you are planning to make use of them.

My first suggestion is to use the Festool web site to get an idea of what the tools you don't understand are and what their purpose is.  If there are older tools you can't find then you can post a picture here.  Everyone here is glad to help

Second, YouTube can be your friend.  There are lots of videos on how to use various pieces of Festool gear.  Festool, in my opinion, is designed for the professional; especially those that take their tools to job sites.  Because of this some of it works in unique ways, the Multi-function table (MFT) with all its attachments vs. a table saw is a good example. A table saw is heavier and tougher to transport. 

Even though it is designed for the professional, it works great for the hobbyist/homeowner too.  I'm in that bucket of people.

There is a debate that will never end on this site of a table saw vs the MFT.  Personally, I find a table saw invaluable and use my Festool track saw for cutting down sheet goods.  Other people totally disagree with me and think the MFT with all the accessories is the way to go.  There isn't a right answer.  It is personal opinion.  I bring this up because you said you are comfortable with a table saw so you may want to buy a decent one so you are proficient and productive.  Then learn more about your Festool gear over time. 

As for your methodology of just laying down a track on top of a piece of plywood on foam, that will work.  Many people do it that way.  The Festool tracks have a non-slip strip on the bottom.  Personally, I always use the Festool clamps to hold the track in place so there is no chance of it slipping.  That is just the way I do it. 

You will find lots of help on the FOG.  Welcome!  [welcome]

One last thing.  You are going to want to replace the vacuum your Mom got.  Festool has a number of choices to fit your budget.  Festool tools excel at dust collection but work best with one of their own vacuums.

 

[ear3]

My condolences, but gla ed you're making good use of the tools, and proving their heirloom quality.

In terms of m u st have accessories, it should really be dictated by the work you end up doing. It's very easy to go down the rabbit hole and spend too much on accessories just in case, only to find that something g else works better for your application.

But a dust extractor is  essential to get the most from the saw. I know a number of people who hook up their saws to plain old shop vacs, so you aren't required to get a Festool version. You won't have the variable suction or automatic start, and will have to spend 9 bucks for a step adaptor, but the functionality is the same.

A good cheap solution for a sawing table which I use myself are a couple of foldable metal saw horses that are topped with a sacrificial piece of scrap ply so I can cut directly on it. That way I don't have to store an extra 4x8 sheet.

Good luck with your projects, and feel free to ask any or all questions you might gave on the FOG. There's no such thing as a dumb question.

 

[Sparktrician]

I'd offer the suggestion that you look into taking the Festool System Essentials class the next time one is offered.  You would do well to register for class announcements, but be aware that classes hold only six students, and they often fill up within minutes of being announced.  If you get the announcement and there's a class you want to attend, jump on a computer immediately and sign up.  These classes are worth every penny you spend on them.  The instructors are top-notch, so you cannot possibly go wrong.  Best wishes for a long and happy relationship with the Green Kool-Aid.  And  [welcome]  to the FOG.

 

[bkharman]

So, first post, but we'll see how this goes...

My Dad died during my last deployment to Afghanistan (May 2012). About a year ago, mom said she was going to pitch all Dad's woodworking tools. Not being a complete dummy, I drove over and got everything I could find that seemed worth saving. In that pile was a "Festo AT65," a Festool Router, drill, and the MFT v3 - mom kept the vacuum to do the floors with.

So - fast forward another year. We're closing on a fixer-upper and the wife is asking for several wood related projects. I have used a tablesaw and understand its capabilities and limitations. Unfortunately, the budget is limited - and there is no way I can swing lots of new tools. Today, I thought I might be able to use the Festool stuff for making basic doors \ dish display cabinet \ etc, and started doing research on the Internet. Sounds like folks believe the Festool has no limitation!

Tonight, I cleaned off the MFT and dug around to see if I could find any of the accessories. Sure enough, deep in the pile was the untouched accessory box. So, I've got that all set up including the miter gauge.

More viewing on the Internet about what the MFT can do - and I'm more confused that ever. There are more accessories than I can keep straight - rip guides this, narrow guide that, parallel the other... I'm looking for some basic carpentry and woodworking functionality (that I would normally do on a table saw) - rips of any length and crosscuts.

So regular and angled crosscuts on the MFT I understand - and short \ thin rips on the MFT as well. But for the classic tablesaw cut, the long rip, I assume I'll lay down hard foam insulation and use the long guide - and hope it doesn't move? I can't see that being accurate by any stretch.... My ignorance, but really?

Are there some "must have" accessories I should try to swing by the household accountant?

Thanks -

Where are you located?  I would be glad to have a chat with you to talk about what you want to do with them. As you have discovered, the system can "get out of hand" easily!!

I will be glad to share tips with you on the tools you have and what you want to do. We all started somewhere and my woodworking started with my dad who was a CB (SeaBee) for 50+ years. He saw Korea, Vietnam, Cuba, Afghanistan and Iraq before he died 5 years ago. I got into woodworking because of him and would be glad to help out a fellow in need.

Just email or PM me if you are interested. You can also keep this thread updated, as there are many, many capable folks on here to help out.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[Billedis]

Thank you for your service, and my condolences for the loss of your father.  This site is going to be your friend.  You will find a lot of answers to your questions here, and some you have not have even thought of.  It is such a wonderful of the very professional to people just starting out.  I look forward to seeing what you are able to accomplish.  Bill

 

[KBJ]

Sorry about your dad.
I inherited some of my dad's tools as well and try to keep them in use from time to time.
The Mft/3 is a remarkably useful tool. With some dogs, a rail and a tracksaw you really can accomplish some very accurate cuts with it.
I still don't ever want to give up my table saw  though! They both excel  at different things with some cross over.  Since you said you're working on a budget, here are some ideas... #1 don't underestimate what your material costs will be on the fixer upper! So you may need to factor your tool buying against that fact.

#2
The Festool Dust extractors (aka vacuums) are awesome! However, you can certainly get by with a rigid vac and a Bosch hose. I've done.  It works fine.  You loose the nice Auto-On feature, it's certainly louder!, you're wrestling cables a bit more, but Throw a dust bag in it and it does a good job of sucking up the dust. 

I'd look into a jobsite table saw. They're not terribly expensive, can be pretty accurate and really are handy. Especially if you get one that you can put a dado stack on in the future.

I'll assume you've already got most of your basic tools so no need to go down that hole.  Someone above said that it's easy to get into the accessory hole. No doubt that's true! It's really easy to want things you may not really need/use.
So really try to get things as you need them for a project.  For your router an edge guide and the rail adapter (I assume you have rail for the MFT) come in really handy.

For the MFT I'd say get a couple Festool clamps, some Qwas dogs (or similar) for it, and browse around here and see all of the inventive ways people are using them. 

Pretty soon you'll want a sander or 4 and you'll slip down the same slippery slope as the rest of us.  I'll warn you now that the Systainers multiply when the "household accountant" isn't looking!

It's good to keep in mind that one of the things that makes Festool such a cool product is it's all such a system. It all really is designed to work together well, and increase accuracy and productivity.  But like anything there are many ways to accomplish stuff, so just focus on getting your projects done and slowly add to the tool collection as you can/want. 

 

[Kev]

[welcome]

As an early warning ... you may find yourself inventing ways to skirt the scrutiny of the household accountant if you develop a passion for quality tools [smile]

I'm an advocate of using the PWCP approach (practice with cheap ply) ... A lot of mistakes can be avoided and tricks can be learnt that way.

Quiz the forum with specific problems and challenges. You'll get great responses to a well defined question here, the FOG community is very supportive.

You'll want accurate measuring and marking tools - there's nothing worse that having something 2mm out because you were using a cheap and nasty tape measure!!

Keep stuff sharp. There's always the compulsion to just finish something despite your chisel being blunt or your saw blade being dull. Try and develop a bit of a philosophy about the state of your tools and the work space and you'll eliminate many of the common variables that WILL impact the quality of your work.

Most importantly though, enjoy it. One of the main reasons I went down the Festool (and quality tools in general) path is so that I could enjoy DIY projects and spend more time on the project and less time cleaning up.

"Must haves" really comes down to the type of projects you're tackling and the specific quirky things you like doing. If one of your "things" is going to be hand cut dovetails you're obviously going to need the right gear for that ... this is where you'll probably have some wiggle room with that household accountant in terms of form and finish v's investment!!

 

[Holmz]

Other than clamps and glue and brushes rags and stain, I am not sure you much.
Probably either some books, local people to talk with, or a class for soaking up stuff and getting ideas.
(I think some one else asked where you were at)

It is not a lot different than a bowling league, hanging out in a bar, or motorcycling in terms of time and money.

 

[Sapper]

I appreciate the responses, help, and sentiments.

I do have a few handtools (chisels, planes, saws) that I can use with some proficiency - but spending $500 on a new vacuum or job site saw is, sadly, a dream. It did strike me this morning that (and please don't ban me for the thought), I could sell the pile of Festool and buy a bandsaw (I do have my own non-Festool chop\circular saws, router, planer, etc).

That said, I'll see if I'm smart\talented enough to do some basic operations on the Festool gear before I panic and run to ebay.

I'll keep digging in the pile, pull out the stuff that looks green, and perhaps post a picture. I didn't know about the clamps for the guide, I can see how that can be handy on a rip cut.

But something I can't wrap my mind around - again, thinking of a table saw - is it possible to take a 2x4 and rip out a 1x1 or 1/2 x 1/2 strip from it? Is it easily repeatable - or reasonably easy? I currently don't have a need for it - just wondering. (I've printed out Jerry Work's MFT guide, but haven't read it yet).

For those who asked, I'm at Fort Gordon (Augusta, GA), but living across the river in Aiken, SC.

I'll try and start a dish rack prototype tonight - standby with bandaids.

[member=18233]jbasen[/member] - My Dad was born and raised in Pocatello; some family is still there. As a kid, I fished the reservoirs with my Grandpa and visited craters and the ice caves. Good memories.

Again, in your collective debt.
- John

 

[leakyroof]

You can keep the tools, or sell them. Your choice.  As for thin or narrow rips, I prefer using my table saw over my track saw since it's so much faster for me to just glide the wood through the table saw against the fence with a push stick or other guide.

Play around with the track saw that you've got, read up on it, and see what you think in a few weeks time.  If nothing else, they are great for breaking down sheet stock , which you then can work just as is since you can get a cut right on your measurements along with a smooth cut using the right blade. Or, rough cuts that you further refine or get to size if you are working that way.
As Sparktrician noted, taking a class with Festool at their HQ really goes a long way to making sense of the system as a whole.  Until I did that in 2012, I was always looking at the Track saws and the MFT's at local dealers and wondering what I was or was not, missing by not owning one.
They are a game changer for many people, esp. when you can cut to your finish size in sheet stock and have a clean cut that doesn't require more work to make it look good or fit better. Add a Vacuum of any type to the Track Saw then gives you a cleaner work space and less mess to clean up afterwards, esp. important if you're working indoors like at a customers house, ....or your own living room... [embarassed]

 

[jbasen]

You can keep the tools, or sell them. Your choice.  As for thin or narrow rips, I prefer using my table saw over my track saw since it's so much faster for me to just glide the wood through the table saw against the fence with a push stick or other guide.

Play around with the track saw that you've got, read up on it, and see what you think in a few weeks time.  If nothing else, they are great for breaking down sheet stock , which you then can work just as is since you can get a cut right on your measurements along with a smooth cut using the right blade. Or, rough cuts that you further refine or get to size if you are working that way.
As Sparktrician noted, taking a class with Festool at their HQ really goes a long way to making sense of the system as a whole.  Until I did that in 2012, I was always looking at the Track saws and the MFT's at local dealers and wondering what I was or was not, missing by not owning one.
They are a game changer for many people, esp. when you can cut to your finish size in sheet stock and have a clean cut that doesn't require more work to make it look good or fit better. Add a Vacuum of any type to the Track Saw then gives you a cleaner work space and less mess to clean up afterwards, esp. important if you're working indoors like at a customers house, ....or your own living room... [embarassed]

I'm glad you have fond memories of Idaho.  It has its quirks but overall it is a great place to live that remains, don't tell anyone, mostly undiscovered.

As someone, like leakyroof, who believes in a table saw, I completely agree with his suggestion of using both a table saw and a track saw.  There is nothing like a track saw when you have to cut down a piece of plywood for a project.  You get a perfect cut every time, you get a nice splinter free edge, it took you a fraction of the time it would have other ways, and it was a whole lot safer than trying to work a 4' x 8' plywood through a table saw.

On the other hand a table saw excels at cutting narrow stock compared to a track saw.

Living 10 miles west of the middle of nowhere I have never had the benefit of attending a Festool class.  I know I would enjoy one and probably learn a lot.  I've personally tried to make up for it by reading and watching some of the many Youtube videos that people have made.

Good luck with the tools.  Give them a chance before you decide to sell them.  Like many people on the FOG you may start drinking the green Kool-Aid and not want anything else.  [big grin]

 

[mike_aa]

[member=58825]Sapper[/member]

When I first got interested in Festool what really helped me was to go to demonstrations at shows or local stores.  The videos and printed materials are really helpful, but you can't beat seeing the tools operate in person by someone who knows how to use them.  Is there a store near you that hosts demos and/or has knowledgeable staff to help?  I'm in Ohio and I know of one next month, but that won't help you in your location.

And, Welcome to the Forum.  People on FOG have always been helpful answering questions!

Mike A.

 

[sancho57]

I got back from AFG Jan 2013. Good on ya brother man.

Anyway, if you need any advice the are plenty here to help you, there are you tube videos and Festool tv. You can do a search of topics here. This site has a lot of info on it.

You can call Festool service for help and you can go to your local dealer who can put you in contact with the local Festool rep who can help you.

There are Festool end users classes that are available to teach you how to use them. Warning on the classes they fill up quick and only take 6-8 students. The classes are held in Las Vegas Nv and Indiana and a guy in North Carolina is authorized to teach classes.
Most brick and mortars have a Festool specialist who can help y as well.

Hope this helps

 

[Sapper]

I think this is the balance of the equipment - some old guides (1400), but looks like a new 1900. The MFT accessories are new as well. No dogs that I could find.

 

[jbasen]

You have some nice gear.  [thumbs up] 

FYI - the clamps with the gray handles in the first picture can slide into the t-track groove on the underside of the guide rail track to clamp it in place so you don't have to worry about a track moving when you are cutting a sheet of plywood.  They will also drop through a hole in the top of the MFT so you can clamp a work piece there. 

 

[Randel]

Sounds like you need to pick up a vacuum or by your mom a new one and snag that one to work with the system.

 

[Kev]

Sounds like you need to pick up a vacuum or by your mom a new one and snag that one to work with the system.

You'r mom won't be using the variable suction, etc and you really need that for your sanding with the ETS.

 

[Staniam]

While the circumstance isn't necessarily positive, it's a bit heartwarming to read this thread. I sat here and read it all before posting and it's good to see that you're wanting to put your father's tools to good use (I'm sure he enjoyed using them) aso I'm sure he is happy about that.

You have some nice stuff there and I like how a couple guys suggested getting your mother a new vacuum haha. But really, you should give that a shot, unless it has syntamental value to her of course. While you can absolutely get by with other vacuums, the whole "Festool System" is simply incredible together.

I would hold onto the track saw because it really is a game changer. Personally I use it to cut at its maximum capacity and it makes 99% of the cuts I need. I don't own a table saw and likely won't for a long time, just don't need it with the Festool Track saw. But that's just me. I hate pulling out the miter saw and won't do it unless I'm cutting something outside of the capacity of the track saw.

I haven't purchased a Festool router yet (yet, yet, yet) as I love my Bosch Colt trim router so can't help you there. The sander you have is really nice, though. Depending on the projects you have, you may want to get a couple different sanding pads if your father hadn't already purchased them.

I don't have the MFT, can't wrap my head around that price for a table, although I'm sure it's worth it.

Just make sure you post questions and be specific, you'll get a ton of help here. Oh, and welcome to the FOG.

 

[canadamike]

Hi John,

Your Dad left you with some fine tools - also some hand tools, which is a good thing!

One suggestion from the other guys - take advantage of any learning that is available to you.

This forum has alot of focus on Festools. They are very helpful with woodworking, but by no means the whole solution if you want learn to work with wood. My suggestion is to think about what you want to get done in the short term, and also if you see yourself carrying on in this craft, or perhaps your plans are to get stuff done around the house.

It can get very expensive, but the process of learning about woodworking can be very rewarding.

If you want to break some large timbers down into useable wood, you'll need a bandsaw. A table saw is not capable of sawing a 6" x 6" rough timber into something useful. Then to prep the wood you will need 2 other tools: a jointer and planer. With those 3 tools you can turn rough wood into something the Festools and your hand tools can work with.

I own alot of Festools, been using them for over 10 years - they have replaced alot of my hand-held power tools. But I still need my big stationery tools (because I can buy wood close to the source) and lots of hand tools (as I enjoy detailed work). So there are lots of options out there.

It really depends on what you want to do!

Cheers and good luck, Mike