Is Festool tools worth the extra money

[Dove_Tail]

In my experience, Festool tools are generally worth the extra price.  The fit & finish, ease and accuracy of adjustment and dependability make their tools superior.  They allow me to produce better results than I can get with other tools.  And the system allows for efficiency and productivity.

However, I haven't completely drank the Kool Aid.  I bought the parallel edge guide and sold it.  I use the new TSO Products version instead.  The angle guide is terrible - I sold it.  Read the forums and you will see that most everyone agrees.  I don't use Festool's drills or jigsaw.  I tried a drill once and returned it - I just didn't get the attraction.

I think the original Toyota vs. Mercedes is a fair comparison.  I own new models of both.  The Toyota is great.  The Mercedes costs twice as much and is twice the car as the Toyota.  More quiet, comfortable, better ride, great engine, etc.  Every time you click a button you can feel how much better it is.  Even though I don't expect the Mercedes to be as reliable, it's better in every other way.

If you have the cash for Festool, I say buy it and you'll be happy.

 

[zapdafish]

Every tool I got has been worth it. I started with the TS55 and CT22 combo because it was the only thing like it at the time. I was starting out and breaking down plywood was a scary task for me to do on the tablesaw. Shortly afterwards a RO150 joined the family and that was a game changer. Eventually I picked up a domino which was another game changer. As I used my tools and became familiar with how the system works I added a piece here or there. Most recent was the mft/3 which was another game changer,  [tongue] Some were eventually added just because they stacked with what I already had like a drill and the rs2, lol

 

[demographic]

Please don't use Toyota and Mercedes as examples.
In my opinion Toyotas are generally more reliable that Mercedes so if you have to use them as examples at least get them the right way round.

 

[capww8]

I’m really liking this cool-aid.

Made the mistake of looking at my history on toolnut and fedtoolproducts.com... won’t be doing that again ;-)

 

[hemlock]

Yes [big grin]

 

[JimD]

My one Festool power tool is a Domino 700.  I am very happy with my DeWalt track saw, Bosch DEVS1250 sander (although I worry some about dust collection versus Rotex), Bosch jigsaw, Fein oscillating saw (with Festool plunge base), etc..  I even like my Bosch, Milwaukee and even Ryobi cordless drills just fine (my Bosch with the click on and off attachments is a favorite). 

I think Festools make sense to people who do work at a lot of different sites because of the easy mobility of the Systainer system.  But I almost always work in my shop or around the house so the Systainer for my domino is stored, not used.  It took up too much space.  For me I think the Festool vacuums would be the biggest waste.  My Rigid vac with after market auto on switch and cyclone works great.  But if I transported my tools on top, Festool could make more sense. 

Another way Festool could make more sense if you do this for a living is because you know if you buy a Festool you are getting a pretty good to great tool.  You won't have to replace it because it doesn't work well.  I have time to shop around and read reviews.  But if you don't Festool makes more sense. 

I'm not saying that if you buy exclusively Festool you have wasted money but I will say that I am confident the quality of my work does not suffer in comparison due to use of my other tools.  But I like my domino (except for the mm markings/settings).