Is there a quick but comprehensive overview of all festool tools?

[Rob]

I don't have any Festool tools yet but I'm weighing my options.  Pretty much everyone who is a fan of Festool talks about the interoperability and how you're not just buying the tools, you're buying into the system.  Before I thought that just meant each tool attached to the dust collector system.  I was ignoring the MFT because it just looked like a funny folding table with holes in it.  But it just clicked for me that the MFT seems to be just as much a part of the "system" (if not more so) as the dust collector.

There's a really cool video on Festool's site that shows people clicking and twisting parts on the tools and pressing buttons and switches, but I have no idea what they're doing...it seems more geared toward someone who already knows how to use Festool tools.

I'm having a tough time finding a comprehensive video showing off all the features of the system for tasks that would normally be done with traditional power tools like a table saw, bandsaw, jointer, etc.  It would also be nice to see a contrasting video that quickly demonstrates any shortcomings, if any, the system has compared to more traditional tools, but for now I'd settle for just seeing a nice 3-5 minute overview of how everything interoperates.

For example, it seems like most of the podcasts and reviews I've watched for the TS55 just show people using it like a circular saw with a guide, but it sounds like some people have paired the TS55 with an MFT to create sort of a sliding table saw.

 

[semenza]

Hi Rob,

Welcome to the forum!  [smile]

I don't think there is one comprehensive video that will show all of it.  But there is a ton of stuff here on FOG that will. One thing about "the system" is the quantity of great add on ideas and uses that the members have posted here.

On the MFT. Yes it is designed with a special hardware rail support set that allows it to be used with the TS55 /75 to make repetitive cuts. There is also a myriad of other accessories and inventions by members and after market vendors.

Oh, and be prepared for a fire hose volume of info  from FOG members in response to your question  [eek]

Seth

 

[tbellemare]

The real question is, "What do you want to accomplish?".

I suspect that an elegant solution already exists within the pages of this forum. If not, someone will likely step up with one...

Tom

 

[Stephen B]

[size=11pt]

Welcome to the FOG, you will be amazed at the support you get. Just this afternoon [AEST]  I . . . . . .

Have a look on UTube, just type Festool. There are also Festool channels on Utube.

Whilst there you may want to look at


which, I humbly suggest, provides some overview.  [smile]

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Have you seen this page?

http://www.festoolusa.com/power-tools/

 

[sancho57]

FestoolTV on U tube and here. Lots of photos reviews , how to's here.

 

[Danny]

Being fairly new to using Festool myself, I must say that one of the great resources out there for in-depth information on what a certain tool can do and how to operate it is the Youtube channel of FOG member Paul-Marcel, aka Half-Inch Shy () 

I usually look at his videos on a specific tool before purchasing it, and again once I have purchased to tool to understand all it can do.

That being said, there are other FOG members that have great Youtube channels, but this one is an amazing resource.

Danny

 

[WPeters]

Along these lines...is there a place where all of Rick Christopherson's supplemental manuals can be downloaded?  I know some are on the festool website...but they are mixed in with lots of other documents.  Thanks!

 

[RKA]

Being fairly new to using Festool myself, I must say that one of the great resources out there for in-depth information on what a certain tool can do and how to operate it is the Youtube channel of FOG member Paul-Marcel, aka Half-Inch Shy () 

I usually look at his videos on a specific tool before purchasing it, and again once I have purchased to tool to understand all it can do.

That being said, there are other FOG members that have great Youtube channels, but this one is an amazing resource.

Danny

You sure you'd still feel the same way if he said he didn't like hockey?  [tongue]  That said, I have to agree he's in the top 5, maybe in the top 1 of Festool tool reviewers I like to watch.  He does a great job covering all the features, uses, accessories and even 3rd party accessories or modifications that you may find useful.  His style is easy to watch and his videos have a nice "pace" to them.  Okay, maybe I'll give him #1 if a Marcel-o-gauge shows up at my door!  [smile]

 

[peter halle]

Along these lines...is there a place where all of Rick Christopherson's supplemental manuals can be downloaded?  I know some are on the festool website...but they are mixed in with lots of other documents.  Thanks!

The links to the supplemental manuals is on the tool product page, i.e. if you want the Kapex one go the Kapex page and then scroll down and look to the right.

Otherwise you can go to Rick's website and he has them all on one page.  Rick's Website

Peter

 

[GhostFist]

Here's one...."Expensive"
[big grin]

 

[Stephen B]

Here's one...."Expensive"
[big grin]

[size=10pt]

You can buy one Festool that will last 10 plus years depending on use; or how many cheaper tools in that same time frame?!

 

[PaulMarcel]

Thanks for the nice compliments along the way in this thread, guys... besides the review videos, I have a number of project videos where they get used; sometimes there are tips specific to Festool in those.

Some of the contest entries for the latest video contest are likely better sources for "why is the 'system' works well" since they are more testimonial overview than how to use a Domino's reference surfaces.