Must Have Festools

[Brillo]

I'm new to the Forum so apologies to everybody if I accidentally break any rules or conventions.

Thanks to a the convergence of a series of happy circumstances I am about to purchase a range of new equipment, I have used some Festool kit from time to time and am convinced of its complete value and quality.

My question to all of you much more experienced users is pretty simple. With a budget of around £5000 ($7100) what would be your first choice combination.

I intend to be working on a wide range of projects from garden buildings to cabinets and furniture, but not to much refurbishment work.

Any suggestions and advice would really be appreciated

 

[demographic]

TS 55 plungesaw, track and an extractor.

 

[jdm5]

Without more details, I'd throw out one of the track saws, domino (500, 700, or both!), a dust extractor, and sander (really depends on the work you're doing).

 

[jbasen]

This really depends on the type of work you are planning on doing and what tools you already have.  The track saw with a dust extractor is a good start.  Make sure you get "holey" rails so that if you decide to get the LR32 system in the future you already have the rails. 

I would also suggest getting a Domino Joiner.  That is a tool that is truly unique to Festool and far superior to a biscuit joiner.

My $.02

 

[ear3]

Good advice to let the work guide the purchases, and not feeling obligated to blow the whole wad at once -- especially since some festools have  a hidden premium in terms of accessories that enable you to derive full functionality of the tool (both OEM and aftermarket), like the edging plate for the 1010, or the domiplate for the domino.

I think a basic list would be a track saw (you will have to decide whether you want more depth and power of the 75, or the  cordless capacity of the tsc55), dust extractor (remember there is no power difference between the 26, 36 and 48, merely bag capacity), domino (df500 will do for most projects, but if you plan on making doors or heavy furniture you might consider the df700 - also, the new kd domino connectors, which only work with the 700, perhaps change the calculus depending upon your project plans though see the jigs and enhancements subforum for info on soon to be released connectors for df500), large sander (either ets-ec 150/5 or ro150), edge/corner sander (rts400, dts400, or ro90), and then a router (they all have their virtues, so it depends on what your project list looks like). I would also throw a 3000mm rail into the must have column if you do a lot of sheet work or plan on jointing long boards.

Good luck. It's really exciting to have options.

 

[mike_aa]

In my case, the sanders and dust extraction are what got me started, but like others have said, you should look at your needs so you can match them to the tools you purchase.  Certainly, the TS55, MFT/3 and a dust extractor are high on the list.  Also see if you can go to some tool demos or at least to a dealer where you can handle the tools and get advice.

What a great "problem" to have!  [welcome]  to the FOG!!

Mike A.

 

[Brillo]

Thanks for the replies.

The first three projects planed are

Garden Room 3mt x 4mt Frame construction, marine ply cladding and cedar facing.

New kitchen cabinets for a small area, generally non standard height but standard width and depth

6 Oak framed internal glass doors

I have got some good quotes based on this being a good sized tool purchase the list I asked for quotes on is
Dust Extractor CTM36 E AC Planex 240 v
Cordless Plunge Saw TSC 55LI5,2 REB-Plus/XL-FS GB
Router OF2200 EBPlus GB240V
Domino DF 500 Q-Set GB 240 V Domino With Systainer Assortment DS 4/5/6/8/10
Kapex KS 120 UG-Set GB
Sander RO 150 FEQ-Pus GB
Multifunction Table MFT/3 Conturo
Multifunction Table MFT/3

I'm not to sure about exactly which router or domino to choose and I don't know if the 2 MFT's are a good choice or weather it might be a better idea to go for some other accessories.

Thanks to anybody who replied it is very useful to get opinions

 

[ear3]

Why the ct36ac? Do you plan on adding a plane in the future?

 

[RossJarvis]

I'd go for the HKC 55 cordless saw with FSK rail plus some of the FS rails. I haven't got this but use a Mafell KSS cross-cut saw on Bosch rails.  I'd go for cordless (my Mafell is corded) as cords on a circular saw ARE A RIGHT PAIN IN THE ****.  This combination really is a do-nearly-everything tool and makes a table saw and compound mitre saw virtually redundant.

My Mafell is closer to the HK85 and very useful, coping with bigger jobs but by God you really need strong arms and bullet proof elbows for something that size.  (I really wish Festool had brought out the HK85 a year ago, I would only have spent stupid money then and not barking mad money, plus I'd have got a box to put it in :'()

 

[Acrobat]

If you're thinking of working with heavier -thicker timber, consider instead the TS75 rather than the 55. Gives you more overall capacity and power. Possibly the CMS table with saw insert, again if you get the 75 saw get the module for that if possible, gives you a decent size depth in the CMS table.
Unless you're after all the bells and whistles get the OF1400 not the 2200, as it is quite capable and handles most jobs with aplomb, cheaper too.
Any of the Festool sanders with a good selection of abrasives.
Domino for furniture making.
Vac 26-33 size.
Kapex with at least one wing extension if possible.- very handy.
MFT table with clamp set.
Long rail say 3000mm if $$ allow.

 

[mkasdin]

Thanks for the replies.

The first three projects planed are

Garden Room 3mt x 4mt Frame construction, marine ply cladding and cedar facing.

New kitchen cabinets for a small area, generally non standard height but standard width and depth

6 Oak framed internal glass doors

I have got some good quotes based on this being a good sized tool purchase the list I asked for quotes on is
Dust Extractor CTM36 E AC Planex 240 v
Cordless Plunge Saw TSC 55LI5,2 REB-Plus/XL-FS GB
Router OF2200 EBPlus GB240V
Domino DF 500 Q-Set GB 240 V Domino With Systainer Assortment DS 4/5/6/8/10
Kapex KS 120 UG-Set GB
Sander RO 150 FEQ-Pus GB
Multifunction Table MFT/3 Conturo
Multifunction Table MFT/3

I'm not to sure about exactly which router or domino to choose and I don't know if the 2 MFT's are a good choice or weather it might be a better idea to go for some other accessories.

Thanks to anybody who replied it is very useful to get opinions

From the above posts I think it's fairly well covered. Have you thought about not spending all the money at once? I would split your $7,000 budget in half initially? Then after you do 1-2 projects I would then figure out where your gaps are. And fill in as necessary. My tool collection has evolved over decades and I purchase a tool as needed. I'm in the process of making my first Festool purchase for doing finish (cabinet) work. I like having some beater battery power tools for beating up daily with impunity. I find the red (Milwaukee) and yellow (dewalt) good for the task and they are basically disposable at that price.

The MVPs in the festool line up are MFT/3, track saw, domino and dust extractors . Followed by the sanders and the whole systainer concept. I haven't used the Kapex, but it looks nice. As other members have said (the Initial purchase MFT/3, corded track saw 55, router 1010 or 1400, CT-26, swap out the track for the 55 for the holy rail and then get a second 55 rail to get 110 for ripping sheet goods. I would also get a drill to your liking and if your doing a "She Shed" or "man cave" then you might want to spend some $ on (upgrading) hand tools?

Ct -26 vacuum (Leave out the larger 36 AC - it gets heavy once filled, so half filled and toss?)

Forget the Planex unless you're a contractor or a serious DIYer that's skim coating entire house floor-to-ceiling. if it's a one time job then it's a toss up?

Definitely an MFT for a table and some qwas dogs or parf and there's a few more just can't recall at present.

Domino 500 for sheet goods.

Router I don't think I would splurge on a 2200 it's massive.

Ets-ec 150/5 - I like the feel of the 150, it's quick and clean. I tried the 125/3 sander which is fine, but the 6" pad covers more real estate. Your choice of course, but if you do get an RO-150 then it's nice to be able to share sandpaper!

RO - 150 - not sure what you need that bad boy for? I wouldn't think from the above projects you would need it?

Conturo- it's slick if your edge banding sheet goods a few times a week on a regular basis. So skip that altogether. An iron works fine.

Dewalt thickness planer is nice? Then again a lot of lumber yards can mill the stock for you , so skip that one.

An electric hand planer is nice, but I don't use them daily.

I would skip the Kapex. It's nice, but it's pricey. Unless your making your living doing finish work, where it's saving you 1-2 hours daily, I would skip it. Get yourself an off-the-shelf miter saw for $200 - $500 and use the extra $1000 for another future (domino XL?) purchase. Ditch the stock blade and get a decent blade like Freud and the saw will cut cleaner without bogging down on (compound) miters. If the time comes, you can sell the non-festool on Craigslist and upgrade to a Kapex. Then you will appreciate the quality of the cuts and adjustment.

Good luck. Watch your fingers and when you get tired stop using the power tools (saws and blades). Get some ear protection, 3M dust masks and eye protection. You can save money on Amazon for the safety protection over the box-stores

 

[Holmz]

Thanks for the replies.

The first three projects planed are

Garden Room 3mt x 4mt Frame construction, marine ply cladding and cedar facing.

New kitchen cabinets for a small area, generally non standard height but standard width and depth

6 Oak framed internal glass doors

I have got some good quotes based on this being a good sized tool purchase the list I asked for quotes on is
Dust Extractor CTM36 E AC Planex 240 v
Cordless Plunge Saw TSC 55LI5,2 REB-Plus/XL-FS GB
Router OF2200 EBPlus GB240V
Domino DF 500 Q-Set GB 240 V Domino With Systainer Assortment DS 4/5/6/8/10
Kapex KS 120 UG-Set GB
Sander RO 150 FEQ-Pus GB
Multifunction Table MFT/3 Conturo
Multifunction Table MFT/3

I'm not to sure about exactly which router or domino to choose and I don't know if the 2 MFT's are a good choice or weather it might be a better idea to go for some other accessories.

Thanks to anybody who replied it is very useful to get opinions

If it was me...
- I would get a mini, midi or CT26, with no 'AC'.
- I would not consider a cordless plungesaw unless there is a compelling reason, as the corded ones work well.
- For sheet goods a plunge saw work well, however for thinner parts like door stiles, a plunge saw does not do as well as a table saw or contractors saw. Either get the wood machined, or consider a different saw, or you need a long rail, or different rails.
- I would get a ETS EC 150/5 rather than the RO.
- I would get a router table, and then probably a triton would be fine. The 1400 is good too (vs 2200), but no router freehand would be much fun on door profiles.
- For sheet goods (cabinets) the ideal is a Zeta-P2.
- Either domino... the DF500 would work fine for the doors.
- I would not consider more than 1 MFT, and then only for cross Cuts with a track saw. For glueing the doors and cabinets they are generally too small.
- I would consider an alternative to the Kapex unless you are doing those cuts a lot. By the time you get a Kapex and and a stand, you could probably have an Erika-70. the 70 and 85 also has a router table leaf. The FT version is a Presario.
- set aside a few hundred GBP for clamps.

 

[Bohdan]

Get 2 MFTs - one with all the cutting hardware and one basic and add the Sys-MFT fixing set. This will give you an assortment of clamps and stops, add the table connectors and you have an extremely flexible and versatile workbench. The crossbraces are only necessary if you plan to do any hand planing.

Some Parf dogs and long rails are really useful accessories. Consider the possibility of a holey rail for use with the LR32 system.

The cordless plunge saw for panel work is not much better that a corded one because you still have a hose to worry about and for framing work the HKC 55 cordless with its bag is the better option.

The CTM36 AC is overkill unless you are sanding plaster with a planex all day. A better option would be the CTM26 or CTM36 or even a CTL26/36 HEPA if you are only working at home.

The kapex is handy for trim work but a cheap dropsaw will replace that and leave you with enough money for something useful as all your wide cross cutting can be done on the MFT.

The OF2200 is a brilliant router that can do almost anything but its a heavy bitch as a trimmer and won't fit the LR32 bits whereas the smaller 1010 or 1400 will do almost all that the 2200 does but maybe slower and with less muscle required.

The domino is a game changer and the DF500 sounds like the size that will suit you best, a bit light for your doors but if you use multiple dominos its more the strong enough and the smaller sized dominos will really suit the kitchen build.

The RO150 is the most versatile of the sanders and great if you are working with solid timber but if you are planning to use veneer exclusively then maybe the new ETC EC 150/3 is a better choice (actually the two sanders complement each other very well).

 

[Brillo]

Once again many thanks to everybody for their suggestions and Knowledge. I will defiantly be modifying my initial order as a result of the replies. I appreciate that I am in a lucky position being able to "splurge" a bit on my spend. I thought about cutting the initial order value but it's the value of the order that's getting me a very good deal so that's a bit swings and roundabouts, in any case I suspect that this won't be my only purchase, from what I have seen and read Festool appears to be the equivalent of Crack  cocaine for carpenters !

I'm definitely going to reduce the vac option, the point about capacity v weight is a good one. I think I will also go for the lighter router and the Domino 500 at this stage I like the idea of a bit more manoeuvrability. And I will spend a bit more on various accessories as suggested by a few people.

I'd like to post an updated list in a couple of days and throw myself on the mercy of the forum members patience for further comments, you can never have enough advice or information from experienced users

Thanks

 

[ear3]

Let me just speak up for the 2200.  Is it expensive?  Yes.  Worth the price?  I really can't say -- I'm not sure I would have gotten the router if I didn't get an amazing deal on a second hand but barely used one together with the accessory kit that was less than retail price of the router alone.  But boy I'm glad I did.  Despite its size, it handles incredibly well.  Since I picked up the router around 6 months ago, I've only used my OF1400 a couple of times, and might even sell it in the future.

I think ideally most decent shops should have more than one router: at minimum, one for the heavy duty hand held work, one for trimming, narrow and light duty work, and one that lives in a router table.  Since you seem like someone who will probably get multiple routers, you might consider which combination of routers will cover more bases.  So for me the ideal combo is the 2200 and 1010 (I know some would argue for the 2200 + the MFK700 -- I can't currently comment on that particular configuration, though I might change my mind too after this weekend ).  Don't get me wrong, the 1400 is an amazing router, and if you were only going to get one router, this might very well be the one to go with.  But if you do plan on adding additional routers, the 2200 will allow you to cover the entire heavy end of the spectrum, and will even allow you to do certain hand held maneuvers that one would normally reserve for the router table.  And if you ever add the CMS, the 2200 gives you table mounted routing equaling the power of the 3.25 Porter Cable motors or the Triton one would normally have hooked into a table.   

 

[Bohdan]

So for me the ideal combo is the 2200 and 1010

My personal choice also with the 2200 in the CMS most of the time.

 

[sancho57]

Thanks for the replies.

The first three projects planed are

Garden Room 3mt x 4mt Frame construction, marine ply cladding and cedar facing.

New kitchen cabinets for a small area, generally non standard height but standard width and depth

6 Oak framed internal glass doors

I have got some good quotes based on this being a good sized tool purchase the list I asked for quotes on is
Dust Extractor CTM36 E AC Planex 240 v
Cordless Plunge Saw TSC 55LI5,2 REB-Plus/XL-FS GB
Router OF2200 EBPlus GB240V
Domino DF 500 Q-Set GB 240 V Domino With Systainer Assortment DS 4/5/6/8/10
Kapex KS 120 UG-Set GB
Sander RO 150 FEQ-Pus GB
Multifunction Table MFT/3 Conturo
Multifunction Table MFT/3

I'm not to sure about exactly which router or domino to choose and I don't know if the 2 MFT's are a good choice or weather it might be a better idea to go for some other accessories.

Thanks to anybody who replied it is very useful to get opinions

Sounds Like a good start for what your projects are. But I would also get some clamps and clamping elements.

Now your choice of routers. Do you plan on making raised panel doors or buying them?
If you are buying them then I would consider going with the 1010. If not consider getting a CMS and another 1400 rail and rail connector to rip sheet good.
A reg TS 55 w/ a CT 26 will do you just fine

 

[bobfog]

I guess "must have" depends on your trade and how often a particular tool will be used.

For me personally, I think Festool are overpriced and dining out on an outdated reputation of superior quality, but truth be told a lot of the other manufacturers have caught up. Therefore the only true must have tools for me are the ones that I have to pay the Festool premium for because other manufacturers don't offer a cheaper, but equivalent (sometimes even better) quality alternative.

So for me that means only the:

Domino 500
Domino 700
Rotex 90

The MFT/3 might enter the above category too as I'm doing a lot of cabinet building onsite with sheet goods in the near future.

And if my work is slightly different in the future I could see the OF2200 (For its unmatched dust collection capabilities for such a large router) making the list.

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Brillo

Your woodwork is not so different from mine. Bearing in mind the Festool "System" approach the top of the list is actually more than one tool. So...

My top of the list is the Kapex 120, Domino DF 500, CTL 26 and TS 55 with rails (or now TS 55R).

Once that is done you really do need a pair of routers and that is a personal choice (hence my "Which Festool Router" video.

I could not manage without the CMS-TS and it is worth every single penny to end up with a sweetly accurate, easy to move or store system. If you then add the extra for the CMS-OF then you are nearly at the core system.

You must also have some sanding capability. I love my Rotex sanders and for overall general use for a starter then consider the RO90. If you do need to do a lot of hard sanding then go for the RO150. My "go to" sander is now the ETS EC 150/3 which seems to do almost everything I need.

Forget the planers - better to get a combination planer/thicknesser or some nice Veritas hand planes (low angle Jack is fabulous).

Peter