New Festool initiate

[mntbighker]

Last night I bought the following...

HL850E about a year old used only once (seller words)
OF2000 also used just once.

Both included extra stuff like a bench unit and angle stop for the HL850 and guide stop for the OF2000. I have yet to look closely at new ones but neither has the modular power cord that some new Festools seem to have (Q designation maybe?). They both appear to be AS NEW condition although a couple of small parts are missing that I am working on ordering. The works were bought for $600. I think I made a reasonable deal but not a steal. I hope to acquire a TS55, CT22, RO150 and MFT1080 next. Hopefully between now and next summer when I plan some home improvements including cabinet refacing and such. I will be watching the ads and letting my budget recover.

Oh, one question... the planer has a rough bottom surface (like sandblasted) which I find odd. Can someone tell me why? My Makita planer had a machined surface.

--Mark

 

[woodshopdemos]

Oh, one question... the planer has a rough bottom surface (like sandblasted) which I find odd. Can someone tell me why? My Makita planer had a machined surface.

--Mark

Mark,
  That is a machined surface that actually helps the plane stay on track and not skiddle off.

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Last night I bought the following...

HL850E about a year old used only once (seller words)
OF2000 also used just once.

Welcome to Festool, and to our forum!  Feel free to post photos of your new tools in action, and give us some details on what you build.  Of course, feel free to ask questions about anything at all.

Oh, one question... the planer has a rough bottom surface (like sandblasted) which I find odd. Can someone tell me why? My Makita planer had a machined surface.

When I first got the planer, I found this surface a little odd as well.  I have the HL 850 mounted in the "jointer" fixture, and the ribbed surface made it a bit difficult to push stock over the planer.  It wasn't terrible, but I wanted to make things smoother.

So I did something really simple to fix it -- I rubbed on some paste wax, just as I would on a cast-iron surface.  The ribs still cause a bit of resistance, but much reduced.  Other people may have other suggestions (or they may inform me that my wax solution was a bad idea)!

By the way, I'm going to move this discussion to the "main" area, as it deserves greater visibility!

Again, welcome.

Matthew