New festool owner, I'm hooked

[mstack]

I received my first festool tools 2 weeks ago and finally used my ct36, ets150/3, and domino 500. Now I understand what this is about. I am very satisfied and impressed with these tools. The domino is one of the coolest tools I've ever used.

I see several more green tools in my future. The hard part is trying to decide which one I'd benefit more from.

How good is the dust collection on the Kapex? They say 91% collection. My Dewalt I believe is marketed at 75%, but I don't think that's accurate. I might be able to justify the Kapex if I could get a great improvement in dust collection.

 

[teocaf]

welcome to the FOG.  kapex dust collection is decent but i remember being surprised that it still was not as super duper out of the box as some had claimed.  there are a number of threads on here on how to improve it:  larger diameter hose, shorter length, various contraptions.  have fun with the new gear!

 

[Staniam]

Congrats on your first plunge into Festool.

I think your next purchase should depend on your needs, as you've stated. I can't speak to the Kapex but plenty here can.

Are you in need of drill or track saw?

 

[SoonerFan]

I have a Kapex and the dust collection is much much better than the DeWalt I used beforethe Kapex.  However, given you have the DeWalt I would get a TS or a router next. 

 

[Scorpion]

I used the Dewalt sometimes.  I use the Kapex (w/ wings) all the time.  If my Dewalt had wings and/or stops maybe this would not be true.

Edit:  It may also be I use the Kapex more because of how much I spent on it.  (Shrug)

 

[semenza]

I received my first festool tools 2 weeks ago and finally used my ct36, ets150/3, and domino 500. Now I understand what this is about. I am very satisfied and impressed with these tools. The domino is one of the coolest tools I've ever used.

I see several more green tools in my future. The hard part is trying to decide which one I'd benefit more from.

How good is the dust collection on the Kapex? They say 91% collection. My Dewalt I believe is marketed at 75%, but I don't think that's accurate. I might be able to justify the Kapex if I could get a great improvement in dust collection.

Hi,

  Welcome to the forum!  [smile]

      Glad you are enjoying the tools!

        I would say the next thing to buy depends a lot on what you already have and the type of things you build. If you do anything with sheets good a TS55 or TS75 is hard to beat.

Seth

 

[jacko9]

i used to have a DeWalt and I connected it to my Festool CT22 dust extractor.  While this helped somewhat, it didn't collect a lot of dust.  I switched to the Kapex and the difference is night and day with the same dust extractor.

Jack

 

[fshanno]

How good is the dust collection on the Kapex? They say 91% collection. My Dewalt I believe is marketed at 75%, but I don't think that's accurate. I might be able to justify the Kapex if I could get a great improvement in dust collection.

I needed the whole package of features to justify the price.  Take a look at the Kapex page on the Festool USA web site.  I can honestly say that every single bullet point they list as proven to be an asset for me.  From the easy luggablility to the MiterFast, every aspect is valuable to me. 

My Kapex does exactly what Festool said it would do. 

 

[AofD]

I had a good CMS that did a reasonable job but hated the poor dust collection.  I'm very pleased with my Kapex.  I'm not sure why people claim to be disappointed with the Kapex dust collection, Festool has never advertised 100% extraction.  Yes, there is some larger debris that remains on the base and surrounding area but the dangerous airborne particles are effectively sucked up.  I don't worry about wearing a dust protection mask when I use my Kapex, whereas I would always uses it with my previous CMS.  And yes, I have used it extensively inside my home while laying down engineered flooring.  No dust film anywhere except near the base.

 

[Ed Bray]

I have a Kapex and whilst the dust collection is good it hasn't made a big difference to me as mine is typically used outside. I found the best dust extraction was with my CTL26 and a 50mm AS Hose, I have just bought the 36mm Hose but not used it as yet.

If you use any sheet goods (in particular plywood) then I would look at a Plunge Track Saw (TS55 or TS75), they are a revelation compared to using a normal circular saw and the splinter free cuts are terrific.

I started with a Domino, then bought another, then a Tracksaw, then a Sander, then an Extractor, then more Sanders, then a Kapex and finally a Router, and I cannot count how many additional accessories. I have not been disappointed with any of my purchases. Once bitten, it is a serious affliction and will keep you poor.

 

[mstack]

Thanks for the welcome and input. The TS is at the top of my list as well. I've been using my CMS a lot the past few weeks, so Kapex has been on my mind. I doubt I'll pull the trigger on it before this project is done. But the next time I pick up sheet goods I could see a TS coming home too. Probably the easiest thing to do is bite the bullet and buy both.

 

[BostonMike]

I as well just picked up my first tools a few weeks ago...now I have an MFT and the 1400 in the back of a UPS truck coming to my house

 

[Woodwork Wizard]

I started with a Domino, then bought another, then a Tracksaw, then a Sander, then an Extractor, then more Sanders, then a Kapex and finally a Router, and I cannot count how many additional accessories. I have not been disappointed with any of my purchases. Once bitten, it is a serious affliction and will keep you poor.
[/quote]

Keep you poor? No. You'll earn more, with better results and faster than you've ever been...