New Festooler with a vacuum hose ?

[kf4zht]

Well, finally drank the koolaid. Sold my crappy table saw and while back and while shopping for a new one came across track saws as an alternative. Found a used TS55 with 2 rails, CT Mini and the fancy clamps and took the dive.

So far I have really like it. The only annoyance I had was the power cord kept ending up caught in the track. Made this little doohicky on the 3d printer based on a few that I saw and it fixed it.

Then I did my first mini project. I bought this blueprint/land plot cabinet a while back for storing my metalworking tools. About 2/3 of the way through refurbing the drawers (Clean, paint, polish handles, line with felt) but found that stuff like TIG consumables just go mixed up and lost in the giant drawers. Grabbed a scrap piece of plywood and ripped it into 1" strips, the used the RAS to cut interlock slots in it. The result - organization

So far really happy with it. Now drooling over what my next packet of koolaid will be. Thinking sander since mine is horrible and they aren't too pricy, but I need a plunge router for building a few things and am debating between a OF 1400 and the Dewalt 618. Maybe a Carvex... too many options and not enough money

Oh - is there a way to adapt the vacuum hose to other devices. I would really like to use the mini with my sanders. I can always print one but figured I would ask first.

 

[ear3]

Nice work.  When you said you used the RAS to cut slots, you mean the Festool RAS?

Most any step adapter will work to hook up the hose to other tools.  You can get them at the big box stores, or FEIN actually makes one that you can get cheap on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Fein-921072K13-Step-Adaptor/dp/B00005M1SW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1416408292&sr=8-2&keywords=27mm+hose+adapter.

You'll probably have to do some additional taping to secure it fully after you cut the adapter to size.

There's also comments in this thread: http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/adapter-for-27mm-hose-to-27mm-hose/

Festool does make a deflector to prevent the hose and/or cord from catching on the edge of the rail (it can be bought separately for $20, or comes bundles with the MFT/3 accessories).  It's pretty useless though, and I find myself simply slinging the hose/cord over my shoulder when I do rail guided cuts.
BTW, the OF1400 with the guide rail is a pretty sweet set-up.  But then you might be tempted to also get the MFT...

 

[semenza]

Hi,

  Welcome to the forum!  [smile]

    Nice clip for the cord.

    Sander selection.....................  it's too hard to choose just get them all  [big grin]

Seth

 

[charley1968]

Hi and welcome to the forum!
Enjoy your new toys and good luck with your projects.
I do recommend the OF1400 over the DeWalt for your next purchase.
For me, it's the router that handled best. But then: i've only been using 2 Makitas and 1 Skil.

 

[kf4zht]

My RAS is an old craftsman unit. The one that got recalled for too many people cutting limbs off. I think it works great, just don't try and rip with it.

I found no issues with keeping the hose out of the rail, just the power cord. It kept trying to get stuck in the t slot section. I need to do a little re-design to make the cable part of the clip more durable but then i will print them to go back down the hose. I see no reason the two should be bundled when in use.

The only thing holding me on the router is that I have a dewalt palm router already that is great. I know the Festool will be a better unit but not sure if it will be 2x as good (to match the 2x pricetag). The TS was easy since the dewalt isn't much cheaper and there are definite differences.

I need to finish my rail connectors and am working on a design to make ripping rough cut lumber down to width more predictable and easy with the TS. If it doesnt work like I think it will I can always rip one side and do the other on the router table. Its headed for the joiner anyway.