New Guy - LR 32 Hole Drilling Set In Systainer or LR 32 Hole Drilling Set

[wow]

Finally made my decision and just heard from Santa that he'll be stopping by on Tuesday with several boxes. I guess his red suit is at the cleaners, because he'll be wearing brown.

;D

BTW, I ordered from Woodwerks in Columbus Ohio - great guys, very helpful and fast shipping! No affiliation, just very happy with their knowledge and service and have worked with them in the past.

Here's what I decided on, and I've placed it in my signature as well:

TS75 Track Saw
(2 PACK) Guide Rail Connector 482107
"Steel / Multilayered Board 36-Tooth Saw Blade
36 tooth; 2.2mm kerf; 30mm arbor; 1 deg hook angle; ATB." 495384
"Aluminum / Plastic 72-Tooth Saw Blade
72 tooth; 2.4mm kerf; 30mm arbor; -5 deg hook angle; TC." 495383
32 mm Hole Drilling Guide Rail, 55" / 1400mm 496939
32 mm Hole Drilling Guide Rail, 95 13/16" / 2424mm 491622
"LR 32 Hole Drilling Set In Systainer
Includes:
Guide plate
Centering mandrel
2 edge stops
2 linear stops
2 clamps
Operating wrench
35 mm carbide-tipped European hinge boring bit
2 carbide-tipped 5 mm shelf pin bits (one for through holes and one for stopped pin holes)." 584100
Centrotec Installers Set - Zobo Bits - M0700

I also ordered Tim's plans for the MFTC.

My first project will be to make two 8' long cuts in around 500 pieces of 3.5" EPS foam insulation boards. I know I'll have a tiny bit of foam left at the bottom of each cut, but I think I can simply 'snap' them clean enough for what I'm doing.

Anyway, thanks for all the great advice and helpful suggestions. I look forward to being an active member of the community!

 

[jimmylittle]

I usually buy the kit, if available.  I have the LR32 kit, the Guide rail kit, and the Carvex kit.  Yes, there are pieces I rarely use, but having an insert and Systainer for the pieces keeps things cleaner, neater, and I can see at a glance if I'm missing any pieces before I leave a job. 

That being said, my guide rail kit no longer lives in the Sys. The protractor stays connected to a guide rail and locked at 90°, and never leaves the shop. The stop stays in the end of that guide rail by the protractor for storage.  My connector rails and hose runner live in my 55" holy rail. They don't interfere with daily routing use, so they stay there. The clamps live somewhere, either the non-MFT bench I built (with MFT-compatible custom top) or in my mobile kit.

I've repurposed the Sys for other things.  But, getting the clamps, stop, hose runner, extra splinter guard, connector rails, and the systainer as a kit ended up costing me less (at amazon.com in the US) than the separate pieces. 

 

[Sparktrician]

I must note that the guide rail accessory kit (497657) is the one Festool product that I regret buying and wouldn't buy again.  The protractor is not up to Festool standards (IMESHO) for accuracy and consistency.  You can't have too many clamps, especially the Quick-Clamps (491594).  The LR 32 kit (584100) is great, though.  No regrets whatsoever about buying this one. 

 

[wow]

WOW, reading this thread brings back memories. It seems like it was eons ago, but it was only a year and a half.

And 24 Systainers.

And 3,500 posts.

[scared]

For anyone else trying to make this decision, I think buying the kit is probably the wise move. Sell off what you don't want and come out ahead in the long term.

I did the same analysis, and your two sentences pretty much sum it up. I've learned that if Festool offers it in a kit, buy the kit.

 

[cliffp]

I bought the set and am glad I did. I didn't think I needed the clamps but have found them very useful.

 

[sancho57]

One thing I have learned about Festool, if they offer a kit for a tool get it. You'll need the items eventually and you'll have them.