New Guy with tool questions - Festool that is

[BrianP]

Hello to all....Longtime lurker,figured I'd introduce myself, ask a few questions, and join in on the fun.

First off, My name's Brian, 48 years old with a 1 year old daughter [eek].  Late starter, no problem, greatest joy of my life, wouldn't change a thing.  Anyways, I got a divorce some 6 years ago and she got half, half of my tools as well and the more I take inventory, the more I believe it was more than half ( I'm so happy that she did not understand the value of my lumber supply [big grin]).

10 years ago, I would have considered myself a fairly avid woodworker, completely tooled out and almost a house full of my own furniture.  The divorce left me near furnitureless as well as the previous mentioned tool situation.  I often thought it would be just as easy to go and purchase new furniture but the quality coming out of China isn't anything I want in my house.  So about a year ago, I needed a jigsaw and I picked up the PS300 used, barely if that and was absolutely impressed by just the adjustable speed of it.  Since then, I picked up a Domino and the domino kit and a MFT 1080, all new from a local guy who bought the gear and never used it.  What I am most impressed about with the Festool gear is the dust collection.  On line videos (especially Mr. Marcel's), local Woodcraft demos, etc...absolutely impressed by it all.  This has motivated me to get back to woodworking again as the one thing I disliked about my past work was the countless hours spent cleaning after myself.  So my question is follows:

With my current inventory of the Domino, the MFT 1080, and the PS300, I am asking the experienced folks here to prioritize the most important, most used tools in their inventory and maybe a little explanation as to why?  I can't have them all but I want to prioritize my purchases with respect to the most useful.  I have several routers, circular saws, sanders, etc...but the stable will be replaced in time if for no other reason, the dust collection.

Thx in advance, I look forward to learning more and more from you all.

Brian in Oly

 

[semenza]

Hi Brian,

Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

Gotta go with the TS 55 or 75 next.  Then the OF1400 or 1010. Get a package with one of the CT dust extractors.

Seth

 

[Kev]

If cabinetry is a major focus, a TSnn is a high priority.

I'd bump sanding up the priority ladder and also the use of Festool sandpaper as it makes a real difference ... an ETS150/3 is a sweet option.

The KAPEX makes life simple and accurate - gotta have that in the plan.

You guys don't have the PRECISIO or CMS - so I can't suggest those.

Anything else comes down to real specifics of what you'll be making.

Oh and [welcome]

 

[score0matic]

I think the TS55 would be my first choice.  Then the Rotex 90--- you may have other sanders and even may have good 5 or 6" random orbit's but i am sure once you have used the lil 90 with the various papers you will love it.....maybe even find excuses to use it  [wink].  all that said I recommend a Dust deputy and a mini or midi.

 

[Kev]

I think the TS55 would be my first choice.  Then the Rotex 90--- you may have other sanders and even may have good 5 or 6" random orbit's but i am sure once you have used the lil 90 with the various papers you will love it.....maybe even find excuses to use it  [wink].   all that said I recommend a Dust deputy and a mini or midi.

How could I forget the RO 90 ... of course ! It's a gem.

 

[BrianP]

Thanks for the info.  I was certainly thinking one of the Ts saws but was more looking at the RO150 than the RO90.  I will have to look into the reviews and videos.

Brian

 

[ccarrolladams]

Thanks for the info.  I was certainly thinking one of the Ts saws but was more looking at the RO150 than the RO90.  I will have to look into the reviews and videos.

Brian

Brian,  [welcome]  to The FOG!

One thing I notice is that you mentioned owning a Domino, but did not mention any Festool dust extractor. While the Domino absolutely requires some type of vac, it can work with a lot of suction. Festool sanders really need an extractor which can be adjusted for suction.

Long ago my first Festool sander was the RO 150. Over the years I added all the Festool sanders. I build custom cabinets, so I seldom need to sand large flat surfaces any longer. For sanding narrow face and door frames, since it was introduced, I prefer the RO 90 DX.

 

[RC]

I've been doing the read-up & optimize drill on Festool sanders myself and I think that one can't go too badly wrong with getting the RO90 & RO150 combination (that's what I saving up for now) to cover all general woodworking sanding needs from narrow and curvy pieces to tight corners (RO90 tri-mode) to large surfaces (RO150).

Since both offer rough material removal in disk mode and the finer random orbit mode for finishing & even polishing if needed and a delta-pad for the corners you can't really beat them for general purpose sanding from start to finish. 

I had some hands-on time with both the RO90 and the RO150 this morning and I do think that a RO90 + RO125 combination would be a bit of a waste since the difference of diameter 90mm vs. 125mm is pretty small and you won't be able to use the RO125 much differently from a RO150 i.e. sand down large flat surfaces in which the RO150 has the edge with vastly larger sanding are than the RO90. The RO90 did feel larger in real life than I had thought by looking at videos and the RO150 is definitely so large that I would get the extra front handle right away to help balance it.

Many professionals here also vouch for the ETS150/3 but I don't know enough of finish sanding to really know if I really need one or not and since the Rotex models seem to be able to do the job within reason getting more than two sanders seems excessive for a hobbyist like me. Both of these beat the living daylights out of my old no-name random orbit sanders and Fein Multimaster in corners.

Additionally in the benefit of the RO150 I find the possibility of detaching the dust duct when polishing as a large plus in making a big tool feel smaller and result in easier handling (this cannot be done on the RO125). Another benefit of the newer 150mm diameter sanders is the new dust extraction sanding pads with extra holes for even more efficient dust collection vs. the smaller ones. 

 

[davee]

I had some hands-on time with both the RO90 and the RO150 this morning and I do think that a RO90 + RO125 combination would be a bit of a waste since the difference of diameter 90mm vs. 125mm is pretty small and you won't be able to use the RO125 much differently from a RO150 i.e. sand down large flat surfaces in which the RO150 has the edge with vastly larger sanding are than the RO90. The RO90 did feel larger in real life than I had thought by looking at videos and the RO150 is definitely so large that I would get the extra front handle right away to help balance it.

Many professionals here also vouch for the ETS150/3 but I don't know enough of finish sanding to really know if I really need one or not and since the Rotex models seem to be able to do the job within reason getting more than two sanders seems excessive for a hobbyist like me. Both of these beat the living daylights out of my old no-name random orbit sanders and Fein Multimaster in corners.

I agree with your assessment of the RO150 and RO90 - they are a fantastic combination.  Regarding your second comment on the 150/3 - In my opinion you don't "need" this sander, but it is a gem.  It is so easy and comfortable to use.  I believe the three of these offers a great combo of sanders.  The RO150 is a must have, the 150/3 is a pleasure to have.

 

[mparka]

I am just a hobbyist with half of 2 car garage dedicated to my tools so my usage pattern would be different from the pros.  I have to say TS55, RO 90 and CXS sees the most action on any given week used on top of the MFT with CT.  OF1400 and RO150 do come out to play once in a while but not as often as the three listed.

One thing as a hobbyist who works in short spurts, I have to recommend Boom Arm as a must have.  So much easier to start and stop work and save that extra 15 min every time which can add up quickly.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

If you already have an MFT, you just gotta get a TS - together they are a game changer.  Once you use those two together you will see why you need a router that can run on the MFT guiderail.

 

[JimB1]

Well, just a hobbyist and fairly new to using Festool but I haven't found a bad one yet  [smile]

I'm going to second the ETS 150 in either form. It is a very nice sander and the Festool paper, while mind boggling in variety, is quite good once you figure out which are the right ones for your application. When using a dust extractor there is 0 dust and the surface cames out exceptional.

If you can, try out an RO90, RO125 or RO150 before buying. There is a bit of a learning curve there to keep them flat and learning the best use of the different modes. They aren't quite like any other sanders I've tried. The ETS sanders feel more natural in use to me but that's probably just a matter of familiarity. They are held similar to other 5" and 6" sanders on the market, just way better designed and built then most.

I generally find sanding to be the most tedious part of making anything and the Festool sanders make it actually pretty fun.

All that said, the ts55 or 75 are the premier Festool tools, eventually I'll get one, and I highly recommend a dust extractor.
Good luck and welcome to the FOG  [big grin]

 

[truck90278]

Also as a hobbyist, strongly recommend the Boom Arm.  I tripped and stumbled over cords and vacuum hoses for more than a year.  After I got the Boom Arm, i thought how stupid of me for waiting so long.  Certainly get one of the dust collectors and I also suggest the Dust Deputy setup, for all practical purposes hardly ever have to change bags

 

[jmbfestool]

First  a  TS 55R  or    TS75  Reason cus it's must owned tool!  No explanation needed just buy it and you will see for your self

then a  OF2200. Reason  very nice router so powerful and dust collection is second to non!

and the a Ro90. Reason. Very nice sander  can sand aggressive to take a lot of material of quickly but also can sand less aggressive to get your timber lovely and smooth

Oh a Vac CT26 or 36 is a must buy Straight away no hesitation!  Get the larger hose for it as well much better whe using it with TS and OF2200  Still need the smaller hose for the sanders and I domino.

Jmb

 

[hockey_magnet]

With what you already have, get any CT first for best, easiest dust control. Beyond that you say you already have a number of other tools. I would replace the tools I use most frequently with the Festool equivalent first. The exception being a standard circular saw - don't buy the TS 55 to replace one of those, it is a much different tool. But for example if you use your router the most, get a Festool router first, etc. If you plan on using a lot of sheet goods to build with, get the TS 55, even if you already have a table saw. Finally, the Festool sanders are in a completely different ball park  from any other sander I've used. The RO's are to me the most versatile with the RO 90 leading the way unless you are mainly going to sand large surfaces.

Bottom line is IMHO since the Festool user experience is so much better than other options, I'd rather buy the Festool to replace my most used tool now rather than wait.

 

[EWTHeckman]

I would say get a CT first. While I have a number of different Festools, they all get used with the CT. Having hoses that fit correctly makes the primary tool that much nicer to use. And last night (I'm a relatively new Festool user) I realized just how much I love the automatic on/off feature! No more crawling over my work to turn the vac on and off.

The approach I'm taking to buying Festools is to buy tools which fill gaps in my existing capabilities. That means I'm still using DeWalt cordless drills and a Craftsman miter saw. The TS55 really filled a big hole and was the driver to getting into Festools. I also wound up buying several Festool sanders because I didn't have a sander that was even usable for the current project. (RO 90 for details and corners, RO 125 for more general sanding, RS 2 E for the big flat areas, LS 130 for the rounded edges, RAS 115 for scribing.) From there, I'll be replacing tools going from the weakest/most problematic to the best-but-not-Festool-great tools as my various projects call for them.

And I gotta say, the cordless drills are probably at the bottom of my list for one reason named Robertson.  [sad] [dead horse]

 

[sancho57]

I concurr with what has already been said

TS 55/75
Guide Rails (2ea) 1400s  or 1 ea 1400 and a 2700/ 3000
1010 or 1400
RO 90/150
Dust Extractor

Kapex is potions but nice

 

[GhostFist]

sorry have to pipe up on the drill comment. as much as i love to kick that dead horse named robertson, festool drills are still the best in their class in north america, particularly for furniture and cabinet making. they still work with robertson bits just like any other drill on the market just not with centrotec. despite this they are in my opinion still worth every penny. now if theyd make robertson  bits compatible with centrotec..........

 

[BrianP]

Great info folks.  I really appreciate the heavy posting from all.

I should have mentioned that I have Rikon 14" bandsaw, an older contractors grade Bosch table saw, an older Fein Turbo Vac, older Leigh D4 dovetail jig.  Just didn't think posting others competitors' products was kosher on a Festool forum. 

I was hoping to use the Fein as my dust collection but I may end up dedicating it to my router table. 

Looks like the combined CT with a TS55 may be my first purchase.  Probably will go all out with the Boom Arm option as well as there have been some pretty good comments on that option.

I'll try to get to Seattle's or Portland's Woodcraft and see if they can demo some of the sanders...seems to be a lot of opinions and I certainly can't get them all.

I can wait on the routers as I have a Bosch and a Freud.  Older but still do the job...the one thing I look forward to as mentioned above is the dust/chip removal...great routers but in due time, I want to spend my time crafting and not cleaning.

Thanks for the welcome!  Brian

 

[semenza]

Just a note. If you are thinking Boom Arm don't get a CT Mini or Midi it doesn't work with those.

Seth