New Here

[ShawnR]

Hello All,

Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

I am new to the Festool world and would love to get some advice.  I took woodworking classes in my secondary school(1991-1992) and have been away from it since then.  Way back then a radial arm saw might have been considered the most important tool.  Now that life has started to settle down I am looking to relearn woodworking and hopefully master it over the next decade that I can then share this knowledge with my children.

I also do a good bit of glass work; thus my first direction is making frames and also doing some trim work around the house.  Down the road I want to make cabinets and small furniture pieces.  What I currently have is a single enclosed garage which is about 400 sq/ft and a recently bought C12 drill.

If you were in my shoes what tools would you begin to collect and in what order?  What would you suggest to start learning?  I have a local Woodcraft about an hour from where I am and plan to go there whenever there are new demos.  Aside from the safety aspect, how much woodworking can you learn properly with trial and error by yourself?

Thanks everyone

 

[peter halle]

Shawn,
[welcome]  to the FOG.  And Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and all your friends and family.

I suspect that the majority of members here were self educated at least to some degree.  Hang in there and I am sure that you will get some great advice, although it might be a little slow in coming over the next day or so.  Hang in there!

Peter

 

[MartinW]

Hi Shawn,

Welcome to the site.

I was at exactly the same stage as you about a year ago.  I got started with the TS55 saw, MTF, and CT33 vac, which allowed me to do some basic projects around the home.  I had few other tools at the time.  I've since added other tools, mostly Festool, as the projects got more complicated.  I've found that the Festools work exactly how they're suppose to, so you don't have to fight with the tools and can focus on the task at hand.  I do everything in the basement which is also the TV/Video game area and have never had complaints from the rest of the family about dust (they occasionally complain about the noise but I try and keep that to a minimum while they're there).

As far as learning, I've mostly read books obtained from the local library and subscribed to the online version of Fine Woodworking.  I've also learnt at lot from the very knowledgable folks who regularly frequent this site.  You can ask any question pertaining to woodworking or Festools and get many excellent responses within a very short time. You can definitely make this site your connection to the woodworking community and your guide as you build your skills.  My first project was a few shelves and my most recent was new stairs for the basement.  So you can progress pretty quickly without lessons I think.

Martin.

 

[Forrest Anderson]

Welcome to the Festool Owners Group!

Although naturally geared towards their own products, you might want to have a look at the Bosch website, as they have on-line web-based training in their Power Tool Learning Campus, a series of DIY projects and a Knowledgebase of Tips and Tricks.

Another website I like is The Wood Whisperer and Marc Spagnuolo has over 100 videos covering safety, finishing, and projects which combine entertainment and learning. He also uses quite a lot of Festool equipment, so keep a look out for them being put to good use!

Forrest

 

[mwhafner]

If you are in the Atlanta area, check out Highland Woodworking.  They keep each of the Festool tools in-stock, and are working towards keeping every accessory in stock as well.  They also have a large demo area, and can educate you to the function of the tools.  They also have a pretty good collection of woodworking books, magazines, and videos.  There is also a Rockler in Sandy Springs, which is similar to Woodcraft.

Forrest gave you some great link, as usual.  The Wood Whisperer is great, because many of his videos walk you through the complete project.  The New Yankee Workshop is a good source for plans and project oriented DVDs.  

 

[bonesbr549]

Welcome aboard and merry Christmas!  I too got back into woodworking about 6 years ago after being away from it for a long time.  I've come a long way since then, but If I had it to do over and space is a requirement (it was for me too).  I'd go with a good cabinet saw just because it does so much.  I have the ts55/mft3 combo now and it will do almost all that TS will, but there are things that is just no match for a TS.  Unless you can be dimensioned lumber cheaply which few can, you need to think about tools to dimension your lumber down from the rough.  You can do with hand tools its just tougher.  I have a portable 12" makita planer thats going 15+ years now and still does a good job.  A jointer is nice, but you could start with a #7 jointer plane and scrub plane and winding sticks and do it by hand(I did it for a few projects).  Just remember not starting with square flat stock leads to a lot of frustration.  I know done it.  I'd say the next most used tool is a good router.  My first project getting back into woodworking was a router table.  That is used as much as my TS.  Others could be a bandsaw but thats a nice to have not a must.  Remember it will take time to build up your tool box.  I have an old RAS that sits in the corner now that has not been turned on in two years.  I put a few bucks each payday back (with the blessing of the wife) and at the end of the year thats my tool fund.  Good luck.

 

[jmbfestool]

Welcome

Would say its a shame you bout the C12  should of got the T15+3 lithium batterie and more power but anyways!

I own alot of festool now and and many other tools as I am the type to always want the best to get the job done quickest and acurately. Im power tool mad!

Jigsaw Festool! Bosch! both good!

1. TS55 or TS75  I own the TS55 which is powerfull enough to do most things and as the name says it it custs 55mm but minus the guide rail thickness it actually cuts 50mm and the 75 will cut 70mm and is more powerfull so good for cutting 50mm oak doors but it costs more and is heavier and bigger.

2. Maybe get the CTL 26    You can get the Mini and Midi but I think personaly they are to small. Have good extrator is good for your health but also safes alot off mess and keeps your work area clean. It also saves time because if your cutting a sheet material up on your guide rail you end up having to have to blow the dust off the sheet and of your guide rail befor you can do your next cut.

3. The MFT bench which can have many add-ons is very usefull.

4. A festool router once again good with extraction and can be used on the guide rail which saves time and is very acurate. I personally own the OF 2200 EB-Set but is is a large router and very powerfull but OF 1400 is good enough.

5. Domino would be next seen as you are thinking of making things. Very good tool I personally havnt used mine much yet but soon as I start doing my house up ill be making things for my house I will start using it.

6. I know it is alot of money but seen as your having a work shop  it does take some setting up but because it will be stationary most of the time I would get the KAPEX KS 120 SET ( I have been unlucky and I have to seend mine back because of a bowed base but they are sending me a new one so I have not used mine yet!)

Extras!!!!!

For cutting many sheets of the same size I would get the FS-PA Parallel guide stop

Instead of using domino for the draws or other things maybe buy the VS600 Jointing system?

I would defuntly get the Compact Module System CMS that is my next buy and then you can use your jigsaw and router and circular saw on it as table tools.

Their is so much and all that will cost you thousands! lol but its well worth it!! So much more to buy appart from festool!  Mayfel something to look at also and Protool is sister of festool!