New member questions

[Decroded77]

I've been reading for a couple months yet trying to absorb all of the information here, but I have a few questions that remain.  I'm a hobbyist that hasn't done any woodworking in years and years.  I'm starting with a mostly empty shop and going to be making some major purchases soon.  This brings me to my first question.  I see that some UK dealers have voucher and other deals, but it seems like the US dealers don't offer any discounts (other than package deals for dust collection or MFT).  Are there deals/discounts to be had and I just haven't been watching long enough?

My current wishlist is:
TS55 REQ
MFT/3
RO90 sander
CT26
Domino 500

My wife wants me to build her some new cabinets and I think this would be a good start to getting that done.  I'm open to criticism or advice.

Also, thanks for all the people that post so much information so that new guys like me can learn.

 

[Corwin]

Welcome to the forum.

In North American markets, there aren't any discounts as those found in Europe.  We do, however, have package deals.  You can purchase a vacuum with any tool for a discount and you can purchase an MFT with a plunge saw for a discount.  So, to make the most of what is available, you should purchase the MFT/3 and saw as a combo and the CT26 and another tool as another combo.  And purchase your items before the April 1st price increase too!

 

[Runhard]

[welcome]

That looks like a pretty good start down the slippery green slope. [thumbs up] The domino assortment would also be a good investment. Unfortunately the only discounts that we can get are on package deals. The prices are going up April 1st, so you should consider purchasing before then. If you are buying online, I can highly recommend Bob Marino and Tom at Tool-Home.

Daniel

 

[Jerry68]

Festool spells out the prices on their tools, no discounts. In fact I think there is going to be a price increase April 1st. If you have the money, I would go for it. I am just a hobbyist myself, and I own most of what is on your list. With the exception of the RO 90,  I have the RO125 instead, I also have the OF 1400 Router and the DTS 400 Sander. If I would have had the TS55 saw, a few years ago, I would not have bought my big table saw. You will love the way the Festool system works together.

Jerry

 

[Sparky]

If you are building cabinets i would recommend the Lr32mm system for hinge and shelf pin holes. As well as a router I personally own and really like the OF 1400.

 

[dltflt]

If you are building cabinets i would recommend the Lr32mm system for hinge and shelf pin holes. As well as a router I personally own and really like the OF 1400.

+1 here.  I just picked up the OF1400 and hoping to get the LR32 in the next couple of months.

 

[Sparktrician]

If you have to select only one router for all your needs, the OF 1400 is it, without question.  I prefer the OF 1010 for use with the LR 32 for its compact size and light weight.  It has more than enough power for not only the LR 32 usage, but also a bunch more uses.  The limitation I see is that it can't handle 1/2" shank bits. 

 

[Decroded77]

Thanks for the replies.  I appreciate you all taking the time to respond.  So what I got out of that is that like many other things, discounts are NAINA...  Ok, just kidding.

As for the router, yes, I had planned on getting the OF 1400 and maybe the LR32 set a little later.  I'm currently making a list of the tools I want and the associated accessories.  I'm sure I'll be asking more questions as to the specific tools and what accessories are recommended. 

Thanks again for all the replies.

 

[ccarrolladams]

Thanks for the replies.  I appreciate you all taking the time to respond.  So what I got out of that is that like many other things, discounts are NAINA...  Ok, just kidding.

As for the router, yes, I had planned on getting the OF 1400 and maybe the LR32 set a little later.  I'm currently making a list of the tools I want and the associated accessories.  I'm sure I'll be asking more questions as to the specific tools and what accessories are recommended. 

Thanks again for all the replies.

[welcome] to The FOG!

Since in the future you will be buying the LR32 kit, do yourself a favor. Most Festool dealers will allow you to pay a few dollars more so you get a 55" Holy Rail instead of a plain one with your TS55REQ. Those holes do not interfere with use of the guide rail with saws.

In my shop someone is drilling shelf-pin holes 8 or more man hours daily. We use the OF1010 because the motor is lighter than the one of the OF1400, meaning the return springs require much less downward pressure when drilling. That makes no difference when the OF1400 will be the only router and you are not doing LR32 drilling continuously.

Enjoy all of your Festools.

 

[gkaiseril]

If you buy accessory rails, opt for the LR32 (Holey) version. They cost a little more but if you later get a router you will not duplicate lengths. Also both types of rails work with all Festools that use rails. The LR32 rails have machined guide holes for drilling with the router.

I would also look at the prepackaged accessory packs. They provide the common accessories in a systainer and one gets a small discount from the individual purchase price.

 

[jacko9]

Every so often there ia a rare "reconditioned tool" sale for Festool products at between 10-30% off new prices.  It may not occur for a few years but, there is also used tools as people move up to the latest offerings.

Jack

 

[iamnothim]

Hello and welcome..
I’m a new guy too and I’m coming from exactly the same place you are.  Hobbyist, starting woodworking again.
Here are the decisions I made and I don’t regret one.
Festool: (Favorites on top)
CT-Midi.  A vacuum right?  Wow I love this "Dust Collector”

MFT/3.  IMO securing your work, thus allowing you to work is huge.  It will make your life easy because you can concentrate on the task at hand.  After having one for a month I bought another.  I can’t say enough about them.

OF 1400 router with CMS/VL Set.  Get the “table widener” for the 1400. makes guide rail use a breeze.  I love my CMS.

ETS 150/3  Very happy with this.

My ten year old TS 55 track saw.  It came alive with the MFT.  I don’t feel a need for a Kapex, or other mitre saw.  All the cuts are crisp and nuts-on.  Get a bunch of Qwas or other bench dogs and rail dogs.

Wish list:
I enjoy veneering.  So I’d love an MFK 700 trim router.  I have a Bosch Colt but it’s not green.  I can only imagine the upgrade.

A TS 55REQ  “Just Because”

A Domino when I get to the next level.

Non Festool.
Buy the very best measuring tools.  I like Starrett combo squares, Woodpecker Triangles and Rules.  Incra 12” “T” marking square gizzie.

Hand planes.  If you get a couple get the best.   I have an excellent #5 and an adjustable throat block plane.   They work.  I won’t mention the name because that can a a Kettle’O Fish. Add Ditto...Chisels

I just cant seem to use wet stones.  Ten years back I bought the Tormek.  I know there are guys that can probably beat the Tormek …but I like the convenience.

Clamps.  You can never have enough clamps.  Period.

That’s my stuff.  I know you will be happy with whatever decisions you make.

CT-MIDI   !!!!!  (I’m a clean freak  [big grin])

 

[Decroded77]

More great advice. Thanks. I know there are lots of people who have learned what works and what doesn't. It is always nice to not repeat mistakes. Another question someone here may know. I have been watching tons of YouTube videos and come to the conclusion I'd prefer to start metric for ease of measurements. I like the look of the woodpeckers stuff but they don't have much metric stuff. Specifically I was thinking about the triangle. Is the another place in the US that sells top notch metric layout tools?

 

[jacko9]

I think you would be hard pressed to beat the quality of Woodpeckers,  I have a lot of their "stuff".

Jack

 

[jacko9]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is machines for getting "straight lumber".  I know you can go to the home center or local lumber yard and sight down boards to find the straightest but, "wood moves" and depending on how much woodworking your going to be doing at also depending on your expectations, I think you need to consider buying a Jointer (at least 8" wide).

If you intend to make your own cabinet doors or furniture a good router and router table should also be on your list.  I'm not sure how much woodworking experience you have but as an example if you have a 7" wide piece of oak and want to make cabinet door parts out of it and rip 2-3" wide stock, those boards will no longer have a straight edge.  See a book by R. Bruce Hoadley "Understanding Wood" A craftsman's guide to wood technology.

Jack