New Product Info

[Terp]

The new tools look incredible, but those prices, if they are right, wow!

The 2200 is definately a WOW!  But WOW!!!!  I can't wait to put it head to head with the 7518.  Free handing raised panels perhaps..."Portable Shaper Anyone?"  $800 is correct

The MFK700 is gonna be hot.  Like I said, this will be the "go-to" router for sure!  $510 for the set

The MFT/3 and the new tweeks look awesome!  The angle arm slides to give added work space, and rigidity, it looks like a good deal to me, It'll definitely sell big even at $575

Some other kewl additions are "Sam's Club/Costco" bags.  Can I say that?  I haven't done the math yet, but there will be 20 packs for the 22 $100, and 20 pack for the 33 $110.  My head is spinning...somebody post the math.

The Base Kit for the 2200 router is two fold.  There is an "Inches" version for $310 and a "Metric" version for $400.  The kie has the various bases and template guides.  Again, Pricey But "Dude, It's a Honkin' Router that can tear it up!"

Quick,  Go find an OF 2000 if you want a "honking router".  It is a beast, yet I know I'll hardly reach for it. 
  I bought it to use for long deep plunge routing & I will continue to reach for it for heavy duty plunge work, that before I wasn't able to do without it.  The OF 1400 should not be abused this way, it's too expensive & serves it's own function in my shop.  The Of 2000 is heavy & not ideal for smaller operations.  I've never seen a real good Large plunge router & the OF 2000 is one.  The rest on the OF 2200 might be bells & whistles. 
  Anyway, I love the OF 2000 & recommend clearing the ISA shelves of it quickly to all of you.

 

[Terp]

If you plug the 2200 router into your Festool dust extractor, what size circuit will you need to run the pair?  It seems they will draw more than 20 amps at 110 volts.  Hmmm.

At 2200 watts, I'd guess the maximum amperage draw on the OF 2200 to be in the 18-19 amp range.

John

Volts times amps gives watts.  Ohm's law.  Therefore, if you're running at 115 volts, divide that into 2200 watts for the amperage draw.  That would give an answer of 19.13 amps being drawn.  And that's continuous.  The surge on start up is higher.  So, don't try running the OF 2200 on a weak breaker.

Add in the vac, and it seems you cannot run the OF2200 plugged into the vac on a 110/120 volt, 20 amp circuit.  Or with the 12 gauge cord on the vac.

  Running the OF 2000 router on the CT33 seems excessive to me.  It's alot of power through the CT33 power cord & it gets hot, the cord does.  I've begun plugging the OF 2000 into another circuits outlet, since I once blew a circuit. & use a remote control "plugin" type switch to turn on the CT33 remotely.  This works very well, & I recommend it.  The circuits are all 20amp & sufficient fo rall other work I've done plugged into them.  Now, I believe the remote device is a 110v Lone Ranger, the red one. 
  I don't want to abuse these expensive tools, I love them & they must last my lifetime
  Any thoughts on this setup? 

 

[Terp]

...
and yes, I sometimes need some ripped 2" pieces on site, but it's easier to carry a pile of ripped 2" strips than my tablesaw.

Sounds like you just violated the rule!   ;D  It just depends...

Dan.

Dan, I meant I rip the 2" stock on my tablesaw (the easy way) and carry the strips to the site, since they are easier to transport than the tablesaw, still following the rule dude!

Logic. Wow, what kind of woodworker are you?  Certainly not just a carpenter

 

[Steve Jones]

Terp,

I build cabinets, and 2" is my standard width for door frames (5 piece doors) and face frames (if the customer insists on those quaint american style framed cabinets). Having a standard size for board stock yields many advantages and carrying some "spare" ripped boards makes the odd unexpected re-design on site easier.

I'll take issue with that "just" a carpenter!, I have a varied history, but now run a one man shop producing cabinets (mostly complete kitchens) and the whole shop and production process is designed with logic (for efficiency, I'm basically too lazy to haul plywood sheets around, hence the Festool fixation).

My point is I don't think anyone is "Just" a carpenter (well, a recent experience on another forum may disprove that, but besides that...)

 

[Dixon Peer]

Hey Terp, the guy pushing the wow factor on these new tools is a "dealer" who'd be glad to sell you all that expensive new wonderment.  Now there's no denying these are wonderful tools, but $800 for a router???  I would think it'd set itself up after you told it what you need to do, like, "I need to run some window sash sticking" and that's it...done  ;D.

 

[Terp]

Terp,

I build cabinets, and 2" is my standard width for door frames (5 piece doors) and face frames (if the customer insists on those quaint american style framed cabinets). Having a standard size for board stock yields many advantages and carrying some "spare" ripped boards makes the odd unexpected re-design on site easier.

I'll take issue with that "just" a carpenter!, I have a varied history, but now run a one man shop producing cabinets (mostly complete kitchens) and the whole shop and production process is designed with logic (for efficiency, I'm basically too lazy to haul plywood sheets around, hence the Festool fixation).

My point is I don't think anyone is "Just" a carpenter (well, a recent experience on another forum may disprove that, but besides that...)

Forgive me :-\

I jest. & have a bad sense of humor.  You see I've known carpenters who are really just drywallers, & who only use the  large lines on the tape measure (you know, the 1/2" graduations) (Whoops, please see "I jest. & have a bad sense of humor." from above.
 Many tradesmen I've worked with also seem to be quite illogical in that they would carry the tablesaw to the job site too quickly.  Then of course this hurts the back.  For years in work, I've seen too many big heavy boxes, buckets, saws, drills etc. etc. carried to job sites & not used. Ugh.  Sometimes I felt like a pack mule as a young grunt.  
 Well anyway I'm older now with a decrepit, yet still able back  I am a cabinetmaker & probably too logical in my approaches to all tasks.  I would carry the 2" strips.  Actually I try to stay tethered to the shop work area if I can, LOL.  I hate carrying my tools anywhere far.
 I admire your logic & that was my point.  Please forgive my bad humor & remember my wife has to live with me.

 

[Terp]

Hey Terp, the guy pushing the wow factor on these new tools is a "dealer" who'd be glad to sell you all that expensive new wonderment.  Now there's no denying these are wonderful tools, but $800 for a router???  I would think it'd set itself up after you told it what you need to do, like, "I need to run some window sash sticking" and that's it...done  ;D.

Wait, remember the talking cars.  "The door is ajar", LOL.  That freaked me out.  I never tell my cell phone to dial home either. 

I would like it if this router also made coffee.  That goes for any thing I buy though

 

[Dixon Peer]

I remember those talking cars.  My neighbor across the street had one.  Drove her nuts after a couple of months and she got rid of it.  I'm old enough to remember when power windows were a novelty.

Now, if that OF 2200 would chill the beer and the end of a long day...

 

[Terp]

I remember those talking cars.  My neighbor across the street had one.  Drove her nuts after a couple of months and she got rid of it.  I'm old enough to remember when power windows were a novelty.

Now, if that OF 2200 would chill the beer and the end of a long day...

 
Wow, a "keg'o'router"  I love it.  I once passed out in front of a "keg'o'lator', (think refridgerator with a hole drilled in the door for the tap ;D) 
  Ah,  but that's another tale

 

[Dan Clark]

Carpentry is like anything else, IMO.  Some people think of themselves as just workers - wood pounders that provide little value.  And their skills match.  Others have a big ego, but not the talent, skills and knowledge to match.  And then we have true carpenters, in a broad range of sub-fields, whose skills, knowledge, artistry and "can-do" attitude mark them as professionals worthy of our respect. 

For "woodworkers" who think they can do better than "just a carpenter", I strongly suggest they search the posts here and on web for some incredible work by people like Mirko, Per Swenson, and Eiji.

Check out Per's website:http://www.swensonz.com/.  Click "Photo Gallery".  One shows Per and his dad Bob.  They are "just carpenters".  Check out this post:http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=427.msg3662#msg3662.  Mirko is "just a carpenter".  Check out the Eiji's pics on this thread:http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=1416.0.  Yep, I think he's "just a carpenter" too.  If I had 1/1000 the talent and skill that these guys have, I'd be happy for someone to call me "just a carpenter".

My only concern in writing this is that I haven't mentioned a large number of other carpenters here who also deserve our respect.

Dan.

 

[Dave Rudy]

Anyhow, I am glad I live in Canada and they probably are not avail here unless I wanna get searched crossing the US/Canada border and buy it in the US

Dan C

C'mon Dan!  The stories of you crossing the border with festools are probably my all-time favorites on this forum.  You can't stop now!  You can't!  Pretty soon you'll have enough stories to print and sell a collection in a book -- it could help to defray some of the cost, don't you think?

 

[Frank Pellow]

I, for one, would be proud to be "just a carpenter".

 

[Terp]

Carpentry is like anything else, IMO.  Some people think of themselves as just workers - wood pounders that provide little value.  And their skills match.  Others have a big ego, but not the talent, skills and knowledge to match.   And then we have true carpenters, in a broad range of sub-fields, whose skills, knowledge, artistry and "can-do" attitude mark them as professionals worthy of our respect. 

For "woodworkers" who think they can do better than "just a carpenter", I strongly suggest they search the posts here and on web for some incredible work by people like Mirko, Per Swenson, and Eiji.

Check out Per's website:http://www.swensonz.com/.   Click "Photo Gallery".   One shows Per and his dad Bob.  They are "just carpenters".   Check out this post:http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=427.msg3662#msg3662.  Mirko is "just a carpenter".   Check out the Eiji's pics on this thread:http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=1416.0.  Yep, I think he's "just a carpenter" too.   If I had 1/1000 the talent and skill that these guys have, I'd be happy for someone to call me "just a carpenter".

My only concern in writing this is that I haven't mentioned a large number of other carpenters here who also deserve our respect.

Dan.

 Hey, I apologized for the "just carpenter" remark.  Carpenter is an overused and abused term.  Some carpenters do only metal framing & are paid journeymans wages for it, yet only know tin snips & screw guns.  I guess I've grown cynical about the use of the word these days.  I have known many great carpenters.  Men who could build staircases & casework on site.  Carve wood like some people can doodle.   Skills they seem born with, or that have become inate to them.
  Many skills make a true carpenter, at least once upon a time.  I myself can build anything from furniture to a framed & finished house, as it is all just woodwork to me.  I've been in the trades along time & have learned by looking over the shoulders of true craftsmen.  Older, german, union men who wouldn't just share their trade secrets, you had to earn the education or just absorb it.  These were very talented "trim carpenters" I worked with back in the 80's.  I've known many craftsmen who don't deserve the muddying the title carpenter has received.  I guess I just long for true tradesmen again.  I know many here are, in these chatrooms, but just look around you in the field though.  Seriously.  Many carpenters never gain a true feel for the work they do anymore & never grow, content in thinking it's all about metal studs & a pay check.          
 True carpenters know the layout math & how to sharpen their tools, not just throw out & blade for a new one.  They'll work hard for the pride of producing quality.  You must agree the term carpenter has been abused as of late.  You don't need any certifcate or license to be a journeymen carpenter, as in other trades, & all people seem to mostly want these days is a strong back on a job site.  Anyway, I have great respect for the trade, please frogive my slight.  

 BTW take a look into any carpentry apprenticeship program & tell me how many devoted young apprentices you see.  Most go in for reasons other than devotion to craft.  Ten years ago the local union program here had about three students total for one year.  Then two dropped out.  The work was too hard I heard, & no a/c in the shop :-\  Young people don't value blue collar trades enough, & wouldn't become anything for the low wages & life of a "devoted to his craft" apprentice.
 I love my craft & at times have worked purely for the pleasure.  I joke, but I do not do this to make money. I do this to make my furniture.  

PS Thanks for the links, I'll be checking them out.  

 

[Texastutt]

Anyhow, I am glad I live in Canada and they probably are not avail here unless I wanna get searched crossing the US/Canada border and buy it in the US

Dan C

C'mon Dan!  The stories of you crossing the border with festools are probably my all-time favorites on this forum.  You can't stop now!  You can't!  Pretty soon you'll have enough stories to print and sell a collection in a book -- it could help to defray some of the cost, don't you think?

Hafele Canada, in Southern Ontario ask for Sean, you need to have an account.

 

[Terp]

Carpentry is like anything else, IMO.  Some people think of themselves as just workers - wood pounders that provide little value.  And their skills match.  Others have a big ego, but not the talent, skills and knowledge to match.   And then we have true carpenters, in a broad range of sub-fields, whose skills, knowledge, artistry and "can-do" attitude mark them as professionals worthy of our respect. 

For "woodworkers" who think they can do better than "just a carpenter", I strongly suggest they search the posts here and on web for some incredible work by people like Mirko, Per Swenson, and Eiji.

Check out Per's website:http://www.swensonz.com/.   Click "Photo Gallery".   One shows Per and his dad Bob.  They are "just carpenters".   Check out this post:http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=427.msg3662#msg3662.  Mirko is "just a carpenter".   Check out the Eiji's pics on this thread:http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=1416.0.  Yep, I think he's "just a carpenter" too.   If I had 1/1000 the talent and skill that these guys have, I'd be happy for someone to call me "just a carpenter".

My only concern in writing this is that I haven't mentioned a large number of other carpenters here who also deserve our respect.

Dan.

 Dan,
 I looked at the links & these men are hardly "just carpenters".  They are fine woodworkers who seem highly skilled, true craftsmen.  I am very impressed with the work, enough so not to merely call them carpenters.  
 One more thought.  If I am just a cook, yet work in a five star uptown fancy restaurant, wouldn't I really want to be called a chef.  Just a thought.  

 

[Texastutt]

Well, the trade is suffering from no one wanting to do good work. I see so much junk that I try to get the home owner to let me rip out and fix... miter done with caulk, and the list goes on and on and on...........

David "JAFC" Tuttle

 

[Texastutt]

Carpentry is like anything else, IMO.
  Dan,
  I looked at the links & these men are hardly "just carpenters".  They are fine woodworkers who seem highly skilled, true craftsmen.  I am very impressed with the work, enough so not to merely call them carpenters. 
  One more thought.  If I am just a cook, yet work in a five star uptown fancy restaurant, wouldn't I really want to be called a chef.  Just a thought. 

Carpenter, Cabinetmaker, Furnituremaker... it's a strange breed. I'm somewhere in there, I've also been a Project Manager which did Bergorf Goodman, a bar in the Empire State building, a well know strip club in NYC and TONS of other major cool projects. They never saw the finished project unless I was at the install and took a photo after install or brought back a opening flyer/coaster, appreciated but it did not make a difference to them in the end.

 

[Terp]

Well, the trade is suffering from no one wanting to do good work. I see so much junk that I try to get the home owner to let me rip out and fix... miter done with caulk, and the list goes on and on and on...........

David "JAFC" Tuttle

Amen brother.  Promote the skills not the benefits.

 

[PeterK]

We have drifted way off topic as I was hoping to really abuse Bob for not having the new toys (tools) on his website yet. Man, he is slow!!! 

As to carpenters, there are thousands who are way better woodworkers than I - no doubt. But the real eye-opener was when I moved from Michigan to Louisiana about 12 years ago. Tradesmen/women up North were extremely capable and proud of their work. Here it is the opposite. I see houses built with door frame openings that are so oversized that the only way to hang pre-hung door is to use 4-6" wide door trim. Every thing is painted so they can fudge in all the bad cuts with caulk. They can build very attractive houses here but the quality just stinks. Of course, there is no inspection program required on the construction. Another example was when I nneded to replace my shingled roof. Wanted to do it myself but we were so buried at work that they offered to pay to have it done verses me taking time off. Well, like an idiot, I took them up on it. Turns out the "respected" roofer stripped the roof down and put shingles on with no tar paper or valley lining - just shingles. I complained to the local city office but turns out there is no required standard for roofing. So - I got to work and have a really crappy roof which is doubly bad living in a hurricane area.
Pete

 

[Terp]

I, for one, would be proud to be "just a carpenter".

Frank,
 I've seen a few of your posts & the photos.  You are not "just a carpenter", I'd say you're quite a talented carpenter
Keep up the good work & the great posts.

For the record I like to refer to myself as just a "mere happy woodwacker".   LOL