New Shop and Festool User

[mywoodshop]

Hi all!

I am new to cabinet making and am starting out of my 9x20 garage. I will be adding a rear door to the end of the garage and 12x40 shop behind the garage. Upgrading to 100A subpanel in garage fed from 200A main house panel.

I have spent considerable time researching the best layout for the garage & shed and have decided on using the Festool ecosystem. Am I missing anything below for a complete shop to get started?

I will be building an assembly table to place my MFT on.

Dewalt Plunge Router Kit
JessEm Router Plate
Festool Mitre Saw
Porter Cable Dovetail Jig
Festool TSC 55 KEBI-F-Plus-FS Cordless TrackSaw
Festool Parallel Side Fence FS-PA for Track Saw
Quick Clamp FS-HZ 160 x 4 clamps
Festool MFT/3 Table
Clamping Elements for MFT
Festool Dust Collector CTC MIDI HEPA PLUS
Blades, Bits, Clamps
Domino Joiner DF 500
Random Orbital Sander ETS EC 125/3 EQ-Plus
Festool Clamping Elements MFT-SP (for sanding)
1281 Precision Square Woodpeckers
Edge Guide SA-MFK 700 for router Festool
Festool OF 1400 Router
Festool Edge Router MFK 700 EQ-set
Festool Cordless Drill CXS 2,6 Set
Beech DOMINO Tenons Assortment DS 4/5/6/8/10 1060 BU
Fuji Spray Q5 Platinum T-Series HVLP System Bottom Feed
Gorilla Grip Panel Lifter

Thank you, and I look forward to feedback and suggestions 

 

[gamecock111]

If you haven’t got the MFT/3 yet, consider the dashboard table/accessories. A little more money, but it is a great setup.

 

[woodferret]

3M PPS for the Fuji Spray.  You can thank me for it later.

 

[woodferret]

And I hope you understand the battery time limitation with the CTC.  The router plate and subpanel upgrade doesn't mesh with that choice.

 

[woodbutcherbower]

Welcome to the FOG.

The CTC MIDI will only give you 22 minutes max run time on 4.0Ah batteries, and only 30 minutes on 5.2Ah. You unquestionably need a mains-powered extractor - and with all that cutting, routing and other machining going on, I'd strongly suggest a CTL26 instead. There's an optional Bluetooth module for use with your cordless plunge saw.

You also left plunge saw guide rails off your list. 2 x 1400mm plus 1 x 800mm should cover all the bases. Make sure you're using either the new-gen Festool rail joiners or the TSO aftermarket ones, as the old-style Festool ones don't centre and straighten two joined rails - you can only get accurate long cuts by aligning them along a straightedge with these older-style ones. I'd also ditch the FS-PA parallel fence and add a TSO GRS-16 guide rail square instead - an invaluable accessory which will give you accurate 90-degree cuts when you're breaking down sheet goods.

The MFK-700 is a brilliant (but very specialised) little machine designed to do one job exceptionally well = trimming edgebanding. If you're looking for a general all-purpose quarter-inch machine for slotting, half-lapping, dovetailing, edge moulding etc. - I'd suggest that you take a look at the OF1010 instead.

Hope you get fixed up. Pics or it didn't happen  [big grin]

 

[mywoodshop]

Welcome to the FOG.

The CTC MIDI will only give you 22 minutes max run time on 4.0Ah batteries, and only 30 minutes on 5.2Ah. You unquestionably need a mains-powered extractor - and with all that cutting, routing and other machining going on, I'd strongly suggest a CTL26 instead.

Noted! I have changed that in my plans now. Thanks!

 

[mywoodshop]

3M PPS for the Fuji Spray.  You can thank me for it later.

Thanks, I will have to look into that. Is it the 2.0 system that you are referring to? Do you have a link for the product? Thanks!

 

[mywoodshop]

If you haven’t got the MFT/3 yet, consider the dashboard table/accessories. A little more money, but it is a great setup.

I have seen that in my research but perhaps I should take a closer look. Thank you for the suggestion!

 

[woodbutcherbower]

Welcome to the FOG.

The CTC MIDI will only give you 22 minutes max run time on 4.0Ah batteries, and only 30 minutes on 5.2Ah. You unquestionably need a mains-powered extractor - and with all that cutting, routing and other machining going on, I'd strongly suggest a CTL26 instead.

Noted! I have changed that in my plans now. Thanks!

I thought of some other stuff and edited my post. Take another look  [smile]

 

[Gene Howerton]

I would also look at a Shaper Origin, Shaper Workstation, and Plate. It is a game changer and can do box joints and dovetails. It can also make any pattern you might need for template routing. Festool owns them; it has upped my abilities. However, it might not be the best solution if you can on a production shop. You also might want to look at the pantorouter if you want to increase your volume or make chairs. Shaper is not a fast production method. I don't have room in my shop for CNC machine so the Shaper fits the bill and has replaced a quite a few of my tools.

You also might want to look and see what TSO Products has. I have their parellel system and the Festool one. I like the TSO system better.

If I was starting out I would buy the Dashboard System over the MFT-3. You need to check that out. Have fun.

 

[timwors]

This is a great list! Just a suggestion… make one of your 1400 rails the LR-32 variant (with the holes), should you want to add the LR32 set later.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

This is a great list! Just a suggestion… make one of your 1400 rails the LR-32 variant (with the holes), should you want to add the LR32 set later.

I totally agree with this. I was advised the same, when I bought my first TS55. It took a while, but I was very glad to have done it.

I'm one of the greatest fans of the MFK700, but as woodbutcherbower said, it's more of a specialty tool than a typical trim router. If it fits your needs, there is nothing better.

Like ghjaxman said, the Shaper Origin is a fantastic tool. It requires "user participation" as in, it's not a hit the button and watch it work thing, but it can do most CNC type things. The "software" package is an online version called Studio. That flattens the learning curve significantly and AutoPass speeds things up a lot too.

 

[woodferret]

3M PPS for the Fuji Spray.  You can thank me for it later.

Thanks, I will have to look into that. Is it the 2.0 system that you are referring to? Do you have a link for the product? Thanks!

If your buying new, PPS 2.0  You'll need the adapter for the gun and the H/O pressure cup in addition to the liners and lid kits.  The old ver is still sold, but that's mainly as legacy support.

S18 adapter for T70

 

[TSO_Products]

This is a great list! Just a suggestion… make one of your 1400 rails the LR-32 variant (with the holes), should you want to add the LR32 set later.

[member=80055]mywoodshop[/member]  +1 more vote for the LR 32 Guide Rail but make it TWO (2) LR 32 Rails if you ever expect to add shelf pin holes to a tall book case or shelf requiring more than a 55 inch / 1400mm Guide Rail.

Costs no more than "non-holy" guide rail but you want to specify when you buy the TS 55 track saw set.

You will find your selection of FESTOOL a great choice because of the unsurpassed range of Accessories which are designed to function as part of a "System".

Welcome to the FOG!

Hans

 

[ElectricFeet]

Maybe counter-culture here, but as an MFT owner, I wouldn’t recommend getting one these days for a static workshop.

If you do, it’s the right choice to ditch the legs (as you indicate), as they are not fantastically stable … at which point, you may as well save money, buy a sheet of mdf (or a better-quality HDF/MR MDF — better than Festool’s MDF) and make your own holes. Peter Millard (YouTube) has some really good videos on making his own MFT-like benches.

I would absolutely not buy the MFT-SP clamps. They lift the work up when clamping and catch on previous points on the bars where you’ve clamped. The Bessey equivalents (WNS-SET-MFT) are way way better. I don’t know how easy these are to get worldwide, but they are easily available in Europe.

I would also question the Festool Parallel Side Fence FS-PA for Track Saw. Bought one; never used it. Wait until you need one. (And “wait until you need one” may be good advice for some other things in the list, too — wish I’d heeded it myself, ha!  ;D )

I’d replace the Dewalt router / MFK 700 with a Bosch GKF 12V-8, which is a joy to use. Also consider adding an OF 1010 (as suggested by [member=75780]woodbutcherbower[/member] ). If the OF1400 will always be in a router table, you might want another router — more substantial than a trim router — to do grooves with, as you will absolutely not want to keep taking the OF1400 out of the table.

I second [member=980]ghjaxman[/member] ’s suggestion of a Shaper Origin. It’s not clear whether by “cabinet making” you mean making cabinets (for kitchens / fitted furniture etc), or you mean it in the traditional sense (high-end bespoke furniture). If the latter, the Origin is a game changer (if the former, less so). (Edit to add: And if the latter, I’d expect to see planer/jointer/thicknesser in there too.)

This is such a nice journey to start!  ;D

 

[xedos]

Why would you get a cordless track saw when you are shop based and that would be your only cordless big tool ?    You'll certainly use dust collection while using it, and that will never be cordless !  So, you're not really gaining much if anything.

Assume the dewalt router is for the router lift ?  I'd recommend a more powerful one for that.  3+ h.p.  If you do any amount of dovetails you will probably find you'll want dedicated router(s) for that you leave setup just for that because setting those up is a time consuming and you'll end up with 1/2 a dozen routers minimum anyway.

Forget the FS-PA and get the TSO version - better and more versatile. 

Think you'll find one sander does not fit all.  Suggest getting the EC125/5 and an ETS125.  You can add a 6" pad to the EC125 for larger projects. 

I'd think twice about the CXS too - its replacement is on the horizon but not imminent. Current one is old tech, and teensy battery capacity , and the batteries don't fit ANY other tools  :  Personally I like Bosch's flexiclic platform - brushless , multiple battery choices up to 6 Ah and they'll run lot of other useful tools like an impact driver, rotary laser, boroscope, mini router, sander, dremel, led lites, jigsaw, and more.  And it use reg. ol 1/4" hex bits that you can get at 10s of thousands of stores nationwide.

You're also gonna need a bigger diameter, but shorter vac hose for the kapex - and I'd seriously suggest another dedicated vac just for it. 

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Why would you get a cordless track saw when you are shop based and that would be your only cordless big tool ?    You'll certainly use dust collection while using it, and that will never be cordless !  So, you're not really gaining much if anything.

While there is room for debate between corded and cordless, that is not the argument, cordless vacs do exist.
It's mostly about power, weight, and whether you are already in the cordless platform.
"Some say" that cordless is more powerful, but I have never had power issues with the corded one I have, in the way I use it.
The cordless version is definitely heavier, chunkier, and much more violent sounding. (especially the air blowing away from it)
There are times when cordless is quick and handy, if you use the bag, but overall, I would rather use my corded one.

 

[woodferret]

I think like most, I just assumed the DeWalt was for the table.  If that was not the case and you were thinking of putting the OF1400 inside down, note that the new ones have NVR and will not work with an external switch.

 

[derekcohen]

Hi all!

I am new to cabinet making and am starting out of my 9x20 garage. I will be adding a rear door to the end of the garage and 12x40 shop behind the garage. Upgrading to 100A subpanel in garage fed from 200A main house panel.

I have spent considerable time researching the best layout for the garage & shed and have decided on using the Festool ecosystem. Am I missing anything below for a complete shop to get started?

I will be building an assembly table to place my MFT on.

Dewalt Plunge Router Kit
JessEm Router Plate
Festool Mitre Saw
Porter Cable Dovetail Jig
Festool TSC 55 KEBI-F-Plus-FS Cordless TrackSaw
Festool Parallel Side Fence FS-PA for Track Saw
Quick Clamp FS-HZ 160 x 4 clamps
Festool MFT/3 Table
Clamping Elements for MFT
Festool Dust Collector CTC MIDI HEPA PLUS
Blades, Bits, Clamps
Domino Joiner DF 500
Random Orbital Sander ETS EC 125/3 EQ-Plus
Festool Clamping Elements MFT-SP (for sanding)
1281 Precision Square Woodpeckers
Edge Guide SA-MFK 700 for router Festool
Festool OF 1400 Router
Festool Edge Router MFK 700 EQ-set
Festool Cordless Drill CXS 2,6 Set
Beech DOMINO Tenons Assortment DS 4/5/6/8/10 1060 BU
Fuji Spray Q5 Platinum T-Series HVLP System Bottom Feed
Gorilla Grip Panel Lifter

Thank you, and I look forward to feedback and suggestions 

You are starting out. Woodworking is a satisfying hobby. I’ve built serious furniture for over 30 years, as well as renovated homes. In essence, the tools are similar, but may differ in important areas for each type of task. For example, in a workshop with space, a MFT will never adequately take the place of a table saw.

Generally, most purchase tools as they are needed, geared towards new tasks as they arise. Buying everything at once is often going to lead to poor choices as you come to depend on others and their generalisations. I would start with a table saw, router table, and cordless drill. Get a drill press if you can. Only then consider a MFT. Tools like a Origin should be waaay down the list. It comes down to what you plan to build … furniture, boxes, cutting boards …

I consider that the core of a workshop consists of table saw, jointer, thickness-planer, drill press, and sharpening equipment. That last item points to bladed items, such as chisel and hand planes - a block plane at the least. You really will limit your capability without hand tools. Becoming an all round woodworker involves both power- and hand tools.

I believe that too many new woodworkers rush to buy tools that shortcut joinery. Dominos and biscuits have limitations. Before investing in these, learn to make joinery the old fashioned way. This will not only teach you skills and provide insights into wood, movement and longevity, but allow you to expand the design choices you may wish to make.

Take your time in building the workshop. It will not run away.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[Cheese]

I agree with Derek's recommendations 99%...my only divergence is recommending that you acquire a band saw at some point. I owned a band saw for almost 15 years before I purchased a table saw so that's a tenable position because I produced verifiable results for years without one.

And moving forward, I still don't own an MFT and doubt I ever will. An MFT used for construction/assembly/build/alignment is valuable, an MFT used only for cutting is MEH...