New to Festool, A little advice please

[travisj]

I am a hobbyist woodworker/DIYer and am about to make my first Festool purchases.  I have always wanted a panel saw, but due to cost and space constraints, that isn't going to happen.  Track saws have now entered the picture.  After research, a TS55REQ (55" "holey" rail) and an MFT/3 seem to be the ideal solution for me.  I am also going to get a CT26.  Now, which tool should I buy to take advantage of the discount on the dust extractor?  Originally, I was thinking of a Carvex, but am now second guessing that decision (I have a Bosch that rarely gets used).  What would you suggest?  I only have one somewhat decent sander so I am thinking that may be on the list, but which one?

I have stationary tools (table saw, band saw, drill press, planer, miter saw,& router table).  I also have the basic portable power tools (several routers - large and trim, drills, drivers, the aforementioned Bosch jig saw, Ridgid 5" RO sander, ancient Craftsman runaway train belt sander, biscuit joiner,  etc...).  A Domino is on my wish list, but that won't happen for awhile.  I am fortunate to be near Betterley Industries (where I will make my purchase) and intend to get one of their straightline connectors along with a 75" rail.  Accessories are on my radar as well, but due to my budget, it is easier for me to add those sporadically along the way.  For this initial purchase, I am looking to take advantage of the discounts on the CT and MFT.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jbasen]

Welcome to the FOG

I am also a hobbyist.  I think you have a reasonable plan for your purchases.  I agree that a Festool sander makes sense to buy with your vacuum to take advantage of the discount.  If you already have a decent sander then I would get the RO 90 because it is so incredibly versatile.  It can be a detail sander, an aggressive sander. or a finish sander.  I wouldn't want to sand a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood with it but you can use your existing sander for that.

Of course, once you find out how great a sander it is your existing sander will be showing up on Craigs List and you'll be buying more Festool sanders.  Festools sanders are like rabbits; you never have just one. [big grin]

 

[Kev]

Welcome,

Check out the Domino.

Yes, the RO90 is awesome ... and many of the Festool sanders are great. But the Domino introduces another dimension to your capabilities.

I'm ignorant of the combo deals in your neck of the woods, but talk to any of the regular sellers feature on this forum and tell them what you are looking for and they'll come up with the right "meal deal" [wink]

As a rule, maybe add or replace tools based on new capabilities or improved performance.

As an aside, once you start using tools with DC, you'll shy away from anything without DC (or with poor DC).

cheers,

Kev.

 

[abgoto]

I also started with the track saw and MFT/3. For your next purchase I recommend an RO150 Rotex for coarse to medium sanding, or an ETS 150 if your needs lean more towards fine sanding. If you plan to eventually buy both the RO 150 and the ETS, get the ETS 150/3 EQ.  If you only plan to get one (good luck with that!) get the ETS 150/5 EQ for its larger stroke.  The RO90 is a great sander, but I would not want it to be my only sander.

 

[Shane Holland]

Welcome to the forum.

With Festool's 30-day money back guarantee, there's really no bad choice. If you get something and decide it wasn't the right choice, just exchange it or return it.

That said, I too would recommend that you not go with the RO 90 as your first Festool sander. The Rotex 125 or 150 are phenomenal sanders and offer the most general purpose versatility. The ETS 150 would be a great finish sander. The TS+MFT package and Rotex+CT packages are common first purchases and the perfect way to kick off your Festool collection.

As was mentioned, the Domino (my favorite tool) is also a great choice if you do a fair amount of joinery. It's just a forehead-smacking tool when you see how easy it makes joinery.

Shane

 

[jacko9]

The Domino joiner is a unique tool that is a pleasure to use in the shop for mortise and tenon joints, there is no similar tool on the market and it will add efficiency to your operation.

Jack

 

[Cheese]

[member=53578]travisj[/member]
[welcome] to the FOG.
My first venture into Festool was because I also wanted a Milwaukee or Safety Speed (Ham Lake MN) panel saw to cut up sheet goods, but after some investigation I realized the panel saw was more convenience related rather than accuracy related. Thus, my first Festool purchase was a TS 55 with a CT 22 vac. The best decision I ever made.

As far as sanders go, I think Shane's suggestion for a Rotex 125 or 150 is the right decision. The FOG members are pretty vociferous about their love for either a 125 or a 150 sander, but I think it's all about what feels comfortable in your hands. My hands are small and a Rotex 125 is perfect.

As far as Betterley goes, they're a great company and have been around forever. I've talked with Tom and he's super helpful and knowledgeable.

 

[dpetrzelka]

Welcome!

The RO90 would be a great second Festool sander, unless you have very specific need for that smaller size. I use mine quite often, but the ETS150/3 is a great starter for more general use, and would be where I would start.

Your thoughts on the TS55REQ / MFT / CT26 are spot on - a very powerful combination.

The Domino DF500 was the biggest game changer in my shop - it is so much easier / faster / more precise that the next closest tools, that it is in the revolutionary category. Put that very near the top of your list.

 

[Birdhunter]

Festool sanders, drill, vacs, etc are all wonderful tools; but they do somewhat better what other tools do.

I found the Domino totally changed my joinery techniques and opened up new project possiblities for me.

If you buy a Domino, buy the set. Buy the 700 for big work and the 500 for small to medium work.

 

[Holmz]

Welcome,

Check out the Domino.

Yes, the RO90 is awesome ... and many of the Festool sanders are great. But the Domino introduces another dimension to your capabilities.
...

^^
If you do not need another sander then spending more to get a discount on something you may not need seems pennywise (pound foolish).
Do they not do a deal on the track saw and the CT-26?
If you want a Domino anyhow, then the money wasted on the sander, and the discount, gets you at least 1/2 way there.

My problem was needing to do the research. In the end I got the 700 ad the Seneca stuff.

Whether you get the Sander or the Domino, you will be getting sand paper or dominos. $$$

For the track saw I also had a spend up on blades. $$$

 

[gsdvorak]

My first Festool purchase was the Domino 500 and CT22 package.  As mentioned earlier in this thread, this is a game-changing tool and I use it on almost every furniture build.

That said, the other game changer was when I purchased the TS-55.  I use this exclusively to break down sheet goods now- it is so nice that I have often thought about selling my table saw but have yet to pull that trigger.

Of course, then the MFT-3 is the perfect companion for the TS-55, then the sanders are the perfect companion with the dust collection and then....  well, now you get the idea why Festool is an addiction.  [smile]

One great addition is becoming a member of the FOG- and it's free!  Welcome and good luck with your purchases.

Regards,
Gerald

 

[KP80]

I am also brand new to Festool and the FOG. My first purchase was the ETS 150/3 and the CT 36. I couldn't be happier. The 150/3 is comfortable and versatile. My next purchase is the OF 1400. Good luck [smile]

 

[Acrobat]

I'd second the ETS 150/3 sander for finishing, it's a rolls royce sander and hooked up to your vac is simply awesome to use. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for rough grades as I feel its more of a finisher. For general purpose sanding, the Rotex, but it's a beast to handle and not one I'd recommend personally. More of a jack of all but not the high-end finish that the ETS gives.
Next the Domino. It will open up a whole lot of projects with it's ease of use. No more allowing for extra lengths for tenons when cutting, just measure, cut and domino, done. It's a one time purchase that will expand your horizons no end.

 

[Kev]

I'd second the ETS 150/3 sander for finishing, it's a rolls royce sander and hooked up to your vac is simply awesome to use. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for rough grades as I feel its more of a finisher. For general purpose sanding, the Rotex, but it's a beast to handle and not one I'd recommend personally. More of a jack of all but not the high-end finish that the ETS gives.
Next the Domino. It will open up a whole lot of projects with it's ease of use. No more allowing for extra lengths for tenons when cutting, just measure, cut and domino, done. It's a one time purchase that will expand your horizons no end.

Just a counterpoint on the ROTEX and in particular the RO150 ... there's a learning curve with these - don't expect to pick it up and be 100% comfortable using it from the get go.

On a flat level surface, with a bit of practice and the right technique you'll get fantastic results and you won't feel like you've gone ten rounds either.

But ... and this is the big but, you can't avoid the fact that the unit is quite heavy. Certainly not your "go to" sander for plasterboard walls and ceilings!! [eek]

 

[NHSP759]

Yup, sander! I've got the RO90DX and the ETS125 and they are great machines. I do have the Bosch ROS65VCL with both the 5 and 6" interface pads and it works really well with my Midis. After a sander I'd to OF1400 and take advantage of the holey rail with an LR32

Oh yeah.....I'd get used to an empty wallet

 

[Holmz]

What part of Mn Travis?

It does seem odd that people use a $100 Betterley solution to justify a more expensive rail system that seems inferior.

My advise is to study what is available.
The idea of a track saw seems good to me, but I also just got one, so you are preaching to the choir.

The marketing of the discounts is brilliant.
Just make sure you do not do an 'Oof-da' later.

 

[travisj]

Thank you for all of the input and the warm welcome.  I have been weighing your comments, my research, and the list of current and upcoming projects as to what makes the most sense right now.  Until yesterday, I had my mind made up on an ETS 150/3 since I have some casework to finish up and because I don't have a 6" sander currently. 

My wife threw a wrench in that plan last night.  I now have to redo a countertop in her craft room (converted bedroom).  Since I will need to chamfer the edge in place, I am now considering the OF1400 router (none of my plethora of routers has any reliable form of dust collection).  I now have some research to do on the OF1400's dust collection efficiency (carpeted room and one of my daughters has asthma).  Regardless, my "to get" list now includes a Rotex 90, Rotex 150, ETS 150/3, and a Domino.  I am sure that will grow considerably as I have a tool addiction problem and I am a little OCD with tools (they all have to match, give or take). 

Holmz - I am about 20 miles north of Minneapolis/St. Paul.  My only Oof-Da moments usually revolve around Lutefisk (it's a tradition, but I think there is something seriously wrong with a food if it must be soaked in poison first...)

 

[Holmz]

...

Holmz - I am about 20 miles north of Minneapolis/St. Paul.  My only Oof-Da moments usually revolve around Lutefisk (it's a tradition, but I think there is something seriously wrong with a food if it must be soaked in poison first...)

^That is no lye^ brother.

The relatives followed Greysolon's tracks... Sieur De Lhut.

 

[ear3]

The 1400 has brilliant dust collection.  As long as you use the cover when you do edge work, you will be able to rout stuff in situ without worrying about throwing covers over everything.

Thank you for all of the input and the warm welcome.  I have been weighing your comments, my research, and the list of current and upcoming projects as to what makes the most sense right now.  Until yesterday, I had my mind made up on an ETS 150/3 since I have some casework to finish up and because I don't have a 6" sander currently. 

My wife threw a wrench in that plan last night.  I now have to redo a countertop in her craft room (converted bedroom).  Since I will need to chamfer the edge in place, I am now considering the OF1400 router (none of my plethora of routers has any reliable form of dust collection).  I now have some research to do on the OF1400's dust collection efficiency (carpeted room and one of my daughters has asthma).  Regardless, my "to get" list now includes a Rotex 90, Rotex 150, ETS 150/3, and a Domino.  I am sure that will grow considerably as I have a tool addiction problem and I am a little OCD with tools (they all have to match, give or take). 

Holmz - I am about 20 miles north of Minneapolis/St. Paul.  My only Oof-Da moments usually revolve around Lutefisk (it's a tradition, but I think there is something seriously wrong with a food if it must be soaked in poison first...)

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Lots of good advice above.  I have a few nits/exceptions with some of it and an observation of OF1400 dust control.

On the sander, if your current sander doesn't do dust well, then that defeats the main benefit of Festool.  No matter how well the saw collects dust, if you foul up the air with sander dust, you are still up the creek.  Get a good sander (I love the ETS 150/3).

Not all TS55 users need to spend a lot on blades.  I didn't buy another blade for years (being a hobbyist, I can wait a couple of days for the sharpener).

Not sure the Domino set is a good deal for everyone.  The Domino itself is a great tool, but you might not be using all the different sizes of dominoes.  I got the set, and with hindsight, I would have been better off just buying a sack of 8mm dominoes.

OF1400 dust extraction is the best I have seen on any router.  It is not perfect, though, maybe 90%.  Edge routing is hard for dc only any tool.  Their is an edge extraction accessory.  It helps, but some dust will still get in the air.

I would suggest you go to your local vendor and ask for some hands on with the tools.  Get a feel for how well dc works and what feels good in your hands.

Also, look in the classified section of this forum and on craigslist.  Festools are built to last and most used tools have a lot of life left.  Also, I think some of the tools are just things that folks bought and never got around to using - believe it or not. [big grin]

Welcome to the slippery slope.  Its a fun ride!