New to Festool, Tools to start with

[BubblegumBunny]

Hi all

Not sure if this is the right place to post, but I have finally saved up enough for my first festool kit ! I am so excited, cutting boards with a jigsaw was not fun. Hand saws took so long, but I dont think I was using the right ones.
I bought a new Bosch circular saw, and online it looked really good, but I am a new to large powerful saws and it looked very scary to me. I am going to return it.

I saw the TS 55 REQ and it seems much easier and slightly safer to a newbie like me.
Then I took a look at the attachments...and wow....just wow so many !

I just wanted to ask for some help and guidance from the forum for a soon to be festool owner...I have ordered the TS 55 REQ, 1 1400mm rail, parallel guide for the side of the saw (The small one not the one for the guide rail) and some clamps.

I was looking at the MFT and the dust extractor, but I am not sure which extractor does what. I know the specs are on the website but I am really confused at which one is the HEPA certified ones and just in general which one to get.

I havnt even got my first festool but I want more ! I guess thats the bug everyone talks about one this forum

Just a quick summary of what I am trying to do for now...I want to build some small cupboards and shelves for make up, and then move on to getting storage built in the bathrooms and loft space. I will be working in our back garden, which is close to the neighbours, I also want to keep the dust level down as it might be annoying (along with the noise).

Sorry for the long post and I hope the forum can help me find the best setup for my first kit
I am so excited, I want to sleep at like 6 pm over the weekend so the week can start and I can get my stuff

 

[SittingElf]

First.... [welcome]

If you just ordered the TS55, you can bundle it with the MFT/3 at a 10% discount for the table. Take advantage of it now! 

If they haven't yet shipped, you might also ask them to switch out the standard rail for a "holy" rail. If you get the Festool bug, you will probably eventually want the LS32 system, and already having the rail for it will save you $$

As for the CT's...they ALL have HEPA filters with the single exception of a specialty unit that is made for drywall sanding.  The next tool you buy, other than drills, you can package deal with a CT for a 10% discount on the DC unit as well.  All the CT's have the same suction power, so it's mostly a decision on bag capacity and unit size.

Welcome to drinking the Green Koolaid!  Misery loves company... and our bank accounts "account" for that misery!!

Cheers,

Frank

 

[carlb40]

Welcome  [big grin]

If space is limited for storage? I would suggest either a mini or midi for extraction. Apart from some of the specialised extractors, they are all pretty much the same. Only the capacity varies.

I would suggest 2 1400mm rails plus connector bars ( makita versions are better) as a minimum if cutting ply/mdf etc.  The guide you have bought is only good for a 4 inch width rip. 

Some type of sander might be useful such as the ETS 150/3

 

[carlb40]

First.... [welcome]

If you just ordered the TS55, you can bundle it with the MFT/3 at a 10% discount for the table. Take advantage of it now! 

If they haven't yet shipped, you might also ask them to switch out the standard rail for a "holy" rail. If you get the Festool bug, you will probably eventually want the LS32 system, and already having the rail for it will save you $$

As for the CT's...they ALL have HEPA filters.  The next tool you buy other than drills, you can package deal with a CT for a 10% discount on the unit as well.  All the CT's have the same suction power, so it's mostly a decision on capacity and size.

Welcome to drinking the Green Koolaid!  Misery loves company... and our bank accounts "account" for that misery!!

Cheers,

Frank

Frank we don't get the option to swap the standard rail for a holey rail in the uk. It has to be a separate purchase.  [sad]

 

[roblg3]

Let's start here.
ALL of the dust extractors are "full unit certified" HEPA units.  the difference in them is most simply size.  The smallest and largest have the same specifications.  If all you own any old shop vac it CAN do for now.  The variable suction available on festool and some other brands is really only necessary when using sanders attached to it.  If you buy a saw and MFT you can get a 10%discount.  If you buy an extractor and another tool, you can get another 10%discount.  The biggest thing is the work you want to do.  If you will be building cupboards and shelving the MFT will be helpful.  It sounds like you have time to do this work and speed isn't the issue?  If time is your friend, the RO90 DX feq is an awesome sander.  Highly versatile and capable of accomplishing almost anything you need to do(with the proper attachments) it's a great place to start.  the ro150 is a larger version but less versatile and covers a lot more area  in a rapid fashion.  If you have a TS55, MFT3 kit, Ro90 and any of the dust extractors, you can with time patience and ingenuity accomplish most anything.  The MFT with all it's guides, can be used as a large sliding mitre saw and can allow you to avoid purchasing a mitre saw for some time.  The MFT is a Lot more than just a workbench.  it's an assembly table, clamping station, sanding can be done on it, it excels as a panel sawing table, with clamps slid into some slots it's a vice....so many options available with this "table"  best of luck!

 

[SittingElf]

Frank we don't get the option to swap the standard rail for a holey rail in the uk. It has to be a separate purchase.  [sad]

Well that sucks!  [huh] [sad]

Frank

 

[AlexThePalex]

The TS55 is a good tool to start with. A track saw like this is a lot safer, easier and more precise than the standard circular saw you have. You can get very good results with a minimum of effort.

As for dust extractors, they all do the same, suck up dust. They're all equally good at it. Only the ones with "AC" behind it have an extra mechanism inside to clean the filters by stirring them. Not something you need unless you work a lot with stone, plaster and drywall. For normal hobbyist woodworking any CTL vac will do, like the CTL 26 or CTL Mini/Midi.

HEPA certification doesn't mean anything in Europe, it is an American system not used here. Festool does offer HEPA filters though, for the larger vacs like the CTL 26 and 36. HEPA filters filter better than the standard filters but are more expensive.

As for other tools, a router like the OF1010 or OF1400 will greatly expand your possibilities as a woodworker. A router is a must have for any woodworker. The 1010 will take the smaller bits with an 8 mm shaft, the 1400 also takes larger bits with a 12 mm shaft.

And perhaps a sander to make it all look nice. The ETS150 and DTS400 are very nice sanders to start with.
 

 

[rvieceli]

Even here in the US I don't think swapping the rails is a officially a real option either. It has become a dealer courtesy to accommodate their customers.

 

[BubblegumBunny]

Wow, thanks for all the helpful input everyone.

I decided to hold off on the table for now and get some other bits instead.

The place I am buying from said they will hold my order and let me make changes to it until tomorrow afternoon. They will not let me get the LS32 rails

Is the CT17 any good, or does that not connect to the power tools ? They did offer me a bundle with either the MIDI extractor or the CT26 for a fair price.
Not sure if I can link the website on the forums, but it is nuts and bolts uk -> festool -> under their special deals. Maybe one of those offers are better value for now.

The table would be nice, but I can make do with what I have for a bit longer... MDF on top of workhorses lol
As emo as it sounds, I cant wait to start cutting...wood ! Just wood

 

[AlexThePalex]

The CT17 is a decent vac and also connects to the power tools. It's just not as refined as the CTL line of vacs. The CT17 comes from Festools' now abandoned Protool line for rough site tools while Festools are more aimed at the precision wood workers require. A combi deal with a Midi vac sounds great.

And there's nothing emo about cutting wood, in most places it's considered quite manly. The trick is to keep that blade away from your veins. [tongue]

 

[ccarrolladams]

[welcome] to The FOG,

Since you like in the UK, you need not worry about HEPA. This is a standard for the USA and Canada. All CT sold by Festool USA comply with HEPA. The requirements in the UK are slightly more complicated where theCT is used in a work place as opposed to a DIY. Ask a dealer if you need which CT.

All the CT are excellent dust extractors. Perhaps other dust extractors cost less.

 

[joiner1970]

I'd go for the ts55, 2x 1400 rails, a bag, 2x rail joiners, 2x clamps and a midi vac. N&b do that as a package I'm sure

 

[Phil Beckley]

Hi all

Not sure if this is the right place to post, but I have finally saved up enough for my first festool kit ! I am so excited, cutting boards with a jigsaw was not fun. Hand saws took so long, but I dont think I was using the right ones.
I bought a new Bosch circular saw, and online it looked really good, but I am a new to large powerful saws and it looked very scary to me. I am going to return it.

I saw the TS 55 REQ and it seems much easier and slightly safer to a newbie like me.
Then I took a look at the attachments...and wow....just wow so many !

I just wanted to ask for some help and guidance from the forum for a soon to be festool owner...I have ordered the TS 55 REQ, 1 1400mm rail, parallel guide for the side of the saw (The small one not the one for the guide rail) and some clamps.

I was looking at the MFT and the dust extractor, but I am not sure which extractor does what. I know the specs are on the website but I am really confused at which one is the HEPA certified ones and just in general which one to get.

I havnt even got my first festool but I want more ! I guess thats the bug everyone talks about one this forum

Just a quick summary of what I am trying to do for now...I want to build some small cupboards and shelves for make up, and then move on to getting storage built in the bathrooms and loft space. I will be working in our back garden, which is close to the neighbours, I also want to keep the dust level down as it might be annoying (along with the noise).

Sorry for the long post and I hope the forum can help me find the best setup for my first kit
I am so excited, I want to sleep at like 6 pm over the weekend so the week can start and I can get my stuff

Hi
Welcome to the forum - if you want advice you have just landed in the perfect spot [big grin].....currentlly travelling hence late reply.
Visit for a brief overview for extraction. HEPA is specific to the U.S as previously stated.
If you building cabinets then the next purchase will be the D.F.500 and then............
If you need any thing you are welcome to ask and we also have a team on the road who can visit and offer application advice and demo the kit.
rg
Phil

 

[Wuffles]

Yes, as Joiner said, this is the one you probably want - http://www.powertool-supplies.co.uk/festool-circular-saw-ts-55-rebq-plus-fs-gb-240v-jumbo-set-with-2-rails-new-model-midi-dust-extractor-and-cleaning-kit.html

 

[FOGNewbie]

First.... [welcome]

If you just ordered the TS55, you can bundle it with the MFT/3 at a 10% discount for the table. Take advantage of it now! 

If they haven't yet shipped, you might also ask them to switch out the standard rail for a "holy" rail. If you get the Festool bug, you will probably eventually want the LS32 system, and already having the rail for it will save you $$
As for the CT's...they ALL have HEPA filters with the single exception of a specialty unit that is made for drywall sanding.  The next tool you buy, other than drills, you can package deal with a CT for a 10% discount on the DC unit as well.  All the CT's have the same suction power, so it's mostly a decision on bag capacity and unit size.

Welcome to drinking the Green Koolaid!  Misery loves company... and our bank accounts "account" for that misery!!

Cheers,

Frank

Welcome!+1 I learned the hard way If you are leaning toward cabinets, you may want to add a router to the mix. If you can only swing  one router, go for the OF1400. If you know that you are going to do mostly cabinets with sheet goods, then the OF 1010 is a very good choice. If you are going multiple(I hope to do this soon). The OF 1400 and the MFK 700(trim router) is a nice combo.

The beast(OF 2200) is taking things to a higher level(Think portable shaper). Cannot use the LR 32 system with this.

If you split up your purchases, you can get the MFT with the saw, and the Vac with another tool later... BTW I am considering a second MFT. If you are braking down sheet goods, this would be great to have. If I do, I will get the full table, so I have back up parts/ a traveling kit.

 

[BubblegumBunny]

Thanks again for all the helpful tips and input everyone ! Much love  ;D

I havnt even got my first tool and I am already thinking I want the mft....Damn festool, its such an addiction !!! 

Im thinking the full set with the midi vac, ts 55 req and an mft 3.

I might just eat rice for a month and push for a router too lol.
Honestly though, how about a cheap and cheerful one or just save up for a festool one ?

My next concern is neighbors....Anyone in the UK have any tips for how to not getting in trouble with the neighbors and town council ?