New to FOG and Festool - inquiries

[wullymc]

Hi everyone,

I have just been introduced to Festool and decided to take the plunge and buy some Festools.  I kind of jumped early because of the price increase coming on April 1st.  I am a very novice woodworker and basically have just constructed little boxes and am building speaker cabinets.  I want to upgrade to making some nice furniture.

My first purchase this week has included a Carvex 420 with the Accessory kit, Sys-MFT (since I wouldn't get the MFT table right away), quick clamps, and clamping elements.

I would like to purchase a sander and CT26 before the end of the month.

My thoughts are if possible buy one of a product in the product range.  Therefore if I was to buy one sander which one could be used for a lot of different purposes.

In that vein I am thinking of purchasing the RO125 with the CT26 package.  I have been kind of wavering because I like the idea of the RO90 with the delta pad.  I have looked at the arguments for both but am still not certain.  I am currently working with small boards but again would like to get into things such as tables etc.  I like the RO since I think one of my projects over the summer will be to stain the deck.  Arg...what to do.

Next, a drill.  If you were to buy 1 drill which one would it be.  I don't think I need all the power in the world but again I don't want to have to buy 2 or 3.  Would a CXS be enough?  and I am still confused after reading the pages what the differences between the C drills and the T drills other than the shape of the handles!

If people could point me in a good direction I would appreciate it.  Also, if you have any good suggestions for easy woodworking projects pages on the web that you would recommend I would welcome it.  I have taken a look at the Magazines out there and really it is scary for a new person to want to attempt the projects that they show in these magazines. 

Thanks for reading and any feedback you give...Dave

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

The CSX should do fine for your projects. If I were just starting with Festool drills and only wanted to buy one, then it would be the T18+3. This drill does it all.
Most here know that if I could have one sander it would be the RS2E.  For sanding assembled small boxes, I would probably use my Rotex 90 with the Delta pad. You will probably come to realize that it's more convenient to own more than one sander. One of my favorites is the ETS125.

 

[farmmachine]

As a hobbyist I have found that the RO 90 is very effective. It is small enough to manage easily (wife uses it too), the features/delta are good, the variety of sandpapers is vast, and its size allows a little finessing on edges, inside curves, etc. A great tool that invites being being put to work. Same issue of size versus just being overkill is steering me toward the OF 1400 router.

Much of Festool is directed at high quality production work in the hands of skilled craftsmen; when hobbyists jump in because they want the best and to just "buy once" I find it safe (and wise) to abandon my ETE character trait (everything to excess). I have come to learn that perhaps even the CT Midi instead of the CT 36 I bought would handle my needs and be more portable in the shop. The CT 36 with the boom is quite a hunk to move around-but at least my ETE need was satisfied!. The boom is terrific and highly recommended but won't mount on the Midi. Decisions, decisions. Have fun. And don't forget to wear your Festool ball cap to the Big Box stores (my Festool dealer included a cap in an order).

Regards, and here is to a spring and daylight saving time!

 

[semenza]

Hi Dave,

  Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

  If you are going to do things with larger, surfaces such as tables, you will probably want an ETS150/ 5 or /3 at some point. So that might tilt the scale towards the RO 90 as a first sander for the versatility if you are mostly doing small things for now. 

Seth

 

[RONWEN]

Hi Dave,

  Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

  If you are going to do things with larger, surfaces such as tables, you will probably want an ETS150/ 5 or /3 at some point. So that might tilt the scale towards the RO 90 as a first sander for the versatility if you are mostly doing small things for now. 

Seth

Doing large table surfaces don't forget to look at the RS 2E -- not as "sexy" as the RO's but certainly Festools best sander for larger surfaces.  Sadly, it is often overlooked.  [unsure]

 

[Rob Lee]

Hi Dave -

If you are doing primarily furniture work I would choose the CXS. It is light and manouverable, and I find it can be used more "precisely" than the larger drills. I have been delighted with mine. Construction/deck work I still turn to the heavier drills (I have a few Makita as well).

My first sander was the RO90 - which was a revelation. Again - easy to hold and control - ideal for furniture or refinishing work. I also ended up buying a RO150 for refinishing a deck, and have also used it to prep walls for painting.

The best advice I can give is buy the tool that fits what you do MOST.... don't try to cover the scope of all possible work you may do with one tool.

Cheers -

Rob

 

[batcave]

Whatever sander you get, get the granant paper for it. It will sand everything. If you buy the Ro90, I don't recommend any coarse grits for the triangle pads. You can make a mess in a hurry with 80 grit. I only use 120/180 with the triangles.

Kevin

 

[wow]

I am in a similar situation and decided to buy the RO90. It's so versatile that it is basically a 'must have' machine. No matter what you do you'll want one.

And - unfortunately - I'm pretty sure it won't be my last green sander purchase...

 

[dltflt]

As long as your projects are relatively small I would go with the RO90. But knowing you want to sand a deck then I think the RO150 is better. As for the drill I have the c12 and love it and I am a hobbist also.
Welcome to FOG and the slippery green slope.

 

[wullymc]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions!

I think in the end I will go with the RO90 and the CXS.  I think that these should do me good as I round out my Festool cravings.

Take care...Dave