Newb here... am I making any major mistakes with my first purchase?

[mtmpenn]

Hey All,

I have been lurking for a little wihle.  

I'm new to woodworking.  I've built a few pairs of loudspeakers and a bookshelf (at a local woodworking school).  
I've really enjoyed working wood and want to be able to put more time/effort into this hobby.  For now I want to build more speakers and some furniture (bookshelves, small benches, etc).  

I need some tools to proceed.  Unfortunately, I live in a small house (about 900sq ft).  There is a 10x15 foot space in my basement that I think I can take over for a shop.  Space, noise, dust, and safety are major concerns for me.  Given these issues, festool seems like a logical choice.  I suppose I could go full neanderthal and just use hand tools but I'm also busy and inpatient... I'll get a lot more out of this hobby if I have a setup where I can actually produce some things in a reasonably efficient manner.  

I already have some assorted hand tools, a porter-cable ROS, cordless drill.  

Now, I have about $5000 to spend, but would like to reserve $1000-$1500 for some more hand tools, measuring instruments, safety gear, wood for first projects, etc.  That leaves $3000-3500 for festools.  This is what I am considering:

1)  TS/55 (I expect to use sheet goods and 4/4 stock for the time being so I think this will be fine)
2) MFT/3
3)  CT26
4) OF1400 (I've seen the smaller router getting a lot of love, but this will be my only router and I would like the ability to use 1/2" bits)
4.5) OF1400 guide rail adapter and edge guide

That all seems like a no-brainer.  

I've got some questions about

5) Domino joiner set with cutters and tenons

     - Some of what I am planning to do could be done with biscuits (aligning boxes, attaching speaker baffles, gluing boards together).  It seems like the      domino's floating tenons give me the ability to do more when it comes to furniture construction.  Part of me feels like I should wait on this one until I have some more experience and know that I will need it.  The other part of me says: buy it and BUILD!!!  Opinions?  Is this a first purchase item or a later item?

6) Accessories:  Seems like accessories are what make festool shine.  I will get a pair of the clamping elements.  I also want to get some other clamps.  Screw clamps or quick clamps?  Do the quick clamps generate sufficient force?  The screw clamps says for holding down the guide rails, but it looks like you can use them on the mft, right?  I'm also thinking I'll get an extra 55" guide rail and a set of connectors for 8' stock.  

Am I missing any "must have" accessories?  If I buy all of the above I'm at about $3800 which is really close to my limit, but I would potentially stretch for something if it was really important.  

 

[erock]

Welcome!
I have the TS55, MFT/3, OF1400 along with some other good stuff.  Let me tell me say one thing.  Everything Festool makes has made woodworking FUN!
My blood has turned green since my first purchase of Festool.  If your looking to buy the best then Festools are the way to go.  I was a little worried on my first purchase, but have left that fear behind and have a hard time NOT buying a Festool item.  So have fun with your purchases!  Good luck and make some noise with those tools!
Eric

 

[MrToolJunkie]

If you can swing it, I would highly recommend the Boom Arm and Handle set -- this is probably the best money I have spent to make using the hose with the guide rail efficient and manageable.  It adds to the cost, but like most thing quickly forgotten once you start using it.

Scot

 

[jmbfestool]

Domino is a buy NOW tool!  Make life easy for you self use a Domino!

JMB

 

[PeterK]

Wow, you have thought this out well!
Many here love the Domino. But at $800 plus the dominos, there are other beginning options. Might want to consider a doweling jig instead to begin with as would be far lower startup cost. Jessem or DowelMax.
If you are going to use the vac in a shop, I also would highly recommend the boom arm and handle setup. Pricey but really makes life so much easier.

 

[peter halle]

First,  MT - Welcome  [welcome] to the Fog!

If you have been lurking here you now all about the 30 day no questions asked return policy that helps alleviate the fear of not being satisfied with the tool and accessory purchases.

The quick clamps will clamp well, and both the different clamps will work with the rails, mft, etc.

You have made great basic choices.  I will let others chime in.

Again, welcome.

Peter

 

[truck90278]

Good choices, I started with the MFT/3, TS55 and the CT 22 - but I did add the Domino, I was a bit hesitant at first on the Domino, after using it some, I find it a major item I use, really changes how you work.  So I would suggest adding the Domino as soon as possible, really great tool

 

[sw1211]

You might be able to snag a refurbished Domino and save a few $'s, not sure if any are left.

 

[davee]

Scott recommends a boom arm, and I would love to have one.  I used it in Lebanon during training and really like the way it keeps the hose and cord in line.  However, my shop ceiling isn't high enough to accommodate the boom arm.  I just purchased the $33.50 suction hose holder and it really makes a difference in hose/cord consolidation.  At a minimum, I'd recommend adding this. 

I personally love the domino for shelves, cabinets and funiture - the sooner the better is my recommendation.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Mtmpenn, welcome.  You seem to be on the right track.  Be sure to buy the MFT/TS55 and OF1400/CT26 packages to save a few bucks.  Both the screw and quick (sometimes referred to as F style) clamps work with the MFT.  The screw clamps are a good bang for the buck although I like the quick clamps better. 

To Domino or not to Domino, that is the question.  That's a tough one to answer.  It's a big investment so you'll to need think it over carefully.  The bad news is the price is lurking so there is an advantage to getting it now.  I think you might want to wait a few weeks and get used to the new tools and decide at the eleventh hour before the price increase.

I love my boom arm, the suction hose holder distance second but I'd pick one up if you decide to pass on the boom arm.

Good luck and enjoy the ride down the slippery slope.

 

[Wood_Junkie]

Make sure you reserve about 10-15% of your budget for the necessary accessories.  You will quickly find Festool clamps an integral part of the system, especially with the MFT and a guide rails in your arsenal.  

Vacuum bags, tubes, and nozzles are necessities.  I would highly, highly recommend you get the CT accessory rack/storage and the 3-piece ends.  Both of these are a *steal* at $30 and $11, respectively.
http://www.festoolusa.com/products/dust-extractors/cleaning-sets/ct-topmount-accessory-storage-3piece-496370.html
http://www.festoolusa.com/products/dust-extractors/cleaning-sets/ct-cleaning-accessory-set-492392.html
The compact cleaning kit is good value, but you can get the tubes piecemeal (since you'll have a storage solution).

An extra MFT flag is worth its weight in gold for efficiency, especially as you mentioned speaker boxes (two lengths/sizes of cross cut parts).

Given your small space, I would recommend you search for homemade boom arms (you can make one for as little as $25).  Or even just plan to have a wall/corner mounted locale.  It's wayyy easier to get a longer hose, than move everything around.  The boom arm is fantastic, but IMO a budget buster in a fixed workspace.

I would advocate for the Domino.  But, given the budget constraints, skip the assortment.  Spend some time using the 5mm size, and get your feel for its use and such.  Yes, you will spend $66 more, over time, IF you wind up acquiring all the cutters and tenons.  But you will be able to skip over all the annoying aspects and manners of joinery.  

You may have picked up in your 'lurking' that you can arrange with your dealer to upgrade certain parts of kits, for the price difference.
For example, I would recommend you get a 5m hose, instead of the standard 3.5m.  This would allow you to service your whole workshop area.  The difference is only about $30.

Also, with the TS55 kit, you can opt for a longer rail.  If you get the 75" rail (~$70 difference), you'll have an easier time with sheet goods cross-cutting.  But most importantly, if you couple it with the 42" from the MFT, you'll be able to make full length 8' rips.

I'm not normally one advocating towards the cheaper end of things.  But this is for sure:  save some of your money for a sander.  Given your space and that it's in a basement, a Festool sander is 1000% in your future.   [smile]   Your lungs will thank you!

 

[Martin Johnson]

Limited shop space, I would consider the parallel guides before the boomarm...great for repetitive width cuts on sheet goods,  the boom arm is nice, but takes up more space than you would think.  Domino Is great as well.

 

[festoolsnob]

mtmpenn

Welcome to the FOG, and I have to agree, you are on the right track. One or two comments.

Save yourself a few $ and go with the OF1010 router. I have the 1010 and it is a supe tool. Just for the fact that it is light, easy to control, and it has plenty of power. For speaker boxes, I guess you are going to be routing a lot of holes and grooves etc, there my advice is get some good solid carbide Spiral bits. The OF 1010 with a few good bits can do just about everything a 1400 can do. If you are going to be spinning a 2.5" diameter 45 degree bit, or similar, then the OF1400 is for you.

For joining I use a Makita biscuit joiner, and it works well. For speaker boxes biscuits will be ok. Where biscuits don't work and the Domino excels is on narrower wood, places where mortise and tenon joints would normally be required. I don't have a Domino, so maybe I just have not realized how good it is, but it takes a big bite out of your budget. There are some jobs only a domino joiner can do, but for the price, I am not convinced I need one yet.

 

[Wood_Junkie]

There are some jobs only a domino joiner can do, but for the price, I am not convinced I need one yet.

Not true at all.  You can do any type of joinery without a Domino.  It is purely a convenience.

IMO, having used biscuits, pocket hole screws, router jigs, dedicated mortising machine, hand chiseled mortises, dowels, and the like.. I could have bought the Domino twice over.  Should've just pulled the trigger, instead of costing money and extra time.

The Mortise Pal was awesome and precise for floating tenons, but not nearly as quick and easy and precise and tidy and efficient as the Domino.  
Of all the above, pocket hole screws are the only kit I kept.  There are applications where a marriage of Dominos and pocket screws makes sense.  IIRC Jerry Work did a nice cabinet write up outlining this  (if someone else, no offense!  I honestly can't remember at the moment).

It's like having your first car be a XYZ (insert your luxury car of choice), instead of a broke-down 1967 VW beetle with malfunctioning brakes.  

 

[fidelfs]

I don't see in your list sanders.  Festool tools are great, but festool excels in sanding.  That is a task you will have to do, in most of your woodworking projects.

I like so much the sanders than when I think that I need the small router (1010), i said to myself, wait you need to pick another sander first.  [smile]

 

[BigHonu]

Welcome! 

When building my subwoofer and rear/side surrounds, I would have been much quicker and have parts aligned much better with a Domino. I went with pocket screws and glue, and had difficulty keeping the larger panels aligned. 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I'm going to weigh in on the debate. Ok, I lied, I love my Domino.

Look, we have a no-hassle, 30-day money back guarantee for a reason. Try it, check it out, even if you're skeptical that our of our tools isn't right for you. If you don't like it, decide it's not the right solution for you, etc. then just return it for a full refund less any shipping fees, if applicable. It's that simple. We're confident that even if you don't believe that the Domino, for instance, is the right tool for you that using one will change your mind.

I have to agree that you're missing a big part of the system if you don't include a sander (or two). Sanding without the dust normally associated with sanding is a big win for the Festool system.

Shane

Edit: I should add that 1) I'm an employee of Festool in the spirit of full disclosure, 2) that you're welcome to contact me personally if you have questions or need help and 3) that I use sanders and the Domino on nearly every project, whereas I don't use my router on every project. To me, I would get a sander over a router personally.

 

[RPSmith]

Welcome to FOG, Mtmpenn,

You and I are in similar boats.  I just jumped into the Fespool also.  We chose very similar items.

Like you, I started with the trinity:  plunge saw, MFT/3, and dust collector (I picked the CT 26 too).

I think that's a solid place to start.  I was torn between the 1010 router and the 1400 and picked the 1010 because it seemed easier to handle (especially one-handed, which seems more common for me).

I was also on the fence regarding the Domino and didn't decide to get one until I found a deal on one used.  I echo the sentiments of others here who advise to pick one up and just get the 5mm tenons.  If it doesn't work for you, you can sell it online for near-new price and all you'll be out is the tenons.  I have a feeling that we're going to love the thing though.  Most guys love it, some don't use it as much as they thought they would, but I've yet to hear anyone say, "It's not worth it."

Sanders were mentioned to me as 'must-haves' also.  I'll have to get back to making money with this stuff first [wink].

Congrats on your purchase.  I think you're going to really happy.

And welcome to the FOG.

RPS

 

[JSands]

If you cut 96" sheet goods, the looooong rail makes life so easy...its dedicated to sheet goods while the smaller rails can be dedicated to the MFT.  The full cost of the loong rail is offset by not having to buy extension rails for sheet goods... 

I would opt for the 1400, unless you have small hands or have arthtritis, or work overhead, etc.  Then the 1010 is more sensible.  The 1400 is powerful and not very heavy, well balanced, a perfect all purpose router.     

 

[rxe]

I also have the small shop problem - it is my garage, and I booted the car out years ago, but there is a lot of other stuff in there.    For years, I avoided dealing with ply or any other sheet goods - while I had a table saw, clearing the garage to accommodate a 8 x 4 sheet of ply was painful, and the first cut was always inaccurate.  To be honest, the second and third cuts were inaccurate as well, you simply can't hold such a massive piece of wood!  

So I bit the bullet and got a long guide rail, the parallel fences, the extensions to the parallel fences, the clamps, the hole drilling set, the works.  I even got the padded bag to put it all in!   [big grin]

If you handle sheet goods you will not regret this.   Yesterday I made a set of sides for a big built-in (my first).   Cutting out the sides 220mm x 810 - 4 pieces, all mm perfect, no wavy bits, no swearing, no garage clearing (I did it outside on a trestle.   The offcuts were turned into shelves - again, quick and perfect cuts.  

The OF1400 is a good choice.   I went with the 1010 and a 2200 because I needed a small router first, but but the 1400 will cover both bases.

CT26 is a good vac, I've got a 36....but I think I would prioritise the domino above both the vac and the MFT/3.   Heretical I know (the rest of the forum have just gone to their MFT/3s to create a precision stake so I can be burnt at it...) BUT .... a £150 shop vac will do (I used a Trend T30 for many years, you can regulate the suction by clamping the hose...), and the MFT will not change your work in the same way that the Domino will.   If you get the right shop vac, all of the festool hoses will fit, so you don't need to buy hoses that will eventually become redundant.

The sanders are great, an R0125 is a very good all rounder for things like speaker cabinets.  

So my order would be:

TS55 + long rails and all the gear.
Domino
OF1400, you've got the rails, it will be very useful
Ro125
MFT/3
CT26