Newbie question : What to buy next?

[Stan Tillinghast]

DeformedTree:

I measured 30 holes by row (long edge), and 14 by column (short edge). Also measured the holes in the Perf Fence.

Standard deviation for the rows: 0.10 mm
SD for columns: 0.05 mm
SD for Perf Fence: 0.02 mm

That's using a Mitutuyo digital caliper. So it does appear the variation in hole distance in my MFT is about 5 times that of the UJK Perf Fence by my measurements.

Using my Woodpeckers 2616 square, with the two Perf Fences set at right angles to each other at one corner of the MFT, the ange between the two fences is as close to square as it's possible to see without looking through the gap.

When my MFT top is beat up enough I feel I need a new one, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one (and then check it right away); or if I need a different size top would use Peter Parfitt's jig.

 

[guthrie_m@earthlink.net]

Id get a good dust extractor.  I need to get myself a ct 26 or ct 36. Dust extraction is a game changer.  But after Track saw get a get a OF1400.  I got one and it made life much easier.  My other routers could get the job done but setup to get it right just took so much longer.  With my of1400 setup just goes quickly and i get things done faster. 

 

[Ron B]

This is to Guthrie, or anyone else.  I am like the person making the original post, just a DIYer but I have more space than 5x7.  I used someone's Festool track saw, and was hooked.  It is SO much easier to use than my table saw, especially since I have a post that is always in the way in the middle of my workshop.  My question (I am not a bells and whistle type of person-heck, I still carry a flip phone) what type of dust extractor do you suggest?  What is the difference between C15 and mini besides the mini turns on with bluetooth batteries?  I have bluetooth batteries since my Festools are recent purchases. Since I have the batteries should I go with the mini or C15?  I stopped at a couple of dealers, not real helpful.  I ended up just walking out of one store-got put on the back burner too long.  So I am not depending on these dealers to really help me and want to know FOG opinions.   

 

[cpw]

I have the Bluetooth module on a CT26, but no batteries.  Having the switch on the end of the hose is just game changing, it makes cleanup much easier and I find that it was well worth the $80 for the module and remote.  If I could upgrade my MIDI to have it, without having to buy a brand new one I would.

 

[guthrie_m@earthlink.net]

I found it really depends on if you need to move from location to location.  The new mini is nice if you need something with Bluetooth and need to travel with it.  also remember the smaller the unit the more you change the bag.  Also if you do lots of drywall work you might look at ac models.  Im going to get a ct26 or ct36 but haven’t decided yet.  I will use it in my shop and to strip house exterior paint.  I will also get it get a Bluetooth module for convenience. They get somewhat heavy when full.  Otherwise they are pretty much the same aside from bag size.  I think the ct15 is the only one with a smaller motor but im not 100 sure. 

 

[Stone Message]

I have the Bluetooth module on a CT26, but no batteries.  Having the switch on the end of the hose is just game changing, it makes cleanup much easier and I find that it was well worth the $80 for the module and remote.  If I could upgrade my MIDI to have it, without having to buy a brand new one I would.

I absolutely agree with [member=63643]cpw[/member] ...

I also have the CT26 into which I fitted the Bluetooth module (very easy to do). The Bluetooth button is attached near the end of my 5m long 27 mm hose and it is brilliant when I am doing a clean-up. I like to keep the place clean and will often do the Kapex area after a long cutting session and always clean the CMS-OF or CMS-TS after it has been used. The only (quite amusing mostly) negative is that if the hose drops to the floor having been attacked by gravity then it sometimes just happens that the switch hits the floor and starts the CT.

Back to the question repeated by [member=72457]Ron B[/member]  - If you can afford a CT26 then go for it. I have had mine for almost 10 years, it is used throughout most days and has never gone wrong. The original hose garage was damaged but that was replaced with the modern one which is fine. I added the Bluetooth module myself which was very simple. Hoses are important and I would advise, from my experience, that a short 36 mm hose for a Kapex or Festool planer is essential and a long 27 mm hose (mine, as I said, is 5 m) makes life easier in the workshop. I do have a longish 36 mm hose going to my tracksaw cutting station where I use a TS55.

I also use a CT-Sys but only for work that is well within its capability or for places where my CT26 will not reach as that extractor is now kept in one spot in the workshop.

Peter

 

[Jimmy69]

Well, my order went in today with Toucan Tools! In the end I went for the OF1010 set and the CTL MIDI. I also went for the RS CNC Jig to make my MFT and I'm weighing up the options on rail squares with the Bench Dog Rail set being the most likely purchase. I shopped around and Toucan had the best price on routers by far and did a great deal on the Midi. The one thing that annoyed was having to buy a centering mandrel for £22! That should really come with the router imo. I've ordered some MRMDF so hopefully, by the weekend, I'll be able to get started on my table.. Thanks for all the advice everyone, it's much appreciated.