Newbie setup

[Salgonzalez]

Hello everyone. I am new member here and new to wood working. I have a question for all the veteran members and users of Festool.

Like I said I am new to wood working. And although I know a festool setup is way over kill for a newbie my thought process is I want a tool that will last a long time as opposed to getting the same tool over and over again.

The question I pose is what will be a great setup for someone starting out with festool. For now going to do basic stuff around house. Cabinets for tool storage and what not for garage. Want to eventually build a crib for baby. Want to bild a trestle table for back yard. Stuff like that that.

Going to also get a dewalt portable saw and make Ron Paulk table. I know I need miter saw and ts 55 but what else is truely needed to get started. And should I just buy a couple of things cheap from big box store like RO sanders.

 

[woodguy7]

Welcome Sal

You kinda said it yourself, a TS55 is a must but equally important is an extractor.  I would have said an MFT/3 bench next but you say you ar going to build the Ron Paulk table.  Festool sanders are really in a league of their own but if budget is an issue then i have managed fine for years with Makita sanders although they have all been replaced with Festool now.

Alan.

 

[Salgonzalez]

Thanks Alan,

Of course a dust extractor.  Would I be okay w/ getting a mini or midi dedicated for miter saw and then a 26 for shop?  If i went w/ Festool sander what would be a good all around sander? or do i need a couple different ones?

 

[woodguy7]

I have quite a few but to me the best all rounder is the Rotex.  Mine is the 150mm.  Try not to mix the sizes like 125/3 & a 150mm Rotex.  Much easier to only stock the 1 size of sanding discs & spare pads.

 

[Michael1960]

I am not sure buying Festool tools is over kill for a newbie.  As you state buying tools that last as opposed to 'getting the same tool over again' is why I don't think it's over kill.  It would be over kill if the tools don't get used!
My suggestion as an initial purchase is a Festool random orbital sander and a dust extractor such as a CT26 or a Midi.  They should last a very long time and your lungs will appreciate it.  

 

[Kev]

Sanders is one area you'll see a massive difference between Festool and pretty much anything else on the market .. chalk and cheese!

Another thing you'll need to be cognisant of is the grades of tools you'll be exposed to ... big box typically offers home and some trade grade tools, but rarely premium. For example, working between a premium track saw and a home grade sliding compound saw would drive you crazy.

It's hard to make detailed suggestions without knowing the state of the raw materials you plan to use, the levels of finish you want to achieve, the joinery methods you'd like to use, etc ... but I think it's fair to say that there's going to be a Festool to achieve most tasks if you're prepared to spend the money.

Shame you don't get the full CMS range of Festool gear or the belt sanders in the US though [sad]

My suggestion is to watch a bunch of Festool youtube videos and get to know a few of the tools and their capabilities ... track saws (TS55, TS75), the domino, CARVEX, KAPEX, ROTEX, MFT/3, etc and come back with more specific questions.

It's easy to rattle of a dozen tools and accessories you're likely to need, but it's best to understand why you need them first. [wink]

 

[RC]

I've been quite happy with my combination of a Rotex RO90 for smaller work / tight spaces / corners (with triangular pad) and a ETS150/3 for large surfaces and finish sanding.

The ETS150/3 is frequently labelled as a finish sander here on FOG, but don't let that categorize it too much - if you throw some aggressive grit paper on this machine it will chew its way through material like any other sander.

I was for the longest of time on the fence between the ETS and a RO150 and I'm really happy that I chose the ETS for its handling is butter smooth and it still does the job quite well. (I sanded down a trestle table & 2 benches set that I have in the back yard last summer for re-lacquering and I really didn't find the need for a larger rotex than my RO90 - used it mainly for legs and edges with its pad protector; every large surface was sanded with the ETS just fine and I even didn't need to go to 40 grit but started pretty much @ 80 grit)
+1 on a good vacuum - when I started off I only bought the OF1400 router and was happily messing the whole back yard with chips for a year before I stumbled on FOG and found out that it was really meant to be used with an vacuum  [embarassed]
Makes all the difference and actually is a requisite for some tools like the Domino to function at all.

 

[mike68au]

Sanders is one area you'll see a massive difference between Festool and pretty much anything else on the market .. chalk and cheese!

Another thing you'll need to be cognisant of is the grades of tools you'll be exposed to ... big box typically offers home and some trade grade tools, but rarely premium. For example, working between a premium track saw and a home grade sliding compound saw would drive you crazy.

It's hard to make detailed suggestions without knowing the state of the raw materials you plan to use, the levels of finish you want to achieve, the joinery methods you'd like to use, etc ... but I think it's fair to say that there's going to be a Festool to achieve most tasks if you're prepared to spend the money.

Shame you don't get the full CMS range of Festool gear or the belt sanders in the US though [sad]

My suggestion is to watch a bunch of Festool youtube videos and get to know a few of the tools and their capabilities ... track saws (TS55, TS75), the domino, CARVEX, KAPEX, ROTEX, MFT/3, etc and come back with more specific questions.

It's easy to rattle of a dozen tools and accessories you're likely to need, but it's best to understand why you need them first. [wink]

+1

I also think once you get started in the Festool System the price of their tools will be of less concern.  The dust extraction system was worth the premium to me every time.
A CT should be definitely on your list

 

[Tinker]

Sanders is one area you'll see a massive difference between Festool and pretty much anything else on the market .. chalk and cheese!

Another thing you'll need to be cognisant of is the grades of tools you'll be exposed to ... big box typically offers home and some trade grade tools, but rarely premium. For example, working between a premium track saw and a home grade sliding compound saw would drive you crazy.

It's hard to make detailed suggestions without knowing the state of the raw materials you plan to use, the levels of finish you want to achieve, the joinery methods you'd like to use, etc ... but I think it's fair to say that there's going to be a Festool to achieve most tasks if you're prepared to spend the money.

Shame you don't get the full CMS range of Festool gear or the belt sanders in the US though [sad]

My suggestion is to watch a bunch of Festool youtube videos and get to know a few of the tools and their capabilities ... track saws (TS55, TS75), the domino, CARVEX, KAPEX, ROTEX, MFT/3, etc and come back with more specific questions.

It's easy to rattle of a dozen tools and accessories you're likely to need, but it's best to understand why you need them first. [wink]

Kev has good advice.  Actually, all responders have good advice but i think Kev has hit your needs the closest on all accounts.
My own thought is that if you are serious, don't look for cheap.  Cheep ain't cheep.  If you are looking for something that will last you thru one project, then get throwaway type tools.  you will become discouraged very suddenly.  If you want to develope skills, get the best you can afford.

The best advice is to check out you tube.  there are some excellent craftsman parting with a lot of knowledge.  The first to come to mind is always "Half Inch Shy"  He has a way of keeping your attention and is very thorough in his methods to show, incuding, often explaning mistooks that ar possible.  "Big Rock" (Erock) has some great stuff that i have become addicted to.  There are others who do not necessarily show Festoys, but are very good for general information. Steve Ramsey, "Ask Woodman" &  "Wood Whisperer" are especially helpful over a wide range of projects.  You can gain a lot of info from all of them. 

I am sure you have an idea of where you want to Go. The experience from others can help you ith ideas of how you want to get there.
Tinker

 

[Wonderwino]

When you start building cabinets, nothing beats a Domino (DF500) for joinery for the cases and face frames.  With the TS55 and an MFT/3 (available as a combo to save $50), you can do everything a miter saw can do and more.  Whichever sander you decide on, get it as a combo with a CT to save $.  I have a CT Midi which is fine for sanding and light cutting, but will fill quickly if you are doing lots of cutting or routing.  It is also a good choice if you will be relocating your work area up and down stairs frequently.  A CT26 or CT36 have higher capacities if you have room for them and you will save on bags in the long run.

 

[truck90278]

I would also suggest trying to get into one of the Festool classes.  Particularly the Festool overview class which touchs all of the Festool tools

 

[JayDeeWh1t3]

Hi Saigon.  I'm Jeff and, like you, I consider myself a "newbie".  Excellent recommendations have been made by the experienced already - notably: take a look at some of the YouTube stuff as it might inspire your direction or approach.  I started buying and working with these tools less than three years ago.  Since, my collection has grown substantially.  I wish my skill could grow as quickly.  One thing I am sure of, though: It is unlikely I will be able to blame the tools for any shortcomings or performance issues.  I started with a Rotex 125, CT-22, MFT-3, TS-75, and an OF-2200 router.  For the extra, (comparatively few,) bucks I wished I'd gone with the Rotex 150 and the CT-33(?) - but I am FAR from disappointed.  Once you've started with some of the products, the second best recommendation is to attend some of the offered classes.  I am fortunate living in Las Vegas that the original classroom is but a few miles away.  Regardless, the information, techniques, and exposure shared in the classes is more than worth the tuition.  Best of Luck to you.

 

[currentsupply]

You know Festool is great but it's not the only tool maker, but in my opinion, what festool does best better than the rest, is:

Sanders for finish work
Jig Saws for finish work
Circular Saws for finish work
Their Vacuums

In my experience, Festool is head and shoulders above the competition. 

 

[jacko9]

Sal, the one tool that will stand out in the Festool lineup is the Domino Joiner.  I can saw with my skill saw and a straight edge or use my table saw but, cutting easy mortise and tenon joints with the Domino is unprecedented in the world of woodworking.  You can't go wrong with the Festool Domino and it will enable you to build a lot of stuff without screws ,etc.

Jack

 

[FOGNewbie]

Hello everyone. I am new member here and new to wood working. I have a question for all the veteran members and users of Festool.

Like I said I am new to wood working. And although I know a festool setup is way over kill for a newbie my thought process is I want a tool that will last a long time as opposed to getting the same tool over and over again.

The question I pose is what will be a great setup for someone starting out with festool. For now going to do basic stuff around house. Cabinets for tool storage and what not for garage. Want to eventually build a crib for baby. Want to bild a trestle table for back yard. Stuff like that that.

Going to also get a dewalt portable saw and make Ron Paulk table. I know I need miter saw and ts 55 but what else is truely needed to get started. And should I just buy a couple of things cheap from big box store like RO sanders.

From one Newbie to another, you've already made the best first step, stopping here and getting advice from actual users. As others have suggested, watching Youtube will help you figure out how you want to work and which tools you would use. I would highly recommend Festool training as well. I also don't think it is over kill if you will be using the tools. As I was once told," I am not so rich that I can buy cheap."

Since Festool is a system, you will find you can do much of what you desire to do. Outside of initial dimensioning of lumber, and curved work, I have found I can do as much as my imagination will allow. Digressing for a moment, I am hoping to work on a way to make bent laminations with a few Festool pieces and some jigs in the near future.

If you are starting out trying to build cabinets, you will find videos by Erock ( a poster here) using the TS-55, MFT, and the LR -32 system.

Intro to the LR-32 system.





What's in the LR-32 plus set up and calibration


Using the LR-32 and the Parallel guides:



Wall Cabinet Demo:


Desk using Festool for joinery (Mouppe)



And the last web address. Festool TV

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=festool+tv&sm=1

I think a year of my life was lost here. ;-)

Best Wishes and happy learning!

 

[wow]

Sanders is one area you'll see a massive difference between Festool and pretty much anything else on the market .. chalk and cheese!

For us USA folks, 'chalk and cheese' is the Metric (i.e. UK) equivalent of comparing 'Apples and Oranges'.

[tongue]

 

[greg mann]

I have lost track of the number of inquiries that are like this one. Don't get me wrong, I think these 'newbie' inquiries demonstrate a great approach for someone getting started. When I got into the game the FOG wasn't around and it took a while to find out about Festool. I was pretty fortunate to not get in too deep before I did.  We are often asked about sander combos to get started. I have been thinking about this for a loooong time and have come up with a combination I do not believe has ever been recommended, but maybe should be, I think. Here goes: RO90 and RS2.

My logic: RO90 covers small work aggressively and delicately, can get into corners with the delta pad, can sand contours like railings with an interface pad, and can do rough prep for the RS2. The big guy excels at large surfaces and fine finishing and can finish pretty well along edges as long as you don't need to get extremely tight against them, something one should avoid anyway by sanding before assembly. The RS2 can be surprisingly aggressive with the coarse grits if need be and will flatten surfaces better than any other sander available in NA. Finally, there is no agonizing over the 125 vs. 150 paper size. A new user could table that decision for a later date.

 

[bkharman]

I had a thought the other day that Festool should come up with a way to combine a RO sander to have the spinning aggressive mode + 3 or 5 mm orbit + a way to switch to a linear mode to allow a pad attachment to do things like the LS 130.

I don't care how much it would cost, because it would be a great "Swiss army knife" of sanders. It wouldn't be the greatest at everything, but would be very portable and useful for most applications.

 

[Salgonzalez]

So here is what I am looking at.  Please let me know if there are things i can get away w/ not using or something i am missing.

Festool Domino 500 Systainer Assortment - 5 Cutters, 1255 Domino Tenons (498899)
$285.00

Festool TS 55 REQ Plunge Cut Circular Saw (561556)
Packa​ges: Add a​ MFT/​3 Set​ (+ $​562.5​0)
$1,147.50

Festool LR 32 Hole Drilling Set in Systainer (584100)
$480.00

Festool OF 1010 EQ Router (574339)
Packa​ges: Add a​ CT 2​6 (+ ​$535.​50)
$945.50

Festool Quick Clamp, 6 5/8" (168 Mm) (491594)
$80.00 (qty 2)

Festool Domino DF 500 Q SET (574432)
$900.00

Festool Parallel Guide Set For Guide Rail System (P00108)
$325.00

Festool Clamping Elements for MFT Table, 2-pack (488030)
$105.00

Festool Kapex KS 120 Sliding Compound Miter Saw (561287)
Packa​ges: Add a​ CT M​INI T​L (+ ​$391.​50)
$1,766.50

Festool 3.5" Dual Mode Rotex Sander RO 90 FEQ (571823)
$395.00

Grand Total: $6,429.50

Does this sound about right for setup?

 

[WPeters]

Sounds like a fantastic first buy! . I'm personally not drawn to the MFTs. (although I do have the kapex one). However other guys love them. I just prefer a larger work table. I would probably substitute that for the ETS 150 and RO 150 Sanders. I see your getting the RO 90 so you may not need the 150, but it's a horse! replaces the belt sander in our shop. The ETS leaves a great finish! Awesome sanders. You may also want to consider the workstation for the top of your ct 26. It's very handy. What sort of sawstation are you planning for the kapex? If possible you may want to consider the multiblades.com attachments. They are very versatile. See my earlier post titled Efficient. Mobile. Kapex for an explanation. Looks like your putting a lot of thought into this. You won't be disappointed!