Next Festool purchase?

[bigarm]

Retired teacher but subbing a couple of days a week to help pay for the wood shop we built last summer and to save for more Festool tools.  I am just about ready for my next purchase and have to go to Missoula Thursday for an appointment which just happens to have the closest Festool dealer to me. 
Current Festool tools owned:
Domino 500
TS 55 REQ track saw
55" track
55" "holey" track
CT 26

Wish list:
Sander (don't know which one, would like an all around sander and am open to suggestions)
MFT3
OF 1400 Router
LR 32 System
118" track

Which should I go for first?  I have a sander, but would the dust collection be much better, really don't like dust, but works okay with CT 26.  I have a router in a router table, but not really good for hand held and certainly not lr 32.  I cut long sheet stock by connecting the 2 tracks laid out on a rigid insulation sheet in an open bay of building.  While I have a table saw, miter saw (big 12") and assembly table, I have no real way to cut using the track saw for precision smaller pieces.  I will be interested in your thoughts.  What you bought or wished you bought, etc.

 

[Peter_C]

Wish list:
Sander (don't know which one, would like an all around sander and am open to suggestions)
MFT3
OF 1400 Router
LR 32 System
118" track

Which should I go for first?  I have a sander, but would the dust collection be much better, really don't like dust, but works okay with CT 26.  I have a router in a router table, but not really good for hand held and certainly not lr 32.  I cut long sheet stock by connecting the 2 tracks laid out on a rigid insulation sheet in an open bay of building.  While I have a table saw, miter saw (big 12") and assembly table, I have no real way to cut using the track saw for precision smaller pieces.  I will be interested in your thoughts.  What you bought or wished you bought, etc.

Not knowing which sander you already have it is hard to say if it is adequate. A small router is a necessity, and a palm type router is really useful for rounding things over. The OF1400 would work well though. For cutting smaller pieces you should build a table saw sled. It is safer for cutting small pieces and accurate. There are plenty of youtube vids on bulding one.

My wish list? Got an hour? Top of the list from Festool is an MFK 700 router to replace my Bosch Colt. My two most used Festool items are my track saw and the RO150 sander.

 

[jacko9]

I had a Bosch Sander connected to my CT22 (with a lot of duct tape at the ends) and it doesn't compare to the dust extraction efficiency of the Festool ETS 150/3 which is my go to sander for 85% of my sanding needs.

I also have the ETS 125, RO90, LS130 sanders.

Jack

 

[PreferrablyWood]

I'd choose something that offers a new function from the list rather than replacing something you already have.

I think the router is a likely candidate, but then the are router bits, maybe get A kit with the OF 1400 and bitbox?

 

[john.phelan.961]

I just bought an ETS EC 150/5 to be my all around sander.  I can rough sand well at 40 grit and can polish the wood to a shine with 500

 

[bigarm]

Keep the ideas coming.  Currently I have a 5" Makita ro sander (Makita BO5030, I think).  I am having fun reading your ideas.

 

[Shane Holland]

I would suggest going with a sander next. It's really an area where Festool excels. There are plenty of options, but an ETS is a great choice since everyone can use a round pad finish sander. If you can swing, look at the Rotex sanders.

Second choice would be the MFT. I use the heck out of mine. Great complement to the TS and fantastic for clamping and assembly. Really like using it with my Domino and the clamping elements.

 

[Gwerner]

What kinds of things are you building? Yes, a sander is a good default choice, as is the router, but since you're considering the LR 32 that makes me think you have specific projects in mind. Knowing what you're trying to achieve project-wise will really help us offer suggestions.

 

[jbasen]

Without knowing the specific projects you are planning I can only offer some broad suggestions based on my own experiences.

As others have said Festool sanders offer great performance and dust collection and make this a good choice for a next tool purchase.  The thing you have to consider is whether you want to get a single all around sander or whether this will just be your first sander purchase.

As you will see in other postings the sweet spot of Festool sanders are the RO-150, RO-90, and ETS-150/3.  This combination of sanders offers a full range of options from heavy duty sanding to fine finish work on large and small work pieces. 

On the other hand, if you are just looking for a single sander that is an all around work horse then, as [member=51337]johnny9r[/member] said, the ETS EC 150/5 or the older (and cheaper) ETS 150/5 is a great choice.

Hope this helps

 

[Forza]

Of the items on your wish list I would go with a sander. I'm not help past that though.

I had a pile of DeWalt, Makita, and Bosch Sanders...bought a Rotex and now have three Festool Sanders. They are that game changing, when used in "the system" and I wouldn't mind having a couple more.

If you do go with a sander, also budget for paper and maybe pads. Standard rounds will not work due to the hole patterns (specifically a general lack of a center hole).

 

[Corwin]

I would suggest going with a sander next. It's really an area where Festool excels. There are plenty of options, but an ETS is a great choice since everyone can use a round pad finish sander. If you can swing, look at the Rotex sanders.

Second choice would be the MFT. I use the heck out of mine. Great complement to the TS and fantastic for clamping and assembly. Really like using it with my Domino and the clamping elements.

My choice would be similar, except in the other order... Why not 'bundle and save' on your next order(s)?  [tongue]

Seriously. Festool offers a 10% discount off of a MFT/3 when you purchase it with, say, a ETS 150/3.

Just saying.  [big grin]

 

[Kev]

Get the MFT/3 with some bench dogs and a sander (ETS15/3 non EC if you've trying to save)

 

[bigarm]

Probably the next project will be drawers for the built in desk in my shop.  I have a Rockler jig and would like to try dovetails.  However, I am also going to build a large corner cabinet for my wife (as a test build) and one for a son.  My wife has many other projects in mind.

 

[rvieceli]

I believe that the MFT discount is only available if you purchase one of track saws or the Kapex on the same ticket. Dust extractor discount works on any of the power tools.

 

[Shane Holland]

I believe that the MFT discount is only available if you purchase one of track saws or the Kapex on the same ticket. Dust extractor discount works on any of the power tools.

That has changed. It's now an option with any tool. Same with the CTs.  [wink]

 

[bigarm]

I believe that the MFT discount is only available if you purchase one of track saws or the Kapex on the same ticket. Dust extractor discount works on any of the power tools.

That has changed. It's now an option with any tool. Same with the CTs.  [wink]

So I can buy another tool and the MFT and get a discount?  I knew I could do that with the CT's (and did so), but had no idea of this discount. 

 

[Shane Holland]

So I can buy another tool and the MFT and get a discount?  I knew I could do that with the CT's (and did so), but had no idea of this discount.

Yes, correct. Any tool + MFT and get 10% off the MFT (US only). [member=57407]bigarm[/member]

 

[bigarm]

Thanks!

 

[hemdale]

Currently drooling over a Domino 500. Sigh [emoji17]

 

[Holmz]

Currently drooling over a Domino 500. Sigh [emoji17]

Why?

What are you envisioning making?