Obligatory first post introduction...

[Just F Me]

I've never owned or used a router, so I'm just getting up to speed.  From the little bit I've read and watched online I can see why I need one.  I've debated just picking up a used cheaper one while I'm learning, then move up to a Festool product once I have some experience.  Would you recommend a handheld/plunge router or a table router as a first purchase?

I don't own a router yet either, but since you're going down this FOGGY road, I would maybe save up, and find out what tools you need the most right now as many have said.  I'm very new to this wood working thing and I have a Ryobi router with a Diablo router bit.  It's an awesome router now, but before, it sucked with the stock router bit.  Also, no dust collection, there was an insane amount of dust generated.  The dust collection alone, whether for a professional or just a hobbyist, IMO, is worth the extra price for the tools.  All the clean up and mess that was made afterwards sucks.

I don't have the Festool track saw as I went with a Mikita track saw instead.  I have the Festool MFT/3 and it's a great combo and the Makita track saw works with all Festool rails.  Next on my list is a Festool CT 26 Dust Extractor, OF 1400 Router, and Rotex 90 sander.  Go Rotex 150 if you need to finish some flooring, but for me, I'm going with the 90 for versatility at first to get into small places, etc.  Once I get going, I'll purchase the Rotex 150.  You seem to be in the same boat of projects that I'm working on.

 

[HowardH]

parf dogs or Qwas dogs.  Indispensable for the MFT/3. 

 

[roblg3]

You will eventually want a table saw for some of your projects.  I had dreams of getting rid of mine, but I've found I still use it for some things, that may change when my parallel guides arrive tomorrow!

One of the beautiful things about FESTOOL is that they are the only tools I've ever seen that hold value and resaleability.  Some will pay more than original purchase price to acquire a discontinued tool.  Some people buy as simply collectors and never even work with them [huh]

There's also the 30 day money back no hassle guarantee, not to mention very fast turn around service/repair AND  a 3 year warranty.
As mentioned there are other good tools available for less.  Try to concentrate on things festool offers over others when making the purchase.  The Domino is really a one of a kind tool that no other company makes, but unless you plan on making alot of entry doors the XL is overill.  Dust extraction on the sanders and routers is critical, so look for tools that offer satisfactory results.  The rotex line of 90 and 150 will accomplish just about any task you require(even polishing your car!)  Routers make a huge mess, so look for one that has good DE it's worth it. One of the keys to DE(dust extraction) is the ability to vary the amount of suction used so look for variable suction on any dust extractor( it's not easy to find), but all festool DE have it.  Some fein do as well I believe, similar price point though.  As mentioned many other companies make track saws, they are not really standard circular saw for cutting 2x4 though.  Something like a Kapex seems unnecessary for you, but only you can make that call.

My suggestion for your next tool since you want to make some cabinets is the track saw.  It pairs with the MFT and will open the world of what the MFT can help you with.  Try not to get it wet, it really messes it up.  You can apply some light oil or wax to it.

 

[wow]

My suggestion for your next tool since you want to make some cabinets is the track saw.  It pairs with the MFT and will open the world of what the MFT can help you with.  Try not to get it wet, it really messes it up.  You can apply some light oil or wax to it.

Just for clarification, I'm pretty sure robig3 meant to try not to get the MFT wet. There have been some posts here about people who have had bad experiences with water and their MFT tops - like rough spots, stains, and swelling.

 

[sancho57]

[welcome]

A fixer upper? You need a ROTEX !!!

You'll also need a MFT be sure to get the full set not the basic.

Oh and Welcome. You find a very helpful group here. Feel free to ask. We've all been there

 

[roblg3]

Thanks Wayne! [doh]

 

[iamnothim]

DUDE !!!
welcome

 

[TulsaWood]

I received the MFT/3 this weekend and spent a little time getting acquainted with all the attachments and learned how to calibrate it thanks to some of the great posts here on the FOG.

After some of the warning I read here, I put a little wax on the top to protect it from water damage, and that seems to work well. 

I'm really happy with the new gear.  I did run into a small problem.  After testing my new Festool clamps (ratchet and screw down) I must have accidentally gotten leftover wax on the metal arms.  The result is they easily lose their grip whenever I try to clamp anything down.  Any suggestions how to remedy that problem?

Thanks!

 

[peter halle]

Any oil based solvent (paint thinner) or hotter (acetone, lacquer thinner, denatured alcohol) will remove the wax.

Peter