Prospective Owner with a few questions...

[bs0755]

Hi all:

I have been lurking on here for a few weeks, and I am ready to make a purchase. I am a DIYer, who has the occasional need to rip, crosscut, miter, etc. I currently have an inexpensive Makita 2703 with a Rousseau stand, that I had planned to replace. However, I have come to believe that a TS 55 would better serve my needs. It may be a bit of overkill, but my way of thinking is that someone like me could really benefit from a tool that is accurate and easy to use--not to mention being safer than a table saw...

I realize that there is a small savings in purchasing a package consisting of the TS 55/dust extractor or work table. I also understand that the dust extractor is intended to be an integral part of the Festool system. So, my original intention was to purchase the dust extractor package first, and get the table at a later date. However, I intend to immediately buy an extra guide rail, so that I can rip some seven foot melamine panels. I noticed that the MFT/3 also includes a guide rail, so then I would have three--which I am sure may come in handy, but would not be a priority.

My questions are:

1) Should I get the TS 55 with the dust extractor or MFT/3?
2) For such a small price difference, it makes sense to me to get the Midi over the Mini. However, it is less clear to me when I compare the Midi to the CT26. Ergonomics are more important to me than capacity or portability--I recall reading somewhere in the archives that the larger extractors are easier to use because of the location of the hose port?

Thanks for any input/suggestions!

Bob

 

[peter halle]

Bob,  [welcome] to the FOG!

I am sure that you will get many different responses. 

My take is that you should get the saw and the extractor first.  Then you can MFT/3 at a later time.  The typical workflow starts with the track saw away from the MFT for braking down sheets into parallel strips.  Then you go to the MFT to crosscut those strips into pieces.  You can achieve the crosscuts in different ways.  And check with your dealer to see if you can either swap out to the 75" rail or the "holey" 55" rail.  Then you will need to pick up another rail and 2 connectors or at least a 2700 mm rail for the long cuts.

As far as which dust collector to get - get the largest that will work in your workspace that will fit your budget.  If you need to be portable regularly or are short on space consider the Midi, but otherwise go with the 26 or 36.

Can't wait to see the other advice coming.

Peter

 

[roblg3]

Hi Bob.  The MFT to me is much more versatile and useful.  While the CTs are great, the variable suction is not needed for the track saw but is needed for sanders.  My advice would be to get the table first and use whatever shop vac you already have.  Dust collection is great, but without it it just means extra clean up.  Since you say you are a hobbyist I assume time is not your deciding factor.  My mft stays set up as a giant sliding mitre saw.  If you don't have a good mitre saw you can use it that way.  With imagination, jigs and no time restrictions the track saw/mft combination can pretty much do your tablesaw and mitre saw operations.  I just flip the rail up if i need to use it for clamping, sanding or assembly. 
All of the dust extractors have the same suction ability so it's just about size.  I have a mini for on site and a 36 for my shop.  the hose comes out of the top on the mini which i actually prefer since it keeps the footprint smaller.  The hose out the front on the 36 is actually less desireable to me.  Other than that the plug, on/off function and speed controls seem to be pretty easy to operate on both.  95%+ of the time I'm not messing with the controls.  The tool turns the vac on.  When i need to change the suction it's simple on both machines, just a simple dial turn.
Can you get to a retailer to touch and look at the tools?  There's also the 30 day return policy if you find you don't like something about the tool!
Best of luck.  The track saw will change your work to be much easier and better.  It does take a few minutes to get used to though.

 

[tjbnwi]

Question is---do you have a "shop vac"?

The issue with a "shop vac" will be the hose. Most if not all "shop vacs" come with a hose that will not be compatible with the TS. For me the dust extraction is the number one priority.

Now that we've covered the issue we'll delve into the real problem----

You'll get the CT and TS this week, then by some miraculous event, with in weeks, the MFT will appear at your home looking for a place to stay (through no act of yours----that you can recall). Being the loving person you are, you offer it a place to stay at no cost. What you don't know at this time, it is a ploy on the part of  the MFT to get the rest of the "family" a place to stay (I believe the CT and TS are the brainchild behind these events, brilliantly cloaked and putting the grunt work on the MFT. I'm trying to get to the bottom of this phenomenon).

Tom

 

[Sparktrician]

And check with your dealer to see if you can either swap out to the 75" rail or the "holey" 55" rail.  Then you will need to pick up another rail and 2 connectors or at least a 2700 mm rail for the long cuts.

As far as which dust collector to get - get the largest that will work in your workspace that will fit your budget.  If you need to be portable regularly or are short on space consider the Midi, but otherwise go with the 26 or 36.

While I generally agree with Peter, I'm going to differ here.  Getting the TS 55 is a great first step, but consider getting TWO "Holy" rails with a set of connector bars.  Unless you have a place to store it safely, and room to work with it, a longer guide rail is a liability.  While Peter recommended the 2700 mm rail, I'm going to choose the 3000 mm rail as the more useful of the two for sheet goods, simply because of the ability to do long diagonal cuts.  Be aware that if you choose the two "Holy" rails and connector bars, the two rails will need to be referenced to each other using a 4' or better level or straightedge as you tighten down the screws in the connector bars GENTLY so as to not deform the rails.  A better way is to use the Betterley Straightline Connector to align the rails with each other.  When you use the "Holy" rails with the LR 32, the rails will not touch each other, and will have a significant gap that looks funny, but does not interfere with the function. 

Also, if you're "going mobile", the Mini is a great DE to choose for being lightweight.  If you're staying in the shop, the CT 26 might be the better choice. 

Edit: If you're going to use a tool that makes dust, the better choice is to accompany it with something that collects dust.  You can use sawhorses until the MFT happens to land at your door. 

 

[mlfaber]

I would do the MFT and saw together.  Then you can buy a sander and dust extractor together for an additional savings. 

 

[Mort]

I'm torn, because I'm also a hobbyist and I'm on a budget. But I'd get the saw and ct.

No, the "shop vac" hoses don't fit the dust port, but you can buy an "adapter" for "$8" and it'll work. Not HEPA good, but enough. The reason I'd buy a CT is for the sanders. I didn't even realize it before, but when I hook my vac up to my DeWalt sander it bogs down because the sander is being sucked into the workpiece. Variable suction would alleviate this. These FOGers might've cost me $600 to replace a perfectly good vac

 

[rvieceli]

Just to complicate matters.... [wink]

The MFT is only available as a discounted package with the TS saws and the Kapex. The CT extractors are pretty much a discounted package with anything that has a cord.

 

[Sparktrician]

Just to complicate matters.... [wink]

The MFT is only available as a discounted package with the TS saws and the Kapex. The CT extractors are pretty much a discounted package with anything that has a cord.

HA!!!  That's easy!!!  Get the MFT/3-TS 55 combo, then grab the CT of choice with the Carvex.  Done!!!

[big grin]

 

[WelshWood]

My first purchase was the TS55, and is probably my most used bit of kit, its a pleasure to use.

What I will say though is, having an extractor in my opinion is a MUST, not only because it increases productivity, in terms of cleanup time etc.. but because it's far more beneficial for your health, especially when using materials such as MDF.

Hope this helps, and good luck with your purchases, you won't regret them!

~WW

 

[roblg3]

If you look at it sparktrician's way, which I do, it's a no brainer!  Especially since the sanders are even more enjoyable to use than the saw!  Trust me, I have a nerve disorder and when i used my dewalt 5" for an hour I'd not be able to work the next day.  I can sand for hours with my RO90, ETS 150 or Ls`130 and not even have discomfort!

 

[JeromeM]

Hi Bob.

I would say from my experience. Get the TS55 and vac package first and swap out the rail that's in it for an LR32 rail, the price is almost the same and the function is the same until you need the holes. Do not get rid of the Makita 2703 because there are some things that are much easier to do on it.

You can see from my signature that I'm not an MFT fan that is because for me it's not stable enough for the price and used in a workshop. Many people have a different opinion. I am a fan of the grid system and have built a number of things that use it.

A reason to delay getting an MFT is that you may find the combination of TS55 and your Makita 2703 changes your desire for one.

As to which CT to get, get the biggest that is convenient if you are sawing or using a router the mini and midi will fill quickly.

 

[bs0755]

Thanks for all of your suggestions! I am leaning toward the TS55 and CT26. However, the MFT/3 does provide more bang for the buck, since it has the extra rail, not to mention that it can only be discounted with the purchase is the saw... I do have a shop vac, but I thought I read in the archives that there is a risk of damage to the saw, due to the lack of the anti-static hose? Regarding the holy rails--I assume the reason for purchasing them would be for future use?                                             

 

[bs0755]

Whoops--question already answered on the holy rail... What is the grid system?

 

[semenza]

Thanks for all of your suggestions! I am leaning toward the TS55 and CT26. However, the MFT/3 does provide more bang for the buck, since it has the extra rail, not to mention that it can only be discounted with the purchase is the saw... I do have a shop vac, but I thought I read in the archives that there is a risk of damage to the saw, due to the lack of the anti-static hose? Regarding the holy rails--I assume the reason for purchasing them would be for future use?                                           

Not using an AS hose will be fine. It just won't carry static charge to ground. So depending on conditions you may get the occasional static  zap when you touch the hose. Festool actually does sell Non-AS hoses as well.

I am not sure the extra rail concept from the MFT will really be an extra. Depends on whether you will want to be removing the rail and reinstalling on the MFT as a regular thing every time you need the additional rail length..

Seth

 

[JeromeM]

Whoops--question already answered on the holy rail... What is the grid system?

If you drop down to the end of my post you will see that grid of holes can be used for much more than just clamping and cutting. I went for the Festool grid because it is not difficult to make if you have parts of the LR32.

But if you don't have, or want, the LR32 then there are ways to make a different spacing and hole size. The importance is to have a standard and stay with it as the more you use it the more useful it becomes.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/member-projects/20mm-hole-on-a-96mm-grid-system-(mft-top-style)/

 

[Wonderwino]

I bought my TS55 with the MFT/3.  (I already had the RO125 with a CT33  [big grin])  I would by the TS55 MFT/3 package and add the Midi & ETS125 package.  You will have a great start on the "System" and be able to cut and finish-sand virtually dust-free.  Then you'll want a Domino DF500 and an OF1400 router and a......and a ......  [eek]

 

[SoonerFan]

The CTs are great and really excel when sanding.  All that said, I would go for the MFT/3 for two reasons.  First, you will eventually get one so might as well get the discount.  Second, very doubtful you stop at one tool so get the CT at a discount with next drink of the green Kool Aid.

 

[Ajax]

For most folks the entry point into Festool is a tracksaw.  I'd start there.  See if it works for you. I suspect you will soon get a sander and vac combination, then a Domino, then a ...

You get my point.

 

[jallen03]

Like others have said.  It won't be your last festool purchase.  might as well take advantage of the MFT discount with the TS while you can.

There are ways to attach other vacs to the TS...I believe festool hoses fit in standard shop vacs