Purchasing my First Festools and Looking for Advice

[DrDankDust]

OK so I'm finally ready to pull the trigger on my first Festool product/s & Im looking for some advice from the already initiated. I have it narrowed down between Rotex 150  or a track saw maybe TS75 with Dust collection being %10 off I will probably add a unit to whichever I decide on which one not sure yet! Any suggestions or words of wisdom from the forum would be appreciated. For me its a big purchase & figured if maybe I could learn from anyone else mistakes that'd be good!

As far as TS goes I don't care for cordless just another something that will need to be replaced in the future. Imperial is ideal and which size track is best to get me started?

Thanks in advance

 

[cpw]

OK so I'm finally ready to pull the trigger on my first Festool product/s & Im looking for some advice from the already initiated. I have it narrowed down between Rotex 150  or a track saw maybe TS75 with Dust collection being %10 off I will probably add a unit to whichever I decide on which one not sure yet! Any suggestions or words of wisdom from the forum would be appreciated. For me its a big purchase & figured if maybe I could learn from anyone else mistakes that'd be good!

As far as TS goes I don't care for cordless just another something that will need to be replaced in the future. Imperial is ideal and which size track is best to get me started?

Thanks in advance

I purchased a TS75 with the 118" track plus a 55" LR32 track.  The longer track means you don't need to worry about joining/aligning.  Tool Nut swapped out the 75" track for the 118" track, just paying the difference in cost; and then I added the 55" track for crosscut work.  I would eventually like a 75" track; because the TS75" just barely fits for a 48" rip on it.

It is definitely worth getting a pair of quick clamps, and an extractor.  I didn't buy the quick clamps until later, because my existing Dewalt track clamps work with the Festool track, but the quick clamps are a bit nicer.

 

[grbmds]

I have a number of Festool tools, from the TS55 to a VacSys. Some I love and find more useful than others. The TS55 is a great saw. Whether the TS75 is more suited to your needs depends on what those needs are. If you plan to frequently cut wood that is thicker than the capacity of the TS55, for sure you should buy the 75. Whether you buy any Festool saws kind of depends on whether you own a table saw or bandsaw. If you own either, I'd consider holding off on the saw even though they are very useful for cutting sheet goods.

With regard to sanders I have several but I would think, if you own just one, an ETS125 or RO125 would be the best bet (just my opinion because I think either of those would be the most versatile. However, I would say that there are other companies who make good sanders; maybe not as good dust collection but still good sanders.

For sure, consider a CT, size depending on whether you want it portable or it will stay in your shop. I own a CT48 but it just rolls around in my shop. If I wanted a mobile vac, either the Mini or Midi might be a better choice.

I own a Domino and, for me, that is my favorite tool of all time. Nothing makes joinery of almost any project easier. You can do things with Domino joints that you might not try otherwise. (Doesn't sound like that is in your budget but . . .) Other companies make good sanders and saw, but no one else makes a Domino.

Take a look at what you intend to make, already own, and let that be your guide for now.

 

[DrDankDust]

Thanks for the quick responses, I have a table saw & band saw, and a sander for that matter.  I'm interested in the track saw primarily for slab work, breaking down the sheet goods is an added bonus, and figured if I was going to get one I might as well just spend the little extra for the additional cutting depth! As far as the other sanders you mentioned can you do polishing/buffing with them as well? Thats the reason I was looking into the 150 figured being able to switch from sanding finishing with one machine was a feature I liked.
as far as the dust collection I have a large 4" DC but seems like the DC on the Festool's is a step above anything else on the market, I did like the units that had wheels but by the time I buy the tool it looks like they would be a little over my range looking to spend $1100ish So yeah the domino is a little out of my range for now at least.

 

[jeh]

The TS55 will most likely be more than sufficient and you'll appreciate the lighter weight (than the TS75). As for plywood you will need a 75" rail for crosscuts and the 118" rail for rips. You could add a 42" to get you there. The rail connector system leaves a lot to be desired, but with some futzing you can make it work or buy anyone of the number of aftermarket rail aligners.

The reason for the extra length is the entire rail length is not usable as the saw has to be close to fully engaged on the rail in order to be guaranteed to go straight. As an example the 55" rail is too short for 48" crosscuts. I'm sure others will chime in that it is more than sufficient but the reality is you need an extra 15" or so to have the saw on the track from start to finish.

A 55" and 42" rail combination is worthless for plywood.

As for the ROTEX I'd avoid it and just get a sander. Tools that do two things rarely do both of them great. I have several of their sanders and the ROTEX which does not get a lot of use and certainly not for fine finish sanding.

Enjoy whatever you end up with as many of their tools are very well-built and best in class. You will not be disappointed with the capabilities a track saw can deliver.

 

[rst]

If you are cutting slabs, buy the 75.  I have one of each of the Festool saws and use the 75 the most.  I joined rails for a couple years and then got the 118".  If I could only have two rails, and I have them all, It would be the 118 and the 75. If I could only have one sander it would probably be the ETS EC 125 as you can still use the 6" pad for larger work.  The ROs are great but are not as ergonomic for extended work sessions.
                                                 

 

[nvalinski]

For slabs, the TS 75 makes a ton of sense (bought mine for the same reason). The Rotex 150 is also amazing for stripping down/polishing a slab, despite the ergonomics. Festool's finish sanders are nice, but the value proposition between them and something like a nice $60 Bosch orbital isn't there.

My approach is generally to slice up a slab (TS 75, or can be done with a $100 circular saw), coarse leveling (cheap power planer), coarse sanding (Rotex or belt sander), and fine sanding (ETS EC or $60 Bosch orbital). The least favorite alternative tool in that list for me is a belt sander due to how much dust it spews even when hooked up to a CT, so in terms of purchasing order, that might be my first. But that said, the TS 75 opens up more doors vs. a circular saw than the Rotex does for sanding, so it'd be a tough call.

 

[duburban]

In the me-too era this subject title made me cringe.

How about? "purchasing my first festool?" or "help me i don't know much about festool?"

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

With the plunge saw, it really does depend on your needs, one bonus I can think of with the TS75 over the 55 apart from the obvious, would be if you decided later on to get a CMS module as a table saw. The 75 would give you more power and depth when ripping, something that’s very welcomed in a rip/table saw.

 

[peter halle]

In the me-too era this subject title made me cringe.

How about? "purchasing my first festool?" or "help me i don't know much about festool?"

The title has been changed.

Peter Halle - Moderator

 

[DeformedTree]

I bought the 3meter rail, my biggest issue is Festool doesn't make all the rails holy, so I have a holy rail too, which is ok for cross cuts.  I don't have a TS75, just the 55, but might as well just have the rail to cover all.

For sanders, I bought the 125 Rotex first thinking it would do it all,  in general I find it rather awful (this isn't a thread for this, but to get out of the way, yes I have tried all the stuff people talk about, and in the end, no one seams to address its behaviors).  The Rotex is great if you want to go into the back yard and polish a tree smooth, or grind down a 2x4 instead of pulling out  a planer, but it's not good for finishing.  I quickly bought the ETS EC 125,  which does a very nice job, and you can work calmly and not feel like you are going to have your arm spontaneously ripped off.  The rotex is nice when you get to buffing out the finish, I use it there. So it's not un-used, it's good at making large blocks of wood into small blocks of wood, and it's nice with Vlies buffing stuff out, but for sanding, get the sander.  With both using the same size paper, it makes things work well.  125mm is also nice since in a pinch you can go to the local HW store and buy sand paper for it as basically all sanders are 5", not sure where you find 150mm/6" sand paper in a pinch localy if you don't have a Festool store around. Also just holding the 150mm Rotex, it's a beast,  I don't think the times you need to cover that kind of acreage justify it.  Don't get me wrong, the Rotex is very impressive, but working up thru the grits to sand something is not it's thing.  Removing material fast, or buffing out the finish it's very good at.

 

[cgrutt]

I'm new to Festool too and recently bought a CT36, RO150 and a few other Sanders.  In general couldnt be happier.  I'm using primarily to prep walls and trim for painting.  I also refinished a hardwood floor.  Dust collection is phenomenal.  Sanders have done a good job with everything I've used it for so far.  Just today used the Rotex and rectangular pad sander to prep birch ply wainscoting and old trim for paint.  Was done with kitchen in about 45 minutes (including sanding old plaster walls above wainscoting).  Very happy with purchase so far.  I'm also considering a Track Saw but think I'm leaning towards the Mafell.  Good luck!

 

[DrDankDust]

Thanks for all the help. spent couple days debating w/myself & this definitely helped having some experienced voices in there! Thinking I will go with the TS 75 w/tracks, If I can move onto the DC any opinions on them would be appreciated, as far as power goes is there much of a difference between the CT (no-wheels) and the midi/mini aside from capacity & wheels? I don't plan on taking it outside the shop while the wheels would be nice just not sure if its worth the extra expense.

In the me-too era this subject title made me cringe.

How about? "purchasing my first festool?" or "help me i don't know much about festool?"

My bad, I didn't know if you were serious, virtue signaling or trolling but based on the thread name being changed I'm assuming you meant what you said. I'm sorry you felt that way about my thread title I typically don't alter my speech unless TOS requires it, I didn't think the title violated TOS but I will be more considerate to others feelings moving forward.  I think the mods replacement title is just swell ;D

 

[MrToolJunkie]

The TS75 is a great saw and my first purchase. Standard blade is good for most cuts. I would opt for a CT 26 as it is small enough to be portable and large enough to accept all the accessories should you go that route. Highly recommend the pig tail to keep your hose inline with a cut table or MFT.

I like all the Rotex sanders and the EC style sanders. A Delta sander like the DTS400 helps get into corners. The Rotex 150 and DTS400 were my first two sanders. I use all my sanders all the time...they are that good.

 

[Tezzer]

The first three should be, Dusty, Domino 500 and EST 150/3
After that purchase specific to your needs, like the TS75 essential for slab work.

 

[Mario Turcot]

I use the track saw only for sheet goods and I am happy I picked up the TS 55. Slab work is definitively a job for the TS 75.

If you have a retailer in your area I suggest to visit them and handle the tools you are going to acquire. In the mean time they should be able to answer any question regarding the tools.

P.S. Don't forget to register your tools. If you are from NA the link is provided from the top menu on the FOG tool registration

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

In the me-too era this subject title made me cringe.

How about? "purchasing my first festool?" or "help me i don't know much about festool?"

The title has been changed.

Peter Halle - Moderator

That’s a shame Peter, a bit of humour is always welcomed, at least by me. Although I understand we’re all different.

 

[ChuckS]

Snip
The title has been changed.

Peter Halle - Moderator

Locker-room sayings have their place, but I agree with your judgment call. I think women visitors to this forum would appreciate your call, too.

 

[DrDankDust]

The TS75 is a great saw and my first purchase. Standard blade is good for most cuts. I would opt for a CT 26 as it is small enough to be portable and large enough to accept all the accessories should you go that route. Highly recommend the pig tail to keep your hose inline with a cut table or MFT.

I like all the Rotex sanders and the EC style sanders. A Delta sander like the DTS400 helps get into corners. The Rotex 150 and DTS400 were my first two sanders. I use all my sanders all the time...they are that good.

So looking at my budget can't do the saw + track and the CT 26, being there is a sale on DC when purchased w/tool, I'm feeling like I should take advantage of that soo if you could choose one sander to go with the 26 which would you choose?  Again looking to spend $1100ish. I can maybe get the saw next month especially if I get the go ahead on this next piece.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

For slab work, the Rotex 150. For general woodwork, the ETS EC 150/5. For detail work and if detail sanding, the DTS400.

I would start with a a Rotex 150