Recommendation for next Festool.

[Brian Livingstone]

Hi,

I am an amateur cabinetmaker (kitchens, built ins, etc.).  I have a Domino, TS55, MFT, Deltex sander, CT22.  I am wondering what might be a good next Festool.  I am considering the OF1010 router, and maybe the setup for drilling shelf pin holes.  I also have my eye on the Rotex 150.  Finally, I am also considering the RS 2 E sander for sanding panels.  I know this may be somewhat vague, but is there any one tool that comes to mind, given I have a new kitchen on the horizon. 

P.S. I only build face frame cabinets with inset doors ( it is my signature line). 

Thank you, from the unseasonably warm Great White North.

 

[justinmcf]

hi brian.
please forgive my ignorance.
where abouts is the great white north?

btw, if you change your profile to show which country you are from, it can make it easier for us to help you.
as some of the tools that i can buy may not be available to your neck of the woods.

i recommend you buy the of1010 router and maybe the ets 150/5 sander.
i personally think the rotex would be too aggressive for your needs.
the ets 150/5 is a great all rounder sander.

you may also want to look at the new carvex jigsaw.

regards, justin.

 

[Inner10]

Canada, but he's right its shockingly warm now and its fantastic!

Your question is pretty vague, I'd pick something small so you can hide it from your wife easily. [wink]

 

[Neill]

Brian,

I agree with Justin that a router should be in your future but I think it should be the 1400.  You can use any diameter router bit shaft.  It has a very easy ratcheting bit change system.  It is larger and heaver than the 1010, but it is very controllable and stable.  It is also more powerful, although that might not be what you need.

Neill

 

[Wood_Junkie]

Brian,

I agree with Justin that a router should be in your future but I think it should be the 1400.  You can use any diameter router bit shaft.  It has a very easy ratcheting bit change system.  It is larger and heaver than the 1010, but it is very controllable and stable.  It is also more powerful, although that might not be what you need.

Neill

+1 on the OF1400 vs the OF1010.  The lack of capacity for a 1/2" collet is huge (IMO) since many, many, many bits are 1/2" shank, especially in North America.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Definitely a router. No woodworker can live without one. 1010 or 1400, is in the eye of the beholder.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Canada, but he's right its shockingly warm now and its fantastic!

Your question is pretty vague, I'd pick something small so you can hide it from your wife easily. [wink]

Or the border patrol! [big grin]

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Boy, there is no wrong answer to that question!!
I have both the OF1010 and the OF1400.  I find that I use the 1400 way more.  The 1010 is smaller but thats about the only advantage.  The 1400 is more versatile, easier to use, and it seems more robust (probably just me, but I have had the depth stop come loose on my 1010 a couple of times, never on the 1400).
I suspect you do a lot of drilling and driving screws.  I was a skeptic on the drills till I got one and now I always reach for it.  That eccentric chuck is way cool!
And if money is not a concern, go for the Kapex (eat dessert first!).

 

[dltflt]

I don't own the OF1400 but that is next on my list.  The reason is it accepts 1/2" bits.  I agree with Jesse on the Kapex, I did just get that and I love.

 

[score0matic]

WOW 

I say the OF 1010.  As a cabninet maker most of your work will be edge treatments and smaller groves.  forget that train of thot

 

[waho6o9]

OF 1400  no doubt. [eek]

 

[mouppe]

You know you're going to end up with the whole Festool range eventually so really we're just haggling about the order in why you buy them!

[laughing]

 

[Frank Pellow]

A router, as others have suggested, would be a good choice.  But, my most used Festool tool is the Rotex 150 sander, so I need to recommned it to you.

 

[Jim Becker]

My most used Festools are my TDK12 drill/driver and my 150/3 sander. I rarely use my Rotex 150...it takes two hands to handle that whopper, IMHO, so I only pull it out when it gives me advantage in a job. 95% of my sanding is with the 150/3.

I have both the OF1010 and the OF1400 routers. I agree with the others that the OF1400 is the better buy in most cases. The smaller unit is nice and I'm happy I have it, but for one overall router, I'd suggest opting for the larger unit so you can use 1/2" shank cutters which are far stronger than 1/4" shank bits. (8mm is supported by the OF1010, but the selection of those in the US is quite limited)

 

[JohnDistai]

I think your next Festool should be the trio of hand sanding pads for $75.

 

[Wonderwino]

If you are in the US, the TS saws & rails will be on sale in April & May.  I'd grab a few extra rails, the LR32 variety if you don't have them.  The LR32 is great for doing all your cabinet drilling.

I have a 1010 and love it.  It is considerably lighter than the 1400 and easier to handle.  I have a growing collection of 8mm shaft bits and they are every bit as chatter free as 1/2" bits unless you get into really large cutters.  You can get a guide bearing, edge plate, edge guide and fine adjuster to do a variety of edge trimming and dadoing (for back panels).  I don't have a 1400, but I grab the 1010 over my larger DW621 all the time.

 

[GPowers]

OF1400 was the first Festool I purchased. Work a whole lot better then the 35 year old Craftsman router it replaced.

 

[Bill Wyko]

FYI the Rotax ROS 150 is an animal [eek] the ets 150 is my go to sander. Ideal with a ct22 or ct33. You may consider a Kapex in your future as well. Check out all the you tube videos of it in action. I'll have mine tomorrow and I do a review soon after.

 

[Brian Livingstone]

Thank you for the responses.  I believe I will purchase the 1400 router next, followed by the ETS 150/3 sander.  

I have a Makita 12" SCMS, which is a wonderful saw.  While I covet the Kapex, the price in Canada is nearly prohibitive.

Thank you again and best regards from Nova Scotia, Canada.

 

[Neill]

Thank you for the responses.  I believe I will purchase the 1400 router next, followed by the ETS 150/3 sander.  

I have a Makita 12" SCMS, which is a wonderful saw.  While I covet the Kapex, the price in Canada is nearly prohibitive.

Thank you again and best regards from Nova Scotia, Canada.

Brian,

In my opinion, it sounds like you are making the best choice.  Both the router and the sander are awesome.  You will not lose a minute of sleep worrying about having made the right decision.

Neill