Router? Drill? Jigsaw? Dust Extractor?

[dinkjs]

Choices choices choices

Right now I am thinking I will get some money around $500 for Christmas and I am going through a problem.....what to invest in first

So please read my explanation for each item

1. Router: I am leaning toward the OF 1400.....Plus I have no router

2. Drill: I have a 14.4 Hitachi ive had for around 5 years and the batteries are going bad already and so is the motor...I really like the C12 as a replacement...and yes I know there are LOADS of options for drills....I just really like this one...the amount of ooomph this has for such a small drill really appeals to me

3. Jigsaw: I sold off my Delta bandsaw because it was complete rubbish and I initially got it for cutting pen blanks...I have a Crapsmen Jigsaw but its junk too and it needs to be junked

4. Dust Extractor:  I have a ShopVac and the motor is ready to go at anytime and I have seen the Festool dust Extractors in action and they are a blast

So all of these items are around $500......which one should I really lean towards?

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I would say, ask for more money and get them all, you will anyways, might as well get it out of the way early. [cool]

 

[Bob Marino]

If you tell us  a bit more about your shop, other tools and your (future) projects, we can offer more specific/better advice. Do you have a table saw? A planer? Sander? Joiner?

Bob

 

[Holzhacker]

I would go for the router or jigsaw. Without either of those the dust extractor may be premature. You can always get an interim cordless if need be for a lot less money or watch ebay for a used C12. Depending on which tool, the router or jigsaw, I saw myself using the most in the near future, that's the one I'd get. With the C12 you can fix, drill, attach, blah, blah. With the router or jigsaw you can PRODUCE.
Good luck

 

[PeterK]

I am going to risk getting teased with a few of these responses!!    ;D
Much of this will really depend upon your uses.

1. Router: I am leaning toward the OF 1400.....Plus I have no router
I have all 3 of the bigger Festool routers. If you are going to be with a single router for a long time, the OF1400 is the way to go as it is capable of many uses and has few routers as competition in my opinion. The OF1010 is my absolute favorite but since it only takes 1/4" or 8mm shank bits, it will limit you until you acquire a 1/2" router. Routers multiply as you will find out. I was up to 13 at one time but have trimmed back to 8! Make the OF1010 your next one.

2. Drill: I have a 14.4 Hitachi ive had for around 5 years and the batteries are going bad already and so is the motor...I really like the C12 as a replacement...and yes I know there are LOADS of options for drills....I just really like this one...the amount of ooomph this has for such a small drill really appeals to me
I sold my C12 after getting my T15 or whatever the number is for the new model. It is much improved. Really, you can save a bunch of money now and get something for around $100-150 unless you really need the accessory chucks. The Festool drills are very nice but a luxury item at their prices.

3. Jigsaw: I sold off my Delta bandsaw because it was complete rubbish and I initially got it for cutting pen blanks...I have a Crapsmen Jigsaw but its junk too and it needs to be junked
I have the Festool barrel grip and the newest Bosch barrel grip. The Bosch is far lower cost and has a blower that really helps. Festool blew it by not including the blower. The Festool does work better for really deep cuts that have to be vertical. Get the Bosch for around $160 and be happy.

4. Dust Extractor:  I have a ShopVac and the motor is ready to go at anytime and I have seen the Festool dust Extractors in action and they are a blast
The CT vacs are wonderful. When your Festool collection grows, you will need it to use with the sanders, circle saw, domino, etc.
Only you know if you need a high dollar vac at this time.

Summary - go for the router in my opinion.

 

[Brice Burrell]

As for your $500 tool budget, that's tough. The OF1400 is the most versatile tool on your list but we really don't know you needs as well as you do.

You know you can stretch your tool budget by getting less expensive tools. Some cheaper tools offer a good value while others will only cost you more money in the long run when you have to replace that cheap tool with a better quality version. I happen to think the Bosch jigsaws are a great value and like Peter I'd recommend looking into one. Another couple of options is to look at some of Festool's discontinued tools selling for a discount or try finding used Festool tools. Good luck.

 

[dinkjs]

Not to sound rude but really if I wanted other brands I would of asked elsewhere about other brands.....So I am not going to be buying so cheap alternative to scratch by until I get what the initial investment is....it is counter intuitive and just plain wrong financially.  Now if lets say my drill goes bad before I get the Festool drill well then the Festool drill might just have to wait a very long time.  

As for what im going to be doing....Im going to be honestly doing woodworking to make it as simple as that it really doesnt matter the details....I have alot of German screwdrivers....because I made the up front investment on great screwdrivers knowing they are going to last me forever..

As for question about what I already have.....I have a table saw, a drill press, a shop vac a Milwaukee tilt lok circ saw, a Dewalt Biscuit Joiner, and a couple Japanese handplanes and saws....and some Two Cherries Chisels among other things....I work in my two car garage....If im not working on something BOTH cars are put in the garage....so that will tell you what my situation is in terms of space......I dont like alot of Crap just laying around so I keep things put away and tidy as best as possible.....

I also dont buy multiples of something unless there is a reason....again its dumb in my opinion and takes up space that shouldnt be taken up

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

The drills are really nice.

The router would give you a bunch of options.

If you buy the router, use your vac but, start saving up for a CT-22 at least, because you will eventually need it, when you nuke your other vac.

Jig saw vote goes to Bosch, I would like to get the barrel grip Festool sometime.

 

[Bob Marino]

Not to sound rude but really if I wanted other brands I would of asked elsewhere about other brands.....So I am not going to be buying so cheap alternative to scratch by until I get what the initial investment is....it is counter intuitive and just plain wrong financially.  Now if lets say my drill goes bad before I get the Festool drill well then the Festool drill might just have to wait a very long time.  

As for what im going to be doing....Im going to be honestly doing woodworking to make it as simple as that it really doesnt matter the details....I have alot of German screwdrivers....because I made the up front investment on great screwdrivers knowing they are going to last me forever..

As for question about what I already have.....I have a table saw, a drill press, a shop vac a Milwaukee tilt lok circ saw, a Dewalt Biscuit Joiner, and a couple Japanese handplanes and saws....and some Two Cherries Chisels among other things....I work in my two car garage....If im not working on something BOTH cars are put in the garage....so that will tell you what my situation is in terms of space......I dont like alot of Crap just laying around so I keep things put away and tidy as best as possible.....

I also dont buy multiples of something unless there is a reason....again its dumb in my opinion and takes up space that shouldnt be taken up

Well then, with what you have described I'd opt for the router; (most versatile tool in the shop) probably the 1400, but would also consider the 1010 as you probably don't
have much, if anything invested in 1/2" router bits and you might even prefer the smaller router. I would at least upgrade the filtration on your shop-vac, umtil a CT 22 (or MINI/MIDI)  comes your way.

Bob

 

[score0matic]

welcome to the forum dinkjs

For around $500 I would buy
the OF1010 for less than $400
and the older Bosch jig for less than $100  http://www.amazon.com/Factory-Reconditioned-Bosch-1587AVSK-46-Top-Handle-Jig/dp/B0000683CW ( i have seen them as low as $79 on clearance) as that is the Best Value in a jigsaw. [thumbs up]  or the new bosch for $160  you are still around $500 and you have a better start on your collection than any other single choice.
just my  [2cents]
Craig

Sorry i didnt read your post about only wanting to drink the Green Kool-Aid [poke]  (says the one who has Festool on the back window of his Pick-up and a Trion barrel grip  [big grin])

 

[mastercabman]

I would most likely get the router first.
Like the other,I would look at the Bosch jigsaw instead of the Festool.
As for the drill,For a few more $,Why don't you look at the new drills?

 

[Alex2]

Hi

One of my 1st motorized woodworking tool was the Bosch Jigsaw.. It excels at cutting wood, aluminium, hard PVC... whatever.. it's excellent. well constructed, feels 'heavy' in your hands and doesn't cost you a lot of money.

However, If you're planning to do some woodworking, I would strongly suggest investing in some kind of joinery tool........ and tatammmmmm.... here I'll strongly advice buying the Domino Set.. the old one.. which I have since it was out.. Nothing beats it in terms of speed and accuracy.. and you'll do much more with this one than with the router, or the drill.. I mean it's time to get one..old style is on sale now !
I know it's not 500 more like 250$ but YOU WON'T REGRET IT DOWN THE ROAD !

Cheers,

Alex

 

[chrisrosenb]

I would suggest a different order for the Festool tools.

1  Jigsaw

2  Dust Extractor

3  1400 Router

4  Drill

 

[PeterK]

In my opinion, any drill can drill. Be it a $50 or $500 unit. This would be the lowest priority to me. Now, having the T15 and having paid over $500 for it, I feel it is worth it to me! But this is after many other Festool purchases.

If you don't have any quality sanders yet, I sure would put a sander above the drill. Of course, you will really need the vac at that time.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Not to sound rude but really if I wanted other brands I would of asked elsewhere about other brands.....

No, you aren't being rude, we understand. It only makes sense when you're looking for advice on Festool products that you'd come to a Festool forum.

 

[jeffinsgf]

Not to sound rude but really if I wanted other brands I would of asked elsewhere about other brands.....So I am not going to be buying so cheap alternative to scratch by until I get what the initial investment is....it is counter intuitive and just plain wrong financially.  Now if lets say my drill goes bad before I get the Festool drill well then the Festool drill might just have to wait a very long time.  ...

Pardon my saying so, but that is just plain silly.  You've been given very good advice from people who are as strongly committed to Festool as you are.  I replaced a 20+ year old Bosch jigsaw with a Festool.  It's a fine tool, but as others have said, the Bosch is a superb tool at a very reasonable price, and if I were making the same purchase today, I'd probably buy another Bosch instead of the Festool. 

The same can be said about the driver drill. I have about 5 different ones.  The Bosch 12V impact driver is the one I reach for first almost invariably.  The Festool comes out only when its unique capabilities are needed.  I most certainly would not go without for a very long time just so that I could have one that's green and black.

In your shoes, I would buy the OF-1010, since you have no router at all and though it is the least powerful router in the Festool line, it is the one I reach for first out of a vast selection of brands and sizes. The only time I use a bigger router is if I'm doing raised panel or cope and stick work (most of which I now do on a shaper).  I would take the difference between the OF-1010 and $500 and put that toward a Bosch jig saw.  I would then clean the filters religiously on my old shop vac and see if it could hold on until the next time the budget reloads itself.  If the old driver drill gives up the ghost before the budget allows a Festool, I would get something of quality (Bosch or Makita) that would serve me well for years, even if its role is later only as a backup to the Festool.

 

[PeterK]

As to the vac, for about $100, you can get the big Home Depot vac. I have one and it gets used for the really nasty dirty wet jobs now that it excels at. It is reasonably quiet for my use as I always wear ear protection and served duty in my shop for a while. Has plenty of suction - just not as refined and has no tool activation. I would not give it up or my CT33. Sure would not want to use my CT33 for flooding cleanup, pool work, etc.

Like Jeff, I also feel the OF1010 can handle 90% or more of my usage. It is the first router I grab. I rarely use my 1400 any more. I have found the 1/4" shank bits from Freud have plenty of strength and cause me no problems. The 1010 is just a joy to use.

I agree - purchase smart and get quality. I have replaced my share of lower end tools that I aquired early on. All the feedback you have received here is right on. There are alternatives with good quality and there is also very low end stuff. Good luck!

 

[clev1066]

I've got my own views, and all of my tools are of high quality; but not all are Festool.

First, I don't find a jig saw being a good replacement for a quality bandsaw. I'm not sure which Delta bandsaw gave you trouble; but I've had nothing but excellent results from my 1938 10" and 1947 14". They are two of the most used tools that I own and I couldn't be without them. For thicker woods or resawing and for cutting metal, I like to go to my 1962 Powermatic 143; but it is really a specialty tool for me. As far as jig saws go, they definately have their place. I've used both the Festool PS 300 and the Bosch 1591. I much prefer the Bosch, regardless of cost. However, I don't use dust collection with the jig saw. I tried it with the PS 300 and it obscured the cut line too much.

I do have more than one router, and more than just Festool. I keep a Porter Cable set up for my dovetail jig and a Bosch 1617evs mostly used in a router lift. Having both the OF 1400 and OF 1000 (older version of OF 1010); I find the OF 1400 more versitile, but the OF 1000 more comfortable to use. I generally use the OF 1400 on the rail for dado and rabbet cuts. I prefer the OF 1000 for edge profiles and trimming. However, if I could only have one Festool router, it would be the OF 1400. If I could have only one router period; it would be the Bosch 1617evs. The Bosch is more versitale: it can be used with the fixed base, the plunge base, and in the router table. The dust collection and edge guides are both very good.

I don't have much of an opinion on the Festool drill, because I don't have any experience.

I do have the CT-22, and it is a welcome addition; but I mostly use it with other Festools.

 

[clev1066]

Continued (I don't know why, but my browser makes it difficult to post long threads, it keeps scrolling to the top and I can't see what I'm typing at the bottom. It only happens on FOG though)....

I was last writing about the CT22, and I really like the extractor. However, I wouldn't want it to be the only "shop-vac" in my shop. I also have a Ridgid 16 gallon model. To tell the truth, the Ridgid performs better at a couple of tasks. Using the same hose, in identical situations, the Ridgid has more static pressure and does a much better job with my miter saw and general cleanup. I use bags with the Ridgid and a CleanStream Gortex filter. The Ridgid simply moves more air at a faster rate and has more capacity.

I'm not trying to get banned from this forum, but there are other quality tools on the market; and some perform better at certain tasks. On the same note, none of them fit into a system quite the way that Festool does.

You wrote that you didn't want to hear about other brands, but to me that is narrow minded. Why not get the best tooling for the task and budget? I would not advise cheap tools or products that would need to be replaced with upgrades.

---it's doing it again, see above---- to be continued.

 

[clev1066]

I also don't agree with the idea of not having duplicates for certain tools. Of course, I don't NEED three bandsaws, but I sure do need two; and I just can't bear to rid myself of the quality pieces of vintage iron I've found. I would never want to be with just one router. I often use at least three of them on just about every project I tackle. Even though I change the bits, the general tasks are basically router specific.

I also use a couple of cordless drills as well as a couple of cordless impact drivers. Yet again, I depend on Bosch for these tasks. I keep the 18v for knarly tasks, and it is also a hammer-drill. It is too heavy and large for most projects; but it has a definate purpose. I also have the big Impactors for driving lag bolts, machinery assembly, tightening-loosening lug bolts and such. Then when I'm just woodworking, I like to use the Kreg pocket hole kits. My 10.8v ps-30 and ps-20 are the perfect combination for drilling and assembly and make easy work of the tasks. I've got less invested in all of my cordless drills than a full Festool 15+3 kit, and they don't take up much more space. I can also work faster with less setup time.

In short, I'm a big Festool fan; but I could never work with ONLY Festools. Besides, you didn't even mention Festool's best products; the Rotex 150 and ETS 150 sanders.