Small Table Saw & MFT Functions Experience

[grbmds]

I would appreciate feedback. The following describes the options I’m considering:

I completely acknowledge that having a professional cabinet saw (like Delta, Powermatic, Sawstop , a rehabbed used saw from the past, or even a lesser hybrid type) is the ideal. However, I have already made the decision that, at this point in my life, I don’t want to buy that kind of a saw for my own reasons.  So, options I’m considering are:

1. Living with my TS55 and one MFT only (also 14” bandsaw, handheldrouters, router/router table, hand planes, 8” helical head jointer, a 13” planer plus most other tools I require);
2. Purchasing a small jobsite type table saw which can be stored when not in use and building a mobile base for the MFT which puts the MFT at a height that allows it to be used as an outfeed table for the saw.
3. Purchasing a second MFT and building a mobile base for the 2 MFT’s together, giving me a large work space for a variety of jobs (including possible mounting of an older model  Incra positioner and fence).

Ideally, buying both the small table saw and a second MFT would likely work best, but I’m not sure I can make that work with the floor space available in my shop.

1. For those of you who own a small jobsite type table saw like (Bosch, Dewalt, or even Sawstop now) and use it in your workshop  - What tasks or work have you successfully used this saw for?

2. For those who own both a jobsite table saw and a Festool track saw/MFT, does the combination of the two provide the capability to do all work or woodworking tasks that you need to do in the shop for building cabinets, furniture, or whatever you build (given I have the other tools listed also)? If not, what can’t you do with either of the tools?

Thanks in advance for letting me benefit from your experiences.

 

[sancho57]

The Table saw v track saw has been discussed here many times. If you would use the search function you would find some very indebth discussions on this subject.

 

[grbmds]

The Table saw v track saw has been discussed here many times. If you would use the search function you would find some very indebth discussions on this subject.

It's not really my question, but I appreciate the suggestion. I've done the searches already.

 

[John Beauchamp]

I make cabinets and only furniture that would be made mostly out of 1'' or less material. I could do that with the track saw and a good 10" job site saw, The limitations would be thicker hardwoods and really hard exotics. You might have power problems and get burning and chatter. If you keep your blades sharp and don't push hard you should be able to do  most anything you want. I live in a low budget world so there are pieces of furniture out there that I can't even imagine what it would take but you probably won't be making those anyway.

 

[Green Mojo]

I am limited in space and have a 10" Bosch contractors saw on the gravity lift. It stows nicely when I don't have a project going. I use the track saw to break down sheet goods and use the Bosch for ripping. I took all the track saw hardware off the MFT and only use the MFT for assembly.  For cross cuts, I use my miter saw.  With that combination, I don't feel limited in any way (at least as far as tools go!).  I know a lot of people do it, but I can't imagine not having a table saw.

 

[peter halle]

This will probably be lengthy, so be prepared.

I have a twelve year old Dewalt Portable table saw.  I used the heck out of it until I discovered Festool.  I also won in a contest a panel saw.  It is rusting in the driveway and hasn't been used since I discovered Festool.

In my opinion the Festool system can do everything you want to do if you are using materials not exceeding the cutting capacity of the track saw you have.  In all situations is this the most efficient way?  Probably not.  Some work flows can be accelerated significantly but there will be some that will not.  The most limiting issue is cutting material that is smaller than the width of the rail.  You can certainly adapt and even create jigs or spacers if you are constantly repeating your work at a set dimension.  But having a quality small tablesaw can speed things up.  Primarily with ripping.  The small tablesaw might also offer some other advantages if you are using stock that can't be cut with your track saw but can be cut with a 10" blade.

I would venture a guess that the majority of wood projects are made with materials 3/4" thick or less and an overwhelming majority or people rarely bevel their saws versus cutting at 90 degrees.  The Festool system is great for all of those situations.  Can't fit on the MFT?  Take it to a piece of foam on the floor or on sawhorses.

My table saw is reserved primarily for ripping on rare occasions.  It hasn't made a crosscut in years.  A dado blade is long lost after 9 years into the system.

Festool offers options.  There may be compromises and there are definitely absolute wins in the system.

Peter

 

[elfick]

I don't have a MFT, but I do have a job site saw that I'm pretty happy with.

1) I generally only use it for repetitive narrow rips. Cutting face frames and the like. Everything else generally gets done with the TS(55/75). I honestly can't remember the last time I've used the table saw for anything else.

2) I think you're covered for just about anything between the TS/MFT, bandsaw, and a small tablesaw.

If you were to add a Kapex, you'd be set. (I jest, even though I just bought a Kapex. Of all the saws, I personally think the miter saw is the easiest to live without)

 

[Gary in Texas]

I think you could "get by" without the table saw, although I do think there are times and situations where having a table saw excels.....  And as has been pointed out here many times, ripping smaller stock is the first thing that comes to mind.

I admit I haven't used my table saw nearly as much in the past year after acquiring too many Festools.  [eek]  If I didn't have my cabinet saw and needed something portable, both to take on the job as well as move out of the way when not needed, I would most likely buy the new portable SawStop.  While the safety is a very nice feature, I was looking at a video today of that saw, and it has some really neat features.  Onboard storage, capable of using a dado stack, fence appears to be accurate and not much of a downgrade from a contractor type saw, bevel instantly with a "click" at each degree and fine tuning, and one turn raise and lower the blade.  Plus it has some nice dust collection features and accessories...  I don't  know how the other portable saws stack up, but I imagine the SawStop has the upper hand on the features offered.

 

[grbmds]

I don't have a MFT, but I do have a job site saw that I'm pretty happy with.

1) I generally only use it for repetitive narrow rips. Cutting face frames and the like. Everything else generally gets done with the TS(55/75). I honestly can't remember the last time I've used the table saw for anything else.

2) I think you're covered for just about anything between the TS/MFT, bandsaw, and a small tablesaw.

If you were to add a Kapex, you'd be set. (I jest, even though I just bought a Kapex. Of all the saws, I personally think the miter saw is the easiest to live without)

I agree on the miter saw. Since I have the TS55 and MFT I feel my mitering needs are satisfied and more accurate than at any time in the past even when I owned a miter saw. Beyond that, I don't really have any other miter saw needs regardless of how wonderful and accurate the saw is.

 

[grbmds]

I think you could "get by" without the table saw, although I do think there are times and situations where having a table saw excels.....  And as has been pointed out here many times, ripping smaller stock is the first thing that comes to mind.

I admit I haven't used my table saw nearly as much in the past year after acquiring too many Festools.  [eek]  If I didn't have my cabinet saw and needed something portable, both to take on the job as well as move out of the way when not needed, I would most likely buy the new portable SawStop.  While the safety is a very nice feature, I was looking at a video today of that saw, and it has some really neat features.  Onboard storage, capable of using a dado stack, fence appears to be accurate and not much of a downgrade from a contractor type saw, bevel instantly with a "click" at each degree and fine tuning, and one turn raise and lower the blade.  Plus it has some nice dust collection features and accessories...  I don't  know how the other portable saws stack up, but I imagine the SawStop has the upper hand on the features offered.

It's cost is the new Sawstop's main problem. Better fit and finish than the others, rip fence is good but doesn't lock on the back end. There is a planned blade guard with additional dust collection. Combined with the under blade collection in back, I assume not much would escape, but blade guard dust collection isn't available yet for this saw. The miter gauge is almost toy-like which is a disappointment but I doubt I'd use it much and I have another already which would work. So . . . it's an interesting possibility but an expensive one that another alternative might work just as well. It's the kind of dilemma which is kind of nice; trying to decide what new tool to buy first.

 

[nclemmons]

You didn't say what kinds of work you are doing.  I have a full compliment of Festool tools but also a bandsaw, joiner / planer and a small tablesaw - all Inca from the mid-80's.

I do mostly furniture and a lot of solid wood work - cabinets I do have face frames.  Tables I do tend to have tapered legs or mission style.  I cut some sheet goods, though not as much as I do hardwood.

That said, I think there are easier ways to cut narrow pieces, taper legs, and do face frame strips with a table saw - job site size or full size - than you can do with Festool track saws and MFT.  Yes, you CAN do it on an MFT but not as fast or as easily as you can with a table saw.

For sheet goods or even crosscutting hardwoods / making shelves, doors, etc, there is nothing better than Festool and the rail / MFT system.

So I go back and ask what kinds of projects you have in mind and let that guide your tool selection.

neil

 

[grbmds]

You didn't say what kinds of work you are doing.  I have a full compliment of Festool tools but also a bandsaw, joiner / planer and a small tablesaw - all Inca from the mid-80's.

I do mostly furniture and a lot of solid wood work - cabinets I do have face frames.  Tables I do tend to have tapered legs or mission style.  I cut some sheet goods, though not as much as I do hardwood.

That said, I think there are easier ways to cut narrow pieces, taper legs, and do face frame strips with a table saw - job site size or full size - than you can do with Festool track saws and MFT.  Yes, you CAN do it on an MFT but not as fast or as easily as you can with a table saw.

For sheet goods or even crosscutting hardwoods / making shelves, doors, etc, there is nothing better than Festool and the rail / MFT system.

So I go back and ask what kinds of projects you have in mind and let that guide your tool selection.

neil

Just about the range of projects you named for yourself. I am retiring shortly and am planning to make all those things I didn't have time for before, like some furniture for our house, some smaller projects (jewelry boxes, cutting boards, etc.), a couple of cabinets we need, some projects my daughters seem to need, and some drawers and cabinets to increase storage in my shop.

 

[ElCabong]

I have a Ridgid portable TS for a number of years and its invaluable even though I own a TS-55REQ. The Ridgid folds up and can be wheeled to an open corner in the garage. It has a little bigger table than the DeWalt or Bosch. I don't have an MFT/3 so I cannot say that it would replace my table saw but it will hopefully be my next Festool purchase. That said, I use my TS-55 for sheet goods and larger sizes deem too unsafe for the table saw. For repeat cuts, smaller trimming, dadoes, rabbets, smaller cuts a table saw cannot be beat in my opinion. If I need to make a quick cut, the table saw unfolds very quickly. I really believe the two harmonize very well in my shop. Unfortunately every time I go out to buy an MFT/3 I usually come home with a different Festool product.

 

[rst]

As a general rule, coming home with a new, any Festool, is never an unfortunate experience!!  ;D

 

[JayStPeter]

I have a big Unisaw.  It requires a lot of shop space and I have considered various options, including downsizing or eliminating the table saw.
Over the years, I've found that I can be much more creative if I don't stick to standard 3/4" lumber/plywood.  I use 8/4, 12/4, and even 16/4 for things that just allow more design flexibility.  Getting a piece of 12/4 "four-square" is enough effort with the table saw.  I don't know that I want to do it another way.
I have almost cut my fence rails down on the Unisaw from 50" to something smaller several times now.  I just can't bring myself to do it.

 

[Len Coleman]

" I am retiring shortly and am planning to make all those things I didn't have time for before,"

Sounds like myself.  I tried going only track saw/MFT but was not happy all the time and some things are just easier with table saw. Problem was space and I also needed to get something portable to haul to a second house. I ended up selling the PM and used proceeds to fund a Mafell Erika. It is very accurate, portable and takes up very little space in my crowded work area. Cost a bit but will eliminate some frustrations in retirement.

 

[grbmds]

" I am retiring shortly and am planning to make all those things I didn't have time for before,"

Sounds like myself.  I tried going only track saw/MFT but was not happy all the time and some things are just easier with table saw. Problem was space and I also needed to get something portable to haul to a second house. I ended up selling the PM and used proceeds to fund a Mafell Erika. It is very accurate, portable and takes up very little space in my crowded work area. Cost a bit but will eliminate some frustrations in retirement.

I think "Cost a bit . . . ." was an understatement. Must be a great saw for the cost (I'm assuming.). It would have to be to even have anyone consider paying about the same as a cabinet saw. The models I saw listed were about $3,000 plus.

 

[Neil rohrbacker]

I too went through the same thoughts.  I have a dewalt contractor saw and the TS55  as well the mft, DF500, ct26 vac and 125 sander.  I am very space limited, and the TS 55 is great for breaking down sheet goods and such, but the table saw is great for what it does best, ripping wood of all sizes quickly.  These contractor saws struggle with thicker and harder woods, such as maple.  Poplar and such work great.  You can make anything work, it just depends on how much time and energy you want to expend  to get there.

 

[ElCabong]

As a general rule, coming home with a new, any Festool, is never an unfortunate experience!!  ;D

Touche'! -  [embarassed] No more complaining. Got to decide to buy it before April 1!

 

[rst]

I to am looking to avoid the new tariff.  I already have my new wishes in Bob Marino's cart, just waiting till the 31st to pull the trigger. [smile]