So I have $5000 to outfit the studio with Festools

[ZenMystic]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum. Glad I found this group. I'm an oil painter and screen print artist. I've recently wanted to get back into woodworking. My friend Klaus, who restores houseboats in Amsterdam, recommended Festools. Well, actually he was raving about them! He had them scattered around the boat next to the one we had rented. He was in the middle of a serious remodeling project. The work looked amazing. After watching him work for a while I was blown away by the ease of use and quality of work his Festools allowed him to create.

So, after I got home I got the idea of outfitting my studio to do some furniture projects and frames for my paintings. I already have a good Bosch router and a nice router table and a myriad of other tools, dewalt, rigid etc...but I've got the Festool bug. After watching Klaus work, they are what I want.

I have managed to squirrel away $5000 to outfit my art studio with Festools and I'm looking for recommendations. I plan of doing screen printed art panels that will be built into furniture, prayer alters, tables etc. Pretty high end work for my collector crowd.

I definitely want one of TS saws and MFT tables, a domino joiner and a sander. I'm looking for recommendations for you guys on what to get and how to spend the money wisely. Fun part is I have to spend it before Jan 1st to keep the tax man off my butt and get the write off.

Any advice on tools, especially accessories for said tools and any other sage advice would be greatly appreciated....

So knowing what I'm going to be using the tools for and having $5000 to spend, what would recommend?

Thanks in advance

--Jeff

 

[lumbajac]

Kapex and domino if you're going to be making frames + routers even though you have others already... primarily for dust collection and how nice they work. 

You're going to get a ton of good recommendations in short order here!

 

[grobin]

Definitely a domino.  Consider a CT 36 DC the HEPA filter will remove most of the hazardous stuff that modern material give off.  As for sanders definitely a ROTEX (well maybe one of the new RO90s) and a Detlex or a LS 130.  If you do a lot of trim and miters the Kapex would make sense.  The Carvex is nice for some things, particularly as it can be used on the guide rails.  If you breakdown sheet goods then the TS55/75 with the parallel guides and extensions will make your life better.  The drills are nice but I will probably never own one.  I have an old sears and a brace that I use occasionally; but I mainly use a drill press.

BTW if you don't already hae a good band saw that is a nice addition.

 

[Burchie]

I received a lot of great advice in this link: http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/what-else-to-buy-with-the-tools-so-much-to-choose-from/

 

[tbellemare]

The heart of the Festool system is dust collection so don't skip that. If you buy the TS saw with the table and the Domino with a dust extractor, (there are packages), you get 10% off the table and 10% off the dust extractor.

I think the best sander I've ever seen is a Rotex, RO 150. It can take a rough piece of hardwood to a polish in a few minutes. It comes with a soft pad - you should get a hard pad and maybe a polishing pad. You'll also want a variety of abrasives. You could start with the 10 packs to figure out what you use most.

You might also want a detail sander, like the Deltex, DX 93. I really like that sander also. The RO 90 won't be out in time for your tax deduction, nor will the Carvex. The Trion is a truly excellent jigsaw and is available now.

If you get a Kapex, you should consider getting it with the MFT/3 Kapex (the table). If you buy them together, you get 10% off the table. You might also want the extensions.

It sounds like you have a router and router table. I wonder how good the dust collection is with your routing... The Festool routers are really sweet and have very good dust collection. If you buy a router, you should also buy the edge guide.

The Trion jigsaw and OF routers (plunge routers) also work with the guide rails, though you have to get the "guide stops", (accessories to use the guide rails), separately.

Don't forget little things like bags for your dust extractor. You might also want a cleaning kit to go with the dust extractor. All but two of them come with hoses. The CT dust extractors come with 27mm hoses. You'll want a 36mm hose for the Kapex and routers.

I can go on...

Tom

 

[mouppe]

I have made a bunch of picture frames, and I use my OF 1400 router and the domino to do it. Using the domino, you will get really strong  mitered corners.

With a TS 55 and an MFT you can also get really accurate cuts, which is also essential for a truly square frame.

Welcome to the FOG and enjoy woodworking!

 

[AlexThePalex]

With $5000 to spend you can get quite a lot. That's quite a shopping spree you've got there. [smile]

I would recommend the following:

Saws:
TS55+rails
Trion PS300

Table:
MFT/3

Router:
Domino
OF1400 or OF1010

Sanders:
Rotex RO150 FEQ
DTS400
ETS125 (or perhaps the ETS150/3)

Vacuum cleaner:
CTL26
Tradesman cleaner set (set of tubes, nozzles and wider hose in systainer)

Drill:
T15+3
Centrotec Set

Planer:
EHL65

I think this set will get you pretty close to your $5000 limit but with this set you can make about anything you want. I'd also advice to go for a good table or band saw, but there's no one from Festool available in the USA so you'll have to look at another brand.

 

[ctozzi]

I was in roughly the same lucky spot that you were about a year ago...here's what I got (all of which I'm really happy with, btw):

TS55 + MFT
CT22 (now the 26 I guess)

Domino: wasn't planning on buying this (had to think a minute before putting down $800.+), but I'm glad I did. It's brilliant.

OF1400 router

Rotex 150; have since added the RTS 400EQ

Guide Rails: 2700, 1400, 1080 + 800. Using the big guy for sheet goods.

I didn't spring for a Kapex since I had a Milwaukee mitre saw that I'm perfectly happy with, and I'm waiting for my trusty Dewalt drill to die before buying the T15 drill.  May be a while...

If you're looking to cut thin widths on a regular basis, or typically are cutting multiple pieces of equal width, the parallel guides are nice to have.

If you have extra $$ left over, get clamps, clamps, clamps. Maybe some Qwas dogs. Then maybe some more clamps.

The Festool system is thoughtfully designed, and an absolute pleasure to work with. Dust collection on most everything (not so much the 1400 router) is very efficient.  You've gonna love this stuff.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

What a great problem to have!  I'm drooling.

Good advice above, wouldn't argue with any of it.

If you have some change left to spend, think about

the MFS (not obvious what it does, but you will love it once you grok it)
router bits
router accessories (lots of template guides/copy rings if you are working with patterns)
centrotec drill bit set
lots of clamps, and the 'clamping elements' for the MFT
maybe a second MFT if you have room

And, I'll bet you never have to buy another T shirt or coffee mug in your life. [wink]

One last piece of good news... Festool holds its value.  Besides the 30 days full refund return policy, if you get buyer's remorse on anything, you can resell it on craigslist for almost what you paid for it.

Have fun!!!!

 

[peter halle]

I will not argue with any advice given here by the others!

First:  Welcome to the FOG!  [welcome]
Second:  if you buy the Domino, get all the accessories ands the assortment sustainer with the dominoes.  That way you get the 4 mm cutter that can be used on thinner material.

Have fun!

Peter

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Lot's of great advice.  One thing to point out and was mentioned in another thread -- the accessories really enhance each tool and make it work better and the accessories can add up quickly -- extra pads and sanding paper can easily equal the cost of a sander, but the paper is awesome and it lasts a long, long time.  Extra blades for the saw are good, especially if you are working with solid wood and hardwood.  Getting some quick clamps and the clamping elements are a must for the MFT/3 and I would add the leg braces to improve rigidity and stability of the table.  Get some extra green splinter gaurds to go with your different blades and you can match one up to the blade.  Don't forget the guide rail connectors to attach rails together for long rip cuts.  I really like the OF2200 router -- this is massive and is my favorite Festool -- it will set you back $1,300 or so with an accessory kit, but worth it IMHO.  The 1010 is a great little router too and is a go-to router to a lot of folks and might supplement your router table set-up well.  If you are planing on making cabinets or bookcases, the LR32 makes drilling holes a breeze and you need the 1400 or 1010 router and the rails with the holes in them (along with the LR32 kit).  

It is always fun spending someone elses money  [big grin]

Have fun,

Scot

 

[JimRay]

I would definitely go for the Kapex, TS55, Domino, Rotex 150, and (2) each of both the CT36 and the MFT3 (one would be a bare bones unit without the guide rails).

Don't know how that totals up, but here's my reasoning: 2 CT36 dust collectors so you can leave one set up for the Kapex, and one set up for the saw, Domino, Rotex at the (2) MFT3's set up as a work station. I put mine at right angles to each other, which allowed for cutting wider material, and provided more material support. Unless you don't already have a jig saw, I'd skip the Pendulum Saw - its great, and I love mine, but the other listed Festools perform functions uniquely compared to other similar products. The Pendulum saw is a bit more specialized. I'd rather put the money into convenience and great dust collection.

Oh yeah - get the Qwas Dogs and the Domino Gadget.

Hope that helps.

Jim Ray

 

[ZenMystic]

Thanks All for the warm welcome and advice, [big grin]

Yes, it's a great problem to have! I'm like a kid in a candy store....and yes, I'm drooling too. I rarely get to go on shopping spree like this. Even got the better halfs blessing. She's an artist also. We are currently remodeling her old ceramic/pottery shop and adding a zendo/yoga/painting studio. Doing it all in a very Japanese/Asian flavor. The festools will get a work out as soon as they arrive. I'll post pics of the progress once we begin.

Any advice of who to buy festools online from? I've started a list at cpofestools.com.  Any other recommendations? My local Woodcraft has most of what I want, but they are out of Dominos and some accessories due to the holidays.

I plan on putting the order in on Thursday.

Been reading some great stuff here on FOG.

Thanks again...

Jeff

 

[GPowers]

I have... bought from several vendors including local and internet. The local dealer just does not have that much stock. They have most of the tools but a very limited stock of accessories. Internet purchase for accessories are actually  FASTER than doing a special order through the local dealer.  I have tried a few internet dealers, the best service I have found is form Bob Marino at http://www.bobmarinosbesttools.com/.

 

[davee]

I agree with what's been written above.  I recently purchased a second MFT table and am amazed by the advantage of having two.  It provides better stability, more surface area, outfeed for cutting down sheets, etc.  I'm designing a new shop that I will begin building next summer (finally have some real room as I am and have been in my basement for years).  I think that three tables will be ideal.

The Domino, dust collection, rails, saws, etc. are amazing - enjoy the purchase and enjoy the tools!!  I'm impatiently waiting for the RO90 in March.

 

[erock]

Hi Jeff,  about where and who to buy from.....I bought a couple small items from Bob Marino.  He is a FOG member so you could check his profile.  He is a Festool dealer, a pleasure to deal with and fast shipping.  I have a couple things in my cart on his website....just need the accountant (wife) to give me the go ahead [wink].  Good luck!

Eric

 

[kfitzsimons]

I've also bought from Bob Marino. If you're in the central Ohio area, Woodwerks and the Woodcraft store both carry a good inventory of Festool and the folks are great to deal with. I've bought Festool from them too.
Don't forget clamps (screw clamps and quick clamps) to use with the MFT and the bars to join them together. Joining the mft's together allows you to clamp long items (like when edge gluing table tops) using the clamping elements.
I'd also recommend the OF1400 router. It's the most universal and the dust collection is the best. Once you get used to the dust collection of the Festool line, you'll never go back. It makes woodworking such a pleasure.
Good luck.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

On the question of who to buy from online... well, everyone charges the same price, so its up to customer service.  I have dealt with Bob Marino for 5 years now - in true Festool mode, not everything has been perfect, but Bob has gone the extra distance plus some to make it right.  Wouldn't hesitate to drop $5k on Bob.  Also look at other dealers who participate on the FOG and judge by their words and actions.  Can't go wrong dealing with someone who has a public track record on this board.

Of course, you probably want to find a dealer in another state so you don't pay sales tax.  Try both phone and online, some do much better on one media or another.

And even though you are making a 'big buy', don't expect a deal.  Not the Festool way.

Let us know what you come up with! 

 

[waho6o9]

What Jesse said!  It's after the deal that earns Bob Marino a loyal customer base.  Welcome to the FOG Zenmystic!  Festool rocks.  [big grin]

 

[grobin]

As for dealer I would recommend Tom and Tool Home.