Some Interesting Festool Videos

[Wuffles]

Ouch, expensive. Is the HS one rubbish? Is it easy to sharpen these solid carbide bits do you know?

 

[festoolviking]

I personally got no experience with these bits but what I understand the HW is for hard-wood and sheet material and the HS is for "soft" wood. So it depends on what you're going to use it for. It seems like the larger bits 10mm + is only available in HS. I'm also considering getting one of these but leaning towards the HW. It would be nice to have a 20mm one for making MFT tops but that's only available in HS. I have no idea about if you can sharpen router-bits like these.

Festoolviking

 

[Wuffles]

I personally got no experience with these bits but what I understand the HW is for hard-wood and sheet material and the HS is for "soft" wood. So it depends on what you're going to use it for. It seems like the larger bits 10mm + is only available in HS. I'm also considering getting one of these but leaning towards the HW. It would be nice to have a 20mm one for making MFT tops but that's only available in HS. I have no idea about if you can sharpen router-bits like these.

Festoolviking

Thanks. From the shape of them, I can't see it being very easy sharpening them, but perhaps less of a requirement, hopefully someone with some experience can let us both know before we buy the wrong thing  [smile]

 

[festoolviking]

[popcorn]

 

[JPatrickWinstead]

Ahhhh! Your hand is not a hammer! Use a mallet.

I yell at the guys I work with when I see them do that. It's a fantastic way to damage your hands.

Besides that, great video.

 

[Braden]

In fact I'll ask the question here too in case you don't see it there.

What's the spiral router bit you're using?

Wuffles,
  Festoolviking was close.  I was using a 490946 bit for some of the video.  I wasn't expecting such a close inspection but as you've probably noticed I also used a Freud downcut spiral bit in the video as well.  I used the downcut spiral primarily to cut crisp edges in the plywood veneer for the camera close ups.  The upcut of the Festool bit(or any other spiral upcut) is much more efficient at removing chips and moving through the material but tends to splinter the plywood veneer a bit.  I also find upcut bits result in improved dust extraction.  If you haven't tried a spiral upcut bit for dados, I'd recommend it.  Especially if you can tolerate a slight bit of splintering.  This could be a good topic for a future video...
braden

 

[Braden]

Braden, very well done videos!  You make some very informative points with the LR32 system and using a router with the guide rails system.  As Peter said, using the router on the rails is not often used or even discussed.  But why not?  It makes perfect sense.  I'm curious, though, have you tried using John Lucas's Card Trick Tip for setting up dados?

Thanks Jim.  I've been on John's site before but hadn't come across the card trick.  Really slick.  I image you would get pretty quick at it with some practice.  Peter or Shane, can I put in a request for some FOG/Festool playing cards?
braden

 

[Wuffles]

Wuffles,
  Festoolviking was close.  I was using a 490946 bit for some of the video.  I wasn't expecting such a close inspection but as you've probably noticed I also used a Freud downcut spiral bit in the video as well.  I used the downcut spiral primarily to cut crisp edges in the plywood veneer for the camera close ups.  The upcut of the Festool bit(or any other spiral upcut) is much more efficient at removing chips and moving through the material but tends to splinter the plywood veneer a bit.  I also find upcut bits result in improved dust extraction.  If you haven't tried a spiral upcut bit for dados, I'd recommend it.  Especially if you can tolerate a slight bit of splintering.  This could be a good topic for a future video...
braden

When I have attempted this in the past, with some random blunt straight cutter from the drawer ('cos that's how I roll), to avoid tearout I run the TS down both lines. Sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. Theoretically it means no change of bit in the router during the process anyway.

Have you had to sharpen your bits at all? How does that work?

 

[Massemannen]

Braden, my hats off to you! Extremely well made videos. I especially like how you work with the camera movements and you DoF. Adds a very professional look and feel.
I demand a "Behind the scene" movie in the near future or a Director Cut version [popcorn]

 

[butzla]

Braden, very well done videos!  You make some very informative points with the LR32 system and using a router with the guide rails system.  As Peter said, using the router on the rails is not often used or even discussed.  But why not?  It makes perfect sense.  I'm curious, though, have you tried using John Lucas's Card Trick Tip for setting up dados?

Thanks Jim.  I've been on John's site before but hadn't come across the card trick.  Really slick.  I image you would get pretty quick at it with some practice.  Peter or Shane, can I put in a request for some FOG/Festool playing cards?
braden

Best part is, you only have to make the setup once.  After that, just keep the stack of playing cards handy for repeat dados.

 

[Braden]

Thanks everyone of the great feedback.  There will definitely be more videos coming and I welcome suggestions for future topics.

dicktill - Hope you enjoy the build of the cabinets.  I'd recommend making several at once since once you setup the cuts, you might as well blast through a couple cabinets.  I made a batch of four and am glad I didn't do them as one-offs.  I attached the Woodpecker cases with screws through the back of the plywood panels before I assembled the doors.  Makes for a really clean install.

Wuffles - I always send my bits and blades out for sharpening by a pro.  I looked at the insert included with the Festool bit and it says you can sharpen as long as you leave a minimum cutting edge thickness of 1mm on the face.  It also says grinding working may only be carried out by Festool service centres or qualified experts...

JPatrickWinstead - I'll reach for my mallet next time.  I thought using my hand would illustrate the dado having right amount of snugness for the video but showing proper technique is more important.  Especially when it avoids potential injury. 

Massemannen - Glad you like my approach.  I'll see about doing a little behind-the-scenes in the future.  Get your [popcorn] ready.

 

[oil trader]

Braden - Been subscribed to your channel for a few weeks now.  Great content and great production quality.  Thanks!