A couple of weeks ago I fired up my faithful Rexxon mitre saw that has given me 15 years of reliable service to be met by a grinding noise puff of smoke and then silence. Having been one of my most useful purchases ever, I started to look at the DeWalts, Bosch etc for a replacement. I should add that I have been a Festool owner in the past and loved my TS55 but have always bought good machinery for a job then tended to sell it, often at very little loss and certainly less than hire costs once the job is over.
Once I started to look at the Kapex as the natural new replacement, it got me thinking a bit more laterally about what I do and how I do it. Maybe the cornerstone of the workshop (mitre station) isn't actually what I need and the system apporach now offers more flexibilty.
I am fortunate in having a sawmill and access to a wide range of timbers together with a drying kiln which has meant I produce one off commissions such as benches, gates etc, usually in Oak Mainly outdoor stuff which is fairly rustic. I am however getting more commissions for indoor items too, such as shelving, coffee tables etc. I also renovate houses so need to be able to complete tasks such as kitchen construction and installation, door framing etc.
My initial thoughts regarding a route into the Festool system (to keep this time, not sell on) are
MFT/3
TS75 plus rail
CTL26 dust extractor
Domino XL
OF1400 Router
I think that the above fill the gap left be having no mitre saw, admittedly the mitre saw will always be better for some tasks but I'm starting to think not as essential as it used to be.
Future considerations once the current tools give up
150mm Sander
Kapex???
I'm sure many of you have been in a similar position so as a new member here would be grateful for any ideas!
Once I started to look at the Kapex as the natural new replacement, it got me thinking a bit more laterally about what I do and how I do it. Maybe the cornerstone of the workshop (mitre station) isn't actually what I need and the system apporach now offers more flexibilty.
I am fortunate in having a sawmill and access to a wide range of timbers together with a drying kiln which has meant I produce one off commissions such as benches, gates etc, usually in Oak Mainly outdoor stuff which is fairly rustic. I am however getting more commissions for indoor items too, such as shelving, coffee tables etc. I also renovate houses so need to be able to complete tasks such as kitchen construction and installation, door framing etc.
My initial thoughts regarding a route into the Festool system (to keep this time, not sell on) are
MFT/3
TS75 plus rail
CTL26 dust extractor
Domino XL
OF1400 Router
I think that the above fill the gap left be having no mitre saw, admittedly the mitre saw will always be better for some tasks but I'm starting to think not as essential as it used to be.
Future considerations once the current tools give up
150mm Sander
Kapex???
I'm sure many of you have been in a similar position so as a new member here would be grateful for any ideas!
