Tools to start out with to build garage cabinets

[srzsrz]

As I mentioned elsewhere, I am buying a house. If everything goes all right I should be able to move in in a few weeks. There is a little maintenance needed that I'd rather just find a contractor for, but there is one thing that I would like to tackle myself, and that's... basically anything to do with wood. The reason is first of all that none of the carpentry is needed right away, so I can take my time, and also, I actually enjoy woodworking, whereas I'm perfectly happy to leave crawling through the crawlspace to install grounded wiring to somebody else. Besides, I have had plans for a while to build a full AGO-spec organ pedal board, but the complexity is intimidating (everything slants and tapers in every direction) and I figure it would be good to do something more straightforward first to build my skills.

So...

Out of the various things I want, it seems the easiest one to start with is cabinets and shelves for the garage. My current thinking is that I could get away with a TS55, CT Mini, MFT/3, and a Kreg jig. Does that sound reasonable, or do people think I really need a sander? I'm hoping that if I start out with sufficiently decent plywood, and given that this stuff is for a garage, I could get away without one for now and maybe get a nice one later, when I start building things inside the master closet.

 

[semenza]

Hi,

Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

Your selection looks good for garage cabinets. I think you can do without the sander for that purpose.

Seth

 

[mouppe]

Why would you spend over $2000 to get the tools you listed, all the time to build the cabinets etc. and not another $175 or so to get an ETS 125 to finish the job properly?

I suggest the ETS 125 because it's the cheapest Festool sander, and it's all you need if you're getting good plywood.

In my house the garage takes more abuse than any other room so I would take the trouble to paint or finish the cabinets, clean up any dings, and for that I think you need a sander.

 

[Blackberry]

May I suggest you spend another $15 and pick up Tauton Press Building Kitchen Cabinets book. 

 

[jeep jake]

I would get a dowel max jr, fast cap edge band trimmer, I would also get a ets125, your also going to need clamps, I would also get a router to dado the backs. I wouldn't get the mft3 unless you want one. I think you might be better off with one of these http://www.benchmarktable.com/

 

[jeep jake]

your also going to buy a jig for the dowel holes for adjustable shelves

 

[rdesigns]

You could certainly build garage cabinets and shelves with far fewer and less expensive equipment, but since your plan appears to be using this project as a ramp-up to greater and finer future projects, I would say your selection is very solid for this project and a good base to build on for future expansion.

As for the sander, it's not really needed unless you're aiming for a really fine finish. The ETS 125 is a sander you will never regret buying if you decide to get a sander.

 

[BMH]

Last year I installed 30 plus feet of garage cabinets. A mixture of 8 feet tall cabinets and shorter elements. The tools I used was; TS55 and pay the extra for the LR32 compatible rail, 1010 router, LR32 system. You can assemble them using different technique, Kreg pocket screws, Hafele rafix system, biscuit joiner or the domino. Remember that if you glue them you will need some long wood clamps and they are not cheap. I would skip the MFT3 if you are on a budget and the sander. I recommend that you use pre-finish plywood or HD particle board.

I used the Hafele rafix system base on a video about the "Guido wall" on this website. It is a modular system and you can modify the cabinets as needed or take them with you if you ever leave.

Bruce

 

[sancho57]

What tools do you currently own?

Do you own a router?

If not I would add the 1010 to that list.

Also a good drill driver/impact driver would be very helpful.

Plus I would negotiate with your dealer to get the 75" (1900) rail ILO the 55"(1400) rail. Then with the 75" and the the 32' (1080mm) that way you can connect the 2 and have enough length to rip a sheet of ply.

You'll need some festool clamps to.

Be aware this is just the begining, Festool fever will grip you and you will soon be hooked and broke