Tools wish list

[mavrick1903]

I've got a ts55, domino, ro125, ets125, ct33, and a ps300.

I'd still like an mft/3; of1400, and an lr32 1400 and systainer kit.

So, the question. What next? I have a table saw, and hand held/router table. I'm a hobbyist.

Ok, discuss.

 

[mosez]

i got my festools in the following order:
ps300
ct midi
ts55
rotex
domino
mft
and i wish since the day that i bought it to have put the mft first. i have a metabo router and do not use it too often, so i might be biased...

 

[image132]

Mft, it will become your new workbench as it fits the system perfectly. I now use it for everything. Cutting, clamping, gluing, routing. It is just so versatile.

 

[pdlandgang]

THE MFT if you are only going to purchase "one more thing".  It turns into the 'work hub' and it can be used with all your tools.  Once you understand how to fully use it you will find yourself quite possible using the table saw less.

 

[Sparktrician]

The MFT3 was in my initial purchase, and my only regret is in not having bought two.  One is great, but sometimes a second one just makes working on long pieces so much easier.  I can foresee a day when there will be four in my shop, configured as needed for whatever the project is. 

 

[Wood_Junkie]

Like everyone else has said, the MFTs become the center of your activity.  It doesn't seem like a tool, per se.  But it's like the frosting on the cake.  It isn't "cake", but it sure makes the whole thing better.

From mortising Dominos, to sanding, to routing and assembly, the MFT just adds so much efficiency and capability.

My only caution is.... once you have once, you'll dearly want to get the clamps.  Just based solely on the tools you listed as currently owning, I'd strongly suggest the Clamping Elements.  They're the bomb.

 

[tiralie]

It's hard to advise without knowing what you want to build/make and what your working conditions are...for example do you have a lot of space a little or none and need to be mobile.
Ya, I love MFT's but I probably wouldn't put them at the top of the list unless I knew you needed to have a work surface that could be easily moved or packed away.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

The MFT is the only tool I use every day.  I use it even for non-Festool stuff.  But if you get the mft, then you will want to run a router on it - imagine stopped grooves and dadoes repeatably and safely!

 

[image132]

I have a small workshop and use a old MFT 800 and I've got to say I love it. As I've said before it is versitile and I use it for everything. I actually use it more than my normal workbench because of the clamping elements. Besids that the one distinct advantage it has over my normal workbench is that when I need the space I fold it up and shove it out of the way next to my mitre saw.

 

[kdzito]

Hands down the MFT.  After I got mine there was no looking back.

 

[agarwalsa]

Get the MFT/3

Re the router I have the OF1400 and OF1010. I use the 1010 much much more than the 1400. In fact the 1400 hardly gets any use as i use my router table for tasks requiring more router power.

so i would say MFT/3 then 1010.

 

[dltflt]

I agree with everyone else, the MFT is the way to go.  I have had a few odd non-woodworking jobs around the house that I would not have been able to do without the MFT.

 

[Qwas]

Those that know me will say I'm prejudice  [scared], you gotta have an MFT. And some clamps - quick clamps and clamping elements.

Here is why:
The MFT will help you get square cuts with the TS-55.
The MFT will give you a place to hold your boards for Domino and the PS-300 jigsaw.
The MFT will secure your boards for sanding with the RO125 and the ETS125.

Right now without the MFT you are missing part of the "system". An OF1400 or an LR32 will not help complete the "system".

So it's obvious you need the MFT.  [big grin]

I've got a ts55, domino, ro125, ets125, ct33, and a ps300.

I'd still like an mft/3; of1400, and an lr32 1400 and systainer kit.

So, the question. What next? I have a table saw, and hand held/router table. I'm a hobbyist.

Ok, discuss.

 

[luns4d]

The MFT is quite a tool as stated already.  Remember the clamps.  Don't forget the "manuals"  that explain how to get the most out of the table.  I would recommend some kind of bench dogs.  Many good ideas mentioned in the FOG too.

 

[Coen]

The MFT is more valuable than it looks to most people. Even after I bought it I wasn't sure if it was worth it. But man, that MFT is oh so handy and sturdy. Squar cuts at the same length over and over again, a zillion clamping possibilities and comfortable working height. Great! I'm glad Festool now finally makes the whole system on a working height for western people, instead of the lower height they had the Basis Plus and previous MFT's in that seemed aimed at Japanese (with all respect for the Japanese, but they are shorter on average).

 

[mavrick1903]

I'm a hobby guy, so I do a bit of everything. mostly flat work. Some ply, some solid wood. furniture, tables and casework. Space is a huge concern. if it's in my shop, it's pretty much got to be on wheels, or break down. Seems like the MFT is a highly considered option.

 

[tbellemare]

Based on that description of your work, it sounds like the MFT is a perfect fit. You can fold it up and take it right next to the task at hand or stow it out of the way.

Tom

 

[grobin]

I bought in order:
Trion
Domino
Bosch trim router
(I already had a cruddy skill router)
Skill table
Band Saw
rails and extensions
TS55
MFT
Incra 25" router fence

The MFT is handy but any bench will work well for most things.  The MFT is too small for the sheet goods that I commonly use.

 

[dwillis]

Jumping into the fray, yes the MFT (I have the older version).  I have two MFTs for working with longer pieces and simply more work area.  Because my garage is my shop I like being able to fold them up and hang them out of the way.  For hanging them on the wall I used a 2x4 with 3/4 dowels as pegs spaced to fit the MFT holes and attached the 2x4 to the concrete wall.  There is another 2x4 lower on the wall so the lower edge of the MFT rests against it and hangs vertically, plus isn't in contact with the concrete wall.