Track Saw with Table or a Kapex

[grbmds]

Probably a lot of overlap with others, but . .. The TS55 and MFT/3, for me, is much more flexible and usable over a wider variety of types of work than the Kapex. For my work (and I am a hobby woodworker) I can do the same cuts with the TS55 and MFT that I can do with the Kapex, plus a lot more. As for the vacuum, the CT's are great, but a Fein with a HEPA filter or other top end vacs would likely be just as good for the saw and, if you decide, the Domino. The problem comes in with Festool sanders. So, buy the least you can buy that has the most flexibility.

 

[#Tee]

ts55 and any DE with a dust deputy, the kapex might be third on the list since youre mostly doing cabs and shelves.

 

[roblg3]

Im also a big Kapex fan.

Im not a big MFT/3 fan.  I dont get it

You must not "get" the thousands of possible uses this table has, although the greatest thing this table is is not for clamping(although it's awesome for it), it's not for helping you assemble things squarely (although it's awesome at it), it's not for using as portable worktable ( in my experience a keter table is far more useful as a mobile bench or general table)...........I'll not go on and on, the absolute BEST part of an MFT 3 and what i've dedicated it as in my cabinet shop is.....it's a GIANT SLIDING MITRE SAW!.  I've actually turned mine to use a 1400 rail for wide crosscuts on sheet goods.  If you are not in a hurry it beats a kapex for ability no contest.

Buy a ts 55 unless you cut 1" and thicker hardwoods, get the 75 and get the mft3 set as a package deal.  At this point any ole shop vac will do for dust collection for sawing.  You need variable speed on the extractor for sanding.  Which leads me to....

Get a mini or midi with a RO 90dxfeq (the most versatile sander in the fleet) or get the rotex 150 and get the second package discount there.  With a stable of ro 90 & 150 and a LS120, i really don't find myself needing to purchase another sander....yet  [wink]

 

[nedmccormick]

Thanks everyone.  This is one of the best uses of the internet I have experienced in years.
let me know if there's a multi step addiction treatment process out there for Festool
Thanks
Ed

 

[peter halle]

There is a multi-step treatment.  It is called "The System".  [big grin]

Enjoy your tools!

Peter

 

[Green Mojo]

Probably all done with this thread, but I will weigh in anyway... I have a very similar situation, hobbyist who works in the garage so have to break down everything nightly with an occasional two-day pass on the weekends.  I also have the Dewalt 12" miter saw (non slider) and the Bosch 10 in contractor saw and have had good experience with both of those.  I am surprised you are having problems with the Dewalt mitre as mine has been a workhorse and has dead flat bed and fences.  It did take some setup work, however.  Anyway, my first purchase was the TS 55 with MFT3 combo.  Suited me very well as I was doing mostly built-ins - more carpentry than fine woodworking - and it was great for breaking down the sheet goods.  Next was Domino which helped me move into more furniture making and some custom furniture helped convince SWMBO that the cost of the tools was worth it.  Of course, once you go that far you are going to end up with more Festool gear - routers, drills, etc. eventually.  Have never regretted any of the Festool purchases for what it is worth.

 

[JimB1]

I am wanting to be a Festool owner, but can only (maybe) afford one saw and dust collection system.  So, given the choice between a track saw and MFT/3 table or a Kapex saw (with a few accessories), which would you buy first?  I am a DYI, my income is not dependent on my tools, but I want to take my craft to the next level, and I appreciate precision.

Appreciate your opinions and why you would choose one purchase over another.

Thanks
Ed

To me the ts55 with the MFT is more useful. I thought about the Kapex because of the current sale but really don't use my current Craftsman sliding miter saw a whole lot and I am limited on shop space. I use my circular saw and some shop made guides much more often so the track saw was a easy choice for me.
I can see a trim carpenter loving it though.

I think the CT is probably the most important part though. It was my first Festool purchase, along with my OF1010 and if is the center of my power tool world. Cut your first piece of MDF and you will see why I say that. In terms of health and comfort it is just a necessity to me. Unless you have something like a Fein or a Bosch shop vac already, I'd recommend the CT before the MFT.

JMHO
-Jim