TS 55 and MFT/3 or CT 22 package?

[wilburpan]

I'm just about to take the plunge on a TS 55, and found this group, hence the first time post.  I'd like to take advantage of the package deals, which is what has led to this question.

I primarily use hand tools for woodworking, but there are going to be a number of projects that I'm probably going to use plywood for expediency's sake, and I've learned that plywood and hand tools don't mix real well.  I don't have a tablesaw.  I have a single workbench optimized for hand tool use in my small shop which I'm not sure would be ideal for using the TS 55 and track system on for cutting plywood.

Over the long term I see myself with a TS 55, an MFT/3, a CT 22, and one of the Festool routers.  I'll need the TS 55 much more than I'll need the router.  The problem is that in the package deals, the combos with the MFT/3 only are with the TS 55 -- there doesn't appear to be a Festool router-MFT/3 package.

My plan was to get the TS 55 and MFT/3 package now, and at some time later I'll get the Festool router and a CT 22, which would take advantage of the package pricing.  The problem is that I still need dust collection, and I think I may be wrong about my idea that I can't use my current workbench as a work surface for the TS 55.

Here are my questions:

1.  My workbench is 8 feet long, about 28" high, but only 22" deep.  I have great workholding capability for hand tool use, but from what I can see from the videos, it won't be optimal for the TS 55, especially since I think I would have to put down a sacrificial sheet of plywood or something.  Is my workbench a usable work surface for a TS 55?

2.  Is there any reason I couldn't hook up a plain old Home Depot shop vac to the TS 55 for the time being?

(If you're reading this, Hi Bob Marino!  I'll be giving you a call soon.)

 

[vkumar]

The TS saw does need a sacrificial surface below what you are cutting. Festool recommends a 5mm extra depth of cut. So you would need to lay on a sheet of plywood or mdf underneath to prevent damaging your workbench.

Th shopvac from home depot will work provided you get the right adapter to the Festool 27mm hose. The few issues will be the a lack of automatic start of vacuum (you can buy a special switch from woodcraft/rockler/sears  to do this); no HEPA, and high noise level

Vijay

 

[Wood_Junkie]

2.  Is there any reason I couldn't hook up a plain old Home Depot shop vac to the TS 55 for the time being?

(If you're reading this, Hi Bob Marino!  I'll be giving you a call soon.)

First off, welcome to the forum  Second, Bob will take great care of you.  He's even great about making a custom adaper.

Your shop vac setup will work, but you will quickly find that a shop-vac sized hose is just plain cumbersome up close to your tool.
What you need is a pigtail adapter.  The small nozzle fits onto the tool port.  The big nozzle and your shop-vac both attach to the this here connector sleeve:
http://www.festoolusa.com/products/dust-extractors/reducing-hose-sleeves/hose-sleeve-antistatic-connector-sleeve-493047.html

I can confirm this sleeve fits tightly on the standard shop-vac tapered  hose, and fits tightly onto the Festool rotating connector that you use on the hose.  I use a shop-vac in my garage setup (CT in the basement shop).

I've tried to diagram the setup.. it's hard to explain and seems like a lot of parts. 
You should think about the hose size (27mm vs. 36mm) and whether to get antistatic vs. non-antistatic (less expensive).  The AS hose is of no value when using your shop-vac setup.  But if you definitely plan to get a CT in the future, it would be.

[attachimg=#]

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I would go with the 55 and the CT.

One mft is not enough to break down full sheets of ply.

I use 2 horses with a couple 2x4's on them so I can cut the ply anywhere.

The mft is great for assembly work, clamping, general work surface and cutting smaller pieces of ply or hardwoods or what not.

 

[Wood_Junkie]

I agree with Warner regarding the subsitutability of the MFT as a generic work surface.  However, there are many, many Festool combo packages with CT's (including the OF routers).  Only the TS saws have a package savings with the MFT...  So, from a cost perspective the TS/MFT and then CT/tool order of purchases would be more prudent.  Then again... you would be spending $50-$70 for a hose adapter for the shop-vac setup...

Also, you will likely find that the MFT really changes the way you can work... Of course, then you're tempted to buy all sorts of spendy clamps and MFT accessories.   [wink]   

Really, the only thing that makes the most sense is to buy all of them now.  The TS/MFT combo.  The OF/CT combo.  All now.  That is a $1878 outlay, though.    [crying]  Cry only once, save the most bucks. 

Hrrm..  you *could* go a slightly different route and get the MFT1080, for some significant savings versus the MFT3..  It's a great table and is slightly larger and is heavier (good characteristic for a hand tool user).  The MFT3 has some documented better features, but I find the only one I long for is the increased height (set it on some risers).  The big news is the profile and all the cool things that attach to it are NAINA.

TS55 and MFT3 combo, $1017... CT22 another $505 on that.

TS55/CT22 combo @ $954,  MFT1080 set @ $414= $1368    For the needs you've described, I'd even suggest just getting the 1080 basic, for $310 (then $1264 total). 

 

[mouppe]

Hi,

Your needs sounds similar to mine. I use my TS55 (with a CT22) on my workbench. I clamp the guide rail to the edge of my workbench and saw along the the short end of it. I do not have an MFT/3 nor do I miss having one. The sides of my workbench are 5 inches deep, so I use the 12 inch screw clamps.

I would definitely get the dust extractor instead of the MFT/3 as it can be used with all the Festools. It will also improve tool performance and minimize clean-up. You can use the tools without the MFT but it is hard to get the most out of the tools without good dust extraction.

Richard.

 

[Corwin]

Hi,

Your needs sounds similar to mine. I use my TS55 (with a CT22) on my workbench. I clamp the guide rail to the edge of my workbench and saw along the the short end of it. I do not have an MFT/3 nor do I miss having one. The sides of my workbench are 5 inches deep, so I use the 12 inch screw clamps.

I would definitely get the dust extractor instead of the MFT/3 as it can be used with all the Festools. It will also improve tool performance and minimize clean-up. You can use the tools without the MFT but it is hard to get the most out of the tools without good dust extraction.

Richard.

Of course you don't miss the MFT -- how could you if you have never owned one?  I would think it a safe bet that most all MFT owners would certainly miss theirs.  I know I would.  No disrespect to Richard, but the MFT is definitely a central part of the Festool system and only after owning one can you fully understand its value.  If you are buying a TS55 I highly recommend getting the MFT too.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Hi,

Your needs sounds similar to mine. I use my TS55 (with a CT22) on my workbench. I clamp the guide rail to the edge of my workbench and saw along the the short end of it. I do not have an MFT/3 nor do I miss having one. The sides of my workbench are 5 inches deep, so I use the 12 inch screw clamps.

I would definitely get the dust extractor instead of the MFT/3 as it can be used with all the Festools. It will also improve tool performance and minimize clean-up. You can use the tools without the MFT but it is hard to get the most out of the tools without good dust extraction.

Richard.

Of course you don't miss the MFT -- how could you if you have never owned one?  I would think it a safe bet that most all MFT owners would certainly miss theirs.  I know I would.  No disrespect to Richard, but the MFT is definitely a central part of the Festool system and only after owning one can you fully understand its value.  If you are buying a TS55 I highly recommend getting the MFT too.

I really like having my mft but, just having one is almost useless for breaking down full sheets of ply or what not.

 

[GPowers]

Make one of these:

http://www.woodworkingtips.com/etips/etip040220sn.html

to use your TS55 to break down sheet goods.

 

[wilburpan]

Really, the only thing that makes the most sense is to buy all of them now.  The TS/MFT combo.  The OF/CT combo.  All now.   That is a $1878 outlay, though.    [crying]  Cry only once, save the most bucks.  

That's an option I had often considered, but I'd like to avoid that much of an outlay at one time.  On the other hand, if it can't be helped....  [unsure]

As far as breaking down full 4x8 sheets of plywood, I don't foresee that as something I will have to do that often in my basement workshop, so I won't need the MFT/3 for that purpose.  If I have to do that, I'm okay with setting up some sawhorses outside, building something like Greg posted above, or doing the lay-the-plywood-on-a-backing-board-on-the-floor method that I've seen.  I'm not sure that my current workbench would be suitable for breaking down a full sheet of plywood, either, since it's only 22" deep, which probably isn't enough support for a 4' wide sheet of plywood.

I want/need the MFT/3 as a worksurface for the TS 55. Put it this way: if I wasn't going to get the MFT/3, I'd build a quick and dirty worktable with a sacrificial top that would be about the size of the MFT/3, mainly because that's the space that I have available in my workshop.

 

[mouppe]

Corwin,

No disrespect taken. I understand your point of view about the MFT. I was just responding to the original post which was an either/or decision and I suggested getting for the dust extractor first.

Richard.

 

[iandoug]

If you want to cut sheet material I have found the Walko 4 bench to be perfect, using a festool guide rail with either the T55 or the T75.  I own a MFT 3, but for cutting sheet material the Walko is superior.  Furthermore, you can use festool clamps and Qwas dogs on the Walko bench (with minor modifications).  Please don't misinterprete what I am posting - I am an avid festool follower, however for cutting down sheet materials, IMO the Walko 4 bench is way better than the MFT3

 

[Wonderwino]

I use a sheet of 1-1/2" rigid foam as a backer when breaking down sheet goods with my TS75.  I have placed the foam on the ground, an old school table and a folding banquet table.  All will work fine.  

That being said, the only way to get an MFT in a package deal is with a saw.  You can get any dust extractor with any router or sander.  You might want to get the table + saw combination and then a CT22 + ETS125EQ to get started on sanders and the CT.  The ETS is a great little finish sander.

 

[Wood_Junkie]

I use these to provide extra support off the MFT for a full sheet. 
[attachthumb=#]

They're $29 at the HD and the height adjustment is very liberal and locks solid.  The support head is wide and flat and isn't tippy nor does it roll.  Also, the support head is entirely plastic (nice robust plastic, mind you), so there is little danger of blade damage if you happen to cut into it (DAMHIKT), unless you cut like 2" deep and hit the pivot and pin...

Anyway, using a longer rail, make the rip cut.  Then using the MFT, fence, and flip rail you can cross-cut however you need.

You can uses these as a ''sort-of' parallel guide setup.  If you set them to the right of the saw to support the cutoff.  Using the MFT fence flip-stops you can get repeatable cross-cuts very easily from a long board.  Move workpiece and slide the cutoff to the left to the flip-stop and cut again.  Sort of the reverse of using the longitudinal stops to establish a reference point.

They also close and fold up quite compatctly.  Can you tell I'm a fan?  I have had two for years.  At least one more is in my future, as I'm getting tired of moving them from tablesaw/planer/jointer in basement to bandsaw/MFT in garage.

 

[GPowers]

mainly because that's the space that I have available in my workshop.

Thats why I bought the MFT/3 as one of the first Festool products, It Folds up. I use the third garage stall as a shop, but still have three cars. So every thing needs to be moved out of the way for the car. But as luck would have it I finally sold the 1976 Corvette. So now I will get the third stall back as a full time shop.  [smile] The buyer is picking up the Vett this comming tues and shipping the car to the south of France.

 

[tbellemare]

The buyer is picking up the Vett The comming tues and shipping the car to the south of France.

Would his name happen to be Ludo?

Tom

 

[GPowers]

Nope, Already got a non-refundable cash deposit. So if he does not show up on Tues with his trailer it is his bad.

 

[John Stevens]

Your needs sounds similar to mine. I use my TS55 (with a CT22) on my workbench. I clamp the guide rail to the edge of my workbench and saw along the the short end of it. I do not have an MFT/3 nor do I miss having one. The sides of my workbench are 5 inches deep, so I use the 12 inch screw clamps.

I would definitely get the dust extractor instead of the MFT/3 as it can be used with all the Festools. It will also improve tool performance and minimize clean-up. You can use the tools without the MFT but it is hard to get the most out of the tools without good dust extraction.

Hi, Wilbur.  I own an MFT and have made three "jumbo" MFTs, and I have to say I completely agree with Richard.  For your needs, skip the MFT and check out some of the threads on this forum regarding cutting tables.  On the other hand, you won't be sorry if you spend the money for a CT22.  The dust collection is much better than anything you'll get with a shop vac, and it'll last longer, run quieter, integrate with the other Festools you'll inevitably be buying....

Regards,

John

 

[lambeater]

I too would have liked to buy this spring flyer package, the only problem is that it was removed from the Canadian spring flyer on page 6 [unsure]. Still purchased the individual components just had to pay $270 dollars more than you Americans [eek]. Still I got no complaints about the tools themselves. [big grin]
Lambeater

 

[harry_]

for a long time I used nothing more than a few pieces of 1x stock underneath my sheet goods (like stickers). Although a bit of a PITA it was effective and cheap. I did eventually grow tired of it and now have a sheet of melamine on top of my bench that I use for processing sheetgoods and during glue ups as it is very easy to scrape dried glue off of.