What next?

[Lou Miller]

Okay, I wanted to see if any of the people out there that use Festool on a fairly regular basis can suggest another addition to my lineup. I don't do really elaborate work. The majority of what I do is kitchen cabinets and I make my own doors and so forth. A lot of the work is done on site because its custom and has to fit just right or it won't fit through the doors when assembled. Take a look at my sig if you need an idea of what I do.

Anyway... I currently have the TS55, The accesory package for the saw, MFT 1080, 150/3 sander, RO150, OF1400, Hole drilling jig for the router, DX93, 9 drawer sortainer, and a systainer for 6" sanding disks.

I'm considering adding one of the vacs. I currently have a Fein Turbo III and I'm more than happy with it, but I could use another one. I'm also considering the half sheet sander. I've already got tons of drills (not Festool ones), so adding one of them wouldn't make much difference for me.

Does anyone have a tool that they use on a regular basis that they think would be a must have for the type of work I do? I'm hoping that someone points me towards something I would not have thought of.

 

[Bob Marino]

  Lou,

The RS2e would be a recommendation - smooth has they come and built like the proverbial tank. What about using the MFS  routing templates? 

Bob

 

[Lou Miller]

  Lou,

The RS2e would be a recommendation - smooth has they come and built like the proverbial tank. What about using the MFS  routing templates? 

Bob

Bob,

I look at those MFS routing templates all the time. They look really cool, but I can't really think of anything I'd actually use them for (which is the purpose of this thread). I use the routers a good bit, but very seldom do I do anything with templates. All of my dadoing and so forth is done in the shop on the table saw or the router tables. Believe me, if I could figure out a use for them, I'd probably get them. Every tool I've bought so far has abled me to do a certain process easier and more effeciently. I just need to figure it out as I go.

IMO, Festool could do a better job of explaining to people just what their tools are used for. I mean most of the stuff is obvious, but some of it is pretty confusing. I have most of the obvious stuff, now I want to open myself up to some of the not so obvious stuff.

It would be really cool if the person I make my next purchase with  ;D could throw a few of them Festool pencils in the box too...    I'm good on hats and shirts for now (a public thank you to you).

 

[Jim Becker]

I concur with the idea of adding the CT extractor to your lineup...

 

[Bob Marino]

[Bob,

IMO, Festool could do a better job of explaining to people just what their tools are used for. I mean most of the stuff is obvious, but some of it is pretty confusing. I have most of the obvious stuff, now I want to open myself up to some of the not so obvious stuff.

It would be really cool if the person I make my next purchase with  ;D could throw a few of them Festool pencils in the box too...    I'm good on hats and shirts for now (a public thank you to you).
[/quote] 

Lou,

I think everyone would agree with you on better and more detailed info on the tools and accessories. However, they have been addressing this issue - see Jerry Work's and Rick Cristopherson's manuals, John Lucas' demos and more DVD's to come.
Pencils :-X :-X
Bob

 

[Bob Marino]

  Lou,

On rereading your post, I assumed the CT was a definite. If only one tool, I would agree with Jim Becker, get the CT.

Bob

 

[Lou Miller]

  Lou,

On rereading your post, I assumed the CT was a definite. If only one tool, I would agree with Jim Becker, get the CT.

Bob

Bob, Jim,

The CT33 is probably something I'm going to get fairly soon. I don't "have to have it" at the moment though (which is when I typically make my purchases). I want it mostly because I can clip the systainers to the top of it. Its a simple reason, but it would really make a difference in the way I do things on sites.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Lou,

If you're just looking for portability of your systainers, consider the systainer cart.  It would give you the portability that you seem to need without breaking the bank.  The systainer cart is Festool part #492388.

 

[Dave Rudy]

Lou,

I think everyone would agree with you on better and more detailed info on the tools and accessories. However, they have been addressing this issue - see Jerry Work's and Rick Cristopherson's manuals, John Lucas' demos and more DVD's to come.
Pencils :-X :-X
Bob

Those guys have added so much information to the use of the tools that it easily surpasses the Leigh manuals (which I have found to the best manufacturer supplied instructions bar none).  I have the feeling that a Domino manual may be in the works, but it's just a hunch -- or is it?

By the way, John, when is the DVD going to be released?

Dave

 

[mysterium]

Hi Lou,

Early on after getting the CT 22, I wished I would have instead gotten the large CT 33.  Now I feel the CT 22 is the perfect size to move in & out of the truck to a job etc.  And if the waste your picking up is primarily coming from the sanders, the bags last forever....  One of the "best deals" in the Festool catalog is the Compact Cleaning kit for $62, I also got both the Soft Brushes (440 404, & 440 403 for $19).  This kit always rides on my CT 22., the soft brushes will loosen dust yet not screw anything up & will both just fit in the kit.  I have picked up a handle & boom arm, but haven't removed these yet for transport so I don't know how they'll work for me moving in & out of the truck.  Although a spendy option I like how the boom works, and it would look very "impressive" on the job  , plus you not dragging the hose over your raw finished edges. 

I do like my RS 2 E but I really love the small DS 400 & RS 400's.  The RS 400 replaced my beloved PC Speed Block that I used for 30 years.  You find these are perfect for touchups that always "happen".  These small sanders seem to have the prefect balance with light weight & yet can be amazingly aggressive.

The s m o o o t h salesman Mr. Bob Marino while I was ordering additional profiles for LS 130, pointed out that the LS 130 & the RS 400 use the same paper.... Turned out to be a real great suggestion!!!  "Thanks Bob"!!!  (pencils & a hat would also be nice  ;D ) The LS 130 might also be a nice addition for your cabinet work.

I'd say CT 22 with the Cleaning Kit & Brushes, and go for one of the smaller sanders.  Although the DX 93 is one of my most used sanders, the DS & RS 400 are one hand sanders with better balance.

jim

 

[Bob]

I would get (I have) the trion jig saw.  I have a trusty old bosch that I will now just use with a collins foot for upside down coping/scribe cuts.  I loved that thing till I used the trion, makes the bosch seem like a sawsall. It is really good if you go slow even with "the monster blades".  ( I don't bother with the dust collection on it because I have a hard time seeing and the chips are easy to clean up.)

I too have wished I knew more when I bought into "the system" about the 33.  I would have got it instead or the 22.  Please correct me if I am wrong but I think that I could put the air compressor into it to run my nail guns.  Pricey but boy would I love to leave that compressor in the shop, save my back.

I am feeling cheated here.  Bought 75,MFT,Trion,22,clamps galore,extra rails, extra systainer, 75 blades,ad-nasium.  I have no hat, no shirt....still no $30/tool rebate after jumping thru hoops.  Wish I had a dealer like Bob instead of Woodcraft.  Not even a pencil.

 

[Mirko]

I got Close to 7 grand invested in my guy and nothing!! You got me thinking now! Next time he better throw in the hat, shirt and pencil!! I was thinking about this on my second order, hey maybe if you spend over Three grand, Festool throws in that cool festool brand folding rule. I didnt see it in the catalog, so I said it must be a free bee   Bill, Darcy if you read this I want my free folding rule...

Mirko

 

[Lou Miller]

  Lou,

On rereading your post, I assumed the CT was a definite. If only one tool, I would agree with Jim Becker, get the CT.

Bob

Just a follow up. I don't plan on just buying one more tool. Basically what I'm trying to do is incorporate the cost of more tools into my larger jobs. Pretty much one tool per job and something that will greatly assist in that particular job. I've got room for about another 6 systainers on the truck, and about another 6 in the shop, so I'll be shoppinbg quite a bit.

Problem is that I'm doing a couple of bathrooms, a kitchen that I'm only installing someone else's cabinets, and an addition in the next few months, so no actual woodworking will be done until probably summer. But I'll be able to bore everyone here with questions about specific tools until the next woodworking job starts.

 

[Lou Miller]

Lou,

If you're just looking for portability of your systainers, consider the systainer cart.  It would give you the portability that you seem to need without breaking the bank.  The systainer cart is Festool part #492388.

Thanks for the suggestion SH. However, we've just been using a furniture dolly and bungy cords. Pretty crude, I know, but quite effective.

 

[Lou Miller]

Hi Lou,

Early on after getting the CT 22, I wished I would have instead gotten the large CT 33.  Now I feel the CT 22 is the perfect size to move in & out of the truck to a job etc.   And if the waste your picking up is primarily coming from the sanders, the bags last forever....  One of the "best deals" in the Festool catalog is the Compact Cleaning kit for $62, I also got both the Soft Brushes (440 404, & 440 403 for $19).  This kit always rides on my CT 22., the soft brushes will loosen dust yet not screw anything up & will both just fit in the kit.  I have picked up a handle & boom arm, but haven't removed these yet for transport so I don't know how they'll work for me moving in & out of the truck.  Although a spendy option I like how the boom works, and it would look very "impressive" on the job  , plus you not dragging the hose over your raw finished edges. 

I do like my RS 2 E but I really love the small DS 400 & RS 400's.  The RS 400 replaced my beloved PC Speed Block that I used for 30 years.  You find these are perfect for touchups that always "happen".  These small sanders seem to have the prefect balance with light weight & yet can be amazingly aggressive.

The s m o o o t h salesman Mr. Bob Marino while I was ordering additional profiles for LS 130, pointed out that the LS 130 & the RS 400 use the same paper.... Turned out to be a real great suggestion!!!  "Thanks Bob"!!!  (pencils & a hat would also be nice  ;D ) The LS 130 might also be a nice addition for your cabinet work.

I'd say CT 22 with the Cleaning Kit & Brushes, and go for one of the smaller sanders.  Although the DX 93 is one of my most used sanders, the DS & RS 400 are one hand sanders with better balance.

jim

Thanks for all the comments Jim.

I won't use the CT for just sanding. It'll be used with the saw, the router, and all of my other tools as well. When we go out to jobsites, the amount of tools we take with us is just ridiculous, so the CT and the Fein will always have to wear multiple hats. On average, I fill a bag on the Fein in about a week and a half.

I'll give quite a bit more thought to all the sanders you suggested. I really think the RS2E will be my next purchase.

I got the DX93 only a few weeks ago. I never thought it was something I'd use very much, so I it was never on my want list. We were doing a kitchen with shaker style doors (actually we're just wrapping up some extras on that job now). We were using a new Fuji sprayer and tried a new coating at the same time. Well, we didn't experiment with the coating and the sprayer enough before using it on the finished project, so we ended up with less than desirable results. We had to sand everything down and recoat. Problem is, the finish was a tough bugger to sand. Getting inot the corners was almost impossible. So I decided to buy the DX93. It worked incredible and we were able to finish up the doors in no time. I can see where its one of your most used tools. It is pretty cool.

 

[Dan Clark]

Lou,

The CT22 is definitely a great DC, but you might want to check out the drills again.   Or, more specifically the chuck kit.   Having multiple, quick-disconnect chucks has been a lifesaver for me in many situations.

Dan.

 

[Lou Miller]

I would get (I have) the trion jig saw. 

Bob, believe it or not, one of my least used tools is the jigsaw. We take it with us on every job as a just in case thing, but it never comes out of its case. I prefer a coping saw for coping joints, so it doesn't get used there. For the majority of my scribing work, I cut things close with my Skil 77, and then sand from there. (The RO150 is awesome for that. with a piece of 50 grit on it, it'll remove a ton of material quickly). I don't even use it for notching things very often.

I've got a Bosch that I've had for several years and its still brand new looking. Getting a Trion for me would be a waste of money.  

 

[Lou Miller]

Lou,

The CT22 is definitely a great DC, but you might want to check out the drills again.   Or, more specifically the chuck kit.   Having multiple, quick-disconnect chucks has been a lifesaver for me in many situations.

Dan.

I've got so many drills already its insane. While I really like the idea of the different chucks, I could never justify the cost with all the drills I currently have. When some of them start to do, then I'll consider adding one of the Festool drills. Now if they were to come out with an impact driver, that might be different. I've got a Makita impact driver that gets used as much as any tool I own.

 

[Daviddubya]

...Wish I had a dealer like Bob instead of Woodcraft.  Not even a pencil.

Bob Marino is everyone's dealer, or can be if you give him an opportunity.  I live in AZ and do business with Bob clear across the country.  One of the local Festool dealers is reasonably close to home, but they only stock a few items.  Woodcraft is clear across town - I'd need to pack a lunch.  I'd rather work with Bob on the Internet and/or telephone, get his good advice and counsel, and an XL t-shirt surprise from time to time.  No affiliation, just a nice Festool friend.
http://www.bobmarinosbesttools.com/

 

[Lou Miller]

...Wish I had a dealer like Bob instead of Woodcraft.  Not even a pencil.

Bob Marino is everyone's dealer, or can be if you give him an opportunity.  I live in AZ and do business with Bob clear across the country.  One of the local Festool dealers is reasonably close to home, but they only stock a few items.  Woodcraft is clear across town - I'd need to pack a lunch.  I'd rather work with Bob on the Internet and/or telephone, get his good advice and counsel, and an XL t-shirt surprise from time to time.  No affiliation, just a nice Festool friend.
http://www.bobmarinosbesttools.com/

There are two places that are close to my house (within a 15 minute drive) that stock Festool products. I go to those places so that I can actually handle the tools and see them used from time to time. I don't buy from them though. With the exception of my initial purchases (TS55 and MFT), I've bought everything from Bob. I couldn't be happier with the service I've gotten from Bob. The thing that probably got my attention most with Bob initially was his honesty. On another forum, he had nothing but good things to say about Fein vacs and Rigid sanders, when he could have very easily thrown in a plug for Festool stuff at the time. He didn't "Burt" it, and I appreciate that. He's also very approachable with any kinds of questions or will do whatever he can to help you out.