What one Festool Would You recommend?

[RC]

It depends, as many have already stated.

If only one tool I would say TSC55 with a 800mm and a holy 1400mm tracks (crosscut and sheets) since it has the dust bag integrated.

If a package deal is an ok answer, then I would push a CT vac and an ETS sander. The sander is not special without the dust extraction, so can't recommend it as the only tool.

And ofc. the answer would heavily depend on his existing tools and projects e.g. would a Domino be a better fit with the vacuum or not.

 

[Jmacpherson]

#1 - a secret hidden passage to sneak tools into their house without being seen by their better half, once the first Festool moves in the rest of the clan will follow

I'm going to go a slightly different way to everyone else and instead of suggesting the TSC 55, going to go with the HKC 55 instead.
It can also use the dust bag, the set option comes with a FSK rail and it works on the FS rail too.

Many project plans involve 2x4s and not sheet goods so the HKC/FSK system might be a better option than TSC/FS to start off with.
Portable mitre saw that gives them great accuracy without any fussing about of whether the fence/blade is at 90* etc.

 

[Cheese]

Many project plans involve 2x4s and not sheet goods so the HKC/FSK system might be a better option than TSC/FS to start off with.
Portable mitre saw that gives them great accuracy without any fussing about of whether the fence/blade is at 90* etc.

I think your right...I was cutting 2x materials for a bathroom project with my HKC & FSK rail, then I swapped out blades and put it on a FS rail and proceeded to cut cement board. [cool]

 

[Jmacpherson]

I think your right...I was cutting 2x materials for a bathroom project with my HKC & FSK rail, then I swapped out blades and put it on a FS rail and proceeded to cut cement board. [cool]

It is the tool that led me down the Festool rabbit hole.
I know it has its critics but I think it is possibly their most versatile tool after the Rotex sanders.

 

[Brian Livingstone]

I can't believe no one has mentioned this already.

My unequivocal recommendation for a first Festool is the LS130.

Just today I was building a $900 coffee table of solid ABW 2 inches by 6, very heavy and sharp edges.  What is the first tool I use to break those sharp edges, and make handling those big pieces of hardwood so much more pleasant  That's right the LS130.

Soft edges, no chance of a splinter.  Limited use, but nothing else like it.

Brian

 

[Neal W]

From a somewhat inexperienced woodworker who is closer to the beginning of my festool journey than the  end, here is how I would do it if I had to start from scratch.

1.  TS55 and guide rail.  If you can't cut straight and square you're wasting your time.  I couldn't follow a line with a circular saw to save my soul. A track saw helps me make long, straight square cuts (bonus add on for this: The guide rail square from [member=61691]TSO_Products[/member] ).  Besides I can pocket hole things for joints....

2.  RO150.  If I only could have one sander, this is it.  It is very versatile in that it can be used for super aggressive to finer stuff.  It may not be perfect at the finer stuff, but it can get the job done.

3.  DF500, as others have said, there is nothing like it, and it seems like I use it on almost every project that involves building a box.  I love it, and it may be one of the last tools I would ever sell.

The OF1400 is easily one of the best routers (out of about 4) I've ever used.  It just misses the cut on the top three.

 

[HowardH]

From a somewhat inexperienced woodworker who is closer to the beginning of my festool journey than the  end, here is how I would do it if I had to start from scratch.

1.  TS55 and guide rail.  If you can't cut straight and square you're wasting your time.  I couldn't follow a line with a circular saw to save my soul. A track saw helps me make long, straight square cuts (bonus add on for this: The guide rail square from [member=61691]TSO_Products[/member] ).  Besides I can pocket hole things for joints....

2.  RO150.  If I only could have one sander, this is it.  It is very versatile in that it can be used for super aggressive to finer stuff.  It may not be perfect at the finer stuff, but it can get the job done.

3.  DF500, as others have said, there is nothing like it, and it seems like I use it on almost every project that involves building a box.  I love it, and it may be one of the last tools I would ever sell.

The OF1400 is easily one of the best routers (out of about 4) I've ever used.  It just misses the cut on the top three.

+1

 

[Holmz]

I am tempted to say a vacuum, but these days everyone does dust control and sanders.

So it would probably be an MFT and a set of clamps... And then Aus-dogs in Australia, or whatever the local dogs are in one's country.

 

[hemlock]

Domino DF 500, no question.  Really is a game changer.  If they were novices and wouldn't appreciate joinery nirvana, TS55.  Both with a vac, its a system I'd tell them.  [big grin] 

 

[jjowen]

This is a trick question right? There is no such thing as just one Festool tool. Hands up who has exactly one? See, it is either none, or lots.

 

[Scorpion]

I'd say Domino.  Would domino bits last without dust extraction?!  I'm guessing if you had a domino you'd also have to buy an extractor. 

I think they better plan on buying 2 things first.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Holmz]

This is a trick question right? There is no such thing as just one Festool tool. Hands up who has exactly one? See, it is either none, or lots.

I only currently have a vacuum, used dx93, MFT, Domino, and centrotec I set. Not sure if that is lots?

I assumed it was a trick question from a moderator to work out some marketing strategy to increase Festool sales.

Maybe the Pro5 strategy is being reviewed?

 

[peter halle]

No trick question here and I have nothing to do with Festool marketing.  Just getting you guys to talk tools and further my education.

Peter

 

[Stephen B]

[member=1674]Peter Halle[/member]

Without knowing your friends needs, I would say TS55, then RO150 and then . . . , and then . . .  [big grin]

 

[Tinker]

actually, [member=19746]Untidy Shop[/member],those were my very first Festoys with the MFT 1080 sandwiched in. The TS55 was not yet  , so mine was the ATF 55, which I still use now and then when I work outside of my shop.
Tinker

[member=1674]Peter Halle[/member]

Without knowing your friends needs, I would say TS55, then RO150 and then . . . , and then . . .  [big grin]

 

[Naildrivingman]

TS 75 and 2700 track

 

[Summerson]

The Vecturo... Kidding. Its not cordless as it should be.

T18+3 Set with all the centrotec accesories, thats definitely my no 1 chioce. So good when you change bits a lot. So smooth, well balanced machine with exact control. Strong too.
Only thing wrong with it is that it rests on the logo and Tnr and Snr so they are quickly scraped off.

 

[Klemm]

From a somewhat inexperienced woodworker who is closer to the beginning of my festool journey than the  end, here is how I would do it if I had to start from scratch.

1.  TS55 and guide rail.  If you can't cut straight and square you're wasting your time.  I couldn't follow a line with a circular saw to save my soul. A track saw helps me make long, straight square cuts (bonus add on for this: The guide rail square from [member=61691]TSO_Products[/member] ).  Besides I can pocket hole things for joints....

2.  RO150.  If I only could have one sander, this is it.  It is very versatile in that it can be used for super aggressive to finer stuff.  It may not be perfect at the finer stuff, but it can get the job done.

3.  DF500, as others have said, there is nothing like it, and it seems like I use it on almost every project that involves building a box.  I love it, and it may be one of the last tools I would ever sell.

The OF1400 is easily one of the best routers (out of about 4) I've ever used.  It just misses the cut on the top three.

[member=43773]Neal W[/member]  - thanks for the "plug" on our Guide Rail Square but if there were only ONE "FESTOOL" allowed ffor nomination I would say "the FOG".
This well moderated and participated forum is the key that unlocks untold riches of expereince, shortcuts, and on and on. It helps you gain an infomred opinion on wht isw "Right for your first or next FESTOOL"

For me the journey began with a sander - recommended by SEVEN CORNERS HARDWARE - for an absolutely nasty and difficult job. Haven't looked back since  [smile]

thanks to all of you who post!

H

 

[Cheese]

...recommended by SEVEN CORNERS HARDWARE

SEVEN CORNERS HARDWARE...RIP

 

[SS Teach]

For me it's a CT. If you get a Domino you need one. If you have any of the sanders you need one. Use a router you should be hooked up to one. Use a TS or a Kapex ditto. There's  even a device you can attach to a drill that will allow you to use a CT. You can do without a CT but there is no way all that wood dust is good for you.