What to buy next?

[cliffp]

I recently became aware of Festool's excellent products and have bought a T15+3 Set and the Centrotec Installers Set. I am knocked out by the amazing design and quality and am interested in buying more Festool tools and would appreciate some advice.

In terms of experience, I have so far only carried out basic diy operations such as putting up shelves and repairing things in a fairly non-perfectionist way. I like the idea of trying to make furniture such as a AV cabinet, a shelving unit or table and trying to achieve a high quality result.

I have a Hoffman and Hammer workbench (though because it is right up against a wall with little space at either end it doesn't seem a very useful piece of kit compared to a MFT/3 which I could erect in a more accessible location when I need it), Bosch jigsaw, B & D Circular saw and various sanders plus a Fein Multimaster.

The first tool that caught my eye was the Domino as I have never tried jointing and this seems to make that operation easy. I then thought that as I don't have a circular saw with guide rail, I would have difficulty making accurate cuts and thought of buying a TS55 with guide rail as a first step. That then raised the question of whether I would be better off buying an MFT/3 first, to use the TS55 on. I would be grateful for advice on what order to buy things in as I don't want to buy everything at once. Maybe I should buy something else I haven't mentioned - all suggestions welcome.

 

[Kev]

[welcome]

You can do a lot with a basic Festool setup of MFT/3, TS55, CT-(Mini/Midi/26). Dust extraction, the CT range, is a key component of the Festool System. Additional tracks to meet your work needs, plus clamps, etc will pull it all together.

A router would probably be my next choice prior to the Domino ... if you only want one - the OF1400.

Also, though you have sanders, you don't have Festool sanders and this becomes a chalk and cheese experience thing when you try them. You'd probably gravitate towards a ETS150/3 first ... but let you projects drive your choices.

So generally - you're looking at the right stuff - but keep the CT's high on your list, consider the routers and make a point of trying the sanders.

Kev

 

[sancho57]

this is the key to festool, remember it is a system

http://www.festoolusa.com/company/system-approach.html

I first bought a package with TS 55 and MFT, with those and a dust extractor as your base system you can build a customize shop to meet your needs.

 

[Kev]

this is the key to festool, remember it is a system

http://www.festoolusa.com/company/system-approach.html

I first bought a package with TS 55 and MFT, with those and a dust extractor as your base system you can build a customize shop to meet your needs.

Good pic in that link - in all my reading I'd never seen that one!

 

[penaddict]

The Domino is what I just bought 30 minutes ago.  This green cool-aid is bad.  The more I drink the more thirsty I get.  Since Nov-2011 I got a CT26 Vac, TS55, ETS125, ETS150, OF1400, long rail for the TS55, and now the Domino.  My next purchase will be a RO90.  This cool-aid addition is worse than the hand plane slippery slope that I fell into last year with hand planes.

Mike

 

[jacko9]

Cliff,

For the projects that you want to build, I'd get the Domino with a dust extractor next.  Without a Domino, your limiting your joinery options with your current tool set. 

Jack

 

[waho6o9]

Welcome to the slippery slope Cliffp

See if you can purchase a package deal with your domino and dust extractor and save some money so you can purchase the domino systainer assortment and 5 cutters. 

You're going to love making furniture quickly with the Domino, it really is a game changer.

Have fun Cliffp!  [big grin]

 

[ScotF]

Welcome, Cliff.

The Domino is a great tool that simplifies joinery, but I think that a router is such a critical piece of woodworking equipment that I would probably opt for one of those before I got a Domino.  Edge treatments and joinery are just a few things you can do with this versatile tool and it really should be one of your priority purchases.  I also agree that the sanders are second to none and they actually make sanding fun or at least a better experience than sanding with a non-Festool sander, IMHO. 

Scot

 

[cliffp]

Thanks a lot for all the extremely helpful advice.

Many people have suggested I get something other than the TS55 as my first purchase. Presumably I should be able to make near enough perfect cuts with my existing circular saw? (it is a 18 year old B & D Proline 1100 Watt model). Should I buy some kind of generic guide to butt the baseplate against as I saw?

 

[Kev]

Thanks a lot for all the extremely helpful advice.

Many people have suggested I get something other than the TS55 as my first purchase. Presumably I should be able to make near enough perfect cuts with my existing circular saw? (it is a 18 year old B & D Proline 1100 Watt model). Should I buy some kind of generic guide to butt the baseplate against as I saw?

I don't know that saw, but my opinion would be that the TS55 just jumped up the priority list. The combination of the TS55, MFT/3 and some tracks give you a wealth of functionality. You can also get away with a generic shop vac with the TS55 - no great, but better than nothing ... The CT's come into their own with sanding (variable suction, etc).

 

[peter halle]

I am going to take a guess that others like me read your original post that the TS-55 was definitely coming and that you were asking about what to add after that.  Many, many, many here went with the TS-55 as their first tool, experienced how much better it worked than the alternatives, and then have never looked back.  With the TS-55 and the necessary rails and a set of clamps - not used every time - you will eliminate erratic cuts, get smoother cuts, not have to worry about laying out the offset measurement like if you use a standard circular saw.

If you decide to stay with your old reliable circular saw for the time being, you might want to consider getting a Festool long rail to be used as a guide.  The Festool is about double what the Bora models are, but when you do make the switch to Festool you will have saved yourself some money in the long run.  I was surprised that when I gave away an 8 foot aftermarket aluminum guide for my non Festool saw a couple of years ago that based on the price tag attached that rail was more expensive than the Festool one.

Good luck!

Peter

 

[Stone Message]

Cliff

As you are UK based I wonder whether you read 'The Woodworker'. I have written a number of articles covering the MFT3, TS55R and the CTL26. I think in each I say how these form your basic set. The MFT3 without a circular saw is, in my view, silly. The CT26 is the unsung hero of my workshop and has a great deal to do with my satisfaction with the main tools. You cannot expect a Domino to work proerly without an extractor. Your workshop will be wrecked if you use a circular saw without one.

Peter

 

[cliffp]

In response to Peter Halle, I think I was a bit unclear in my original post. I am beginning to think of a TS55 plus dust extraction (I had intended initially to use a Miele cylinder vac and just put up with the inconvenience of switching it on and off). I can probably make do with my Hoffman and Hammer workbench plus B & D workmate for now and add an MFT3 later.

In response to Peter (Stone Message) I haven't read 'The Woodworker' but plan to buy a copy of the latest one as I definitely have a lot to learn! I saw your review of the TS55R and thought it was excellent - it did a lot to tempt me to buy one.

 

[Stone Message]

Cliff

In the July 2012 copy you will see my review of the TS55R as well as part 2 of my bench project. Building the bench started me off in the review business - I needed to borrow the new (then) Domino XL for the 4x2 framing of my bench. Toolfest in Woking very kindly lent one to me and so I reviewed it and used it before returning it a couple of weeks later. Now that is a lovely machine but you do need to have to be able to justify the cost.

Peter

 

[sancho57]

Peter,

Is that magazine available on line?

 

[Stone Message]

Peter,

Is that magazine available on line?

Yes it is. You first have to subscribe to the (paper) magazine and then you get a customer code which gives you access to the on-line magazine and the complete (years and years worth) of back issues plus videos. If you pick up a magazine from your newsagent then there may be a membership offer inside. They have a blog but it is like watching grass grow - definitely not exciting enough for me.

Try this link:

http://www.getwoodworking.com/

There are several magazines in the group but The Woodworker is the best!

I have subscribed to many woodworking magazines - Fine Woodworking (Taunton Group) is the very best but it costs a lot to have it sent over from the US. The Woodworker has a good variety of articles and, of course, all the adverts are for UK consumption.

(edit) Sorry I forgot to say that it does appear to be available world-wide and you can subscribe to the digital edition - get the plastic out!

Peter

 

[ScotF]

Cliff

As you are UK based I wonder whether you read 'The Woodworker'. I have written a number of articles covering the MFT3, TS55R and the CTL26. I think in each I say how these form your basic set. The MFT3 without a circular saw is, in my view, silly. The CT26 is the unsung hero of my workshop and has a great deal to do with my satisfaction with the main tools. You cannot expect a Domino to work proerly without an extractor. Your workshop will be wrecked if you use a circular saw without one.

Peter

I agree with these three tools being the basic set.  I do, however, think that the MFT/3 is great as part of the system or on its own -- it has replaced my workbench for all work except for hand tool work and it, combined with the CT are the two most used Festools I own as they are both used on every single project.  I would certainly start with these tools and then add others as the wallet recovers.

Scot

 

[Stone Message]

You have a good point Scot. I am lucky to have a dedicated workshop but the MFT3 does make a great workbench - especially if you need to pack it away at the end of the day. It also travels well - even in the back of my Toyota Yaris! Mine occupies centre stage in the workshop and gets moved around to suit the task. It is also the ideal outfeed table for my CMS-TS55R combo.

** I went from BMW 5 Series Estate to Toyota Yaris nearly 3 years ago and I have still not recovered! **

Peter

 

[sancho57]

Thank you Peter,

Since Ive gotten into the festool system, Ive developed a interet in the european way of doing things.

Its basically the same but different if that makes sense?

 

[ScotF]

You have a good point Scot. I am lucky to have a dedicated workshop but the MFT3 does make a great workbench - especially if you need to pack it away at the end of the day. It also travels well - even in the back of my Toyota Yaris! Mine occupies centre stage in the workshop and gets moved around to suit the task. It is also the ideal outfeed table for my CMS-TS55R combo.

** I went from BMW 5 Series Estate to Toyota Yaris nearly 3 years ago and I have still not recovered! **

Peter

I have driven a Yaris on a few different occassions and you can pack a surprising amount of stuff in that car!  And you are right, the MFT/3 folds flat and makes it very convenient to move about or transport.

Scot