what would you do?

billybokay

Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2007
Messages
103
I made a cabinet for my mft similir to the pictures on this forum, but with drawer slides. Now I have 3 empty spots for systainers.
My probelm...(not really a problem)
I have the ts55
of1400
ro150feq
domino
2 ct 22's and 1 mini
various sortainers and systainers on wheels and in home made sysports.

what would you buy next?
1010 router
another sander, which one? I have a bosch detail sander similir to the deltex, but rarely use it.
empty systainer for organization
wait for new products

not interested in the drill, Love my panasonics
I have several other pc routers, but they are usually kept for dedicated tasks.
(although with no dust collection I dont love them as much as I used to.

I have been working my tail off and want to reward myself.
Woodworking is a side job, and money I make woodworking I like to buy new toys.

 
Hi,

  This probably won't be very helpful but....    The tool to buy next will depend on what you are doing.  You have the basic areas covered well. So new tools will probably be of a more dedicated type. EX -  If you do a lot of finish sanding then I would look at the ETS sanders. Your Rotex does this as well but there is something to be said for a dedicated finish sander.  If you are looking to add new capabilities then maybe the HL850 Planer, or the LS130 sander, or  Hole Drilling system.   
    MFS,  more Guide rails, MFT, won't fit in Systainers so I won't mention those :)

Seth
 
I have the mft and plenty of guide rails. I don't really expect to use the planer as I have a jointer and a thicknesser and do most of my work in the shop. The ls 130 might get the nod.
 
RS2e, Linear, RTS400 in that order, or you could move the RS2e to the back of the list. The linear and the RTS400 use the same paper. You can get into corners with them but the linear is great for sanding with the grain while the 400 is a good random orbit corner sander. The RS2e is a great sander for flat panels and door frame seams as it will bridge a lot of surface. It can be quite aggressive with rough grits and leave superb finish with the finer grits. A good sander for large surfaces. Oh yeah, since it is your money get the 1010 as well, and while your'e at it pick up a boom arm, 2 sizes of MFS........

JMHO
 
Accessorize  ;D

OF 1010 - LR 32 SYS - Theres two nice systainers right there.

MFS 400 or 700 - VS 600 box joints, dovetails etc - SYS-OF D8/D12 for router bits and then load it up. OF-OH Routing aid - Quick clamps, Rapid clamps, Clamping elements.
 
I just went through this same issue. I would vote for:

ETS 150/3, Boom, handle, Tradesman cleaning set, Universal blade for TS55, OF 1010 EQ

My local trusted Festool rep said the LS130 and the Deltex are the only two sanders he has seen returned for not meeting expectations. Both are for very specific tasks and not good general sanders.  The LS130 with the sheet option is not powerful enough to be a good substitute for the RTS400.
 
Billybokay,

I have an LS 130 and plan to add an RTS 400 which uses the same abrasive sheets.  The LS 130 is becoming my "go to" sander for many common jobs in the shop, especially for knocking any slight saw or router bit marks off the edges of plywood and hardwoods (works very well with the optional soft interface pad Item No. 490160).  Its light weight and relatively small size make it easy to handle, and its linear action means less chance of tearing loose a veneered edge.  If choosing only one addtional sander, consider the DTS 400 - its pointed nose will enable you to reach easily into inside corners.  Ialready have a Deltex 93 so I am not in need of the DTS 400. 

Routers?  The 1010 is described by Jerry Work as analogus to a sports car compared to the larger machines, but you might want to wait for Festool's introduction of their new smaller routers designed primarily for edging work.

Dave R.
 
I have on quite a few occasions needed to clean up a routed edge . I was refinshing a fireplace mantle once that had quite a few stepped moldings and I was disapointed in myself for not having the right sander for all those tiny inside edges.

The boom arm does not work for me as I am in a basement and it prevents mobility.

Looks like the ls130 for now.
 
billybokay said:
I have on quite a few occasions needed to clean up a routed edge . I was refinshing a fireplace mantle once that had quite a few stepped moldings and I was disapointed in myself for not having the right sander for all those tiny inside edges.

The boom arm does not work for me as I am in a basement and it prevents mobility.

Looks like the ls130 for now.

Hi,

    If you are seriously looking at the LS130 then check out this review before you buy. http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=1756.0 

Seth
 
Hey Billybokay,
What a great problem to have!!

My personal fave that's not on your list is the ets 150/3.  It takes the same paper as your Rotex, but it is smooooth.  When I'm gluing up panels, I usually start with the Rotex to flatten the panel out at 80 grit.  From then on its the ets 150.  There is almost no vibration, it goes where you want it to go, and the results are great.  It is so smooth that a few times I have been sure that it wasn't working, then I touch the workpiece and its smooth as glass.

I also have, and like, the LS130 and the DS400.  Great sanders for very specific purposes, but they get used in my shop about 10 % as much as the 150/3.

I hear you about the 'legacy' tools that we all love, but they have no dust collection.  Someday that might drive me to fall for a Kap :oex....
 
billybokay said:
thanks Seth
I think by those posts that I might hold off on the LS130 and look at the 400.

Hi,

    Well it depends on your need. If you want to be able to sand profiles and oddball little grooves, Rabbets etc. The LS 130 is great. I am sure the 400s are great too, but not for sanding profiles. 
     I have the ETS150/5. I bought the LS130 and have used for many tasks that nothing else (powered) would do. Eventually I will probably have just about every sander Festool makes. I have to say though that the RTS400 is way down on my list. I just can't envision using an orbital sander when a random orbital sander is available. Like the ETS125 if a smaller size than RO150, or ETS150 is desired. If we are talking getting into flat corners then it seems that the DTS400 would be the way to go over the RTS400.
   If your Rotex is doing a good job of finish sanding in its random orbit mode then I would think something that doesn't duplicate capability would be higher on your buy list than something that does.

Seth
 
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