Which Festool to buy

[Tayler_mann]

So I am in a bit of a pickle. I cannot decide what I am going to buy and of course the thought bith comes to mind I cannot right now. I got a job that pays enough to buy about a $450 tool. Usually I'm of the opinion save money but withh my woodworking business just starting and making to much at my "day" job anything that comes into my woodworking business must go out and plus some for tax purposes. I have debated the RO90 for some time but I do have a good arsenal of sanders just nothing that small. I don't have any jobs lined up for it either.

My other thought is to buy the workshop cleaning kit with the 36 mm hose. I could use that one my Kapex, 1400, and Tracksaw tol get better collection. Also I am adding on a 900 sqft shop to my house worth another 1200 sqft of livable space. So I could see this coming in handy for clean ups and such during the build since I am doing all but the concrete and HVAC myself. My question is how much better does the larger hose clean? Obviously it's better but is it extremely significant. Also, does it get that much better collection for the Kapex?

 

[McNally Family]

Remember there is the 15% off sale on dust extractors and any dust extractor related accessories starting May 1st. 

I purchased the Tradesman/Installers cleaning kit w/the larger hose, to go with my CT26, but in my case we were cleaning out a large basement (for the first time in 13 years), to create a workshop.  In fact, we are still cleaning, and just today I was using the larger hose to suck up spider webs from the overhead joists.  As for suction, the larger hose is the only way to go!  It really makes a difference. 

Can't go wrong with the cleaning kit!  It really helps turn your dust extractor into a shop vac.  I even ordered the blue "wet" filter, so if we decide to scrub our Basement/shop concrete floors, we can suck up any extra water.

On May 1st when the sale starts, we intend to purchase the boom arm so we can get the hose and cord off the floor, and positioned over our work area (switching our CT26 back to more of a dust extraction mode, and away from the shop vac/cleaning configuration).

 

[ear3]

I wouldn't clean without the 36mm hose, since if you are sucking up larger debris, it can easily clog the smaller hose.  The 36mm hose also makes a big difference with certain tools -- maybe not so much on the tracksaw, but definitely on the Kapex and somewhat on the 1400 when you're using it for edge work (it should also get more of the sawdust that tends to get trapped at the bottom of dadoes).

That said I'm not sure how economical the cleaning sets are.  Beware that the only one that comes with the anti-static hose is the workshop cleaning set: 497701 ()all others are non A-S).  But this one doesn't come with any extra nozzles/heads other than the floor one, and so you will have to spend extra to get something like the crevice tool or the small brush.

I already had a 36mm hose and so I found the compact cleaning set to give me the most bang for the buck. 

 

[Tayler_mann]

I wouldn't clean without the 36mm hose, since if you are sucking up larger debris, it can easily clog the smaller hose.  The 36mm hose also makes a big difference with certain tools -- maybe not so much on the tracksaw, but definitely on the Kapex and somewhat on the 1400 when you're using it for edge work (it should also get more of the sawdust that tends to get trapped at the bottom of dadoes).

That said I'm not sure how economical the cleaning sets are.  Beware that the only one that comes with the anti-static hose is the workshop cleaning set: 497701 ()all others are non A-S).  But this one doesn't come with any extra nozzles/heads other than the floor one, and so you will have to spend extra to get something like the crevice tool or the small brush.

I already had a 36mm hose and so I found the compact cleaning set to give me the most bang for the buck.

I double checked and saw that the cleaning set 497701 comes with an anti static hose. That would definitely change my decision if it did not have the hose. They changed the set a little while ago.

 

[McNally Family]

I wouldn't clean without the 36mm hose, since if you are sucking up larger debris, it can easily clog the smaller hose.  The 36mm hose also makes a big difference with certain tools -- maybe not so much on the tracksaw, but definitely on the Kapex and somewhat on the 1400 when you're using it for edge work (it should also get more of the sawdust that tends to get trapped at the bottom of dadoes).

That said I'm not sure how economical the cleaning sets are.  Beware that the only one that comes with the anti-static hose is the workshop cleaning set: 497701 ()all others are non A-S).  But this one doesn't come with any extra nozzles/heads other than the floor one, and so you will have to spend extra to get something like the crevice tool or the small brush.

I already had a 36mm hose and so I found the compact cleaning set to give me the most bang for the buck.

I double checked and saw that the cleaning set 497701 comes with an anti static hose. That would definitely change my decision if it did not have the hose. They changed the set a little while ago.

I can verify the Tradesman/Installer cleaning set (497700), also comes with the AS hose.  Also, some sites still erroneously state the whole thing comes packed in the Systainer4, which it did at one time, but because people were having such a hard time repacking the hose, it now comes in the Systainer5, and even that can be a little tight if your sloppy with your repacking.
https://www.festoolproducts.com/Festool-497700-Tradesman-Installer-Cleaning-Set-p/497700.htm

I chose the Tradesman/Installer cleaning set over the Workshop cleaning set because I wanted the crevice tool and small brush ( $27.00 as an add-on ), and the main floor attachment was not as wide as the all metal version the Workshop set includes. Sometimes it is nice to squeeze between things, rather than move them.  Either way, you can't go wrong.  If I ever have the need to do carpet, I would spring for the Festool 450644 Turbo Suction Brush.  If picking up water is in your future, remember the Festool 496169 Wet Filter for CT 26 and CT 36 and CT 48.

 

[Tinker]

So I am in a bit of a pickle. I cannot decide what I am going to buy and of course the thought bith comes to mind I cannot right now. I got a job that pays enough to buy about a $450 tool. Usually I'm of the opinion save money but withh my woodworking business just starting and making to much at my "day" job anything that comes into my woodworking business must go out and plus some for tax purposes. I have debated the RO90 for some time but I do have a good arsenal of sanders just nothing that small. I don't have any jobs lined up for it either.

My other thought is to buy the workshop cleaning kit with the 36 mm hose. I could use that one my Kapex, 1400, and Tracksaw tol get better collection. Also I am adding on a 900 sqft shop to my house worth another 1200 sqft of livable space. So I could see this coming in handy for clean ups and such during the build since I am doing all but the concrete and HVAC myself. My question is how much better does the larger hose clean? Obviously it's better but is it extremely significant. Also, does it get that much better collection for the Kapex?

[member=42383]Tayler_mann[/member], If you are building a biz that will only be a sideline or you, you definitely need to be very cost conscious.  If you want the biz to eventually be your living, then,  survey the jobs coming up and balance against the jobs you hope to get.  Get the tools you need as you need.  An eye to future needs should be part of the present needs. If that wine cabinet you just showed us is a true example of the quality of work you do all the time, i don't see starvation in your future.  Get what you know you will need.

As far as that 900 sq ft shop you are building >>> I HATE YOU. 
Tinker

 

[Tayler_mann]

So I am in a bit of a pickle. I cannot decide what I am going to buy and of course the thought bith comes to mind I cannot right now. I got a job that pays enough to buy about a $450 tool. Usually I'm of the opinion save money but withh my woodworking business just starting and making to much at my "day" job anything that comes into my woodworking business must go out and plus some for tax purposes. I have debated the RO90 for some time but I do have a good arsenal of sanders just nothing that small. I don't have any jobs lined up for it either.

My other thought is to buy the workshop cleaning kit with the 36 mm hose. I could use that one my Kapex, 1400, and Tracksaw tol get better collection. Also I am adding on a 900 sqft shop to my house worth another 1200 sqft of livable space. So I could see this coming in handy for clean ups and such during the build since I am doing all but the concrete and HVAC myself. My question is how much better does the larger hose clean? Obviously it's better but is it extremely significant. Also, does it get that much better collection for the Kapex?

[member=42383]Tayler_mann[/member], If you are building a biz that will only be a sideline or you, you definitely need to be very cost conscious.  If you want the biz to eventually be your living, then,  survey the jobs coming up and balance against the jobs you hope to get.  Get the tools you need as you need.  An eye to future needs should be part of the present needs. If that wine cabinet you just showed us is a true example of the quality of work you do all the time, i don't see starvation in your future.  Get what you know you will need.

As far as that 900 sq ft shop you are building >>> I HATE YOU. 
Tinker

The wine cabinet I just built is actually on a smaller end of projects that I will hopefully be doing in the future. I want to start doing builds for entire houses (doors, molding, trim, mantels, furniture, and etc.). That way every house can get a unique style of woodwork that will never be replicated again.

I also have a sign company that I am at for my bread and butter, but hopefully I can back off of that and do woodworking full time since it is my true passion. With that being said and my future purchase of either a Felders or Hammer sliding tablesaw. I will be purchasing only the cleaning kit for now as I will get lots of use out of it and I will also be able to save 200 or more during the sale.

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[rvieceli]

[member=42383]Tayler_mann[/member]

I'm sorry but what are you buying that you're saving $200?

 

[Tinker]

[member=42383]Tayler_mann[/member]

I'm sorry but what are you buying that you saving $200?

By getting the cleaning kit, and with the CT, he can rll it into his house as well as around his shop.  He won't have to get a vacum dedicated to the house.  He will save even more by not having to get a cart to move the whole rig around.  The wheels are big enough on the CT that he can roll it across the lawn from shop to house.  That will save him the cost of motorized equipment to lift and carry CT, cleaning kit and cart.  by the time he is finisshed, he will be saving thousands.  [popcorn] [scratch chin]
Tinker

 

[Tayler_mann]

[member=42383]Tayler_mann[/member]

I'm sorry but what are you buying that you saving $200?

I would purchase the cleaning set for $240 instead of the RO 90 saving me $200. I might have stated that in a confusing way the first time.

 

[Holmz]

[member=42383]Tayler_mann[/member]

I'm sorry but what are you buying that you saving $200?

I would purchase the cleaning set for $240 instead of the RO 90 saving me $200. I might have stated that in a confusing way the first time.

With that logic if you get a screw driver rather than a Ferrari you save 100k or more. [wink]
So I think I am with Tinker in this.

The wine Cabinet turned out nice, but even a 15% sale is 85% wasted if you do not need the tool. (That did not stop me from getting a coping saw this week).
however if the coin is in the bank you will find a future need.