Which Festools do you use the most?

[marrt]

I'm just curious because I wasn't planning to order a drill.  But, as I started thinking about it, I probably use my drills more than anything.  So, I'm curious...which Festools do you use the most?

 

[GPowers]

So, I'm curious...which Festools do you use the most?

Right now it is My MFT/3 or ETS 150/5. If I had a drill I'am sure it would also be my most used. But I'am waiting for the new drills to be released here in the USA.

 

[atomicmike]

For me, it's a tie between the T 15 and the CT 22. After that, it'd be the TS 55. Sadly, I haven't had a chance to do much yet with my OF 1400, even though I've had it the longest.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

My CT-22, mft/3, kapex, kapex mft/3, C-12 and TS-55.

Those get used almost daily, the drill sees daily use.

 

[bonesbr549]

In order I'd say:

mft/3
ct33/e
of1400
T15+3
ets150
kapex
T55
domino

 

[Brice Burrell]

I'm just curious because I wasn't planning to order a drill.  But, as I started thinking about it, I probably use my drills more than anything.  So, I'm curious...which Festools do you use the most?

I think you've hit the nail right on the head here.  I look at it this way, tools cost me a certain amount of money to buy, replace consumables, service and so on.  When you use a tool often and it lasts a long time you're way ahead in the end.  Here's a good example, I've got a couple of T15 drills, I also have a Fein Multimaster.  All of these tools and their consumables are fairly pricey.  Difference is I use the drills all the time and Multimaster doesn't get used often at all.  Add to that the how long the consumables last. The Centrotec bits are great and last a long time, where as the MM blades have a short life span.  So when you look at the per use cost of the drills it's low and Multimaster's is probably the highest of any tools I own.  So my Festool drills make me money almost everyday and realistically my Multimaster cost me money to own given the cost of the tool/blades with how seldom I need it.

What a tool's price tag says is only one thing to consider when figuring out the value of a given tool.

 

[mastercabman]

For me it would be:
C12
jigsaw
kapex
ts 55
rotex
1010 router/domino

 

[tbellemare]

My major tool uses in order, I think:

CT 22 (I do very little without the CT 22 involved)
MFT/3 or C 12? (MFT's get used all day long, everyday as a horizontal surface and I strap a lot of stuff to the profiles but that shouldn't count, or does it?)
KAPEX KS 120
TS 55
RO 150 (this sander does everything except detail)
DX 93 (this sander is a close second because there's always a lot of detail)
MFK 700 or OF 1400? (the OF 1400 is my "go to" router but lately, I use the MFK a lot strapped to the side of the MFT w/ only 1 bolt)
LS 130 or TS 75 or T 15? (I love the T 15 but I really appreciate the configuration of the C 12)

Tom

BTW: I have to say that I use others but I had to stop somewhere...

 

[Meatplow]

For me:
1) T15+3
2) TS 55 EQ (The best tool ever...)
3) RO 150
4) Domino
5) Midi

Meatplow

 

[nickao]

RO 150 and no other Festool even comes close. I use the RO 150 100 times more than any other Festool. For me Festool is about sanders.

Of course the boom arm, CT33 and custom MFT tables are included with that as they are all attached.

 

[image132]

Hmmm I don't own a Kapex but considering how much I use my Makita my list would look like this:

• Kapex
• CT22
• TS55
• RO125
• MFT
• Domino
• OF1010
• C12 (It's low because I own a black and decker drill that I use often. This has come about because of something my dad has taught me.)
• Trion
  

 

[jonny round boy]

I think you've hit the nail right on the head here.  I look at it this way, tools cost me a certain amount of money to buy, replace consumables, service and so on.  When you use a tool often and it lasts a long time you're way ahead in the end.  Here's a good example, I've got a couple of T15 drills, I also have a Fein Multimaster.  All of these tools and their consumables are fairly pricey.  Difference is I use the drills all the time and Multimaster doesn't get used often at all.  Add to that the how long the consumables last. The Centrotec bits are great and last a long time, where as the MM blades have a short life span.  So when you look at the per use cost of the drills it's low and Multimaster's is probably the highest of any tools I own.  So my Festool drills make me money almost everyday and realistically my Multimaster cost me money to own given the cost of the tool/blades with how seldom I need it.

Brice,

I'm in the same boat with my Multimaster - I don't use it very often, and as you say the blades are expensive & don't last. However, I think it is one of the best investments I made. Sure I don't use it much, but I find that when I do use it, it gets me out of a problem I can't see any other way through. Or I'll use it for 2 minutes to do something that otherwise would have taken an hour to do. Either way, I can easily forgive the short life/high cost blades. Like all my Festools, it's something I've never regretted buying.

JRB

 

[jvsteenb]

In terms of usage:

- T15+3 incl. Sys-Centotec '09
- CT22
- RTS400
- TS55
- MFT-3
- RO150
- OF1010
- CMS
- PS300

This does however not reflect the importance of the tools for the things I do. Whenever I use the MFT-3 or CMS, that's because I couldn't be without them.
And both would see more use If I had a van to carry them around instead of a trailer to haul. Carrying the MFT to and from the trailer and to and from the spot on site gets old. It's portable, but only just.
Carrying the CMS around with all the acessories would be less of a problem if you had the storage compartment with you: a van. For jobs where I can store some stuff on-site I take at least the MFT-3, and usually the CMS if I think need might arise. I have inserts for the TS-55, and the OF1010, the micro-adjustable fence, the sliding table, etc. Once setup it's absolutely awesome but it's a pain to constantly assembe/disassemble and load/unload.
The reason the RTS400 is so high up on the list is I do a lot of renovation paintwork, and I think that little sander is a painters dream. The first one I ever used that I liked more than the Rupes. But overall it's just a very good sander, not a jobsite revolution like the TS-55 or the likes.

BTW: The Fein MM may display a very high cost of ownership, but it has gotten me out of a pinch numerous times, and was one of those tools that paid for itself on the first job. Wouldn't be without it. The only way I'm gonna part with it is to either buy a Fein SuperCut, or the imaginary and rather utopian Festool counterpart - that will probably never be made  [sad].

Regards,

Job

 

[Tezzer]

• C12 (It's low because I own a black and decker drill that I use often. This has come about because of something my dad has taught me.)

What would that be Chris?

 

[image132]

• C12 (It's low because I own a black and decker drill that I use often. This has come about because of something my dad has taught me.)

What would that be Chris?

My dad has taught me that you always need 2 sets of tools. One set for rough quick work that doesn't require neatness (the black and decker) and the other for the opposite (Festool). I don't often get to use my C12 because I mostly fix up problems that wont be seen thus the need for neatness is not required. It has to be said though, the difference between the C12 and the black and decker is major/huge/universal.

I laugh at the black and decker, its chuck is so bad that when it "quick stops" the chuck comes loose. Enough said.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Interesting question, made me think (ouch  [crying]).

MFT/3 just about always in use, not always with festools
Clamps, usually with the MFT/3
CT-22, boom arm
OF1400 and TS55 would be about the same, a tie
Kapex
ETS 150/3
OF1010
Domino
T-15
RO 150
Occasionally LS 130, DS400
Rarely VS600, MFS, parallel guides

No problems with the tools at the bottom of the list, just haven't done that kind of work lately.

 

[Rob-GB]

I think you've hit the nail right on the head here.  I look at it this way, tools cost me a certain amount of money to buy, replace consumables, service and so on.  When you use a tool often and it lasts a long time you're way ahead in the end.  Here's a good example, I've got a couple of T15 drills, I also have a Fein Multimaster.  All of these tools and their consumables are fairly pricey.  Difference is I use the drills all the time and Multimaster doesn't get used often at all.  Add to that the how long the consumables last. The Centrotec bits are great and last a long time, where as the MM blades have a short life span.  So when you look at the per use cost of the drills it's low and Multimaster's is probably the highest of any tools I own.  So my Festool drills make me money almost everyday and realistically my Multimaster cost me money to own given the cost of the tool/blades with how seldom I need it.

Brice,

I'm in the same boat with my Multimaster - I don't use it very often, and as you say the blades are expensive & don't last. However, I think it is one of the best investments I made. Sure I don't use it much, but I find that when I do use it, it gets me out of a problem I can't see any other way through. Or I'll use it for 2 minutes to do something that otherwise would have taken an hour to do. Either way, I can easily forgive the short life/high cost blades. Like all my Festools, it's something I've never regretted buying.

JRB

I am almost in the same boat, I look at what my tools earn me in relation to their cost and I own a multimaster. However the multimaster was a gift from a client while building his boat, it was the only tool capable of some tight space work in the engine room. As for the accessories I tend to charge them to the clients as and when they get worn out. So it has never really cost me anything, but sure has earned me some time and money! ;D

This last month (to get back on topic [wink]) my TS55, PSB300 and T15 in use with it's different chucks, have been in use every day. As have the two FS1400 guide rails.
My EHL65 planer has seen some action too, in and out of it's little bench. I guess it all depends on what contract your on as to what tool gets used most.

;D ;D ;D Or what home projects you plan around a tool!  ;D ;D ;D
Rob.

 

[Neill]

I use my CT-22 in conjunction with virtually every other tool I use, plus for shop cleanup.  After that, it's the Kapex.  Nearly all my projects require some crosscutting.  After that, it's the TS-55 which has become more valuable to me with the purchase of the parallel guides.

I agree with Brice regarding the Multimaster.  There are times however, when no other tool seems right for the job.

Neill

 

[darbo]

The Festools I value most so far are the ones that interconnect with each other, so that a particular tool becomes better through systematic interconnection with other Festools.

For instance, I feel that my TS-55 is awesome (it's now my favorite saw), not just because it has it's own great features and abilities, but because interconnects systematically with my guide-rails, parallel guides, MFTs, and CT 33. Same is true with my OF 1400, MFK 700, Rotex 125 and EFS 125 sanders, and various Festool clamps. All the above-mentioned tools are very good on their own merits, but when used systematically with each other they become amazing. So how does a drill work with a guide rail, parallel guide, CT33, etc.? I don't think it does, so for that reason a Festool drill ranks pretty low on my priority list unless it has some killer features. (BTW, I feel the Kapex, which isn't all that interconnected either, has some pretty killer features.)

For that reason I feel the question: "which Festools do you use the most" doesn't touch the issue that I value most regarding my own purchasing decsions for Festools: the value of systematic tool interconnectivity. Not to say I wouldn't enjoy owning/using a Festool drill, but my own priorities lie with all the interconnected Festools first...later I would enjoy purchasing a Festool drill, tape measure, level, ballcap, and other stand-alone Festool goodies that are cool, but aren't as systematically interconnected as other Festools.

 

[jmbfestool]

I'm just curious because I wasn't planning to order a drill.  But, as I started thinking about it, I probably use my drills more than anything.  So, I'm curious...which Festools do you use the most?

I think you've hit the nail right on the head here.  I look at it this way, tools cost me a certain amount of money to buy, replace consumables, service and so on.  When you use a tool often and it lasts a long time you're way ahead in the end.  Here's a good example, I've got a couple of T15 drills, I also have a Fein Multimaster.  All of these tools and their consumables are fairly pricey.  Difference is I use the drills all the time and Multimaster doesn't get used often at all.  Add to that the how long the consumables last. The Centrotec bits are great and last a long time, where as the MM blades have a short life span.  So when you look at the per use cost of the drills it's low and Multimaster's is probably the highest of any tools I own.  So my Festool drills make me money almost everyday and realistically my Multimaster cost me money to own given the cost of the tool/blades with how seldom I need it.

What a tool's price tag says is only one thing to consider when figuring out the value of a given tool.

Maybe be so but I disagree with you the Multi Master can make you money in a few days.  Just using the Fein Multimaster once can actually get your money back. Their is no tool which can get into awkward places which could take you hours to do either with a hand saw or chisel or drill holes to cut out.

Because I am mainly site I have come across many places if I didnt have the fein to cut it out I would of had to smash it out and replace it  but instead I was able to remove it clean cut and put it back with no problem so saved money materials cost.

I just finished a kitchen yesterday. The thing was he already started fitting the kitchen but had enough and wanted some one to come in finish it of. Well I finished it and the plumber came and couldn't get the boiler cover of because he had put a fixed a 2x1 timber next to it and got it stuck using the fein  saved loads of time and money because I would of had to remove the unit from the wall to remove the 2x1 and it had the moulding done so it would of needed to be replaced.

I also used it for cutting the skirting because he had fitted the skirting past the plinth which ment I either scribe the plinth to the skirting or I cut it so it sits behind the skirting well the fein zapped it of because a saw wouldnt of been able to get to it and if I chiseld it it properly would of knocked the skirting of because he only glued it on.

So even though the Fein isnt used every day it properly makes up for it in one day.  Your more workshop so I agree that with you the fein isnt cost affective