Which should I buy...

[smirak]

First post, but have been looking here for a little bit...

I'm sure this has been asked before, but my superb search skills aren't as superb as I'd like them to be. 

I have about $1100 burning a hole in my pocket and this would be my first festool purchase.  I am a hobbyist with a jobsite table saw, 12" SCMS, jigsaw, drill press, etc.  I don't have any type of joinery systems (domino, biscuit joiner, dovetail jigs, etc).  I'm debating between the domino 500 and a TS 55/75 with possibly the CT SYS dust extractor system.  I've looked around at packages that include these tools with a CT Mini/Midi as well.  Just really looking for advice.  I am leaning toward the TS 55/75 because of my limited capabilities on my jobsite saw (not much room in front of the blade).  Ideally, the money would be better spent on a table saw upgrade, but room prohibits me from getting a saw that can't be stored out of the way.  I don't have the ability to get a contractor saw on a mobile base for example.  I currently have a decent ridgid shop vac, so a dust extractor isn't exactly a necessity, but...Some would suggest the domino, but I guess technically, I can cut loose mortises with my router, albeit not as easy/user friendly as the domino.  Really conflicted here...

Thanks!
Kevin

 

[leakyroof]

Getting a track saw will allow you a different cutting method and the ability to break down sheet material, or solid wood instead of using your current saw if you need to.
However, track saws aren't a Domino or a way of joining materials, so I guess the question is, what is your weakest link or least provided area/tool section in your current line-up?  You state not having any joining system.
You could sell the saw you have, buy a track saw and vac, and still not have a joining system, unless you want to use your router for that.
IF, you get a Domino, does it work with what you now build, or not?
So, what do you currently do with your existing tools in terms of work or projects?

 

[Bob Marino]

  I would suggest the saw over the domino. You can safely, easily and accurately cut your workpieces to size with the TS saws. And I still would spring for the CT vac, maybe a Mini or SYS and you'd be within budget and have a more versatile tool. You can use other joinery methods which are perfectly acceptable.

 

[waho6o9]

Simples, get the Domino and accessories from Bob Marino, done.

A domiplate works wonders and should be acquired when funds allow.

Rock on

 

[ear3]

Welcome to the FOG!  Before I comment, what sorts of projects are you thinking of executing in the future?

 

[RKA]

If it were me, I would get the tools that add new functionality first.  In my view, if you can make the jobsite table saw work for the time being, get the domino and CT Midi (the extra capacity will be handy if you're using it with chip producers like routers).  The only reason I would get the Midi now is for the package discount, but you could always postpone it until you get the track saw (and get your discount there).  The $1100 will get burned up...err...well spent with the domino, consumables and maybe an aftermarket accessory, so delaying the dust extractor might be ideal anyway.

 

[bobfog]

Surely this is a no-brainier.

You have a jobsite table saw and a mitre saw, do have the ability to cut material - maybe to as convenient as a track saw in many ways, but still possible none the less. You don't have any tools for quickly and easily making strong joints which are essential to most projects. Therefore the Domino is the obvious answer.

 

[grbmds]

Since you didn't say whether you plan to use the tools only in your shop or they need to be portable . . .

If you are only using them in the shop, I'd say that the Domino is the one tool which would add the most flexibility and capability to your work. It has been my favorite tool of all time since I got it. There is no other tool I own which increased my project flexibility, accuracy, and overall capability as much as the Domino 500. The joinery possibilities and results are seemingly endless. The TS55 is a great saw and works well with or without the MFT.

If the main reason to buy is the capability to cut up sheet goods, there are other ways of doing that, including paying a slight charge to have lumber yards do the rough cutting to allow you to finish cut them in the shop. Even now, I still do this even though I own a TS55. I also own a jobsite saw and, while it's sometimes a little tricky cutting up larger pieces with the smaller table, I haven't found anything I can't do with manageable sizes rough cut by the supplier. It's just easier to bring smaller sheets downstairs into my shop.

While a CT would definitely be an upgrade for both dust collection and noise levels, you already have a vacuum that, I assume, works, and CT's are expensive. If you don't already have it, buy a HEPA filter for the vacuum you currently own. At least the air being circulated back into your shop would be as clean as possible.

If you want portability, then possibly the TS55 would be a good choice as a first purchase.

 

[smirak]

Thanks to all that have replied so far.  Currently, I have some sapele and alder stabilizing for a dining room table for my daughter.  This will be my first "real" and "big" project.  The sapele is a nice pc that was 1/4" shy of 11' long and is a solid 19" wide and 1 1/4" thick throughout.  I had the lumberyard cut in half for me for a 2 board glue up for her table.  The domino would make that glue-up easier.  Hence, my reason for a domino.  The track saw would make breaking down sheet goods easier as well as making a near glue ready edge.  Ideally, it'd be good to get both, but I've been too much of an a$$hole lately to the wife to let her allow me to buy both right now  [big grin].  I've heard that you really don't want to try and use the domino without a dust extractor, but thinking I could get the domino and the track saw and use on my shopvac until? 

Future projects include furniture for my daughters new house because apparently, it's cheaper to get dad to make vs buying???

 

[Holmz]

A filter on the dust vac and maybe a dustdeupty would sort that out.
If you are doing real wood and do not have a bench, then I would probably suggest that first.
One usually has some hand planing type of work that requires a proper stiff bench?

If the daughter's house will also get kittedout things made out of sheet good then that points one in a different direction.

Maybe you want to do a project for the wife too?

---
A domino is a good tool. One of the 3 kings of tools for DIY joinery.
However for the table's top a (used) biscuit joiner would also work well.

 

[grbmds]

Thanks to all that have replied so far.  Currently, I have some sapele and alder stabilizing for a dining room table for my daughter.  This will be my first "real" and "big" project.  The sapele is a nice pc that was 1/4" shy of 11' long and is a solid 19" wide and 1 1/4" thick throughout.  I had the lumberyard cut in half for me for a 2 board glue up for her table.  The domino would make that glue-up easier.  Hence, my reason for a domino.  The track saw would make breaking down sheet goods easier as well as making a near glue ready edge.  Ideally, it'd be good to get both, but I've been too much of an a$$hole lately to the wife to let her allow me to buy both right now  [big grin].  I've heard that you really don't want to try and use the domino without a dust extractor, but thinking I could get the domino and the track saw and use on my shopvac until? 

Future projects include furniture for my daughters new house because apparently, it's cheaper to get dad to make vs buying???

Shouldn't be a problem to use a regular vacuum with the Domino; just be sure you use something for dust collection. The HEPA filter would be a bonus.

A Domino 500 for the table top should be fine. However, depending on the size of the table, the largest Dominos for the 500 could be borderline for the rest of the joints. Depends on the joints and how strong they need to be. It's really not the thickness of the Dominos as much as the length that's an issue; gluing surface. For some joints you may need to plan for double Dominos. For the top, the edge grain glue up should be sufficient for a glue joint without the Dominos. They would help with getting a flat joint but should not be requred for strength. So, if the only glue joints you would use the Domino for is the top, it might not be worth the cost right now.