Your list of essential Festools

[MkAtCy]

Hello All, I've been reading FOG for a while but this is my first post! 

I would like to know what you (anyone) consider to be the essential list of Festools.  To be more specific, if you could buy one a month in what order would you purchase them (tools and accessories) and why?

I have purchased the TS 75, CT 26, and a 55" track.  I'm considering the barrel grip Carvex 420 and the KAPEX but I could be swayed in other directions based on your lists.

I'd also like to say thanks to the regular contributors on here, FOG has been integral in starting my Festool addiction!!

Mark

 

[Birdhunter]

The list depends on what type of projects you do most often and if you already have tools that work for those projects.

The "game changer" for me and one of the first two Festool products I bought was the Domino 500 plus accessory kit. That tool has totally changed the way I do case goods work and the way I make jewelry boxes.

When I bought the Domino, I bought the TS55. Until I added a dual MFT, the TS55 was a ho-hum addition. The combination of the TS55 and the MFT system greatly improved case work. I did have to modify the MFT to gain the stability I needed.

I bought a bunch of Festool drills and routers, but the next "game changer" was the Kapex. My old miter saw was very accurate and worked very well as long as I drug it outside. The dust it produced, even with enhanced dust collection, was terrible. The Kapex is definitely a better miter saw, but its major advantage is that it allows me to work inside.

The next tool that made a difference is the cordless jigsaw. It allows me to make cuts anywhere without dragging a cord behind me. The cord always seemed to be in the way.

 

[MkAtCy]

That's interesting, do you use the dust collection with your jigsaw?  I figured to biggest advantage of the festool jigsaw would be dust collection and that would make the cordless feature a bit pointless.  Wouldn't a cheaper cordless model such as the Bosch or Makita be a better solution for cordless if your not concerned with the mess?

 

[SittingElf]

The PSC420 cordless jigsaw was my first "essential" purchase. (I even bought it in Germany before it was available in the U.S.)

The first project was cutting up a ton of insulation sheets to fully insulate my three-car garage doors. All day job and the Jigsaw stood up to the abuse.  No real dust to worry about.

Over just the last few days, the tool has been a godsend, making quick work of breaking down a number of pallets that were littering my shop and driveway from big machines I've had delivered over the last few months.  Again, done outside, dust collection was not an issue, and the tool performs magnificently. I was able to save quite a bit of the pallet wood as well for reclaimed wood small projects and scrap.

The next tool that has been "essential" was my initial purchase of the CXS drill. Magic!  Light, powerful, and a joy to use.  (I've since also added a T 18+3 for more industrial use).

Since then, the bug has bitten hard and my shop is starting to look very, very green! [big grin]

Cheers,

Frank

 

[RC]

+1 for Domino + domino selection systainer (gets you a bunch of dominoes + all the other cutter sizes needed)

I wouldn't put the Carvex very high on my list... Frankly my old Makita did the job just as well as my current 420 Carvex (except it doesn't fit in the CMS-PS attachment, but it's not that good to start with).
CXS is surprisingly nice I must admit and I would love to have a Kapex if I could sneak one in the house without my significant other noticing it  [tongue]

Depending what you already have in the way of routers you might want to look at the OF2200 or if money is an issue the OF1400 for your routing needs. You might want to look at the CMS-system if you don't have a router table yet.

Another great bit of kit from Festool are their sanders which I'd probably buy a RO90 and an ETS150/3 in that order.

So maybe

Month 1: Domino DF500 + domino sortiment systainer
Month 2: Kapex
Month 3: RO90 + sandpaper systainer
Month 4: ETS150/3 + sandpaper systainer
Month 5: CXS Set + Syslite
Month 6: OF2200 or CMS OF Set
...
Month when your credit card bursts in flames: Conturo edgebander  [popcorn]

 

[Birdhunter]

I use a Festool vac with my cordless and my corded Festool jigsaws if I'm cutting inside.

The nicest thing about the cordless jigsaw is to be able to use it outside where I might not have access to electrical power.

The only downside to the cordless model is that it won't start the vac automatically. That's a small price to pay for the convenience of going cordless.

 

[semenza]

Hello All, I've been reading FOG for a while but this is my first post! 

I would like to know what you (anyone) consider to be the essential list of Festools.  To be more specific, if you could buy one a month in what order would you purchase them (tools and accessories) and why?

I have purchased the TS 75, CT 26, and a 55" track.  I'm considering the barrel grip Carvex 420 and the KAPEX but I could be swayed in other directions based on your lists.

I'd also like to say thanks to the regular contributors on here, FOG has been integral in starting my Festool addiction!!

Mark

Welcome to the forum!  [smile]

    TS55 /75 with short and long rails.

    Domino 500

    Kapex

    OF1400 Router

    Sander (s),  Jigsaw,  all the rest.

  CT or some type of vac being a given. MFT depending on other benches and how you work.

Seth

 

[gsdvorak]

+1 on the Domino, TS55, and Kapex- I build furniture and these Festools made the most difference for me.  I cannot overstate the value of the CT vac as well- my first Festool purchase was the Domino/CT22 package.  I didn't realize the effect of airborne dust in an enclosed shop until it wasn't there.

My biggest surprise was the Syslite- my dealer let me try out the demo in my shop and it is now part of every job I do.  I actually fix all the defects before applying stain!  (at least the ones the customer will notice).

I'm trying to convince my wife of this, but I believe that if it comes in a sustainer, it is essential!

Regards,
Gerald

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

These five Festool products would be replaced the day that they are gone.  I consider them essential to my shop.

1. Domino DF700 XL
2. Kapex
3. OF 1400
4. RS2e
5. ETS 125

 

[jacko9]

Hello All, I've been reading FOG for a while but this is my first post! 

I would like to know what you (anyone) consider to be the essential list of Festools.  To be more specific, if you could buy one a month in what order would you purchase them (tools and accessories) and why?

I have purchased the TS 75, CT 26, and a 55" track.  I'm considering the barrel grip Carvex 420 and the KAPEX but I could be swayed in other directions based on your lists.

I'd also like to say thanks to the regular contributors on here, FOG has been integral in starting my Festool addiction!!

Mark

Mark,

It would helpful to know what you intend to build to be better able to recommend your tool purchase priorities.  It would also be useful to know what kind of shop tools you already own.

Jack

 

[MkAtCy]

+1 for Domino + domino selection systainer (gets you a bunch of dominoes + all the other cutter sizes needed)

I wouldn't put the Carvex very high on my list... Frankly my old Makita did the job just as well as my current 420 Carvex (except it doesn't fit in the CMS-PS attachment, but it's not that good to start with).
CXS is surprisingly nice I must admit and I would love to have a Kapex if I could sneak one in the house without my significant other noticing it  [tongue]

Depending what you already have in the way of routers you might want to look at the OF2200 or if money is an issue the OF1400 for your routing needs. You might want to look at the CMS-system if you don't have a router table yet.

Another great bit of kit from Festool are their sanders which I'd probably buy a RO90 and an ETS150/3 in that order.

So maybe

Month 1: Domino DF500 + domino sortiment systainer
Month 2: Kapex
Month 3: RO90 + sandpaper systainer
Month 4: ETS150/3 + sandpaper systainer
Month 5: CXS Set + Syslite
Month 6: OF2200 or CMS OF Set
...
Month when your credit card bursts in flames: Conturo edgebander  [popcorn]

I did wonder if the jigsaw was worth switching too.  The RO90 has been on my list, although I forgot to mention it.  Why did the Syslite make your top five?  I will agree on the credit card, haha.

Welcome to the forum!  [smile]

    TS55 /75 with short and long rails.

    Domino 500

    Kapex

    OF1400 Router

    Sander (s),  Jigsaw,  all the rest.

  CT or some type of vac being a given. MFT depending on other benches and how you work.

Seth

When you say short and long rails would you purchase every length of rail?  Good to see the Kapex on a few peoples list, I would like to replace my saw.

+1 on the Domino, TS55, and Kapex- I build furniture and these Festools made the most difference for me.  I cannot overstate the value of the CT vac as well- my first Festool purchase was the Domino/CT22 package.  I didn't realize the effect of airborne dust in an enclosed shop until it wasn't there.

My biggest surprise was the Syslite- my dealer let me try out the demo in my shop and it is now part of every job I do.  I actually fix all the defects before applying stain!  (at least the ones the customer will notice).

I'm trying to convince my wife of this, but I believe that if it comes in a sustainer, it is essential!

Regards,
Gerald

Haha, I figure over time I will likely acquire a lot of Festools but I can only justify so much a month!

These five Festool products would be replaced the day that they are gone.  I consider them essential to my shop.

1. Domino DF700 XL
2. Kapex
3. OF 1400
4. RS2e
5. ETS 125

Is the Domino DF700 XL that much better than the 500?  It looks a lot bulkier to me, is it not a little cumbersome?

Mark,

It would helpful to know what you intend to build to be better able to recommend your tool purchase priorities.  It would also be useful to know what kind of shop tools you already own.

Jack

I do quite a bit of site work from framing to finish but I am in the process of setting up a shop for building cupboards and other projects.  The dust collection on site is important and is the reason I bought my first Festool.  I am also looking to build a portable workshop trailer for site work.  Most of my tools currently are Makita which I have had great luck with.

More to the point I am interested to hear why people rank certain tools above others for their own applications as that will help me to see value where I may have missed it.

 

[Roseland]

TS55 + rails
MFT/3
CTL26
OF1400
OF1010 + edge trimming accessories
MFS 400

Of the Festool tools I have (the list above are just my favourites) the biggest surprise for me was the MFS400.  When I got it I wasn't sure I'd use it much, but it gets used on almost every project I do.

Andrew

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

[/quote]

Is the Domino DF700 XL that much better than the 500?  It looks a lot bulkier to me, is it not a little cumbersome?

Answer:
I wouldn't call it bulkier or cumbersome. It's a beautifully engineered tool. After some experience with it, you would find the balance. Your builds will determine which tools become the most useful to you. I have used the XL on my previous five builds, am using it for my current one, and will need it for my next three.

 

[jacko9]

I have both Domino machines and the larger DF700 is not cumbersome and is in fact nicely engineered and very well balanced.

JACK

 

[dltflt]

Domino
RO 90
OF1400
More sanders RO150, ETS 150
Maybe LR320

 

[jacko9]

Considering what you already own, I would go for additional functionality first.  I have both Domino joiners but, in your case I would recommend you buy the DF700 that will do well on the job site and in your shop for every thing from finish carpentry to fine cabinetmaking.

Get the assortment of Domino and the spare cutters along with the Seneca adapters to allow you to use the smaller cutters.  After that the Festool sanders used with your CT26 will amaze you for a dust free work environment.  I have the RO90, the ETS 150/3, the LS130 and thew ETS 125.  I think you might find the RO90 or the RO125 suitable, I didn't mention the RO150 because I think it's a brute and unless you need that kind of sanding power stick with the morse manageable machines.  The ETS 150/3 or the 150/5 will be a great RO Sander for you.  I use the 150/3 because I do more finish sanding and it has become my go to sander.

The Kapex is right up there in price with the Domino so you have to ask yourself if you really need a new Miter saw or just want a Great one?  The Domino will be a game changer once you find out how much you can do with it.

Jack

 

[MrToolJunkie]

OF2200
CT Extractor - any size, but 26 or 36
Domino
TS75 with long and short rails
MFT/3
RS2E
RO90
Carvex

 

[AofD]

Here is my list sorted by most used to least.

1) CT26
2) MFT/3 (with clamps!)
3) T18 set
4) ETS150/3 and RO90
5) KAPEX
6) TS55R
7) OF1400

I love all of them and wouldn't part with any.  I consider the CT26 and MFT/3 to be the core of my shop.  I was unsure about the MFT at first but I've recently realize how much I use it for clamping my work pieces for processing and assembly.

 

[batcave]

For me, the sanders and vac are most important. They are used on every job. I can sand anywhere and not leave a mess. The paper is great and easily identified by grit.

Kevin

 

[upscale]

I would like to know what you (anyone) consider to be the essential list of Festools.  To be more specific, if you could buy one a month in what order would you purchase them (tools and accessories) and why?

Money
Domino

More money
Vacuum

More money
Drills

More money
Sanders

More, more money
Kapex

[size=12pt]Debt negotiation with my creditors...[/size]