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Finally took the Festool plunge

3K views 13 replies 12 participants last post by  Gator 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Can you judge a person by the tools he/she keeps? I can't answer that question, but I might have just moved up a notch on the, "I'm not buying crap tools anymore" ratings. I guess it started when I posted a blog regarding cheep tools being made by "reputable" manufacturers. Someone said they don't buy crap any more - just Festool.

I have to admit, they do cost more than I am used to paying; but they are worth it. Take as example, Exhibit A (the dust extractor and random orbital sander).

Green Gas Gadget Cable Electrical wiring


(Exhibit A)

I must own at least five, working, dust vacuums besides this one. I just purchased a small, 2-gallon to take on jobs for quick cleanups. Each is, OK, and does the job - at least I thought. I even tried hooking one up to a PC oscillating spindle sander (didn't work all that well). However, I guess I never knew what dust extraction really was until I hooked my ETS125 and started sanding. OMG - it can suck chrome off of a bumper! I mean, man - this thing really sucks!!!! It has adjustable suction and automatic tool start. Sure, it costs more than all 5 of my other vacuums combined, but it does the job better than all 5 put together, too.

Oh, let's not forget about the sander. When I purchased my Bosch, I thought I made it to the top. Let me take back anything I said about how good that sander was. This one is awesome. When hooked up to the extractor - there is not even one bit of dust - anywhere. None left on or around the wood. Very nice.

Now on to the big tools - the TS 75 EQ plunge saw with the MFT/3 - multifunction table - Exhibit B

Creative arts Wood Power tool Machine Engineering


(Exhibit B)

I saw this behemoth in action at a Katz Road Show. I knew I would eventually purchase the saw, but when I witnessed the flexibility of the work table, I knew I would have to spring for that too. When purchased together with the saw, I got the 75" guide rail with it. Rockler was out of the connector, but when it comes in, I'll be able to cut an 8' panel without a problem (not that I don't already have the capacity, but at least I can do this on a job site). It comes with the angle unit, a 42" guide rail, fence clamp, and other needed equipment.

Property Wood Floor Flooring Gas


(Exhibit B, again)

Kitchen appliance Gas Machine Wood Home appliance


Because I'm extremely slow in getting things done in the shop, I am limited to how much time I can spend outside (it's currently 11 degrees outside). I have to trim the splinter guard on the guide rail, and dial in my guide rail & angle unit, before I can test the saw and table. If I take a flame thrower to the snow, I might be able to run my gas line into the shop - like that's going to happen soon.

To say I'm geeked would be an understatement. The saw just happened to be one of those tools I actually have a job awaiting it's use. The dust extractor, well, I guess I needed that for the saw, too!!! I honestly don't have a need for another router (well, come to think of it…), so I can't say which Festool will be my next addition.

The only downer to all of these tools - I had to purchase the cleaning set for the extractor, and I want to purchase a box for the MFT accessories (I know, most people leave everything attached - I just like the boxes!).

I'll let you know how I feel about these tools after a year. Hopefully I'll still be wanting to purchase more!
 

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#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
You Dawg…you went shopping….great tools. I have yet to take the Festool plunge. The Domino looks awful tempting and the MFT, the Kapex, etc, etc, etc, etc,
I see you also set up my Mini-Press up quite nicely…lol. I still kick myself for hesitating on that one, but I'm glad it found a good home. I ended up scoring on a Delta line borer with the hinge boring attachment.
 
#4 ·
Yep - that green kool-aid is great.

Gary - between you and Michael Smith - I'm going to have to strap that Blum down just to make sure it doesn't grow legs!!!! I saw the Domino in action too, talk about nice! I have PC biscuit joiner, but it doesn't get enough use as it is - but talk long enough and I might just pick one up too.

Glad you got that line borer. I know you'll use that a lot.
 
#5 ·
Ah, green Kool-Aid. Know it well.

I got sick of buying cheap tools. Then buying better ones. Twice the cost.

Can't imagine replacing any of my Festools. Stupid expensive, but great quality and ergonomics.
 
#7 ·
i admit that initially i had an aversion for festool, being the kind of person that disthrusts anything that gets too much credit. i just thought "those poor people who are afraid to say anything bad about their expensive tools, to not look like idiots who pay so much for something that can't be worth it"
i have come to realise that yes, their stuff is usually above everybody elses, and that yes, if youre doing this as a job then it's probably best to invest in expensive but quality tools.

i have mostly Bosch now, and im verry happy with it, each tool functions great on it's own. though theres no "system" no bigger idea, no compatibility. if i had all festool i could do more. from now on i think i will only buy festool, besides for cordless drills. still waiting for my Kapex to come in XD
 
#8 ·
Tom - it's funny you say that. I've been around long enough to know better, but it seems like the $ always dictates my initial purchase. Like a lot of LJs, I have quite a few Bosch (their 36 volt cordless is awesome), but comparing Festool to all the rest, there is a noticeable difference.

Fortunately, there are not that many tools I really NEED. I can take my time to save up for the best, and replace the old ones as they die out.
 
#10 ·
I've been bitten by the festool bug also. Yes, they are expensive, but this is a hobby. I have friends who spend large amounts of money on boats, RVs, guns and even fishing poles. They buy what they want for their hobbies and I do the same.

One can probably not cost justify some of the festool tools - - but I don't have to.
 
#11 ·
I look at it like this … what I spend on woodworking tools is dwarfed by what my wife spends on sewing machines (has anybody priced a Bernina 830 lately … somewhere north of $10K!).

She already has a 'cheaper' Bernina (~$4500). I could buy a lot of tools for that.

-Gerry
 
#14 ·
I do not own any of the green stuff.. but other than cost, I have not heard one negative thing about their product. I really like their storage solutions, and am sure that as an older tool some how manages to fall in front of a train .. I will start collecting green. Every trade show I go too.. I am like a moth to the flame when Festool has a demonstration going on. What I have seen so far impresses the hell out of me..

Congrats on the new tools..

Gator
 
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