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).
(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
(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.
(Exhibit B, again)
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!
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).
(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
(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.
(Exhibit B, again)
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!