dogdad
Well-known member
anyone use these..thoughts ..pro's /cons..?
https://www.festoolusa.com/
https://www.festoolusa.com/
Festool
- Thread starter dogdad
- Start date
I got tired of dust all over my shop...researched and bought the festool vac and disc sander. Amazing setup...
Loved it so much...got 3 other sanders, planner, router amd jigsaw.
They are pricey...but they are great tools, essentially dustless and have proven to be handy and tough.
The older I get, I have tended to by better tools...and this is one of my favorites.
If you go to a vender...they usually have tools and vacs set up to try.
Loved it so much...got 3 other sanders, planner, router amd jigsaw.
They are pricey...but they are great tools, essentially dustless and have proven to be handy and tough.
The older I get, I have tended to by better tools...and this is one of my favorites.
If you go to a vender...they usually have tools and vacs set up to try.
I have one - a CT 36 and when it came time to buy a second vac I BOUGHT A BOSCH!
I have sampled the Festool Koolaid and I still read their forum every now and then. When I see all the people complaining about how the motor on their $1,400 miter saw burned out (some for the 2nd time) I just smile to myself...
Back to your question. For my second vac I bought a Bosch VAC090S for $480 a year and a half ago. Note it is HEPA ready. The HEPA filter is an extra $100 and since I don't need one that is $100 in my pocket. That is one of the reasons why it is cheaper than the Festool
I stepped on the Festool hose once - now it is permanently crimped
No problems stepping on the Bosch hose. The Festool does have an electronic adjustment to control the vacuum, the Bosch has the old reliable vent that you open at the end of the house to reduce it's power.
Recently had to dig about (15) 30" deep post holes for a new fence and used the Bosch vac to help clean out the holes. Worked great - I wouldn't even think about doing that with the Festool
Also Festool can be real picky about what accessories you use with their tools. Example - someone was using one of those smaller dust deputies and it fried the circuitry in the vac. Festool denied the warranty claim. Another example - guy was using one of their jigsaws to cut a board. He hit a screw which basically trashed the jigsaw (these things are cheap) Festool denied the warranty because he had indicated he was not using a Festool blade....
If your into the Hype - Apple, BMW, SnapOn, Etc, buy the Festool. If you want a tool that works buy the Bosch.
Bosch also has their L box system that will clip right on to the top of the vac like Festool
Lastly - what a joke. Festool just had their annual across the board price increase and now the put their vac's on sale a month later - who are they trying to kid?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HUCUK6K/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I have sampled the Festool Koolaid and I still read their forum every now and then. When I see all the people complaining about how the motor on their $1,400 miter saw burned out (some for the 2nd time) I just smile to myself...
Back to your question. For my second vac I bought a Bosch VAC090S for $480 a year and a half ago. Note it is HEPA ready. The HEPA filter is an extra $100 and since I don't need one that is $100 in my pocket. That is one of the reasons why it is cheaper than the Festool
I stepped on the Festool hose once - now it is permanently crimped
No problems stepping on the Bosch hose. The Festool does have an electronic adjustment to control the vacuum, the Bosch has the old reliable vent that you open at the end of the house to reduce it's power.Recently had to dig about (15) 30" deep post holes for a new fence and used the Bosch vac to help clean out the holes. Worked great - I wouldn't even think about doing that with the Festool
Also Festool can be real picky about what accessories you use with their tools. Example - someone was using one of those smaller dust deputies and it fried the circuitry in the vac. Festool denied the warranty claim. Another example - guy was using one of their jigsaws to cut a board. He hit a screw which basically trashed the jigsaw (these things are cheap) Festool denied the warranty because he had indicated he was not using a Festool blade....
If your into the Hype - Apple, BMW, SnapOn, Etc, buy the Festool. If you want a tool that works buy the Bosch.
Bosch also has their L box system that will clip right on to the top of the vac like Festool
Lastly - what a joke. Festool just had their annual across the board price increase and now the put their vac's on sale a month later - who are they trying to kid?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HUCUK6K/?tag=atomicindus08-20
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You want an 'amazing sander' you should look at the Ceros Mirka
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VTTO14/?tag=atomicindus08-20
It leaves the Festool in the dust
You want an 'amazing sander' you should look at the Ceros Mirka
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VTTO14/?tag=atomicindus08-20
It leaves the Festool in the dust
For $525... It better leave something!!
anndel
Well-known member
If you have the means go for it, they're worth every penny.
I really don't understand the poster that said they were breaking so easy. I have been on high-end remodeling jobsites where the contractors used festool and never heard a single complaint and Contractors beat the **** out of tools.
Personally I have droped my from the ceiling and it just has a scuff. It works as good as new.
For me the big difference is in the comfort. Festool tools for in my hands better and don't vibrate as much as other brands.
I highly recommend going to a show room and trying them out.
Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk
Personally I have droped my from the ceiling and it just has a scuff. It works as good as new.
For me the big difference is in the comfort. Festool tools for in my hands better and don't vibrate as much as other brands.
I highly recommend going to a show room and trying them out.
Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk
bcradio
Well-known member
He's speaking from true inexperience and probably mad at how expensive Festool tools are. Would you take advice from someone who vacuums dirt from a hole outside?
Just wait for Rice Man to come along.
UncleJoe
Well-known member
I looked hard at them for 2 years then finally bought the track saw. It was so far superior to anything I had ever used I ended up buying more products from them. All I can say is I used to be able to build fairly decent stuff but now the stuff coming out of my shop is great. The wife loves the cabinets I made for her and they look and feel better than the cabinets I see in the showroom. I simply could not have produced this quality with the tools I had been using.
I got into the sanders as well. Im a paint contractor so sanding is a everyday occurrence for me.
I also love the systainers and have mostly converted to them for my general tool boxes.
Pros: The tools seep quality, the kind you can feel when you pick them up.
Cons: Cost.
The one thing that does irk me to NO end, is Festool does not seem to update there older tools. I really want the RAS115 but it is a tool from before they had plug-it cords on everything. They sell you on there system but then they won't bring there older tools up to date to work with the "system"!
I also love the systainers and have mostly converted to them for my general tool boxes.
Pros: The tools seep quality, the kind you can feel when you pick them up.
Cons: Cost.
The one thing that does irk me to NO end, is Festool does not seem to update there older tools. I really want the RAS115 but it is a tool from before they had plug-it cords on everything. They sell you on there system but then they won't bring there older tools up to date to work with the "system"!
What all products from Festool have you purchased?
Trey T
Well-known member
I believe they're designed for wood workers, finishing works or cabinetry, that can't afford a complete commercial style woodwork shop yet (i.e. Norm Abram's Yankee woodwork shop) or for on-site work. In that sense, they're not that expensive compare to commercial stationary tools and their tools allow for wide range of projects, but it doesn't replace stationary tools though.
I like the loose tenon tool they have. That's one tool I'm planning to purchase for a honey-do projects.
Festool market their products as dustless tools w/ their "dust extractor" ... that's one of their big marketing strategy. Go to a shop that carry them and check it out before you buy it. If you like their vacuum, get it, or just get other HEPA vacuum out there that may suite better for your shop.
Here is the most recent thread on the Festool Owners Group where someone reported another Kapex miter say has died
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-problems/kapex-is-dead-!!!/?topicseen
Festool charges 3x as much for this saw (the Kapex) than what most decent miter saws cost, yet their failing left and right and Festool won't do anything about it. (But you always have the Festool Trolls like bcradio to rush to Festools defense and blame it on the user.)
The Kapex also has a history of problem when your making really small cuts - the cutoff gets caught up in the blade housing and basically blows it apart which results in $$$ for repairs
So much for their German engineering and premium price...
That is why I have the Bosch Glide
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-problems/kapex-is-dead-!!!/?topicseen
Festool charges 3x as much for this saw (the Kapex) than what most decent miter saws cost, yet their failing left and right and Festool won't do anything about it. (But you always have the Festool Trolls like bcradio to rush to Festools defense and blame it on the user.)
The Kapex also has a history of problem when your making really small cuts - the cutoff gets caught up in the blade housing and basically blows it apart which results in $$$ for repairs
So much for their German engineering and premium price...
That is why I have the Bosch Glide
bcradio
Well-known member
This logic here is why you can't listen to so many people on this forum.
"Oh my snap-on welder broke and I looked online and saw many others had their welders break... Snap-On tools are overpriced and terrible quality."
Ok, so you think their Kapex isn't the best... how does that have anything to do with the rest of their tool lineup?
bcradio
Well-known member
I don't need to google it... I've installed plenty of fence posts and never had a need to vacuum dirt. You enjoy that
I don't have a problem paying good money for a good tool. The problem is Festool is over rated hype
I am just a hobbyist wood worker - but I do appreciate working with 'quality' tools. I currently own a Festool track saw, the CT 36 vac and the DTS 400 sander. At that point I came to my senses and realised you're really paying for the 'name' and to be part of some wannabe 'elitist; type club club (club rules - you have to attack anyone that would dare to say something bad about Festool) lol
Just to show you where I am coming from - Here is a pic of my table saw. I am sure you have no idea what it is so I will clue you in
It is actually an Italian made "Combination Machine" which consists of a 12" European style 'sliding' table saw, a 1 1/4" spindle shaper (I use Freeborn cutters - ever heard of them?) and a 12" jointer planer.
Go back under your bridge Festool Troll the OP is looking for honest opinions
What your looking here is my $15k MiniMax CU300
Thank you for attempting to brag about what you own (like someone actually cares). Also, good job putting words in my mouth. I never once defended Festool tools, just called you out for ragging on them about stuff you don't have experience with.
Keep up the good work making yourself look ignorant.
rlitman
Well-known member
You want an 'amazing sander' you should look at the Ceros Mirka
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VTTO14/?tag=atomicindus08-20
It leaves the Festool in the dust
The Ceros is their first generation model, and requires a large external power box. The Deros is the next generation model and plugs directly in.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RZSVBEY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
How much cheaper do you think a Festool brushless sander is?
BTW, none of these is any better than a Dynabrade.
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bcradio
Well-known member
The Ceros is a close as you can get to a Dynabrade without the need for the air compressor. True - it does have an ac to dc transformer but the cord to the actual sander is not much bigger than a regular power cord. And there is actually pretty decent dust control with the Ceros
good comeback
Git seems to not even have an occupation... lol
I like the "looks at profile, tries to use information to discredit poster" method of internet arguing.
rlitman
Well-known member
Agreed. I've pointed out here before that once you factor in the cost of a compressor that can put out the 16+CFM a Dynabrade requires, the Ceros and Deros don't sound that expensive (especially when you remember that such a compressor is not portable).
As for dust control, Mirka's got the best system out there with their mesh pads and discs. But you can put that on any brand pneumatic sander (Dynabrade, Hutchins, etc), or use it with the Mirka. You could probably also fit it onto a Festool.
Trey T
Well-known member
Who in their right mind to purchase everything from Festool though? Not everything in their line up is worth the cost.
Several of their tools are very innovative (Kapex, Domino, and Tracksaw) and they deserve those hypes. But that's just it, the hype is from several of their product, just like any other companies out there that produce consumer product or servicing product.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
The model with the external power supply (Ceros) is in my opinion superior to the Mirka with the build in power supply (Deros). The newer model is not well balanced whereas the previous version was indistinguishable from an air powered sander.
These are made for Mirka by AirVantage in Taiwan in case anybody wants to know.
Festool is overpriced by about 2X and the people that think they are the end of the world are very similar to Snap-On snobs. The one thing they have down pat is dust collection. With that you cannot argue.
If you think Festool owners are Kool-Aid drinkers try arguing with The Felder Owners Group. Nobody is worse than Felder people.
These are made for Mirka by AirVantage in Taiwan in case anybody wants to know.
Festool is overpriced by about 2X and the people that think they are the end of the world are very similar to Snap-On snobs. The one thing they have down pat is dust collection. With that you cannot argue.
If you think Festool owners are Kool-Aid drinkers try arguing with The Felder Owners Group. Nobody is worse than Felder people.
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I only own the Festool CXS 10,8 volt cordless drill so far but it´s a pretty awesome tool because of the ergonomics. Next on the wish list are the ETS 125 and ETS 150 sanders.
BioNerd
Well-known member
Festool is an expensive brand, carpenters show it off. Doesn't make anyone a better woodworker. I personally would never be part of that club just to say that I never bought into it because I got fed up with the attitude festool fanatics have.
BioNerd
Well-known member
jar944
Well-known member
I finally broke down and got the new ets150 ros. It's currently the only Festool product I own, however a Domino 700 xl is next.
The sander is great, and the dust collection (my reason for going with a fe$tool sander) lives up to the hype.
That said short of the domino, I don't see any must haves in the lineup. Most of their tools have a comparable bosch, Milwaukee, dewalt, or Makita tool at a lower cost.
The sander is great, and the dust collection (my reason for going with a fe$tool sander) lives up to the hype.
That said short of the domino, I don't see any must haves in the lineup. Most of their tools have a comparable bosch, Milwaukee, dewalt, or Makita tool at a lower cost.
I too went with a Festool RO sander because of the dust collection. It really does do an amazing job. I use a Nilfisk Attix vac with it because I got a great deal on it and feel it is a superior vac. One thing pretty cool about it is that it has auto on/off for both power and air tools.
rice rocket
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2011
- Messages
- 3,175
Festool has done to woodworking what Apple has done to consumer electronics.
Made things simple, marketed heavily, and created a following.
Innovation-wise, they've not done much in the past 10 years and continue to raise prices. Not sure if they lost some engineering talent, or decided to just rest on their laurels. If you boil it down, they've done nothing really different in the past 10 years than Bosch, Makita, Metabo, etc.
Festool's track saw was good, maybe 10 years ago, now you can find better from Mafell or even the cheaper Makita. Festool's sanders, also once very good, but now you can do better from Mirka, or about the same for much cheaper from Makita, Bosch, or Metabo.
One thing they did do right was standardize on one dust-extraction outlet size, which means you don't have to track down the right adapter to use dust extractors, though that's become more common as of late as well.
Made things simple, marketed heavily, and created a following.
Innovation-wise, they've not done much in the past 10 years and continue to raise prices. Not sure if they lost some engineering talent, or decided to just rest on their laurels. If you boil it down, they've done nothing really different in the past 10 years than Bosch, Makita, Metabo, etc.
Festool's track saw was good, maybe 10 years ago, now you can find better from Mafell or even the cheaper Makita. Festool's sanders, also once very good, but now you can do better from Mirka, or about the same for much cheaper from Makita, Bosch, or Metabo.
One thing they did do right was standardize on one dust-extraction outlet size, which means you don't have to track down the right adapter to use dust extractors, though that's become more common as of late as well.
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rice rocket
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2011
- Messages
- 3,175
Why are you always riding Festool's knob? Just about every thread on here about Festool, you have to come in and be the apologist when anything negative is said about the brand. You've even admitted that you have tried only two of their tools, yet continue to rap on how great they are. Give it a break, being so combative about it takes away even more from what little credibility you have left.
speed bump
Well-known member
I love the Domino concept and eventually hope to have enough work to justify owning one. Otherwise there aren't really Festool specific tools that I really want to own.
My opinion of Festool is, it is typically 10% better for almost double the money. Being an average hack with several hobbies owning Festool is like owning a full Snap-on wrench set. I can, but that investment has such a long payback I don't see the point of giving up everything else I could have done with that money*.
*Your opinion may change if you are a professional, have a very limited scope of hobbies, or tool polishing is your hobby.
My opinion of Festool is, it is typically 10% better for almost double the money. Being an average hack with several hobbies owning Festool is like owning a full Snap-on wrench set. I can, but that investment has such a long payback I don't see the point of giving up everything else I could have done with that money*.
*Your opinion may change if you are a professional, have a very limited scope of hobbies, or tool polishing is your hobby.
stevenhs
Well-known member
Im a big fan on their sanders and vacuum system.I have used it couple of times. I have their CXS cordless drill. The warranty 3 years and customer service is what got me into it.
ash95608
Well-known member
I own lots of Festool and Bosch tools I believe that they are both great tools. Festool is more expensive, I personally have never had issues with them but I don't use the stuff daily. They do offer lots of first hand innovations that make the job easier but after a while everyone else copies it so I'm sure you can accomplish the goal and have great results with different tools as well it just comes to your own preference on what you like and how much you want to spend.
danski0224
Well-known member
There are many real gems in the Festool lineup... and some so-so's.
The biggest advantage is many of the Festool tools are designed to be part of a system, and stuff can be added later.
You can buy a Festool, use it for 30 days, and return it if it does not perform to your needs.
Their Shinex sander is one of the best for automotive detailing.
Their Rotex sander will take off material faster than a belt sander with more control and very limited dust when used with their vacuum (oops, dust collector).
They have a 12V drill with detachable heads and a brushless motor that will shame many 18V drills.
I don't guzzle the Festool KoolAid, but they do offer many excellent products without equal.
There are a number of haters here that will bring up pricing/expense. Keep in mind that most of the Festool tools are made in Germany by employees that are most likely unionized and have good benefits. This is much more than workers in Mexico or China.
The full Festool line is not available in the USA, and the USA prices are cheaper than Euro pricing.
I HIGHLY doubt that.
The TS 55REQ is about 660$ with one 1400mm Rail.
With current exchange rates, that is about 593€.
I can get the TS55 REBQ (european model of the REQ) with one Rail for around 510€. I got mine unused for 300€ (without the rail).
Edit: Even on sale, the Festool Midi VAC is about 470$, which is about 420€. You can buy a new Festool Midi in Germany for 350€. So i can totally understand, how Festool prices are considered too high in the US, given how many other tools you guys can choose from.
Try buying DeWalt in Germany
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hilld
Well-known member
I own about 12 festool tools and they pretty much are multiple steps ahead of their competition. I especially love the dust collection and precision of the tools.
We all bash cheap Chinese tools and I am no exception. I look for tools not made in China even if it does cost more. Their storage system is also another area to consider, the tools all stack rather than have a variety of blow molded cases that don't stack.
I know that many complain that some of the tools area setup for metric only which I actually prefer. Once you go metric it all just makes more sense.
Whatever tools is your favorite just stick with it and use it to its potential.
We all bash cheap Chinese tools and I am no exception. I look for tools not made in China even if it does cost more. Their storage system is also another area to consider, the tools all stack rather than have a variety of blow molded cases that don't stack.
I know that many complain that some of the tools area setup for metric only which I actually prefer. Once you go metric it all just makes more sense.
Whatever tools is your favorite just stick with it and use it to its potential.
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LeeG
Well-known member
If you are going to buy "a" tool, Festool probably isn't the best fit. If you are looking at several that will work well together, then it might be a good fit for you personally.
I am a hobbiest woodworker, and I started with a Festool router about 6 years ago. I was using it with a Ridgid shop vac for dust collection and was very impressed with how smooth and accurate the router was and how well the dust collection worked compared to my other routers (Dewalt, Hitachi, PC, and Bosch)
I later added one of there finish sanders (ETS 150) and a CT36 dust collector. The dust collection was good enough that I could go do some sanding before church and not have to clean up. I later added several other sanders, generally replacing my existing sanders to the point where all of my sanders are Festool. The abrasives are more expensive, but seem to last enough longer that it works out as a wash.
Their CSX drill is my go to drill/driver, but I use my M18 fuel for heavy drilling and driving. I have tried the Other Festool drills and while they are nice, Milwaukee seems to be at better price/performance point.
I also own a Domino and a Track saw. The track saw was a real game changer for me. Since I got it, I typically only use my table saw for ripping long, thin strips of hardwood. One of my summer projects is to cut down my Unisaw fence from 52" to about half that - I never handle full sheets of plywood on the table saw any more. The domino I use, but on many things, I still just slam them together with pocket screws. If I can't have the pocket hole gaps showing, or if I need a stronger joint, I'll use the domino.
Finally, I do have one of their MFT work tables. This looks like the stupidest thing ever, but it has become my go-to work table for most of my woodworking tasks.
In summary, I was a huge skeptic. I used the 30 day no risk trial and became convinced. It for sure isn't for everyone, and not every piece of their equipment is the best, but it is all good.
If you are just looking for an awesome shop vac, i have a Fein turbo III that I really like. Not sure if you want to use your vac to hook up to festool stuff. I don't have any so I don't know. I believe both the Fein and festool use some proprietary hose size. I can't get accessories at Home Depot. That might be something to look into. Also check the pricing get on the consumables. I use bags and the fabric filter. That vac filters better than our household vacuum.
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bcradio
Well-known member
I didn't argue for or against the brand. The only argument i made was against someone making claims guessing about stuff... and i called him out on it. Maybe you should try reading a bit in the thread before you comment... could help
