KGB Pilot125
Well-known member
Picked up some festool stuff yesterday and have been using it today all I can say is wow!
Got the TS55req saw
MFT3 table
and the CT26 vac
Got the TS55req saw
MFT3 table
and the CT26 vac
Jumped into the Festool world
- Thread starter KGB Pilot125
- Start date
I know someone is going to tell me how i haven't tasted the kool ade but I would say if I were getting any Festool products, or that 'this is the best there is no second best' I'd have to say the TS55 Req, the new jigsaw, maybe the Domino would be what I buy.
Kapex is just a miter.
The routers are just routers.
Among their realistic competitors, Bosch & Fein, the HEPA vac is just a HEPA vac. Granted, they all cost about the same so it's hard to say you overpaid for the Fes vac.
Hope you enjoy them, post up some pics of them in use.
Kapex is just a miter.
The routers are just routers.
Among their realistic competitors, Bosch & Fein, the HEPA vac is just a HEPA vac. Granted, they all cost about the same so it's hard to say you overpaid for the Fes vac.
Hope you enjoy them, post up some pics of them in use.
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neophyte
Well-known member
I'll disagree with you on the routers. I don't think much of the height adjustment scales on the Festool routers, but the routers themselves, and their ergonomics work better for me than other brands I've tried.
Just_George
Well-known member
I've heard that sentiment more than a few times after folks got their first taste...they really are very, very nice tools! Try the ETS-150 sometime - as 6" random-orbit sanders go, it's smoother than anything I've ever used.
Many, if not most people are put off by the price, and I admit they're expensive and not for everybody. But, once you get past that, more often than not people are sold and understand WHY the tools are more expensive....'cause they're worth it! (just my humble opinion - let's not start another war!)
Many, if not most people are put off by the price, and I admit they're expensive and not for everybody. But, once you get past that, more often than not people are sold and understand WHY the tools are more expensive....'cause they're worth it! (just my humble opinion - let's not start another war!)
thadru2001
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2008
- Messages
- 70
There was a recall on the TS55REQ... has it been worked out?
Just_George
Well-known member
Yes, Festool is now shipping the TS-55 REQs again...
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RivennHewn
Well-known member
You just became a better carpenter!
Oldsmobiler
Member
Whats the recall or the problem? Looking at getting one and you have me worried now
I have the domino, sander, planer, saw with all 3 rails. The saw never leaves my sight, and no one can touch it. The sander is pure awsome as the dust extraction works like no other. Domino, yea takes buiscuits to another level. Welcome to the expensive side. It's like crack.
Just_George
Well-known member
It was, in my opinion, an over-reaction on Festools part. The saws have a spring that retracts the blade when you finish your cut - evidently on some saws, there was a problem with it catching and not retracting. Mine doesn't do it, not all of them did...but they insisted on the recall and now have it fixed.
Voi
Well-known member
Just_George: Did you mean they are now shipping TS-55's again?
ez-duzit
Well-known member
Their track saw has revolutionized my shop. A most excellent tool! I have the 55" and 118" tracks. The long one I use for straightening the first edge of all lumber.
Also have their excellent rotary sander.
Also have their excellent rotary sander.
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Festool=SnapOn.
Let the sanctimonious comments begin...
Let the sanctimonious comments begin...
I was watching a show on the HGTV network called Rescue Renovation where they come in and fix a problem project in someone's house. And the carpenter was using a strange looking circular saw. I thought it was a Hitachi or something, until I just now looked up Festool saw. That's what he was using -- a Festool! They look well made. Probably a giant leap above my Skil Saw circular saw.
OP
KGB Pilot125
Well-known member
Thats what I came from both a worm drive one and a regualr one. biggest difference (not counting the whole track thing) is the ease of blade changes, light weight, adjustable RPM, and the dust control is out of this world.
If you are in a small shop the dust extraction alone might be the biggest selling point.
I would have no problem setting up in the living room and cutting ripping baords
Just_George
Well-known member
I do this all the time. I build inside the location usually during Reno. Whole kitchens closets the works. The dust collection is insane. I use a regular rigid 5 gal though. Didnt feel the vac was worth it.
How about those cases boys? I love the storage they come with. So elegant.
Was afraid of dropping my track saw before, but after it fell a few times, I am quite happy the plastic isn't as fragile as i thought. Make sure you use the right blade for the job too. Makes a world of a difference.
The chipless cuts are a beautiful thing. Make sure you replace that chip protector from time to time.
darcyh
Well-known member
I have the Rotex 5 & 6 inch sanders and a CT 36 vac. The sanders are really nice; run smooth, can be as aggressive or fine as you like and the dust collection is excellent. I am not convinced their jigsaw, miter or circular saws are any better than other well-made brands, but I am sold on the sanders.
I had the same thought, until I used the track saw. Theres no comparison to any circular saw out there. I bought one about two months ago,and I find myself using it more and more. Since a year a go, I bought the CT 26 vac, the RO125, and ETS125[sanders] the T55 saw, and the 1400 router. The Kappex miter box is next on the list. BTW I am a cabinet maker/finish carpenter, until I actually used anything made by Festool I thought they were just overpriced tools. After you use them, you soon realize how much easier they make your job to do, and add in the dust collection. I love going into customers homes with the sander, and after the job is done, theres no dust to clean up.
How do you like the ETS125 ?
Congrats on the purchase KGB! I too started with the TS55 6 months ago. I thought this place was bad for my wallet...that TS55 and the FOG turned out to be much much worse! 
But long after I've paid the bill, I've been left pleasantly surprised by every one of the Festools. You can argue "worth" until the cows come home, but I really enjoy using them!
But long after I've paid the bill, I've been left pleasantly surprised by every one of the Festools. You can argue "worth" until the cows come home, but I really enjoy using them!ez-duzit
Well-known member
Festool track/plunge saw
While there are many reasons to choose it, like chip-free cuts in expensive veneered panels, mid-panel starts/stops, its excellent dust control/collection system...the track saw really shines on projects where angular relationships are frequently not 90 degrees, like boats. Just lay the track on your marks and cut. Super easy to make tiny adjustments, by eye, when sneaking up on final fitting.
Adjusted properly, it is possible to make such fine joints that are ready for gluing. I find it particularly handy for trimming the rough ends of laminations and other glue-ups and, as mentioned earlier, for creating the initial straight edge on rough lumber.
While there are many reasons to choose it, like chip-free cuts in expensive veneered panels, mid-panel starts/stops, its excellent dust control/collection system...the track saw really shines on projects where angular relationships are frequently not 90 degrees, like boats. Just lay the track on your marks and cut. Super easy to make tiny adjustments, by eye, when sneaking up on final fitting.
Adjusted properly, it is possible to make such fine joints that are ready for gluing. I find it particularly handy for trimming the rough ends of laminations and other glue-ups and, as mentioned earlier, for creating the initial straight edge on rough lumber.
I really like it. I use it alot more than the RO125, I find its easier to handle than the RO125