Just ordered a few Festool sanders...

[cgrutt]

Having a bit of sticker shock and here I thought Snap-on was bad lol. Anyway working on an old house renovation and figured I'd give them a shot. Watched a lot of videos etc over past several months and they seem to have very good reviews, particularly with their dust collection capabilities. Will be using both on old paint (probably lead based) as well as hardwood trim and floors. Maybe some light drywall.

Ordered 150mm Rotex (dual function rotary and random orbit), DTS 400 (delta head orbital), RTS 400 (rectangular head orbital) and a Duplex LS 130 (straight line). Also ordered the CT36E HEPA vac.

Anybody use Festool? Comments good or bad appreciated.

Most of my sanders are older Porter-cable also use a Fein super-cut occassionally for small hard to reach projects.

Pretty excited will post reviews after I get them and have a chance to use a bit. Hopefully next week.

Already thinking about track saw and some others now that I'll have the vac. Of course that's how it goes with these things...

 

[poppakap]

Hate to say it but search a bit. Top shelf stuff especially sanders, dust collection and track saw. I want the domino.

 

[cgrutt]

Hate to say it but search a bit. Top shelf stuff especially sanders, dust collection and track saw. I want the domino.

Search a bit for what? lol...

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I'd really like to get a Domino. Other than that most of their products are too expensive for what I currently do. If I did more woodworking and carpentry in customers' houses, I would absolutely start getting some Festool products just for the excellent dust collection.

 

[cgrutt]

I'd really like to get a Domino. Other than that most of their products are too expensive for what I currently do. If I did more woodworking and carpentry in customers' houses, I would absolutely start getting some Festool products just for the excellent dust collection.

Yep dust collection was primary driver for me. Always heard great things about Festool but never actually used any before. Really looking forward to getting opportunity to use them.

 

[LeeG]

I started with a router, sander, and vac. Now I have a whole fleet of the stuff.

One thing with the sanders: make sure you have the right paper for the task. Granet is a good general purpose paper, but others are better suited to specific sanding tasks.

 

[Negen]

At this point in time I try to avoid anything made in China. Think festool is expensive check out the prices of gossen. I am about to buy a metrahit world called 'basic' cost about $350.



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[cgrutt]

I started with a router, sander, and vac. Now I have a whole fleet of the stuff.

One thing with the sanders: make sure you have the right paper for the task. Granet is a good general purpose paper, but others are better suited to specific sanding tasks.

Thanks. Yeah I ordered some sandpaper for each of them. Saphir 36 & 50 and 60-150 Granit for the Rotex and 80-150 Granit for each of the others. I wanted to take them up to 220 but have to hold off until funds allow lol. Primarily prepping for paint this first project so 150 should be fine.

 

[tarmy]

You will love having no dust...



One of two cabinets full of the good stuff...

 

[cgrutt]

You will love having no dust...



One of two cabinets full of the good stuff...

Nice!!!

 

[ChrisLS8]

All I know is what I saw on the AvE teardown and that was average build quality. How that translates to real world performance I don't know

 

[Toolfool1]

I was thinking festool as well, have some high end customers that would pay extra for special tools that didn't get dust everywhere when I do work in thier mansions. Heck, they make the cleaners do it anyway!!! Did you buy the festool tools as a kit and where online did you get them from, did they offer a package??? What's your introduction cost into festool???? Trying to justify pulling the trigger on same or similar package!!!!!!

 

[Git]

I have spent about $3,000 on Festools and at this point, I refuse to give them another dime or recommend them.

I don't mean to rain on your parade, but for me the turning point was when Festool refused to honor the warranty on a jigsaw, because the user wasn't using a Festool Blade. (He was installing a sink and while cutting the hole, he accidentally hit a metal screw and trashed the jigsaw.) I have also seen other posts on the Festool forum where Festool denied warranty claims because static electricty from dust fried the electronics on their vac (the people were using a dust deputy). There are dozens of posts about the Kapex and how the motors are burning up, etc etc. Lastly, Festool thinks it can increase the price every year on all their tools for no other reason than they can.

No thanks. Bosch, Makita all do as good if not better. The only Festool I can actually recommend at this point is their track saw, and I bought mine when they were the only game in town. If I had to buy one today, it would be Makita or Dewalt

And it's not just about the money. I have 3 Festool Sanders and my *best* sander is my Mirka Ceros, and at $500 for one sander (on sale) it was not cheap

Lastly, I always get a kick when FestFools post pics of their systainers stacked up

 

[Git]

Hate to say it but search a bit. Top shelf stuff especially sanders, dust collection and track saw. I want the domino.

Top Price maybe, but top shelf - no

And actually, Mafell is considered above Festool, especially when it comes to track saws
https://www.timberwolftools.com/mafell

 

[cgrutt]

I was thinking festool as well, have some high end customers that would pay extra for special tools that didn't get dust everywhere when I do work in thier mansions. Heck, they make the cleaners do it anyway!!! Did you buy the festool tools as a kit and where online did you get them from, did they offer a package??? What's your introduction cost into festool???? Trying to justify pulling the trigger on same or similar package!!!!!!

Bought them individually from my Sherwin Williams dealer 10% off list and 90 days to pay. Vacuum, 4 Sanders, some sandpaper and accessories was just over $3k.

 

[Davefr]

Anybody use Festool? Comments good or bad appreciated.

Try the Festool CXS Cordless Drill. It's so refined compared to the rest of the pack.

 

[cgrutt]

I have spent about $3,000 on Festools and at this point, I refuse to give them another dime or recommend them.

I don't mean to rain on your parade, but for me the turning point was when Festool refused to honor the warranty on a jigsaw, because the user wasn't using a Festool Blade. (He was installing a sink and while cutting the hole, he accidentally hit a metal screw and trashed the jigsaw.) I have also seen other posts on the Festool forum where Festool denied warranty claims because static electricty from dust fried the electronics on their vac (the people were using a dust deputy). There are dozens of posts about the Kapex and how the motors are burning up, etc etc. Lastly, Festool thinks it can increase the price every year on all their tools for no other reason than they can.

No thanks. Bosch, Makita all do as good if not better. The only Festool I can actually recommend at this point is their track saw, and I bought mine when they were the only game in town. If I had to buy one today, it would be Makita or Dewalt

And it's not just about the money. I have 3 Festool Sanders and my *best* sander is my Mirka Ceros, and at $500 for one sander (on sale) it was not cheap

Lastly, I always get a kick when FestFools post pics of their systainers stacked up

That's too bad about warranty I'd be ticked too. I've got alot of older Porter-cable, Bosch and Milwaukee tools only thing I ever had to warranty was a Milwaukee reciprocating saw and they took care of it no issues. Not a lot of Dewalt or Makita (except older 1980s battery operated tools). This is first Festool purchase not raining on any parade lol. I'll see how I like them after using them. Main selling point for me was the dust collection.

 

[cgrutt]

Try the Festool CXS Cordless Drill. It's so refined compared to the rest of the pack.

Will check it out thanks. I have so many Milwaukee's right now probably low on list. I think next purchase will be track saw, maybe their multitool and a router. Things that can take advantage of dust collection system.

 

[casmurbax]

I bought my brother the Festool TS 75 EQ Plunge cut circular saw as a gift for helping me build my garage.

I was able to use it when I built my workbench and cabinets. I wish I had bought one sooner, absolutely love the saw, super easy to use and it made excellent cuts. I just wish I had used the vacuum when I was cutting, not using one defeated part of the purpose of having that saw. Seems silly to me now that I didn't use one.

I talked to someone at https://www.toolnut.com/ and the one suggestion they had if I was going to get a router not to buy the smallest vacuum as they have had feedback that it would clog up from the wood chips from the router.

Ryan, the owner of this board, has a thread in regards to Festool, IIRC he purchased his from toolnut as well or their affiliate website which I cannot recall at the moment.

 

[cgrutt]

I bought my brother the Festool TS 75 EQ Plunge cut circular saw as a gift for helping me build my garage.

I was able to use it when I built my workbench and cabinets. I wish I had bought one sooner, absolutely love the saw, super easy to use and it made excellent cuts. I just wish I had used the vacuum when I was cutting, not using one defeated part of the purpose of having that saw. Seems silly to me now that I didn't use one.

I talked to someone at https://www.toolnut.com/ and the one suggestion they had if I was going to get a router not to buy the smallest vacuum as they have had feedback that it would clog up from the wood chips from the router.

Ryan, the owner of this board, has a thread in regards to Festool, IIRC he purchased his from toolnut as well or their affiliate website which I cannot recall at the moment.

Nice good info thanks! The vac is about 10 gallons second largest one in the catalog I looked at. Same as their drywall vac except mine doesn't have auto clean. For whatever reason same specs but the auto clean vac is not certified HEPA (I'm guessing auto clean function can damage HEPA filter but not certain). I went back and forth but decided to get the HEPA certified unit in case that's needed for future projects. Will probably pick up the Auto clean unit with the drywall sander next large drywall project that I get.

 

[casmurbax]

Quite welcome.

I should have added, I look forward to your reviews when you get your new tools.

 

[Alaniho]

Festool is a quality brand you will be happy with those tools and the systainers are neat even if its hard to beat the Toughboxes for pure durability.

A shout out for Rupes tools made in Italy though who specialise in sanders and dust extractors for the auto and woodworking trades. Not sure of how good the dealer network is in US and Canada but they were at SEMA. They even use systainers now if you prefer red and white against green and white.

Mafell is another one worth a look for track saws and jigsaws, even more expensive than Festool but seen as the ultimate for woodwork tools here in Europe.

 

[cgrutt]

Festool is a quality brand you will be happy with those tools and the systainers are neat even if its hard to beat the Toughboxes for pure durability.

A shout out for Rupes tools made in Italy though who specialise in sanders and dust extractors for the auto and woodworking trades. Not sure of how good the dealer network is in US and Canada but they were at SEMA. They even use systainers now if you prefer red and white against green and white.

Mafell is another one worth a look for track saws and jigsaws, even more expensive than Festool but seen as the ultimate for woodwork tools here in Europe.

Thanks. I was actually looking at a Rupes rotary polisher last year for my boat but wound up going with the Makita. Don't use it enough to justify cost but they seem like great tools. I'm definitely interested in track saw and possibly another miter saw. Inclined to stick with Festool now that I bought their dust extractor but will definitely take a look at Mafell.

 

[Carquest]

Try the Festool CXS Cordless Drill. It's so refined compared to the rest of the pack.

Absolutely agree, it’s a couple notches above anything else I’ve owned. Balanced and comfortable


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[Tom Sestito]

Be cautious with the sanders - they are like a Ferrari with your older porter cables seeming like a Chevette in comparison. There IS a learning curve so take your time.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

Having a bit of sticker shock and here I thought Snap-on was bad lol. Anyway working on an old house renovation and figured I'd give them a shot. Watched a lot of videos etc over past several months and they seem to have very good reviews, particularly with their dust collection capabilities.

Anybody use Festool? Comments good or bad appreciated.

Festool let's you try a tool out for 30 days. It is weird to admit, but I think you should FEEL morally SUPERIOR when you use Festool.
For the most part I really like Festool (but I don't have many of their offerings). I figure if I use the tool for 2 or 3 weeks and it isn't helping me do better work, or more work - it should at least pump up my tiny EGO. And if it fails to do any of those I can send it back for a full refund.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

All I know is what I saw on the AvE teardown and that was average build quality. How that translates to real world performance I don't know

Yes, that was a disappointing video in some ways. But most Festool stuff is built for and used in a woodshop setting. Not tearing down big machines, etc.

Once you have kissed the Green Goddess of Festool you get mesmerized, and become oblivious to her faults.

 

[Git]

Once you have kissed the Green Goddess of Festool you get mesmerized, and become oblivious to her faults.

I don't have a problem telling it like it is, but an old saying comes to mind "misery loves company". After foolishly spending money on something that really does not live up to the 'hype', not very many people are willing to admit it...

At this point, I think the only tool that Festool sells that actually does a better job than any other brand is the Domino. BUT, you have to realize, they start out at around $1,000 AND REQUIRE a dust extractor or you will break the bit. So basically $2k to cut floating tenons... And then once someone buys one, they feel the need to justify the expense and end up putting Dominos in everything. It's kind of a funny in a way

Stick to Bosch, Makita, etc and save your money for more tools

 

[Bad Mojo]

Festool does a good job of creating a system of tools that can be moved either around a job site or in a shop easily. They also integrated dust collection early on, which other companies are trying to catch up to.

The top tools I would buy from them are:
The large Rotex
Track Saw
Domino

If I was looking at getting a new sander tomorrow I would be looking at a Mirka, which does hook up to a Festool vac.

 

[ncfh]

Mirka Deros & ULPA lead vac for working on old/unknown stuff.

 

[cgrutt]

Interesting, I've been using Mirka abrasives for years and have a fairly good inventory on hand (unfortunately different hole pattern than the Festool) but didn't realize they made sanders too. Seems like they have a pretty good selection. Thanks for tip about 30 day return I didn't know that either.

 

[Git]

Interesting, I've been using Mirka abrasives for years and have a fairly good inventory on hand

Mirka Abranet
https://www.mirka.com/en-CA/ca_dust-free-perfection/

This is what I use for woodworking, although I still have some Festool sandpaper that I bought before I knew any better. It's basically a 'screen' and allows dust to pass right through. Personally, I think the sandpaper is more important than which brand tool you are using...

The Mirka Ceros is my best/go to sander. If you ever used a palm type air sander, this is basically an electric version. It has a separate DC transformer and the newer version has the electronics onboard and is slightly bigger - but I like the older version better (they no longer sell the kit)

Lastly, compare the $270 Bosch 1250 DEVS to your $620 150 Rotex. (that $350 price difference will buy a heck of lot of Mirka Abranet)

 

[Alaniho]

Its a great design and a nice tool but don't spend big money on the Mirka sander. Mirka are an abrasive manufacturer the power tools are rebranded Taiwan tools that are just marketed very well. Save the money and buy the original oem:

https://www.toolguyrepublic.com/products/airvantage-advanced-electric-random-orbital-sander

 

[cgrutt]

Been using Mirka sandpaper for many years the stuff I have (Gold) was made in Finland. Very happy with it.

Most of my routers are Bosch I also have some other Bosh tools (large grinder, hammer drill, etc). No problem with Bosch good stuff. I dont think the Sanders are apples to apples comparison though namely the Festool has reverse air system for dust collection and the aggressive setting is true rotary not random orbit. It's also about 1/2 lbs lighter than Bosch. I also like the fact that you can change out tools on the Festool without rerouting electric cords etc. The price difference is large percentage wise but really non issue in absolute terms either one will be paid off with first project.

Dust collection is my primary concern with this and everything I've seen and read so far Festool is about as good as it gets. Currently working on a complete remodel so dust collection isn't really that important however I have a project lined up working in an historic mansion that is occupied. Dust control for that project will be critical (many antiques, family heirlooms, historic books in library etc). I dont mind paying premium as long as it works.

Anyway, hopefully will be here this week and I can see for myself. Thanks for help guys!

 

[Git]

Its a great design and a nice tool but don't spend big money on the Mirka sander. Mirka are an abrasive manufacturer the power tools are rebranded Taiwan tools that are just marketed very well. Save the money and buy the original oem:

https://www.toolguyrepublic.com/products/airvantage-advanced-electric-random-orbital-sander

No, not true. I never heard of the "AirVANTAGE Advanced Electric Random Orbital Sander" so I looked them up and called them - they are actually not too far away from me.

I asked the person I talked to if the Mirka and their sander where made by the same manufacturer and he said NO and confirmed that their sander is made in Taiwan. He was aware of the Mirka and I asked him where he thought Mirka sanders were made and he said Finland (which they are).

I also called Mirka USA (they do make their own sanders in Finland) and were interested in this Taiwanese knock off...

AirAdvantage: 909-620-0788
Mirka USA: 330-963-6421

 

[Robinson1]

Honestly what few pieces of festool I've used havent impressed me. Not saying they are bad tools but I expected more.

 

[Stuey]

I own one of their sanders and really like it. It performs exceptionally well, and there's almost no dust when used with an extractor. The variable suction knob comes in handy.

Good luck!

 

[cgrutt]

Other thing that I like about the Festool is that the dust collection turns on and off automatically when you run and stop sander. Assuming another 120v AC sander would work as well but not so sure if that Mirka sander would be compatible having a DC transformer.

 

[Git]

LOL it's 2019!

There is nothing 'magic' about a dust collector that turns on and off with the tool. I have 3 dust collectors. A Festool CT36, a Bosch VAC090S and a Bosch VAC090A

I started out with the Festool but after reading reports how the electronic circuity can get fried by static electricity (dust in the hose) the next vac I bought was the Bosch. One thing I like about the Bosch is it will continue to run for about 5 seconds after you shut the tool off. The Festool shuts off when the tool does and usually when I disconnect the hose at the vac, if I am not careful, a bunch of sawdust builds up there and gets dumped on the floor.

Another known Festool problem is with the Kapex miter saw, burning out the motors. I use one of my Bosch Vacs with my Bosch Glide miter saw - but people were trying to place the blame on the dust collector, not allowing enough amperage through to the saw. Well, the Bosch VAC090S actually has a feature that will reduce the amperage to the vac to allow more power to the tool you are using, if you need it. It's called the 'power broker' dial and can also be used to adjust the vacuum power

Now the CT36 currently sells for around $800, the Bosch is around $500. The Bosch does not come with a HEPA filter standard, but if I cared about HEPA (and I don't) the filter is $100

I dont think the Sanders are apples to apples comparison though namely the Festool has reverse air system for dust collection and the aggressive setting is true rotary not random orbit.

Not sure what the "Festool Reverse Air System" is - care to explain?

If you look at the Bosch 1250 DEVS it has two settings, the traditional random orbit and what they call 'aggressive turbo' mode which combines rotary motion with a random orbit. This mode is very aggressive and will outperform my Bosch belt sander

But hey - I get it. When you spend almost 2 to 3 times for something that basically does the same thing, you have to come up with ways to justify it... (been there, done that - not anymore)

 

[cgrutt]

LOL it's 2019!

There is nothing 'magic' about a dust collector that turns on and off with the tool. I have 3 dust collectors. A Festool CT36, a Bosch VAC090S and a Bosch VAC090A

I started out with the Festool but after reading reports how the electronic circuity can get fried by static electricity (dust in the hose) the next vac I bought was the Bosch. One thing I like about the Bosch is it will continue to run for about 5 seconds after you shut the tool off. The Festool shuts off when the tool does and usually when I disconnect the hose at the vac, if I am not careful, a bunch of sawdust builds up there and gets dumped on the floor.

Another known Festool problem is with the Kapex miter saw, burning out the motors. I use one of my Bosch Vacs with my Bosch Glide miter saw - but people were trying to place the blame on the dust collector, not allowing enough amperage through to the saw. Well, the Bosch VAC090S actually has a feature that will reduce the amperage to the vac to allow more power to the tool you are using, if you need it. It's called the 'power broker' dial and can also be used to adjust the vacuum power

Now the CT36 currently sells for around $800, the Bosch is around $500. The Bosch does not come with a HEPA filter standard, but if I cared about HEPA (and I don't) the filter is $100



Not sure what the "Festool Reverse Air System" is - care to explain?

If you look at the Bosch 1250 DEVS it has two settings, the traditional random orbit and what they call 'aggressive turbo' mode which combines rotary motion with a random orbit. This mode is very aggressive and will outperform my Bosch belt sander

But hey - I get it. When you spend almost 2 to 3 times for something that basically does the same thing, you have to come up with ways to justify it... (been there, done that - not anymore)

The extractor does stay on after tool is turned off for several seconds to clear hose. It's also HEPA certified (which isn't important to me now but could become important if future jobs require certified units). I didn't buy the 36 with Auto Clean specifically because it was not certified HEPA even though I could buy the HEPA filter for it. On the Rotex Air blows out of center hole and pushes saw dust outwards towards the edges of paper to be picked up by one of the (other sixteen) dust ports. Supposedly keeps paper cleaner, which makes it last longer too. The aggressive setting on the Rotax is a true rotary sander with metal engagement gears (not random orbit) I think the Bosch is still a random orbit in the turbo setting. LOL, I'm not justifying anything I haven't even received them yet and said I'd see how it goes after I've had a chance to use it. I've got nothing against Bosch, own several of them and think they're good tools. I get it, the Bosch is less expensive and probably does a comparable job. Still not the same machine feature wise.

Oh, and btw, my miter saw is Bosch too...

Bosch uses 8-hole sandpaper...

Festool uses 17-hole sandpaper...

Also, includes a case, which is important to me because I travel with it to customer's locations and it is in back of my truck.