[GPowers]

I have seen photos of Festool in several build threads around here. So if you were just starting down the Festool road (which can be a very expensive and long road). What Festool device would buy first, out of the list below:


the MFT/3 multi propose table

the TS 55 EQ rail plunge saw

the OF 1400 router


Once you buy in the the Festool system it looks like you can never turn back as there tool are fit into the system. be it the guide rail or dust collection, mots of the tool are work together.

 

[BIGmouthinDC]

Of all the wood working tasks that I wish I had a better tool is the cutting of Full sheets of heavy materials like MDF. I've got a project anticipated that I will need to use full sheets of MDF. The process of bringing them in from my pick-up and cutting on my table saw is not something that I would enjoy.


I imagine I could get the sheets cut in half at HD or the lumber yard but finding someone to do it is always hit or miss.


This is a long winded answer leading up to my choice is the rail plunge saw. With that I could pull the sheets off my truck on to a pair of saw horses and cut it.

 

[GPowers]

I think cutting up large sheet goods is one the the first advantages I saw with the guide rail plunge saw.


Then after some research, one guy pointed the safety aspect of moving the tool over a stationary piece of material instead of moving the material into the blade. I would rather have my fingers on the tool, safely out of the way, then pushing the wood through the moving blade. no missing fingers and no flying material.

 

[Elill]

Forget the TS55, you're going to want the TS75. Its just got that much more grunt and obviously the cutting depth is handy.


The 1400 router is sweet.


I dont have a MFT yet....but I want one. There is a CMS extension to turn it into a table saw - add an incra LS positioner and you're got it made.

Have a look at the Festool Owners Group Forum and This


Oh and I'm in love with the dust extractor, it's just that much better than anything I've ever used. And the Kapex is nice...if you can stretch for it over the top model (Japanese made) Makita then do it. But if not you'll not be disappointed with the Mak.


That said unless you want to get "EVERYTHING" festool, the Makita plunge, extractors and mitres are just as good (in isolation), you buy festool for the system.

 

[GPowers]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Elill /forum/post/18213394

Looks like you have a few I the item I was planning on buying. The cross cut saw look very nice and I love the foward facing rails. But $1,300 bucks is a huge chunck of change for a cross cut saw. I have a cheap, GMC, sliding compound saw now, but it is nothing like the Festool saw.


I was picking the smaller Rail saw because I only plan on cutting sheet goods. If I need more power I can always use my table saw or my old worm drive Skilsaw.


Thanks for the heads up on the additional links.

 

[jimlab]

I have the TS-75 and CT-33 (first 'fix'... now I'm addicted) and got the Kapex KS-120 miter saw 3 weeks ago (despite already having 10" and 12" DeWalt miter saws).


Obviously, the TS-75 is awesome at ripping sheets accurately without the danger and hassle associated with a table saw, but I would recommend the TS-75 over the TS-55 because of the increased cutting capacity and power. I'd rather have the ability to cut a thicker piece of wood and not use it than not have it and need it.

The first time you don't have to deal with a screw clamp to hold down a piece of work, or have the saw flop over while you're trying to set an angle, you'll appreciate the Kapex miter saw. The dual laser system also makes it easy to cut from either side without having to flip your work piece. The dust extraction system makes cleanup a breeze. You can dial in the blade speed you need for cutting a variety of materials. Is it worth $1,300? To me, it was.


I just ordered the PS-300 jigsaw (it'll be here tomorrow) and I'm probably going to order a Festool router (yep, I already have a DeWalt router). These tools are that good.

The one thing I'd pass on is the MFT/3 table. You can get a portable miter saw stand (like the one shown, or the Rigid stand available at Home Depot, which other people like) for a lot less and you don't need the table for the TS-55. Cut on the floor and just use a 'sacrifice' sheet of plywood beneath the sheet you're cutting, or, as I saw in another thread, a sheet of foam insulation also works.

 

[GPowers]



Quote:
Originally Posted by jimlab /forum/post/18222132



The one thing I'd pass on is the MFT/3 table. You can get a portable miter saw stand (like the one shown, or the Rigid stand available at Home Depot, which other people like) for a lot less and you don't need the table for the TS-55. Cut on the floor and just use a 'sacrifice' sheet of plywood beneath the sheet you're cutting, or, as I saw in another thread, a sheet of foam insulation also works.

Congrads on the PS-300.


I was considering the MFT/3 as I have a three car garage and is has three cars in it all the time. I need to be able to fold it up and get it out og the way. Plus I need a clamping station and a work table. But I will look the the others.


Thanks

 

[GPowers]

Pulled the trigger and jumped in to the Festool pond. Bought a MFT/3 and the OF1400 router. Also bought a bunch of there clamps for the MFT. Stuff is expensive at first but when you compair the functionally of the Festool system, the stuff is great.