Joined the Festool Club

[andrewm]

I have several projects using sheet materials that I have been putting off in anticipation of getting a Festool TS55 at some point in the near future. It was not so much a case of funds more getting my act together to find the best deal.

So, it was with interest that I noted a couple of weeks ago that ByronBlack was selling his setup complete with the MFT table. After some discussion I collected said setup last weekend after handing of a wad of hard-0earned cash. Byron was a star in explaining how it all went together and demonstrating how it all worked together.

Used it in anger for the first time yesterday and I must say it performs every bit as well as everyone says it does. I just fear that the Festool slope might be every bit as steep as the hand tool one that everyone worries about.

Andrew

 

[chippy1970]

Oh its steep alright :lol:

Festool is very addictive I have a few bits and I am thinking of getting the 1400 router next.

 

[Dan Clark]

Steep slope?!? Nah, no slope that I can see. 8)

Regards,

Dan.

p.s. Don't look below this line! :shock:

 

[motownmartin]

Steep slope?!? Nah, no slope that I can see. 8)

Regards,

Dan.

p.s. Don't look below this line! :shock:

you are right, that's no slope its a sheer drop :shock:

 

[Dan Clark]

 

[Waka]

Where's the festool slope? I've never seen one. :wink:

 

[andrewm]

Where's the festool slope? I've never seen one. :wink:

It's like the hand tool slope. You're not at the top until you have bought your first.

 

[dirtydeeds]

the festool slope is a shear drop from 30,000 feet

there is no parachute

my list is more extensive than dans, but i do it for a living

 

[patl]

What? buy festool kit ;o). Damn, I want a job like that

 

[patl]

What? buy festool kit :wink: . Damn, I want a job like that

 

[ByronBlack]

Glad to hear your getting on well with the festool Andrew. Did you find the article I mentioned (using the MFT). IF not, let me know and i'll send you the link.

 

[wizer]

Well Done, I'm beginning to wish I'd bitten Byron's hand off. :roll: :wink:

 

[RogerS]

Well Done, I'm beginning to wish I'd bitten Byron's hand off. :roll: :wink:

If I didn't already have one then I would have!

 

[Martingchapman]

Andrew,
Welcome to the club, no turning back now.
To be a full member dont forget to join the Festool Forum at;
http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/forumdisplay.php?s=9f69f2444b8bc50ddabf5ddf79e07339&f=58

Regards - Martin.

 

[Martingchapman]

Andrew,
Not forgetting the Festool Owners Group at:
http://www.festoolownersgroup.com/;

Martin.

 

[Dan Clark]

The Australian (ubeaut) forum and the Festool Owners Group (FOG) forum are both great resources for Festool info. And when you feel the Festool addiction taking hold, they will provide support and comfort! (I.e., "Buy, buy, buy!!!") 8)

Dan.

 

[BradNaylor]

I've got a few bits of Festo kit (jigsaw, router, sander, vacuum) and while I am happy enough with them I don't think they are quite worthy of the iconic status awarded them by certain of their more avid fans...


... however, I'd be interested to know anyone's first hand experience of the Kapek mitre saw. I went to a demo of it when it first came out and was suitably impressed, but would like to know how it stands up to everyday punishment.

And that circular saw and rail system looks good...

I like the look of the multifunction table...

Oh, and I could do with one of those Domino thingies...




Bugger! I think I may be teetering on the brink!

 

[Petiegolfer]

I recently brought the 55 saw and the larger of te two MFT's. Its first use was cutting down Birch Ply for the bathroom Im doing.

My neighbour who's a kitchen fitter / Joiner by trade has one and I was very impressed. I went for it instead of a table saw (something I will get eventually).

The table was instead of a normal wood working table for the time being. It really does have endless possiblities.

Piers

 

[Martingchapman]

Piers,
If you are thinking about buying a table saw in the future can I suggest you first have a look at the Festool Compact Modular System (CMS) which will accept the TS55 Saw.
I have the CMS with the TS75 and it rips and crosscuts (withing its size limitations) exceptionally well.
It has a sliding table with mitre guide and it can cross cut a standard 600mm sheet very accurately.
It would not substitute a top end table or panel saw but for normal weekend woodworking use I think it is unbeatable.

Regards - Martin.

 

[Dan Clark]

I've got a few bits of Festo kit (jigsaw, router, sander, vacuum) and while I am happy enough with them I don't think they are quite worthy of the iconic status awarded them by certain of their more avid fans...

... however, I'd be interested to know anyone's first hand experience of the Kapek mitre saw. I went to a demo of it when it first came out and was suitably impressed, but would like to know how it stands up to everyday punishment.

And that circular saw and rail system looks good...

I like the look of the multifunction table...

Oh, and I could do with one of those Domino thingies...

Bugger! I think I may be teetering on the brink!

Most avid Festool users (like me) will give the Festool Jigsaws and routers high marks, but not necessarily icon status. I have the D-handle jigsaw and the OF1400. They work very well, but there are other good jigsaws and routers out there too.

I have the new CT22 and the RO150. IMO, they approach iconic. The Fein vac is also excellent, but the Festool CT vacs have lots of features and options so I think they are more flexible. AFAIK, unlike the other Festool sanders, the RO150 is pretty much unique. I'd award it icon status.

IMO, the true stars of Festool are the TS55 and Domino. Add the MFT and I think you'll start seeing the true value of the system.

If you get the MFT, get some of the Festool clamps. They add a lot of flexibility to the MFT.

Good luck and beware of the slope.

Regards,

Dan.