Bought the ct 26 many years ago with the reusable bag and realize now it's the best woodworking purchase I ever made. Super dependable, keeps dust out of my clients' homes and more importantly out of my lungs.
Couldn't agree more. I've got two CT 26 extractors and am very close to buying a third and final one. I will have of them topped with the Oneida Ultimate Dust Deputy for capturing all of the dust and chips. This combination is amazing.
@@POLPO_WOOD The Oneida catches almost all of the dust. The little bit that gets by has to go somewhere, that is what the bag is for. Since so little gets to the bag they last an extremely long time.
Before I get to my own list, you nailed in the domino section with some people wanting the benefits without all the work of hand tooling. For me, the woodworking aspect is fun and I enjoy the process, but really it's still just a means to an end, that end being the project itself, not the process of getting there. I'm even adding a small CNC to my shop to automate some of the things that take up my time in the shop. My personal list: 1. Yep, agree completely. Dust extractor. Ideally purchased with another tool to get the benefits of both, but if one at a time is the only path, still a dust extractor. It can be used with any tool with the right adapter, and the festool extractors are amazing. I went with the CT Midi I along with the bluetooth remote and absolutely love it. I also bought the cleaning kit with the 36mm hose. But yeah, you nailed it with putting the extractor at #1. 2. Yep. The same sander you showed, the ETS EC 150/5. It's a workhorse. It can be pretty aggressive yet still excellent for fine finish sanding as long as you're cautious and aware of how aggressive it can be. Along with all the other reasons you mentioned as well. 3. This is where I differ from your list; for me it's a tracksaw. I went with the TS 55 FEQ with 55" track and also bought a 32" track. No regrets there. It's an amazing tool. I use my tablesaw far less now that I have my tracksaw. Just for a bit more insight, I'll give my #4 and #5 as well, but neither of them are festool, but still work well within the festool system. 4. A Dowelmax. Domino accuracy, ease of use and joint strength, just a bit slower (though not by a ton), far cheaper than a domino yet still not a cheap tool. Having my Dowelmax has been the only thing preventing me from getting a domino. It's amazing. Jessem makes a nice doweling jig too, but I still chose the Dowelmax for the integrated clamping and because it's a bit easier and more intuitive to use. 5. A Parf Guide MK II. As amazing as the festool MFT is, I just felt that this was one of those instances where I could build better than what is offered for sale, and the Parf Guide has helped me achieve that. I've made several tops with it in different sizes so it's effectively paid for itself. I actually thought an MFT would be in your list. Anyhow, excellent video to open up a worthwhile discussion Mr. Bent! Well done.
My first Festool product was the TS 75 Track saw 17 years ago. I recommend a track saw and track as the number 1 tool. Second tool would be a sander along with the number three tool dust extractor. Kapex could easily be top three in place of the sander.
The first Festool tool I bought was the dust extractor, not because I was looking to get into Festool, but because I was looking for a great dust extractor. The second one was the 150mm ETS EC 150/5 sander. It took me a while to make the decision because of the price, but once I used it for the first time, I was amazed at what an upgrade it was on my Dewalt sander.
I've been having various friends and relatives suggest I try supplementing my pension by restoring and refurbishing old furniture - there are numerous YT videos by folk who do it here in UK. They say how I have made stuff and how I have plenty of tools and a decent sized (for UK London) workshop. But... my tools are based on gutting and refitting our current house so more about construction than furniture. I'd have to invest in at least M-Class dust extraction, air filtration, suitable tools, especially sanders. In younger days, I wouldn't have paid so much attention to dust. Now, I'm at least as concerned for dust in my clothes affecting our grandchildren and very impressed with the change of worldviews about dust control compared with older days. That said, I did, recently sand down and re-finish (with boiled linseed oil) a wooden high chair for our granddaughter - worked out great and daughter now asking for more furniture jobs as well as wardrobes
Great advice Jason. When I first got into woodworking, I found a small woodworking shop an hour away that I visited. They also teach woodworking. So they had tools and experience to share with me. They also had a very nice Festool display. I was able to try some tools, and even though I did not buy any Festool at that time, it helped me decide to buy Festool tools and I’ve never regretted it.
I got the hkc first. That thing is still in its own class. Two days ago I just got “ANOTHER” 75” track. Everything else in between. In my van I have a 76” deep drawer that cantilevers out of the back doors 56” Inside that, but not extending past, I have 60” linear slides. On the slides is the csc sys 50. So you fold the barn doors all the way against the van and there levitates the tablesaw 😊
Wow expected a lot of Festool-hater comments here...especially the Domino. Maybe they don't watch this channel because Jason has so much Festool in the background? Jason you hit it on the head. For most of us it is about efficiency. I have a family, job, and a CNC to learn how to use so even if I want to learn how to do some fancy joinery by hand (and I will do some of it), I actually want to get something done. Otherwise all my wife sees is packages arrive and nothing completed except more workshop storage organization projects. And ditto on the sander advice. It's magnificent that works really fast. Even with 3 mm stroke (I bought it first because of the veneered plywood burn through issue),their sanders are beautiful and the dust collection is awesome even with a standard shop vac.
As a professional woodworker of 25 years, and a heavy user of Festool (pretty much everything they’ve made) for 21 (and now also Mafell) and a bit of a tool nut (very best and most appropriate tool for each task) I agree with you 100%…. And really well done for explaining your reasons so well, spot on…. Great watch, subscribed 👍
While I have extreme lust for a domino my first festool purchase back in May was the Midi dust extractor. No regrets! Sanding and my tracksaw are practically dust free now.
I have found the Festool track saw critical when you don’t have access to a table saw. My first Festool tool I bought was a 6” sander and dust collection. I built and entire sailboat with it and have been using it six years later. Incredible tool! I have the domino 500 and find myself using the largest size 90% of the time and wish I could go bigger. Next Festool purchase will be the 700.
Likewise, my first Festool,purchase was into the Festool System. I first saw the Festool System at a woodworking tool show a Japan Woodworker, in Alameda CA, one of Festool’s first dealers on the West Coast. There I met Festool America’s then CEO Christian, and purchased the MFT 800 table, CT22 and a TS55. I then added a couple of,Festool,sanders and the OF1010 router to give me a basic job kit, I was using on site doing boat interior repair/restoration work. The whole package was very portable and easy to set up on site at boat yards. Accuracy and clean cuts was very important to the fine joinery I was doing. Cheers
I went with the dust extraxctor, sander and track saw first. I don't have a Domino yet, but that's probably my next purchase. Totally agree that the dust extractor is the single most critical piece of the system.
I remember being frustrated by simple things like building boxes and drawer boxes when I first got started (pocket screws slipping just a tad or trying to assemble something and just having something be a tad off) and then I got a Domino. I made one drawer box with it (using the built in guides) and the thing was dead flat/aligned all the way around. I swore I'd never *not* use the Domino on anything that required something to be aligned again. And totally agree on the sander and the dust extractor. I have the CT 26 and I have the 5" sander mainly because I had a ton of 5" media to use and the 5" sander can use 6" sanding pads with the 6" interface pad.
When I decided to drink the green koolaid, here is my order 1. ETS EC 125/3 sander and CT26 with blutooth 2. Domino 500 3. ETS 125 sander with edge guide and finally 4. OF 1400 Router. Worked well for me! I”m set for a while I think. My track saw is the Makita SJ6000 with Makita tracks. I also just got the Festool 55” track with the shelf pin holes. Now I’m all set for a while. EDIT: Get the Onida dust cyclone that fits the CT26, works incredibly and the bag in the CT26 actually has nothing in it, emptied the cyclone 20 times and changed the bag only once after 5 years! Nothing gets through to it. Only microscopic dust that doesn’t accumulate. I only changed it because it was 5 years later so why not get a fresh bag in there,
Excellent list, no notes. I got an ETS EC 125 to start, and it was like a religious awakening when I used it, I didn't know sanders could be SO GOOD. I used a tiny Shop Vac with it and the dust collection was excellent. My fiance ended up buying a CT 15 and omg I had the same mind-blowing experience all over again. The dust extractor is the best vacuum I have ever used, and easily best dust extractor for woodworking. I use it for everything now, just general cleanup in my house. It's that good. The sander with the dust extractor is so good, I can sand inside my house without a mask. It is crazy how good it is.
I’m definitely in the buy once/cry once stage in my life. Watching your videos have ramped up my Festool desire. Got the CT MIDI, ETS EC150/5 sander, Domino DF500, plus the Edge Router, TSV 60 (the scoring feature leaves such a holy shit cut), CXS 18, and Jigsaw. I appreciate ecosystems that work well. I have an Apple ecosystem and now a Festool ecosystem. The dust collection alone has made this $5k+ purchase worth every penny. I know it’s not for everyone but when I’m working, it’s such a pleasure now. Goodbye Ryobi! It’s been fun, even if frustrating at times! Thanks Jason!!
Is the OF 1010 Edge Guide supposed to fit in the systainer with my Edge Router? I can’t figure out how. Festool needs videos on storing various accessories in sustainers with the relevant tools.
Great list! I will say for most beginners the sander and dust extractor are usually combo buys, but even at the high price it has been my best quality of life upgrade with the amount of sanding that I do. Also for me the domino and track saw are close for me but for a beginner the domino does help so much with alignment it’s tough to beat.
These were my first three Festool orders (six items): 1+2 Cordless drill (T18+3 E with batteries) + Work lamp (KAL II) 3+4 Dust extractor (CT 26) + Domino joiner (DF500) + Domino systainer 5 Cordless table saw (CSC SYS 50 with batteries and stand)
Great video, Jason! I finished a kitchen table refinish project a few months back and am still cleaning up the dust! After that project, I KNEW I needed dust collection, which was my attraction to the Festool system. Yes, my HEALTH is IMPORTANT! When choosing my dust collection system, I opted for the CT26 due to its size and the need for a HEPA filter for a cleanup in my mother's attic. I needed something that could fit up through the attic access. Here's a tip I learned: if you're considering a larger capacity but not ready to invest in the CT36 or CT48, you can get that capacity by purchasing the CT36 or CT48 base and fitting the CT26 on it. It's a cost-effective solution! According to a Festool rep, the CT26 has the same motor as the CT36/CT48. So my top three Festool Tools are: CT26 ETS EC 150/5 EQ-Plus TS60 with FS1400/2-LR32 I opted for the Jessem Master Doweling Kit due to budget and I will say the Domino is STILL on my list due to the dust created by the doweling jig!
IMO, TS55, RO150, ETS150/3. I bought the RO125, TS55, then ETS 125. I was told to go with the 6" sanders, but didn't listen. Before I bought the RO125, I must have purchased a half dozen sanders from different manufacturers, and hated every one. When I first used the RO125, I was in love. I don't think my wife is too pleased because I'm now into the Festool pool about $12K deep. I'm planning on a RO80, but there has always been another shiny toy I wanted more.
Ct 26 Extractor, TS 60 K track saw with 2 55in holey tracks, OF 1400 router. Followed quickly by the ETS EC 150/5. As a replacement for the Domino, the Ten Minute Workshops, Loose Tenon Jig will allow for the use of dominos. These along with Paulk’s Smart benches, and a $1500 order from TSI, will be the main basis of my woodworking setup.
Knocked these out before the end of the video, so as to not be biased by your choices. My picks: 1) Dust extractor; 2 6” dia. Orbital sander; and 3) Domino - 700, since I make larger projects.
3 tools - TS55, CTMIDI I, ETS 125. Modifications to get: 2 - 55ʻ Guide rails, clamps and connectors. For the MIDI get the BT switch. For the ETS 125 Edge guide.
My first 3 Festools, in no particular order, were the CT26, TS55 (and guide rail) and MFT. Now, if I cut myself, I bleed green. My most recent purchace was the pizza cutter, which gives me the most accurate slices even without using the guide rail!
I agree your first 2 picks for sure. I was lucky enough to buy the midi and the rotex as my first 2 Festool tools. I would say without a doubt that the Festool dust extractor was life changing for my woodworking. People just don’t understand how it impacts so many different parts of woodworking, including your health .
I have the CT Midi and it is astounding how effective it is. You think of it as just an expensive vacuum cleaner but it is so much more effective then any vacuum of its size including you don’t get shocked by touching it after sucking up a lot of sawdust. I would always buy it again if I had to do it over again
Thank you sooo much for this video. My first Festool was the TS 55. Then I bought the domino 500 and a Festool hose for my shop vacuum. I have been looking at a Festool sanders, my dewalt is not cutting it. I understand I can’t get a sander without dust collection and I’m saving for both and this video has reassured my decision.
Good choice. The DF500 is a game changer; sound joints made easy. I chose the CTL SYS for portability - as in take the tool to the job not the job to the tool. Try using a Festool sander or Domino without extraction. Neither perform any where near as well! The whole point of investing in Festool is increased productivity with tool optimised for specific tasks that work TOGETHER!
I bought the 3 items you have reviewed in the same order last month except I got the 26 extractor. These were my first Festool purchases. The dust extractor is amazing. It is so nimble and easy to move around and use. It easily supplements my 4” collection on the table saw base by taking away the dust from the blade guard. And unlike most shop vacs, it is extremely nimble to move around and connect to my hand tools. I hardly ever used my “shop vac” because it was so clumsy. Got the smaller sander because most all my work is on small delicate projects and a 5” is more suitable. The Domino I haven’t used yet but am really excited about putting it to work. I must be a genius!😂. With only a couple years of experience, I got the same Festool tools a pro is recommending. Maybe I should start my own RU-vid channel.
Great video, Jason~! My entry purchase into Festool was the ETS 125 and the CT36. I treated myself to it Christmas '22. One of THE BEST investments in my shop made to date. If I had it to do over again, I would have gotten the ETS 150, as you mentioned. That little bit of difference goes a long way. Last summer, I picked up the DF 500. Another great purchase~! I'm in 100% agreement with your recommendations, and I've been in woodworking for over 30 years (just a late bloomer with Festool). I always thought that Festool was just an overpriced tool that was as good as anything else, and then I got my own. WOW, what a difference~!! While I don't see myself turning my entire shop F-Green, I do have the desire to pick up their track saw (the corded 55 or 60) and possibly a Kapex (over the Bosch that I've always wanted). As you mention, they're not just tools, they are a system~! Again, great video~!
The CT 26e and ETS EC150/5 were my first Festool purchases for controlling the dust. After using it I was amazed at how good the dust extraction is. I added the Bluetooth module later. The quality of the tools are great and a joy to use for me.
I agree with your #1 and #2 picks. My first tools were a dust extractor and sander. For my personal needs at the time my #3 was the TS55 track saw and two FS1400 tracks. Great video!
This was a great video bent and u we’re so much fun to meet and your the best and your a great woodworker and a lot of fun to watch so thank you for posting and I will always miss meeting u and it was a lot of fun to meet u!!
My actual first three festool tools were 1. A TS75 and a CT 15 2. The ETS 125 3. The DF 700 What I would recommend now 1. Any festool dust extractor with an ETS EC150/5 2. A TS 55 3. A DF 500 or DF 700 depending on the size of work you do. I have both the TS 75 and TS 55 and the DF 700 and the DF 500. I work with a lot of 8/4 and 6/4 wood so I almost always use the larger ones. I prefer the alignment pins on the DF 700 and the measurement block for height adjustment makes more sense to me. A 1010 or 1400 router is tempting to add to a recommendation list. Lol it is never ending!
I stayed away from Festool for a long time (due to cost) but finally broke down and got a 6" sander and a CT22 dust extractor. The difference from my other sanding setups was amazing. After that a TS55, their mid size router, a Rotex, ...
I agree on the dust collector but go ct 15 way easier to afford. I use this with all my Festool and Makita tools and 3m sander and Dewalt sander. You can also upgrade the 15 as you go by adding the garage and a new hose and then the blu tooth if you want.
Basically agree. Dust extraction is the key reason I buy Festool. The health benefits make it a no brainer (not to mention that good dust extraction often makes for much better tool performance, particularly in sanding). I already had a Fein dust extractor so- here are my choices. First is the exact sander - EQ/150-5- that you recommended. Second choice is a Festool router. If you rout much MDF, I'd make this number one. Lastly (not that I own one) is the sliding miter saw. I'm curious whether you would replace the Fein with a Festool dust extractor in my position. Thanks for the great content.
My first Festool tool was a HK55 with a 1400 rail. Because I needed a circular saw. Then I needed a new coordless drill/screwdriver, so I bought the PDC/4 (I think, no longer sold). At this time, I was hooked because of the precision of what I could do with these tools. So since then, I've added the CTM 26 (named slightly different in Europe) bought second hand, 4 other drills/screwdrivers, long reach sander, bluetooth radio, vecturo, jigsaw, angle grinder, a 2700 guide rail and a kapex 120. For the last couple of weeks, I have been wondering if I should get a ETS EC 150/5, actually, so your video came at a good time :) I will buy one this week. My approach to buying Festool has been to buy the tools as I needed to use something. It's been a while since I did any real sanding (because I've been building on the house itself, not things for it), but now I'll need to do some, so it's time for the next tool. I have two major reasons for buying Festool, and the dust extraction is one of these. The other is that the tools make it easier to do precision work for me as a hobbyist. I know they are expensive, but I also have a minor reason of just liking nice tools :)
I'm just a hobbyist that occasionally expands out into custom/paid work. 1. Festool ETS EC 125/3. I updated the pad to the 150 to save a little money rather than just buy the 150. 2. CT 15. I never realized how important a dedicated dust extractor would be when sanding. 3. DF500 Domino. Did I need it? Absolutely not. However, as a mostly hobbyist, time is limited in my shop due to having a young family and wanting to stay engaged as a father/husband. I found that the time I save using the Domino pays for itself and more.
These are exactly the three festool tools I own, togeyher eith the cyclone for the dust collector. Couldn't agree more that they are festools greatest tools, I would add that their track saw is also one gell of a good tool (even though I use a bosch track saw that was gifted to me) Festool really nailed it with these tools, the sander is amazing, the domino is a time saver and the dust collector is in my view one extra component for any of their tools to function like theyre inteded to. 😊
So far, I'm 2 tools deep into Festool (~6 months in). My first was the ETS 125 Req which I will get the edge sanding attachment for eventually. I was using the $70-80 Bosch orbital sander for years prior and decided to upgrade as that sander got tired. Absolutely insane difference between the ETS 125 Req and the Bosch with regard to tool vibration, dust extraction, finish quality, and even a bit faster material removal. Even for beginners, I can't recommend anything cheaper than the ETS 125 Req anymore. I just got the CT26 and, paired with the sander, it absolutely changes the game for sanding. If you need a sander but don't have enough money to buy both, I would say just get the sander to avoid wasting money on a lesser sander, but otherwise I agree that getting both at the same time makes more sense. The next 2 Festool tools I'm looking at getting are the ETS EC 150/5 and the Domino 500. I already have the Milwaukee track saw (used to have the Kreg, but upgraded because I wanted cordless) and I would consider a track saw an essential of any hobbyist or professional shop before a Domino just knowing how many capabilities it adds while doing it arguably safer and more efficient than using a circular saw with a straight edge or a table saw alone. Obviously having a table saw in addition to a track saw is ideal, but especially if I was picking between a track saw and a similar priced table saw, I'd take the track saw all day long. My top 3 would be: 1. ETS 125 Req if you don't have a sander, ETS EC 150/5 if you can wait and save up 2. CT26 (15/25/Midi only rate the onboard outlet for 240w which may or may not handle more - I haven't looked or tried) 3. Track saw (probably a 55 or 60 depending on budget)
NIce video, My top three beginers to Festool would be the CT15e vac the ets 125 req sander and the ts60 track saw combo. This will allow you to progress and grow.
1) Dust extractor. The Midi works well for me. 2) Rotex RO-90. I get a lot of work restoring front doors and this tool's versatility and compact sanding head are perfect for this work. 3) ETS-125. The 2mm stroke leaves a very fine finish and it is Festool's cheapest sander. The difference between a shop vac with hepa filter and My CT-Midi is night and day. I would never go back.
Gateway to festool was TS55 and multiple tools including CT22, RO150 and drills. That was 2004 and I am still running these. 2014 Domino was purchase great addition. I like the track saw as a 1st choice esp breaking down sheet goods.
I purchased the CT36E dust extractor with the ETS EC 150/3 sander first and then the Domino 500. I am considering a track saw as my next Festool addition. Great comments and it made sense to me to buy them in this order as well. Totally recommend staring with dust collection and sanding. The Festool sander is a joy to use.
Couldn't agree more! When people ask me why they should get a domino I tell them to go to RU-vid and look at how many videos they find for Domino alternatives. When everyone is trying to find a way around something, or find an alternative to one thing, that one thing is the best! Same reason I go with Glock.
I compleatly agree! No. 1: dustextraxtor. No. 2: sander 150/5. No. 3 for me is the ts keb 55. Then no. 4 is the domino. Thanks for all the great videos you make! Kind regards Troels form Denmark
My first 3 Festool Tools were a Cordless 12V Drill with all the attachments... A TS55 Track Saw... CT Midi Dust Extractor!! Most of my Festool Tools are Corded!!
Very interesting to view your Festool choices and to hear your reasoning - perfectly valid. I started my up market tool collection by buying a Mirka Sander and Extractor, a decision over which I have no regrets, this was followed by my first Festool purchase, the Domino 500. So it appears I followed your logic if not by brand and it has worked for me. Some years after the impressive Domino came a TS55 track saw and shortly afterwards a fully equipped MFT, a really useful purchase to make full use of the Domino and TS55. Now having got hooked on Festool I went on to purchase a KS60 mitre saw with a dedicated small Festool dust extractor - the extractor has not performed well as it is probably not adequate. My final purchase to date was a router EBQ1400 which in truth I have yet to fully exploit. All great tools that inspire confidence and give great results.
We bought a CT 48 AC extractor, a TS FEQ track saw, and an OF 1400 router as our first 3 Festool products. We have a Dowelmax kit for loosish M and T's. Thanks
I have the DF 700 as Seneca came out with their converter just about that time. Great machine, though the DF500 is also awesome. I went with the 125 mm Rotex first as I originally used it a lot for sanding reclaimed lumber and for that, it was perfect. I also have an ETS 125. I did buy the CT 26 starting off and it's been great. I pair it with Oneida's dust cyclone for Festool and haven't changed a Festool bag once in the five years since I bought (and yes, I do regularly check the Festool bag). I did buy the TS 75 track saw as I often use it to break down thick hardwoods and wanted the overhead to create less stress on the motor. I have a Carvex d handle which I really like, but if I had Monopoly money, I'd purchase Mafell's.
My list (Wow, i wrote my comment before i saw the video, and I TOTALLY agree) 1) vacuum (the best I ever had, used also for vakuuming the house) 2) cordless drill (I have the pdc10, i guess) 3) DF500 (I have both. The 500 is really all I use and is much more easy to use.) 4) OF1010, or higher 5) Tracksaw But: I would rearrange depending on what you want to do. The vacuum is still the best one I ever had. Forget Dyson. Get a real vacuum. And let me be clear: long power cable, properly sized. Long hose. Light weight and easy on your hands when vacuming. Really big bags. Easy to open and replace the bag. It is a really great machine.
This video should come with a warning label about falling down the Festool rabbit hole. I started with the Rotex150 because I had some house projects that needed the material removal rate. Then I needed the dust extractor to go with it, CT36... Then the track saw, planer, resisted the domino for way too long... Then took the plunge. Don't regret a single one.
All great points. And after owning several Festool products... I'd have to agree. My first Festool was the Domino DF500. I was sure it was going to be my ONLY Festool. Boy was I wrong. My second tool was getting a sander and the CT26. Very happy with my CT26. I don't regret buying the sander... but I did get the Rotex 90. My intent was to use if for furniture restoration. And it is amazing for that. However your recommendation is a better starter sander. The sander is what sold my husband on the Festool system. He was amazed at the dust collection. I then added the TSC 55 track saw, another sander, the extractor accessory kit, MFT/3 table, the OF1400 router, LR32 system and then most recently I just got the Kapex. The only regret I've had is not getting them sooner.
I agree with you two of them. I too have the CT midi and I love it. That is basically the basic of all festool machines. I agree with you on the Domino 500. I have the 700 but I rarely use it. The 500 is usually the go to tool in my shop for most projects. The last one I think should really be the TS 55 track saw and at least one of the tracks however I have 2 for breaking down 4x8 sheets of birch or maple. I hated using Mt old Dewalt track saw cause wood chip in every direction in my shop and the track never stayed in place. I absolutely love the TS 55. For those main reasons. Definitely a must have for any shop.
1. Kapex, 2. Track Saw (55), 3. Domino. Dust extraction is a must. I hate sanding but agree the Festool sanders are wonderful. I would say get the ETS 125 and the Edge sanding guide.
The only Festool tool I have is domino 500. I think one of the smaller dust collection would be next.I bought the 3M ROS and I really am happy with that. I have Kreg track saw but if I had known how often I used it I might have gone with the Festool.
3 is a tough choice, so I'm gonna say 4. 4. DF500 3. 150mm Sander (could be ETS EC 150 or ROTEX 150) 2. Dust Extractor (really useful across the board, more than I ever thought it would be) 1. Track saw
From near the home country of Festool.. Yes - The latest CT Mini/Midi, paired with the Bluetooth remote is really no 1 if you start out and have scarcely used dust extraction on hand tools before. As you say sanding with Festool is a whole new and a delight experience. I now use 4 different Festool dust extractors with: Routers, HKC 55 circular saw, a variety of FT sanders, CS 50 table saw and more, even the odd drilling - thanks to the convenience of the Bluetooth remote and mobility of the dust extractor. Each to their own needs further down the road.. but there’s a often forgotten gem: The HKC 55.. I love it! On standard rail, FSK rail or freehand. I use it for high grade plywood as well with a fine tooth blade and the results are excellent. It has even replaced 50% or more of what I usually did on the mitre saw. Good video Bent🤙
It's funny how close you came to mirroring the first three Festool tools I purchased! I have all three that you listed, and they were all in the first four. But I would go for these: (1) CT Midi i, (2) TS 60; (3) Domino 500. The reason is that the track saw is such a flexible tool that can potentially defer the purchase of a table saw and/or miter saw. This underscores the point that it depends on the buyer's circumstances and needs. I didn't have a track saw when I bought my TS 60, but I had a few sanders, so that was more important at the time. But a good sander is a huge work saver and hand saver so it's almost splitting hairs to suggest an alternative to your list--very good, sir.
I guessed you would say dust extractor, sander and domino and I agree on the extractor and sander though not necessarily that model sander. A 5 inch sander can be a better choice for someone who makes small projects. Likewise, some people will have little use for a domino depending what they make.
As someone who has made the transition from Dewalt to Festool, I have a different ranking: 1) Domino 500 - its an awesome tool and its like nothing else I had at the time 2) TS55 Track Saw - simply put, its best of breed. Originally I couldn't justify the price of it and went half ass with the Kreg ACS. While it was better than a circular saw, its still just a compromise in every way. After a couple cabinet projects that just didn't meet my expectations, I went all in with the TS55 - with multiple tracks and the MFT table. Ungodly expensive, but it gave me the results I was expecting and zero regrets. (and I sold the ACS in a hot minute). 3) OF1400 Router & LR32 system - once I had the Tracks for the TS55, it was a logical progression to the OF1400 Router & LR32. Even though I still swear by my cordless Dewalt Palm Router for simple round overs and chamfers, the track alignment of the OF 1400 & LR 32 has delivered impressive results that justify its cost. From the outside, many see Festool as expensive tools. However, once you understand that its an entire system, the cost impediment starts to fade away. Final note - I have to completely disagree with the extractors. Unless you are doing trim work in a hospital hallway, I've been able to replicate the suction and dust with a Rigid Shop Vac with HEPA bags and the Dust Separator made to fit on a plastic bucket. The real innovation of Festool products is that they are built to capture the dust (but the dust can be collected by any vacuum).
I don’t have any Festool products, but I would like to get some in the future. So thanks for the video. When I started watching the video, I was guessing you were going to suggest the dust extractor as your #1 choice. I think you are right. Every shop needs a dust extractor, and all Festool products work with them. Plus you can use it with all your other tools even if they aren’t Festool. 😁👍
I feel like with the TSV 60 and the Domino 500 are tied for 3rd with the edge going to what you’ll primary work with starting out. If you’re going to work with plywood a lot, the TSV 60 gets the edge. Having used the TSV 60, it produces such beautiful finish ready cuts, it’s such a pleasure. But if you’re starting out making frames or other projects working with solid woods and joinery, the Domino 500 gets the edge for its simplicity and versatility. But without a doubt, buying the dust extractor first is just an optional. The CT MIDI has changed my entire woodworking experience significantly!
Hi from Germany. Before I have bought any Festool a Bosch GAS 35 MFAC dust extractor was in my workshop. First Festool : Kappex 120 REBQ, second: TS55 REBQ tracksaw, third: T18+3 HPC cordless drill. In the meantime the Bosch dust extractor is replaced by a Festool CT midi, which fits much better to my tools.
My first festool was the HKC55, I’m a flooring contractor and since this purchase I have been able to forget the miter saw. I do have a Ct 26 on the way.
I have the same 3, different order. Domino first because it's so unique in it's function, dust extractor second, sander 3rd. Really 2 and 3 are best together.
Dust collector (your choice), sander (again your choice) , track saw. All my first 19 years ago. Btw, Brent you’re looking good. Been hitting the gym? Take care.
This is precisely the best place to start in the ecosystem. But I vote RO150, not ETSEC. And a few years later you’ll have three extractors, four sanders, two dominos, three track saws, two routers, and fifteen systainers of accessories.
I’m with you on the Domino. I haven’t bought one yet because they are so expensive. But there really isn’t anything else out there that compares well. Sure there are other ways to do a similar thing. That’s what I do now. I will eventually buy a Domino jointer. As far as other Festool tools, I’ve always found another brands that win out my comparison criteria. So far, I haven’t regretted not getting any Festool yet.
If you are a Festool skeptic, I recommend the $250 ETS 125 sander. This is a night and day difference between any box store sander. Use it with the bag until it's time for a new tool. Then I would buy the Midi dust extractor. You will be very surprised. Lastly, the Domino. I only say it in this order because of practicality for most people. You will definitely want the dust extractor while using the Domino. These 3 things, and a tablesaw with a cyclone collector on a shop vac are the perfect starting tools to make tons of projects, very quickly and conveniently. Once you have come this far, as a bonus, consider a track saw with the TSO brand 90 degree edge square. Perfectly square crosscuts. Easy sheet material breakdown. Jointing edges. Cut any angle. Deadly accurate. I would say 95% dust free. This list makes life easy and woodworking more fun.
I disagree with the bag. You don't get most of the benefits that Festool offers, dust elimination. Start with a shop vac and move up to to an extractor, later.
I used to be a Bosch guy. I'd bought into their 18v platform, and so I bought their wired tools as well; until I realised that in some cases, other manufacturers just had better offerings. So I bought the Festool Domino, a tracksaw from Makita, and routers from Trend and Triton. Brand loyalty works in favour of the brand and against the consumer. Festool ARE a good brand, no doubt, but I don't think my tracksaw experience would be that much better if I'd have bought the Festool.
This summer, I'm going to be buying into the Hikoki 18v system for their framing nailers. Bosch do make a 2nd fix nailer, but I need a 1st fix as well, and Hikoki seem to be the best for nail guns.
OK, the first 3 Festool tools I would recommend are 1) a sander 2) with the festool dust extractor and then 3) the tracksaw with kickback safety including a track of course. Going to look at Bent's top 3 now 🙂
While it came as a bit of a surprise I couldn't agree more to your list, the stellar dust extraction makes all the difference to other manufacturers. One important thing you didn't mention is that neither the Domino nor the ETS EC series can ever be run without a dust extractor hooked up: the Domino will eat its cutters for breakfast and leave untidy mortises while the ETS EC series simply doesn't have an internal fan to blow out dust from the port and will leave a mess.
I bought CT36+DF500 first, then a Rotex 125. 100% agree with you on the Rotex for beginners -- the ergonomics are very tough to get used to. I'm glad I have it for certain applications (like where'd I use a belt sander or sanding endgrain) but it was a relief when I got the ETS 125 for "regular old sanding". I agree with you on the MIDI. I find my 36 big and bulky to lug around, and quite heavy when the bag is getting heavy. I'll likely get a MIDI soon for portable stuff and leave the 36 more stationary.
I usually agree either way everything you say - and I wrote down my first 3 before I watched the video and in the same order - but my number 2 was the rotex sander - it is so impressive and shifts wood fast with a high quality tool.
