Top 3 Festool for beginners 

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.

Domino is the biggest game changer in my shop. I’ve never regretted the cost.

I've just started my Festool collection, and I went with the TS55 + the midi. 100% agree that the dust extraction makes the brand. I've bought dust adaptors for my other brand tools, and the extractor makes me love those more too.

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.

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.

My first Festool was the Domino DF500, followed by the ETS 150/5 and third I got the Kapex with a dust extractor, to date i have not regretted any of these purchases.

I wasn’t sold on getting a dust extractor until I bought one. My mentor kept bugging me to get one, I got the CT26 and coupled it with a Mullet cyclone. Should’ve done it sooner. Not long after I saved up for the domino. Haven’t used it a whole lot with the things I’ve been doing but at no point did I ever think about getting rid of it. I always knew I’d be making furniture again. I had plans for sander or sanders, ts75 and the router system. Fell on some hard times and hopefully better times are coming. I still have my eyes on more festool

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.

I recently purchased a CT 26 E to replace the huge Craftsman vacuum I used for 20 years. My shop is only 240 square feet, so space is at a premium. The CT takes up a lot less space, the hose is amazing and I purchased the Bluetooth module, which I love. I also got the floor cleaning kit and the foam filter in case I need to use it as a wet vacuum. I’m looking at one of the routers for my next Festool. Great video. Thanks!

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 😊

Thank you! You’ve 100% confirmed the name and order of the festool tools that I purchased before this video. Exactly! I’ld also add #4 Kapex 120 and #5 OF 1400.

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.

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’m just starting my Festool journey. Agree with your list. I started with MIDI, TS55 and Domino. Shortly after got ETS EC150/5 and OF1010. Thinking next purchase is DTS400 then Carvex. Absolutely love having every tool hook into the same power cord and vacuum hose

Agree. I just bought a festool sander after owning a cheapo porter cable for many years - Wow what a difference.

Thoroughly reasoned and well planned based on deep personal experience. I never miss Bent's videos and I've never regretted my Festool purchases.

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!

Good Video, Thanks. 1)Sander 2)TS55 Track saw 3)Dust Extractor 4) 1010 router w/LR32

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 👍

Similar to the Planex 2 - people give me shit saying, “oh that’s for people who aren’t good at drywall” EXACTLY, I’m not great at drywall and while I’m improving, I can always get a phenomenal, defect-free result, with minimal dust, in a fraction of the time. More importantly it completely changes remodeling work.

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.

Beginner, CT Midi, ETS 125/3, TSC55. I got the domino right after this and learnt a lot with that tool.

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.

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,

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.

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🤙

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.

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~!

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 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!

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.

First Festool purchase was the CT 26 and ETS EC 150/5 together and honestly never looked back. Then literally a month later got myself the domino 500 :)

I disagree with your third pick, strongly agree with your first pick. I think the domino maker is something that people can work around easily. I agree a dust collection system is number one, the sander being number 2 is reasonable, however I would think the track saw should be number 3. People need a good track saw but the domino is a luxury item.

My first Festool purchase was a CT 33 and a TS 55.Besr tool purchase I ever made.

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.

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.

DF500 was the first tool from festool it saves so much time in not having to make setuop marks

I was thinking about what I would get first when you started talking about it I couldn’t agree with you more you nailed it !

My first Festool acquisition was the pendulum jigsaw back in 2008. I bought it specifically to cut some 8/4 Red Oak for a coffee table and it put my old Craftsman jigsaw to shame. Recently I picked up the TS-55. Saving up for the CT Midi or the CT-26 next.

This is the best advice I’ve heard on Festool.

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.

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.

I literally was about to checkout my cart with my first Festool purchases today,,,, then I seen this 🤑. Domino DF 500 set, domino connector kit, OF 1010 router with LR 32 system set, MFK 700 set. I held it on the dust extractor with boom arm. I’ll m building our house and about to start the closet shelving and built ins. I am now second guessing my life’s decisions 😆. I’m trying to keep a budget for a sliding table saw 🤑🤑🥴 thanks for all your videos, I’ve been watching you for a while now.

The Festool dust extractor is a no brainer,since I started my Festool collection, I've had no problems with having to clean away wide spread dust dispersion. The dust extraction unit is an essential piece of kit I've found that using my Festool tools with only the standard dust bag that comes with the tools still make a substantial amount of mess. With my Festool Midi Dust Extraction Unit, the waste product is reduced to near on nothing....!!!! I totally get what you say about buying thae dust extractor first...!!!! 💯💯💯👍👍👍👍

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!!

Exactly the order and Festool models I bought a number of years ago, so of course I concur (also started with their "more comfortable" ETS 125 REQ sander after a demo). Excellent guidance as always! 😊

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!!

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)

My first Festool's. CT MIDI I LS 130 EQ OF 1400 & Most recent TS 60 KEB ETS 125 REQ

Great video, thank you! First 3 tools I purchased, CTM MIDI, TSV60 and 2200 EB :)

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

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.

I agree with your 3 tools, I get the midi this Saturday. The amount of Dust I create is insane, I wished I bought the Dust extractor first. I love my domino and my rotex which was a gift from my daughter for fathers day. great video.

Beginner, CT 15, ETS EC125-150, track saw TS55.

I 100% agree - great list! I’d say the honorable mention could either be the CXS or Track Saw.

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, ...

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. 😊

Just bought the CT MIDI and the ETS WC 150/5. Can’t wait to try them out.

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.

You listed the exact three that I want to buy. I’ve planned all along to get the dust extractor and sander at the same time.

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.

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 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.

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.

My first Festool was TSV 60 KEB-F-PLUS-FS. Why I have a shop full of thick hardwood slabs and this gave me the depth and the power that only comes in this corded option. I my next purchase will be the dust collector for sure vs my shop vac and it will be Bluetooth. My third not sure I may go for the domino but likely the 700 though right now I have a Grizzly tenon jig I use with my cabinet saw and a Grizzly floor standing mortise machine both of which though slow work great and I’m not into volume but one of a kind unique pieces. So maybe I’ll go with a hand sander you made a nice argument in the video.

My kids bought me the TS55 track saw for Christmas so I bought the CT26 and an extra track and the connectors. I have a super small work area so I’m looking at the MFT next so I can get square cuts. Then the sander 😊

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.

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.

The exact 3 and order i recommend to anyone who comes into my store. There are times i suggest a track saw over the Domino based on the projects they are most interested in building.

Just bought my first Festool tool last weekend as a gift for passing an exam (ts 55feq). The next two I want are the DF500 and the ets ec 150/5, so glad to see those made the list. I have also been eyeing the CT MIDI, but justifying a $700 vacuum to my wife seems difficult lol

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.

Ha! I actually just purchased a CT36 dust extractor as my first tool. :D I love it, and the hose actually fits well in several of my Dewalt tools.

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.

The dust extractor is oh so true. I have 2 x MIDI-2 and I just bought at a liquidation auction the CTM 36.

Same. 1. Dust extractor. 2. Sander. 3. Domino 500. Runner-up: Track saw (55).

I guess it depends on your woodworking needs and on what you will be doing. My first was the TS-55 REQ with a MFT/3 table. After moving, I needed to rebuild my shop and built things for the house. Next came the DF500. I could get by with other tools for dust, sanding, and routing. I just made sure they all could hook up to a 27mm hose port, and my power strip that was plugged into an instant on switch to start my shop vac. Next on my purchase list will be a Festool sander, and an OF1400 router.

I agree. I purchased the 26 and love it. With it I purchased the 125 sander and have been happy with it for what I do. Will buy the rotex at some point. Domino 500 is game changer, completely agree. If you did a top 5, I would add the track saw and LR 32 router set up. Well done and I will try not to covet your tool selection.

These are the three I purchased first when I started woodworking a few years ago. Seemed like the most useful for a small shop. The Kapex came next

I was a beginner woodworker at the time, and bought the same exact tools in the same order as you recommended. Haha I must've done enough research to buy the right ones!

I caught a holy grail and managed to get a Domino 500 and a CT48 for 1100 bucks, and i'm so happy with them. Absolutely incredible tools.

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.

Yep, bought exactly these three first. Just brilliant.

I’ve got the domino ets 125 sander & the midi dust extraction Love to see you working in your workshop up close see how you work very inspiring to see

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.

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 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 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 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.

Great video, Bent, and you did a great job of quickly going over the rationale for making the selections you chose. The questions “Why Festool” and “What should I buy” are two of the most common questions of beginning woodworkers (and more experienced woodworkers too). The ETS 125 and CT-Midi would be my first two choices, followed by the TS-55. Festool’s dust extraction is second to none when sanding. It makes sanding a pleasure and virtually eliminates dust from the process of sanding.

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.

I can tell you that I am still a beginner, and a hobbyist at that. the domino was a way to make joinery without the (or at least less) mistakes. you could argue that things like the Dowelmax are just as good, and that is valid... but for me the Domino is just easier. That was my first Festool Purchase. My second (and Third) was the MFT/3 and track saw. I went that route over a table saw because I need to be able to store it when not is use. there are trade offs for sure. and just for reference, I am making things in plywood and hardwood so if you are thinking about that setup but don't want to be limited to only sheet goods it works great for dimensional lumber using some parallel guides.

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)

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.

MIDI for the win ! love those things ! I'm a pro and use that thing everyday....got two! definitely top 3 of my tools ! keep on J

I tell beginners, you gotta cut, you gotta sand you gotta drill...whatever it is get them 3 things first...then refine just what you want, Domino absolutely, brisketer absolutely...right equipment makes a huge difference and makes this journey way more enjoyable...

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.

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.

Great video!!

This guy tapping into my search history. I was looking for this yesterday 😂. Thanks!!