Hi folks,
I’m interested in experiences with the Festool Precisio table saw. This saw is not available in the USA – as far as I know it wouldn’t fulfil American laws – but I know that at least one of you – Ole – has one.
How does it compare to other small table saws?
What are the main reasons for buying the Precisio compared to a Metabo TKU 225, for example?
Here’s a link to the Metabo http://www.metabo.co.uk/uk/produkte/katalog/circular_sawing_machines_magnum/6_01060_00_tku_225_electronic.htm
Which accessories would you recommend and how do you like the sliding table?
Thanks in advance!
Christian
Replies
Hi Christian !
I too considered one of the Metabo tablesaws. The are several reasons' why I ended up buying the Festool.
- Even though Metabo is great quality I find that Festool got that extra detail and touch of precision and excellent quality in all aspects.
- The Festool ripfence clamps at both ends, while the Metabo only clamps at the front.
- Festool got a little extra power 2200 W. and 5 mm. (1/4 ") extra cutting height.
- I got a good offer on the Festool. Metabo couldn't compete. You can get the Precisio in different packages with more or less accessories. http://www.festool.com/com/index.html
- Festool mitergauge seems superior to the Metabo.
- The Festool comes with a build in stand.
All this said, I haven't tried the Metabo - hands on. The Festool does not vibrate and stands rocksolid on my concrete floor. The tilt is perfect and precise. i checked the 45 dgr. with the Incra guaranteed 45, dead on !! Dust extraction is pretty good, connects to my shop vacuum. You can get to different types/sizes of sliding table. I haven't tried the big one, but would sure like to :-)) The one included in the big package is smooth in operation.
Ole
.... I Love the smell of sawdust in the morning....
Hi Ole,
thanks for your informative response!
Is it sufficient to hook the Precisio up to a vac (I have a Festool CT 22)?
Unfortunately, we don't get any deals on Festool in Austria and Germany. No discounts, all tools have the same price everywhere.
Regards,
Christian
I got the deal on the Presicio because one of my local tool-suppliers just started selling the Festool brand. They got some special bargains to introduce Festool in their product range, good for me. But you must be able get the 3 different packages - CS 70 E - CS 70 EB and CS 70 EB set ??
If you go with CS 70 EB set you get a good package with accessories it would cost much more to add on later !!
I am not sure your vacuum got a filter for fine hazardous wooddust, think you need the CMT 22 E. If you get one of those or similar the saw's dustextraction fulfill the needs required within the EU for working in a dustfree environment. You will find wooddust on the tablesaw - no miracles - but it is within reasonable limits. I sometimes wear a mask when cutting, or sanding, for a long time, especially when cutting MDF or hazardous wood..... I Love the smell of sawdust in the morning....
Hi Ole,
yep, there are three different packages available. The smallest doesn't even have dust collection and electronic, the second one is the saw with electronic, dust collection and an extra blade and the big package comes with the small sliding table, extension table ...The big package costs about EUR 2200 in Austria.
I'm only a hobby woodworker so there's no need to worry about the laws. The CT and the CTM vacs have exaclty the same filter (I think it's a one micron). The difference between these series is the FlowDetect volumetric flow monitoring of the minimum air speed of 20 m/sec for safe working in accordance with regulations.
Regards,
Christian
I was lucky. Price for CS 70 EB set was around 1850 € - CS 70 EB 1350 € when they ran that bargain.
I looked in my big (400 pages) Festool catalogue. Your CT 22 is rated - NOT for hazardous materials - The CMT 22 is rated APPROVED FOR hazardous materials eg. fine wood dust like beech and oak. They have different types of filters and other differences.
Like you I am a hobby woodworker, and like you say, we don't have to fulfill laws concerning working environment, but I think of my own health and are looking at a new dustexstraction for my shop, my vacuum is not approved for hazardous dust - reason for the mask- I would like one that is and it could be the CMT 22. No reason to risk your health just because you do it as a hobby.
Ole.... I Love the smell of sawdust in the morning....
Hi Ole,
I was talking to Festool reps before I got my vac and they gave me honest responses.According to European laws a dust collector used in a professional shop must have a flow detect system and this might explain why the CTM is rated for hazardous dust (dust class "M"). As a hobby woodworker I have enough time to ensure that the filter and the bag are not full, that the hose isn't clogged, ... that the vac is working properly. Festool offers three different filters, standard, longlife (kind of heavy duty) and one for wet extraction.
But the CTM and CT vacs use the same filters, one micron if I remember correctly.
The technical specifics on the CTM 22 and the CT 22 are the same:
- CT:
Power consumption
350 - 1200 W
Maximum appliance socket connected load
2400 W
Max. suction capacity
3800 l/min
Max. vaccum
23000 Pa
Filter surface area
14000 cm²
Rubber-insulated mains connection cable
7,5 m
Container/Filter bag capacity
22/20 l
dimensions (LxBxH)
625 x 380 x 440 mm
Weight
12 Kg
Noise (sound level)
62 dB(A)
CTM:
Power consumption
350 - 1200 W
Maximum appliance socket connected load
2400 W
Max. suction capacity
3800 l/min
Max. vaccum
23000 Pa
Filter surface area
14000 cm²
Rubber-insulated mains connection cable
7,5 m
Container/Filter bag capacity
22/20 l
dimensions (LxBxH)
625 x 380 x 440 mm
Weight
12 Kg
Apart from the flow detect system I can't find any differences. IMO the CTM's are a waste of money for the hobby woodworker who cares about his stuff.
BTW, Festool doesn't even offer the CTM vacs in the USA.
I'd contact Festool before buying either a CT or a CTM vac.
Regards,
Christian
OK
I'll check it with Festool, before buying one. If the CT 22 will do the job I'll go with that one, save some money and forget the CMT 22. Money can easily be spent otherwise :-)) Being a hobby woodworker I am on a limited budget.
Ole.... I Love the smell of sawdust in the morning....
Good idea.
I would have gone with the CTM if it were significantly better for my job.
BTW, there are some interesting reviews of Festool stuff on the net:
http://benchmark.20m.com/tools/Festool/FestoolIndex.htmlhttp://www.cjohnhebert.com/toolreviews.htm http://www.woodshopdemos.com/men-fes.htm http://www.thewoodshop.20m.com/festool_atf_55e_part1.htmhttp://home.alliancecable.net/~woodworker/festool.html
Regards,
Christian
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