Hi All, I’m retiring next month and the company allows for a nice gift, in the neighborhood of 5 to $600 dollars. I really like the festool OF2000 router and also their circular saw with the cutting track system. I looked at both at a Woodcraft in my area. Any suggestions within that dollar amount to spend??
Lost in the Wood’s
Replies
What amout to spend? ALL they will give you!
If I was the company, I'd feel better giving you a nice couple of Lie-Neilsen planes or an exceptional set of chisels. Hand tools seem more personal than a router or circ. saw.
If this is your first Festool purchase then I would suggest the ATF 55E / CT22 package at 730.00. As for something that you will remember and cherish, Festool products definitly fall into that category. Remember, the price of the tool is set by Festool so unless you are buying a demo the price is the same no matter where you buy it.
The part nr for the package is P2561086 and it includes the 55" guide. It was my first (Festool) purchase and I have used it extensively. Everything you buy after that works with the CT22 so it is really your base purchase for the rest of the tools in the system.
Steve
I'd suggest the same as a previous poster. Your festool may out live you but will lose its luster after a short while. A nice handplane (even if you don't use it - keep it in a show case) with some sentimental ingraving will be a meaningful keepsake.
I like the idea of obtaining something you might be reluctant to purchase of your own accord; something that will make you feel thankful for their generosity in buying something you might not have purchased on your own - especially if it helps you to follow a path you might not have followed otherwise.
You can amass a nice set of carving tools for $500 - $600!
-Jazzdogg-
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
Thank You All for your kind words of wisdom. I was asked today, to go out and spend some money. That's my goal for the weekend.
Thanks a lot
If it wasn't for all of the woodworkers, this planet wood be covered with trees!!!
gottstuff,
Boy that's a loaded question!!! I should say up front that I am heavily biased towards Festool tools. However, I got that way slowly, by using the tools.
You could start anywhere you want, of course, but here's my suggestion for the order of preference:
The ATF55 saw, a 106" guide rail, an MFT 1080, and a CT22 dust extractor. You can cross-cut 24" and rip full sheets of plywood to FINSIHED dimensions without a table saw. You can also do plunge cuts in the center of a board. And you can do all this about 90%+ dustless. Festool has package deals on these items that makes it a better deal.
Next, I'd get one of Festool's sanders. If you had to pick just one, get the Rotex RO150. But if that's too steep right now, get the ETS 150/5 or the ETS 150/3. You can hook the sanders up to the CT22 dust extractor for about 100% dust-free sanding. This is REALLY dust free.
After that, I would look at the Festool routers or their cordless drills. For me, the OF1400 router is best for more precise hand-held use. The TDK 12 CE or the TDK 15.6 CE are both fantastic, expecially with the attachments and the Fastfix chuck.
Next is the Trion Jigsaw. It cuts about as well as the ATF55 plunge saw. As a matter of fact, you can use it with a guide rail to rip stock up to 5" wide and it will do it with a 90-degree edge.
After that, more sanders -- detail sander, finish sander, duplex sander...
Sorry, I can't comment on the Festool planer (don't have one).
$600 gets you in on any of these areas!
Edited 10/20/2005 3:22 pm ET by MatthewSchenker
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