Message Thread:
Festool
11/14/18
I know there is a lot of debates about festool, so can't live without it, some can't stand it, some think the product is good, but the price is way to high.
For me I think it is quite expensive compared to another brand of tool that does the same thing.
I am however interested in what people think of a couple of their tools, the first one is the Domino joining system, I was curious if the joints are really good and long lasting? It seems like a huge time saver compared to cutting mortise and tenons.
The second festool I was curious about is the track saw, I have seen forums on here and also some youtube video where people are using it to cut veneer. It seems like it is so compact and would be an amazing tool to have if it truly does a great job.
Any feed back would be appreciated.
11/14/18 #2: Festool ...
Website: http://www.HeritageWoodwright.com
We have the Domino and use it for most of our mortise joints for glue ups. Have not ever had one fail, and have some harvest table 3'x8' joints. No issues with tight joints.
We also have a vacuum and sander we use in occupied remodels etc.
Love the tools, hate the cost. Have no experience with the track saw, we have sliding table saws. I would buy the domino again, the sander and vac not so much, probably go cheaper.
11/14/18 #3: Festool ...
I have a bunch of Festool stuff. The track saw is indispensable for me. I use it to square up and break down sheet goods, trim inset doors, cut irregular shapes in sheet goods, etc.
I don't use the Domino as often, but it's a unique tool that works very well for joining furniture parts, gates, doors, etc.
I also have one of their routers, which I mainly use with their LR32 system and track for boring shelf holes. Super accurate and nice clean holes with a spiral bit.
Less impressed with their sanders and I did fry one of their cordless drills (they fixed it for free even though it was 3 months out of warranty!).
11/14/18 #4: Festool ...
I think the price of the track saw is ridiculous. I am glad I just saved a little more and got a vertical panel saw. It’s entry level, but has been solid and pretty accurate. Just for breaking up panels, it would run circles around a track saw.
I wouldn’t hesitate to spend the money on the domino if I had a need for it.
11/14/18 #5: Festool ...
I used floating tenons for decades before Festool invented the hand held machine. I use a Multi-Router. It's a great joint if the tenon stock is sized right. Personally, I think the dominos are too tight.
11/15/18 #6: Festool ...
Like many other brands of power tools they have really good ones and average ones.
The thing that obviously sets them apart is the price. Some people like the idea of a matching set of overpriced boxes.
The tools they have pioneered are excellent. The Tracksaw & Domino.
Most of the rest I have been unimpressed or disappointed. However, I haven’t tried any of their new stuff in 5 years.
Their cordless were terrible. The Kapex is no better than the other high quality saws. I prefer 12” saws so I wouldn’t buy one anyway. Their sanders are good but not better than Bosch or Mirka.
I know auto shops that have burned thru the Festool sanders. They are not durable.
They did not invent hepa vacs. They spent the time to make it work well with their tools.
11/15/18 #7: Festool ...
I have their larger track saw, love it for straight lining live edged slabs for glueups, the occasional odd shaped plywood, etc. plus great to have on site for install where field trimming is required. Bought one of their first sanders, a random orbit 6", that has been great. It's held up with almost daily use for probably 15 plus years. Must have been more durable than later models.
11/15/18 #8: Festool ...
Website: http://www.sogncabinets.com
The domino is handy. I bought one for a specific project. I thought it would sit around l, but it gets used way more than I thought it would. In some cases, too much and not necessary times.
It's the only Festool item I own. If you think their stuff is expensive, stay away from Mafell
11/15/18 #9: Festool ...
We have the TS 55 track saw. It is expensive, but indispensable for trimming/mitering face frames in the field. This is where this tool really shines, in the field on installs.
We also use it in the shop for making long mitered bevel cuts when making angled wood hoods. Those long bevel angled cuts are really difficult unless you have a big slider.
11/20/18 #10: Festool ...
I have both. The track saw is indispensable both in the shop and on the jobsite.
The domino is an ingenious tool used in the right application.
A real timesaver to throw in loose tendons on oversized cabinet doors, mirror frames, and I have used on passage doors.
12/20/18 #11: Festool ...
We use the T55 track saws in the field all the time for installs. Also use the Domino a lot in the shop. We like their older 5" RO sanders and use several in the shop with a fairly elaborate cantilevered segmented arm that keeps the vacuum hoses and cords off our work and can swing over three of our benches. The planer is a solid machine, but we don't use that often. Have had the routers in the past, but not so worthwhile and wouldn't buy again. Where the tools really shine is the repair service. They won't put in print or say it, but from our perspective, these things are pretty much warrantied for life. Whenever we break one, we box up, sign off on $300 or 400 in repairs and ship to Festool. We get the repaired tool back, usually in about a week, repaired, many times with other parts replaced or fixed for NO CHARGE. Only thing we pay is the initial shipping. And I'm talking tools that are way out of warranty and tools that we have damaged by carelessness and said so on the description we give Festool. I have had one track saw that I bought in maybe 2006, repaired at least 4 times without any cost to me. Whatever the "high cost" when I purchased, it's more than been covered.
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