▼EXPAND FOR TOOL LINKS and INFO▼ Watch Next = Hater's Guide to Harbor Freight - ua-cam.com/video/_WzDCxfJXAY/v-deo.html Festool Dust Extractor - amzn.to/3LapxDd Festool ETS125 Sander - amzn.to/3NeB9Yq Festool Cordless Track Saw - amzn.to/41W9QHb Festool Domino 500 - amzn.to/40P5mAM Festool Rotex Sander - amzn.to/3Ax3n9p Festool Kapex Miter Saw - amzn.to/3LbhRRb Festool Top Rock Radio - amzn.to/3n6qwMT Track Saw Dust Cover - wittworks.shop/products/track-saw-dust-cover-for-festool-ts75 T-Shirt I'm Wearing - bit.ly/3olmkJr Festool Dealers I Recommend: Official Festool Amazon Store - amzn.to/41JHe3C Ohio Power Tool - shrsl.com/41iao Tool Nut - thetoolnut.sjv.io/rQaRRj Check this video's description for more links. If you use one of these Amazon and other affiliate links, I may receive a commission. Some other useful links: Daily Tool Deals on my website: www.731woodworks.com/tool-deals Subscribe to our email Newsletter: mailchi.mp/7e44c16eefdc/731-woodworks-email-newsletter Check out our easy-to-follow woodworking plans: www.731woodworks.com/store Outlaw's Board Butter - So Good it Should be Outlawed: www.731woodworks.com/store/boardbutter
Great review. I am new to woodworking and consider myself a hobbyist. However, I am a hobbyist with aspirations to be a professional. I don’t own any Festool. Products because where I am in my journey. Maybe someday 😀
The reason Festool gets so much hate online is in my opinion because most of us are hobbyist woodworkers, and whether you agree or not, Festool is a high end brand, marketed for serious woodworkers and professionals. Most people are just tired of seeing it presented so often on hobby channels as if it's a normal every day shop tool to have, which it isn't.
Having options is never a bad thing. Dollar for dollar I think the woodpeckers stuff is the biggest ripoff out there. I say that as someone with multiple sustainers of Festool stuff.
Buy the tool you can afford. Accuracy comes from knowing how to dial in the tool. I don't hate on Festool, I simply can't afford them. My Bosch and Bora track guide cut straight, and ya, I need to use my broom after I get done breaking down sheet goods. I've never heard of a customer complaining that the coffee table they purchased wasn't made with only the most expensive tools? Old Matt loved his Delta 725 table saw. Now he owns a Sawstop. Woodworking is a progression. Use the tools you can afford.
I think most of us just don't see the value return on that high price. I own a Sawstop cabinet saw because it was basically the same price as the Delta and the Grizzly(?) that I was looking at 12 years ago. The quality of the cut and fence seemed to be about equal for all of them, but this one won't cut my fingers off? Sign me up. And it get used for the majority of work on everything I build. If I have a choice between a Milwaukee, Dewalt, or Makita tool that's solid construction, does the job well, and has some nice features over entry-level junk.... what's the case for buying one that costs twice as much? As a hobbyist like you and everyone else in here, does a $600 saw make a cut better than a $300 saw? For as many cuts as I will make with it in year? I can afford the tool, if I really wanted it, I just don't think I'd use it enough to pay $5 per cut over the lifetime of the tool. Dominos are the only thing I'm tempted by. If someone make a reasonably priced and SAFE to use domino alternative, I'd probably get one. I build one, maybe two pieces of furniture a year. When I retire, maybe it's worth it. But probably not until then.
I think part of the problem is that DIY guys watch youtube channels for DIY stuff and they often don't realize that the youtuber isn't a DIY'er. The content creators are full time professionals at their job and so investing in higher quality tools typically makes sense for them. The catch is that it sometimes distances them from their viewers to a degree (for right or wrong) and of course you'll never make everyone happy. I'm a mechanic (old car restoration guy) and I see Festool as being the woodworking equivalent of Snap-On (or other high end tools). Sure, a DIY guy can work on a car using harbor freight, craftsman or husky tools, but when you're doing it for a living 50 hours a week you learn that the extra money spent on premium tools isn't always wasted. Some tools are fine to go cheap on and others are well worth the upgrade. It's a good tradesman that can know and understand the difference. Next week I will be sanding down a '55 Chevy and you can bet I'll be using my Hutchins sander and not a harbor freight sander.
I was a bodyman and a frameman for 45 years at 70 I have probably $30K in Snap-On and others. Now I do woodwork as a hobby and wes Festool has my wallet but I do try save a little by buying China on Amazon. Festool is one of the best but I cringe when I order anything. Well when I,m gone hope my son loves these fine tools
Not necessarily "full time professionals", but **full time professional UA-camRS**. And that specific distinction allows them (if they have the audience) to buy tools and equipment that average working pros can't afford or justify. As a pro (plumber) I don't/can't buy the BEST and MOST EXPENSIVE, but I buy a pro grade that fits into my expense margins. UA-cam "pros" rarely, if ever, need to rely on actual real-world trade profits to buy the tools they need to work - they are "paid" by viewers to keep buying newer and better, while the working pros need to make tools last a decade.
There’s a concept in psychology called “ego centric bias.” It basically means seeing the world and everyone else through the lens of how you understand yourself. In other words thinking that everyone else is similar to you and everything else is made to be for you. There are people in a New York apartment that literally do not own a hammer, who consider themselves the definition of a “DIY” target audience. So if you post a video that requires a circular saw they will yell at you for having tools that the average DIYer doesn’t have. These people barely qualify as a crafter since all they own is a pair of scissors but they see the world through their own eyes and want you to make videos specifically for them and their tool less situation. That’s an extreme example to illustrate the point. But it puts content creators in a weird spot. Everyone has to make a choice about how fancy they are going to make projects. It’s possible to go so far that you alienate a bunch of people who can’t replicate what you’re doing. But on the other hand I daresay most videos get watched for entertainment or inspiration or general education and not instruction for a specific build. But it depends on who you’re trying to target and what reason you’re targeting them. Bourbon Moth has said that he realized people were watching for entertainment so he leaned into that. Anyone capable of making his stuff would have the tools and knowledge to figure it out just watching the video anyway. And most people with that level of skill probably want to make changes so it’s a bespoke piece just for them.
Thing is Festool, isn't what Snap-on used to be, their tools are kinda cheaply made, they do seem to hold up al least as long as the narrow product cycle. Look at Ave's reviews, he found places where there could have been bearings, but instead was a pocket in plastic with some grease. If someone took a Chinesium tool apart and found that, we would never have heard the end of it. He also found beef where it had to be, so not bad. But kinda like the work they are supposed to do, cheap solution to houses that will be vacuumed into the dump in a generation. Don't look behind the curtain. The design and innovation is excellent, just not something to worship on quality.
I’m a weekend woodworker. I was shocked at the price when I first learned of festool. After years of frustration at wasted time and projects from cheaper tools I’m currently saving up for my first festool/ first track saw.
The value of a good tool goes up exponentially. I don't do enough woodworking to justify festool prices, but I never by cheap shitty tools. It's. Just. Not. Worth. It.
I had to save up for my TS 55 tracksaw but I would buy another one in a heartbeat if anything happened to mine. It will make you a more accurate woodworker, it is much safer than a circular saw and if you own a table saw you can put a sheet of wood on it and use it as a coffee table because you won't be use it that much anymore. If someone asked me if I could only own one Festool product, it would be the TS55 Tracksaw.
the architecture school I went has a wood workshop and when they when from French franc to euro, they bought every festool they could 've bought at that time, they made a budget in French franc and didn't realised with the conversion how expensive in would be, so nowadays they continued happily with festool and I must said I enjoyed every single one of those tool man, I always felt the difference when helping a friend or father in law, and I've to use their tools, so because I had years using these tools and pushing then to the limit I naturally bought them after graduation, even tho I'm not a "professional wood worker" per say because I don't sell what I build, but when I do all my design for my house or I've to build something I'm glad, it really feel different, my father in law once visited my workshop and was happy to see all my tools, (even tho he said it is because I 've great tools I can built greatthing -_-)
I'm a retired long haul truck driver. When I retired, I started watching UA-cam Woodworking Channels. April Wilkerson was just getting started. So, like her, I figured I could make things I needed rather than purchasing them. With a limited space two car garage, I asked my friend Jesse (he own Eagle Tools in Los Angeles) my options for this small space. He suggested a Festool ts55 Track Saw Kit. He had a Festool Representative stop by my house to demonstrate the track saw. Under his supervision, I made a few cuts and it was Festool from then on. Expensive? You bet! But for me, the perfect and square cuts it makes, made me look like a professional woodworker. My pieces came together square and fit perfect. I now own the MFT/3, two sanders, CT26 Dust Extractor and both the 500 and 700 dominos. Next month, I'll be investing in the Kapex KS 120. I've made a ton of things for both the inside and outside of my home. My kids come over and we make things for their homes. And, best of all, my grandkids come over and safely make things for themselves that they want and need. How do you put a price on that?
"Limited" 2 car garage workshop? I'm sure I speak for all of Europe when I say I hate you 😜 Just kidding of course. But a dedicated workshop is a dream for many here. I think it's awesome that you're passing this on to your kids and grandkids. My parents didn't have much money when we were born, and my dad made all manner of furniture for us, as well as wooden toys. And he taught us how to make or repair things ourselves as well. That is a gift that keeps on giving :)
I had a lot of work done at a previous house, including a pro fitted kitchen. I always say “the tool is the tool, the blade, bit/blade does the job” but the tool has to still turn the cutting edge. 12 years later and I’m working on my own renovation. I made a conscious decision as I needed 18v as there was limited power on site. I choose makita lxt as my system. But as soon as the power was improved, as well as the hard yards of work (cutting, sanding, planing etc ) festool was my choice of 240v system. It’s always the same, people roll their eyes when you mention the F brand. Then they see the quality of the cuts, they are incredibly and the confidence using them installs in you. There’s only you to blame when it goes wrong, because the tool will never let you down.
I've always been of the opinion that you purchase the best of what you can afford. I was able to purchase a Festool sander and dust extractor last year, finally! I must say, I am so impressed by the tools. They exceeded my already high expectations. The sander is so comfortable to use, and with the dust extraction combined I am now able to sand for hours without the wrist and hand fatigue. Now I can finally make that dining room table I've been wanting to make! My next purchase is going to be the Domino. I'm between jobs right now, so I really cant justify the purchase, but it is going to be my next tool purchase once I have the funds. Festool thinks of all the small, but so important, details of the tools. Thanks for taking the time to research and make this video. I really appreciate the history lesson. Thanks to Jason Bent too!! :)
For me, it all came down to dust collection. It’s a health issue for me and in my experience, the festool is the best I have ever used. To me, it’s worth the investment and when it’s time for me to replace a tool, it will be a festool.
Festool products, and people's reactions to them, are interesting. For a finish carpenter, Festool -- particularly the entire Festool ecosystem -- cannot be beat. (We can argue about whether Festool is better than some of its top-notch competitors, but that's a different discussion.) Their tools are portable, accurate, and leave little mess. Perfect for doing precise work at the jobsite. But, what about a woodworker -- someone who makes fine furniture or meticulously crafted boxes and such -- as opposed to someone who merely works with wood? For a woodworker, Festool doesn't have nearly as much to offer. I used to manage a cabinet mill. If I were setting up a large cabinet shop today, Festool would make up a very small part of my tool budget. Since I won't be taking the tools from jobsite to jobsite, portability isn't a plus factor. Nor am I going to want all those systainers taking up space. I might use a tracksaw for breaking up sheets of plywood, but I doubt it. Instead, I'd use a cart to move materials to the table saw. And, many of those table saws would be sliders. I might have a domino (or three). And, I might have a Kapex. Other than that, I don't think Festool products would have a role in my newly created cabinet shop. All my sanders would be pneumatic as would my drill drivers. I wouldn't have router table, I'd have shapers. On the other hand, a smaller shop -- even one that does professional work -- might benefit from a whole host of Festool's products. There, Festool's portability pays dividends. Space in such an environment is at a premium, and Festool's ecosystem allows a lot of capability to fit into a relatively small space. If I were building myself such a shop today, it might be exclusively stocked with Festool products.
100% agree, my friend makes bespoke built in furniture and he uses a lot of Festool gear when he is fitting on site but in his shop he mainly has serious machines like a cabinet saw and spindle moulder and radial arm saw, planer and thicknesser etc. Festool really don't make any serious shop machines for making cabinetry other than maybe the domino which is an amazing device.
ANd those pneumatic tools most likely would use festo pneumatic equipment like vavles and so on and so forth, so you would still be using festool or at least stuff from the same parent company.
I work in the automotive field and love woodworking as a hobby. A lot of the body shops in my area have started using festool sanders and dust extractors to keep dust down in their shops
I have used Festool tools and Woodpeckers tools at demonstrations. I like both companies tools but I cannot afford them. I am just a DIY man, I love woodworking. It is how I fight PTSD. I am a disabled Viet Nam veteran and I am happy with what I have. And I thank God that I survived that war.
I love my Festool gear. I have the Domino 500, the CT26 Dust Extractor, a Karvex Jigsaw, and 4 sanders. They make fantastic tools that are well engineered, a pleasure to use and well, I can afford them. They just work.
sounds kind of like the YETI brand for coolers, people talk so much crap about it but in reality they are super well made the knock offs can be really good as well but honestly not as well made if you look at the details as YETI I think the issue with many is they cant afford it so instead of just saying" well this is too rich for my blood" or " I would rather spend my money on something else" they instead want to not only talk down on the product but also clown on the people who do buy it as if they are showoffs or somehow stupid.
For casual people, it’s expensive. If you are a shop and are making money, it’s an investment. The replacement service is crazy good. I don’t own any festool yet, but I’m looking at a boring 5” sander just because after using one for a couple days it was much faster, cleaner, and quieter. I used the 3m 710w sanding discs and worked from 120 up to 240 and it was clean. It’s funny you mention the 125 sander, I have one in my cart lol. And so it starts! Toe dipped.
@@joschmoyo4532 All my tools get used, if they don’t or sit around I sell them. Exceptions are if I use them, just not often then yes I’ll use them. Otherwise I sell them as I don’t need clutter.
I’m very new to woodworking I use to watch my grandfather in shop when I was a kid. I only have the DIY type of tools but in most cases You Get What You Pay For. Thanks for the video
I'm a hobbyist, yet own a bunch of their tools, including the basis table (saw, router,...), sanders, vacuum cleaner, etc... and after 20 years of use, they're still almost like new, and accessories are still available for all the models I have... unbeaten ! You can't look at the bare price, it's an investment... if you plan to do a one-shot, forget it, but if you're into woodworking (even as a hobbyist), I never encountered anyone regretting to have bought Festool...
Longevity of parts/support is where festool can make sense even for a hobbyist. You have a tool, you get used to the tool, you want it to last a long time and not learn some new tool.
I got sold on throwing in the towel on avoiding "overpriced for me" with the ETS125REQ+ because of the edge guide. Being able to sand the edge of a 3/4-3" thick edge while maintaining that perfect 45-90 degree angle is fantastic. Yes, I paid more for the guide than I could have bought a nice big box store 5" RO sander. No, I have no regrets doing it. Since then, I added an ETS150/3 and the CT15. The CT15 has more than enough capacity for sanding duties at about half the price of the rest of their vacuums.
That edge guide is fantastic. I'd love to dedicate an ETSC125 to it full time, but sheesh those are expensive! The Bosch GET are a sufficiently burly alternative to the ROs if you find yourself needing something like that.
I didn’t know that edge guide existed until just now. I have the ets125. I don’t think sanding my edges at precise angles matters that much to me for $110, but it’s nice to know it exists. At some point you want to leave room for hand crafted character. Can anyone even tell if your table sides are exactly 90 degrees. Does your 1/16” edge chamfer really have to be sanded perfectly? I guess that’s a question for the philosophers.
I used to be that guy that would scoff when I saw the Festo/Festool tool…until one day I decided I needed proper dust extraction and a drywall sander to do some property maintenance. My collection of festool tools has grown since. As you say, once you get into the system it all makes sense and it works. It’s not always perfect and fortunately there are companies out there that make products that add/improve the system (TSO for example). Don’t want to think what I’ve spent to date on the system but hey, I enjoy using their equipment and it works for me. Thanks for the video 👍
I've mentioned this on other similar videos. I think the primary reason for the "hate" is not really a criticism of Festool per se. Yes, the price is a big factor and results in jealousy. That actually translates though into a lot of the online "hate". Why do youtubers receive comments like that? More than likely it's not the production shops that get the hate for it. Look at Dusty Lumber's videos. I don't think I see many Festool hatred comments on his video. Why? Because he's always had high end tools on his videos, he's been a production shop since before he started UA-cam. Where you get the hate are the channels that started out with cheap tools, then after their channel grew they upgraded to expensive equipment. The issue is that the fan base of channels like this one and others like it is primarily hobbyists or those that do woodworking as a side hustle. They likely don't have the money for Festool and probably never will (or even if they do have the money they can't justify the cost over a lower cost tool). They started watching the channel because the creator was "one of us" an everyman buying tools at Harbor Freight and Home Depot. Then, once they start getting all these expensive tools, it feels like they've abandoned who they were. It feels like they are sell out (even if they bought all the new equipment with their own money). It's like a blue collar worker who joins management. Most understand it and are happy for that person (especially if they deserve it), but it's still seen little bit as a betrayal. Look at Steve Ramsey. He absolutely has the money from his channel to buy a Sawstop, a domino, or whatever other top end equipment he wants. I wouldn't be surprised if he had another shop across the street with top end equipment, but every video is him using an old contractor table saw and all the old "cheap" other equipment. His brand was woodworking for mere mortals and he's never betrayed that. And because of that, everyone loves him and there are very few criticisms of him. In my opinion a lot of the hate isn't necessarily jealousy (though that is a factor), but more a feeling of betrayal and "selling out" on the part of the content creator.
@@EngravinDave that's true, and from a business perspective a content creator has to weigh the cost/benefit of making transitions like upgrading to expensive tools. There will always be "haters" and so the question is how do you deal with them? Do you just ignore it? Do you make videos like this and try to convert them or address some of the criticisms? Or do you try to appease them in some way? There are costs and benefits to all those approaches. I think Steve's rut has a lot to do with burn out, but also that he's done pretty much every possible video over the years, so where do you go? Do you start repeating videos? Do you rebrand? Do you quit youtube and do something completely different? Do you go the livestream route and just address things as they come in?
I don't mind those channels a lot, if they do well and can afford nice tools, more power to them. As long as they stay true to what they used to do, things like offering tips and tricks, showing how to do certain things (and not in a way that can only be done with expensive tools), or providing nice ideas (or plans) for new projects. What I hate are the channels who present an "easy to build doohicky", and start the video with "we'll just run this CAD design through our CNC mill, while we start cutting this inch thick steel with our top of the line automatic plasma cutter".
I just purchased the dual battery operated sliding table saw, expensive yes, but site portable and angle cuts can be adjusted to the tenth of a mm. If I want to do 1 or 2 cuts I can attach the dust bag and dust is minimal. For me as a contracted carpenter and joiner it has been absolutely worth the expense.
I run sound professionally in film/television. I own all of my own equipment as many professional sound mixers do. The cost of a single wireless transmitter and lav (small mic that I place on talent) are over three thousand dollars a channel (per person). I’m also an amateur woodworker and anything Festool makes seems like a WAYYYY better deal than what I pay for way less useful pro sound equipment. Especially being that you can use Festool’s equipment for real life applications.
Right? It's kind of amusing coming from that field where hobbiests with $5k mirrorless rigs are hating on professionals with $50k+ cinema rigs to this one where hobbiests with a $500 contractor saw hating on professionals with a $4k cabinet saw. The time and reliability savings from high end equipment will likely never yeild returns for a hobbiest, and that's okay. I am in the hobbiest category when it comes to woodworking. While a shop full of Festool tools may not make sense for me, I'm not going to hate on a professional for buying professional tools. I can afford to take my time to get good results whereas a professional needs the best possible results in the shortest time possible. I do happen to own a Festool sander and dust extractor. It's faster, more comfortable to use, and less messy than my Dewalts. It's just an expensive convenience for me, but that time savings and comfort may offer significant value to a pro. The content is still relevant to me, regardless of how fancy the tools are.
I am deeply sorry but I cannot fully agree with you. I am a pure hobbyist and never sold any of my projects. But, I spent my money on some Festool tools because my level of experience cannot compensate for a poorly made tool. The domino along with the CT36 was my exact first combo and I’ve never regretted it. It is a pure joy to use. No fuss, no frustration. Thanks for that video !
@@robhaydnsei - Fein and Hilti may price the same, but they're not in the same league as Festool and certainly not Mafell. Mirka are specialists (sanding) to me. Priced similalry to Festool and 3M for very similar products but without the same infrastructure.
I am Teacher in Australia and I have used a Domino before. I love its accuracy and ease of use; great for students. I have been starting my own little shop and I wanted to buy one for myself, but cost is always factor, as stated - $2000AUD. But bit the bullet as I know how good it is and I am glad I did.
I’m a professional carpenter and find the price is a hard pill to swallow but no doubt it’s extremely well engineered and thought out stuff. It changed the way I work and if I could afford it I’d buy it all
Some of its great. But I’m not so enamored that I’d kit everything out in neon green. I’d probably get the Rotex, the dust extractor, track saw, and domino. But the rest doesn’t seem any better than alternatives for me.
It all depends on how much you use the tool, I’ve had a Festool sander for 18 years and it’s fantastic, I like the Domino but very expensive, but a fantastic tool.
One of the issues these days is that the price of something tells you little about the standards and reliability of what you're getting. A cheapo tool may well wind up being of better quality as they're not able to saturate the airwaves with advertising and have to focus more on word of mouth. But, it's very case by case and brands that were great a couple decades ago may well have been sold to private equity firms and stripped of any actual quality.
The major problem I have with these tools is not the tools themselves. Heck I’d love to own a set. My problem is when I started watching you, Wilkerdo’s, Anna White etc, y’all had the same simple set of tools we did. All is a sudden sponsorship is a part of the game. This is great but kinda leaves us little guys wondering if we are still in the same class. Wilkerson got to be where it almost seemed like ever episode was a informercial. Anyways I still love the videos, just kinda wish it was more projects, less tool reviews etc. Keep the faith my brother.
It takes extra tips and tricks to get "regular" tools to give results like high end tools. I learn a lot from watching people use tools with limits like mine and learning about how they get around those limits.
It’s gotta be hard, cuz for them how do you pass up the money? This is their job. I do always enjoy seeing people building things with the tools I have, or even lesser tools than I have!
But Matt is not sponsored by Festool. I don't think that anyone other than Sedge is sponsored that I've seen. What I have seen from Matt and others is as they have become more successful they get to buy nicer gear. Them using better gear is not a problem at all. Everything they all do can be done with any basic gear. Rex the handtool only guy can show you that, granted it makes a weekend project into a month long project.😂 Another example is Guga, a cooking guy. A couple years ago you never saw that guy cooking high end steaks. Now every episode he is cooking Japanese A5 wagyu. I can watch him and pick up tips while cooking my poor mans steaks still. Same way any one of us can pick up tips on the way Matt does stuff here.
Do not like April. Every 20 seconds you get a minute of advertising, both from her and UA-cam. And with that time wasted when should I actually make something miss Sell Out?
I agree with you on some of these channels, but I think many of them really just do bite the bullet and buy once, cry once. To a certain extent it's a matter of priorities. A car channel I've been watching addressed a common misconception people seem to have about "car guys", which is that they must all be filthy rich, but in reality most of them have chosen to wear generic clothes/shoes, they use old phones, etc. and dump the money they save into expensive car parts instead. It's the same for woodworking tools- do you really NEED that flagship phone? Because you COULD get the newest iPhone or biggest Samsung with all the bells and whistles (which will last you about a couple of months before it's obsolete, and a couple of years before it craps out) but for about the same price you could get, for instance, a Festool ETS EC 150 which will last you a lifetime and really bump up your sanding workflow. But yeah, April in particular seems to have tons and tons of sponsors and "friends" who just so happens to be experts on this-and-that to come help her out and her videos have become entirely unrelatable as a result.
I had a Festool Trion jigsaw that lasted over 10 years working on site. It had a hard life, mostly cutting through 45mm worktops. It went through 000’s of blades, even got dropped of 3 story scaffolding and carried on working. It paid for itself in the first couple of years. Great accurate jigsaw. I have 17 Festool tools and wouldn’t ever go to another brand. The engineering and just feels like a quality tool in your hand. When I try friends other brands they really just feel like toys. You won’t ever be sold if you worry about the money, but it’s honestly worth every penny. 3 years warranty. 10 years guaranteed parts, 3 years theft cover for £100 if anything is ever stolen. Plus their customer service. They pick up the tool if it fails under warranty and drop it back to your address once it’s repaired. Festool is an investment in your tool collection. One more thing, try the Kapex without dust extraction for a few cuts then put it back and and you realise how good it is. Is it perfect, No is it better then other mitre saws, absolutely yes.
I don't hate Festool, I just didn't choose to buy one of their tools yet, and one of the reasons is the price. I started with Makita and their 18V-System, and whenever I need a new tool I first have a look at their offering, then compare it to other brands, if there is anything much better. And although Makita is my first choice, I'm not so fixed on that brand, so I got a few tools from Bosch for example as well. Festool hasn't be the winner in such a comparison yet, but maybe one day I'll buy one, if the higher price is justified if the tool is so much better than others. Still I appreciate your video, and I thank You for that! 🙂 And I thank You for something else, because I learned something new: I as a German always thougt that Festool is an american brand, but I needed an American to tell me it's a german brand! 😅
I'm Dutch from Europe and I own the festool track saw ts 55. I own the rotex 90 from festool and I own the CTL Mini II vacuüm from Festool. I Work freelance in construction and Yes. I've been eating instant noodles like for ever... to buy these tools!! But people know about Festool and they know about the Festool brand... In Europe any Festool vacuüm is a must have, if you work Freelance in construction. If you want to do any paintjobs or renovation project you need a Festool grinder. If you also bring out your Festool track saw....Boy! People go crazy!! Like people see a Bentley or a Rolls Royce... Like I'm the best Freelance construction worker, "Ever" they asked doing a job on their home... and I'm not!!! I know I do my job correct. But I'm not Superman. It's because people see a Festool Tool. And the Festool vacuüm, it's just great. The Festool track saw, it's just great. The Festool Rotex 90 is a great grinder. Both operate with the Festool vacuüm and it's fun to work with. I own a DeWalt impact driver and it's a great tool. I own a Makita jigsaw and a Makita drill. I own a Bosch "bleu" Hamer. I own a Fein multitool. And I'm saying this to give an insight...about the power tools I own and I work with.... But Still....Still...I want to own a Festool Impact driver! But I also think about a Keyang impact driver... or maybe buying a new one from DeWalt. But even still...still...the Festool impact driver is something I really would like to own and work with... I don't know. Toys for boys maybe, hahaha... and the Makita 40Volt it's just really mad. To fully change into a hole new system working Freelance... I'de rather eat intstant noodles for a month and I would buy a new Festool tool, before I change into a 40Volt systeem. Just enjoy working and constructing using different types of cool power tools and machines...And building stuff!!! Don't be focused on one brand or on one Tool... buy the tools to do your job and try to make people happy! It's not about the Tools you use, it's about the job you do. Build stuff and make people happy!!! It's not about a brand of power tools. We get paid to build or we get paid by people to Build!!!... Build me my home?....it's what we do!!!
I had my van stolen around 5 years ago. I contacted festool and told them about this, an impact driver, a screw gun a reciprocating saw and an SDS were taken. They returned me, not just all the tools I mentioned; Another screw gun and impact. Plus 5x extra batteries of differing sizes. All with a box to fit them all in. Will not ever forget that when I was going through a really bad time. Great company.
Other than the domino and dust extractor there is no other festool tool that really interests me. I’m a makita fan and they offer everything I need. I’m pretty sure they (makita and the other big name tool brands) already have their version of a domino made and are just waiting for the patent to expire. I’ve never had a customer say to me that I can see that timber has been cut and sanded with a festool…lol..and yes I have used festool on many occasions but they have never really appealed to me as good as what they are. Thanks for the info and videos you supply , keep it up!!
makita has a big problem with quality, we have a lot broken tools from makita but festool only one it was replaced in 2 days. and youtube is full of defect and fault makita tools
I am a hobbyist and I bought my Festool track saw and CE22 dust extractor probably 12 years ago. It was an impulse buy, but I didn't have a table saw, so felt this track saw would fit me needs. Although I now have a table saw, is still use the track saw. The extractor ALL the time. I've since added the Rotex sander (dust collection is unbeaten).
As a seller of these tools you explained it pretty well, Our store has most of the popular tools ready for anyone to try out to compare to what they currently have. More times I can count they are amazed at the simple ets125 and buy that as their first purchase along with the ct15 or ct mini for the home shop. Keep these videos coming.
I do not do a lot of wood working these days but man I love my festool tools. I like the idea of buying the best thing you can possibly buy and just never needing to get another. Not just with tools but with just about anything I do not plan on replacing. I do this as a hobby and I do not like to struggle with my hobby, nice tools make things run smoothly. Like you say in the video, the system and dust collection is what makes it worth it. If I was the type of guy who loved hand tools and had fun with that I think I may see it differently but that is just not me.
Having done a fairly large number of woodworking projects myself, I've talked to a few people about getting started. My vote is a simple 10 or 12 inch DeWalt miter saw at the most. Take that $1600 and buy the
The big festool chop saw is not worth the cost. I owned it at one point and didnt like it much mainly because you were locked into using their blades and the saw really didnt do much that other brands did for half the cost. I use makitas mostly, however as I have gotten older I look more and more at the smaller chop saws, for me I dont need 10" saws much. Festool is releasing a smaller battery powered saw that looks interesting. Still a hefty price tag.
@@paulhouseholder9360I have the basic dewalt 12” miter saw. Buying the non sliding version is better because it’s less slop and thus more accurate. I tuned it up to make sure it’s square in all three planes and made a zero clearance plate and fence on it. Cost $200 and I can cut as precise as a I would ever need to as a woodworker. Of course I also have a table saw. But I bought my miter saw for home remodeling more so than woodworking. It just wasn’t hard to get it cutting perfectly square so I use it for woodworking too.
The miter saw is one of the festool you just don’t need for woodworking. The sanders and dust collector are cool. The domino and track saw are worth considering. But that’s about it. A Bosch router is just as good. A tuned up basic miter saw is fine. Every brand has certain tools that are too off the line or near enough to make no difference. Bosch routers Milwaukee drills etc. festool isn’t needed for every tool but they do have a handful that are great for woodworkers.
i would have to disagree, the festool kapex is sooo much better than the next best miter saw option. we have both the highest end makita and the festool kapex miter saw in our shop and the festool is as accurate as it gets when cutting different angles. it is certainly expensive but it is by far the most accurate@@CarlYota
I work for myself and sometimes I need some wood working tools. I have DeWalt drills and sanders, but I picked up a Festool sander for a remodel that I was working on. It works much better then anything I have.
I broke my Dewalt sander on the very first project. Upon investigating it I realized it had plastic drive components. And most comparable sanders were the same faulty design. So I returned it and bought a festool (the $200 one). Haven’t had a problem yet.
New subscriber here. I thought I would give it a try, but I unsubscribe if videos become all about the sponsor. You made it very clear that you are not sponsored by Festool, and I'm pretty sure that their sponsorships are few and far between. I work at a local Woodcraft, and own a bunch of Festool myself, and I'm always getting comments such as "must be tough" and "where are you making all this money to afford Festool?" The bottom line is haters be haters. Festool tools take a beating and they will keep coming back for more. I think the only thing I dislike about the Festool way of thinking is they are transitioning to cordless. Our rep himself said they are planning on nearly a full transition in the future. I'm one who still likes cords on some machines, and I think it's fair to say that when a lot of these batteries are dead, in the distant future of course, they will end up in the landfills.
I just dropped some dough on the cordless Festool track saw and love it! I run a home repair business and plan on using it for that and a side wood working gig. I dont mind spending extra money on a quality tool thats made in Germany and not China or Mexico. I use Stabilla levels which are German made and the best levels on the planet. My tool bag is full of German made Kinipex tools. They cost more but the quality is un beatable. My livelihood depends on these tools and I am passionate about my job so I have Cadillac tools. I'm kinda a tool snob but I dont care. Haters will always be haters. You do yer thing brother! No hater here!
At one time, I had a garage full of Ryobi, Skil, Dewalt -- and Chicago Electric (Horror Fright) stuff. When I could, by and by, I got better stuff, and the old cheaper stuff went to deserving relatives as hand-me-downs, or on to Craig's List.
I live close to the German headquarters and my former neighbor made special low volume accessories in his workshop for them. He showed me why there is nothing comparable to this tools
The first Festools I bought were the CT36 and the drywall sander for a residential remodel (my home) I'm working on. I'm knocking down the orange peel and skim-coating all the walls and ceiling.... I honestly couldn't believe how awesome that combination was. IMO, easily worth what I paid even if I only use them for this one job (though I use the CT 36 in my workshop every day).
I had a discussion with a colleague about high quality tools that changed how I look at tools and specifically high end tools. I was telling him he should get a cordless 15ga nail gun as a part of his siding business. I mentioned the typical points about saving money over time by not having to set up a compressor, ease of moving the tool around the job site, and moving the tool between job sites. Sure, it would cost between 2x and 3x as much as an air gun, but it would pay for itself. He had a great point "Yeah. That's great and all, but I'm buying stuff that inexperienced helpers will drop off the 2nd floor of a building or forget outside in the rain, or forget to perform maintenance on. Tools get beat up around here. I go for the bargain bin stuff that can be replaced easily." This is in contrast with Festool. Festool stuff works brilliantly when it's in perfect condition! If you need your track saw to be better then 1/128th true over 8ft, you just might not get that with Mikita. Once you drop that track off the table with the saw on it, it's just as crap as the 1/2 priced one! As long as these tools are used gently (and that isn't how everyone uses tool, either by temperament or by application), they will stay awesome for a long time. The miter saw looks great but I think I'll stick with my Dewalt one. Don't get me wrong, I expect the Festool one is a superior tool out of the box. If it would stay that awesome for me for 5+ years, I would totally get one. Within the first year of owning my saw, I've had 2 different helpers not know how to unlock the bevel and miter settings and literally just forced their way through the locking function *face palm. If that happened with my Festool saw, that would be a lot more unfortunate. Close to 2.5x as unfortunate to be specific. Again, Festool is awesome as long as it isn't abused. If I'm using it in a climate controlled environment and it's only being handled by trained professionals, that's totally the tool for the job. Where I'm working, my miter saw gets used in the rain sometimes, it isn't in a climate controlled space a lot of the time, and sometimes it's being used by people who aren't treating it gently.
I had the choice of the Festool track saw and the Makita one. I choose the Makita and don’t regret it to be honest. But I’d love the kapex ive been oohing over that for a while. Think most of the festool hate comes from £££. Jealousy doesn’t make friends .
Do you really need the kapex though? What can it do that a tuned up $200 Dewalt miter saw can’t? The price difference is staggering. And most woodworkers use table saws as their main tool anyway. I have a squared up basic Dewalt and can cut as precise as I’d ever have to as a woodworker. I’m all for expensive tools if they are actually better than the basic alternatives. But is the kapex actually that much better? Maybe for dust collection inside someone house, but in a woodworking shop?
I don't hate Festool, I just can't afford it, most of my tools were either inherited from my dad or bought second hand. I'm just a basic diyer and plan on making small projects, just something to to.
Im a professional woodworker in Ireland and Im on the dewalt battery platform. My rule of thumb is if I need accuracy and/or dust collection its festool. If not its Dewalt. So my angle grinder, multi tool, SDS, drills and jigsaw etc are Dewalt. Track saw, sander, planer, kapex router are festool. The quality of the festool is incredible and as youve mentioned, the dust collection is second to none.
I have several brands for power tool. Best tool for the job. My first purchased the extractor and the domino. Yes, not cheap, but quality built. I do woodworking project for myself and the time I save so much time using the domino. My first Festool drill was the CXS and the power and smooth control for such a small and 10.8V system. I have Makita, Bosch, Ryobi and DeWALT. Having a good dust extraction with suction control makes a huge difference and for sanding even more.
I’m considering a domino. As a hobby, with very limited time in the shop, I’m thinking the speed will help me increase my ability to complete projects I’m a more timely manner. Expensive, but I’m learning the time is more valuable.
You said it best people who hate on it have never used it I’m a union painter and drywall finisher at a hospital the first time I used it was at the hospital and it was a game changer no dust to set off smoke heads no clean up and smooth sanding I actually just bought one for side work and it’s gunna pay for itself
I'll have to respectfully disagree with your sander recommendation. The ETS-125 is a "Finish" sander and has a 2mm stroke with a 250-watt motor. It is a common mistake to think that you're buying an entry level priced Festool sander for $249. The 2mm stroke is fantastic with mid to fine grits and leaves a butter smooth finish. But it isn't aggressive at all and will take a long time if you need to remove any amount of material. The best choice is the ETS EC-125 for $475. I get that it is "WAY" more expensive, but it is a much better all-around sander. It is a 3mm stroke with a 400-watt motor which means it works well with course to fine grits and is more aggressive which equals faster sanding, but it is still capable of leaving a fine finish. The ETS-EC 125 would be your go-to everyday sander and the ETS-125 is a sander to use at the end of a project for the final fine sanding. But you really don't "need" an ETS 125 if you already have an ETS-EC 125, see what I mean? Also, the ergonomics of the ETS-EC -125 are usually preferred by most as well, which makes those long sanding session a bit easier. I own two versions of the ETS-125, the corded as you have in the video and the cordless ETSC-125, so I'm not a hater, I just want people to understand what they are buying before doing so. All the Best, Chuck
Yes the ets125 is comparable to the orbital sanders you get at Home Depot from Dewalt and Makita. Those are all short stroke finish sanders. And those are what the average person thinks of when they think about sanders. The aggressive $500 one are a different breed meant for hogging off material similar to belt sanders but obviously not that wreckless. As long as you know what you’re buying and you want a finish sander then the ets125 is fantastic. Much better than the comparable big box brands because it’s not made of plastic drive parts that will brake after moderate use. I’m f you want something that will flatten your table top that has one board 1/16” proud you should look elsewhere. If you want to take your properly finished piece up through the grits this is what it’s made for.
The key to a side hustle/ small time woodworking business is knowing which tools are worthwhile to upgrade from box store tools to higher end tools. Much the like you would not expect to build a heirloom quality piece out of construction grade lumber, you can't expect the same results from low end tools. But know what you need for your personal brand of woodworking.
As a hobbyist, I can afford to spend a bit more on some tools... the trick is figuring out where to spend a little extra to make a difference. And I fully endorse the recommendation made in this video, for the Festool orbital sander and shop vac. I do a lot of sanding (some for home renovations: doors and walls), and the Festool combo is a game changer in dust collection and comfort, even though there are other good brands offering a similar quality. I'd probably buy them again if I only used them for my woodworking projects. Likewise I spent extra on a track saw that I do not use all that often, but when I do I want it to work well and cut true and neatly. Likewise for a good set of combination squares. That are actually square unlike the cheap ones I had. In contrast, I did not spend much on my chisels, tools that I use a lot. I went with someone's recommendation, got a cheap set with handles that looked like they'd last me a while, and spend a lot of time ensuring they are properly set up, and I keep them sharp. YT can be a real money saver if you take the right advice.
hey man, i have so many festool tools i cant name them all. i love every one of them, makes my wood shop so much cleaner. and they are some of the best built tools i have ever used, and i have used alot. i did not know the history of their company but i do now, if you take care of your tools they will take care of you. after using them i always wipe them and clean them off, they still look as new. i have never been let down by one of their tools. i have been woodworking for 40 plus years and have used alot of differant brands, some are really good, but festool is my fav, by far. i cant say enough about them. keep up the cool vids, love watching...
I’m a professional contractor and have been for decades and can say Festool is EXPENSIVE and other than a few cases, where other brands don’t make equivalent or comparable tools, they are quite over-priced or at least priced higher than I’d consider spending considering the tools don’t have added benefits to outweigh the higher cost. Now some of their tools don’t have comparable other options, like the Domino, but you can buy much cheaper track saws, drywall sanders, miter saws, etc. that can accomplish the same job for less. I don’t hold anyone’s tool choices against them, so long as they can use their tools to accomplish their jobs, and so long as they aren’t either throwing it in your face or act professional because of their tools despite not knowing how to actually work or do the work. As a note I own a Domino and have used the Kapex but never liked the vertical grip, though I did like the front adjustment for the bevel. I’ve used a lot of different brands over the years from plug-ins to battery tools and ultimately have come to choose a battery platform over a particular tool company or specific tools as I’ve long switched to battery tools as much as possible. I have plenty of power tools that are well over 20 years and battery tools that are over 10 years old that are sill working.
Honestly, if I was able to afford Festool products, I would love to have just about everything they have available....BUT, I simply have to get what I'm able to afford at this time.
Thanks for the insight into a tool company. While Festool is not for me at my skill level and budget, that does not change the fact that it is a well made, well backed, long lasting tool. This video is not a 'commercial" for Festool, it is someone putting information and opinion out for others to see/hear. Maybe someday I will be able to afford high end tools and I will proudly walk into the store, look over and try Festool. Until then I will walk into my "Big Box Store" and just as proudly checkout and purchase the tools that I do. Stop with the hater crap and just be happy that these folk that we watch on youtube have been blessed to be able to get these tools and share with us the thoughts on them. Thanks Matt, keep up thee good work!!!
If you watch AvE's tear-down of a Festool track saw, you'll see why I can't see myself splurging on their products. While the usage design is certainly top notch, the materials and internal design leaves a lot to be desired. If they had more skookum internals, I could see the price being justified. I get that there are people who have had their festool for a million years and never had an issue. That's great, but some of us abuse their tools more than others. If you can treat this like it's made of crystal, make sure it is put away properly every time, never gets wet, never dropped in the dirt, never repeatedly put the motor in a bind, etc... Hat's off to you. I buy cheaper tools because I tend to abuse them on occasion, but at least with them, their price more closely reflects their durability. With Festool, they use budget parts to make a top of the line tool, then charge double for it. Maybe hoping the price deters people abusing their products the way they would with a cheaper brand.
@@kwilliams2239 I guess I don't see the correlation between brushless vs brushed and durable vs not durable. I could buy 20 to 30 brushless tools all day long at harbor freight or Amazon for the price of one Festool track saw. I don't think I would classify them as durable just because they have "brushless" molded into the side of the tool. A brushless motor is just more energy efficient than its brushed counter-part. It also requires a lot more circuitry to control it. IOW, more things that can break. I liken it to people who still buy BMW. They will never admit that BMW makes highly designed mediocre products over the last couple of decades. They still see that brand as a status symbol, and convince themselves that it's fine for regular maintenance and repairs to cost so much, or that replacing their car every 3 years is normal. You might have the similar problems with a Ford or a Kia, but at least you are paying Ford/Kia prices.
Festool hate is primarily based on one emotion: ENVY. They can afford it and you can’t. Just admit it. Jealousy is the primary driver of Festool hatred.
I'm an intermediate woodworker and recently dipped my toes into the pool. Funny thing is I started with the exact sander (125REQ) you recommend for that dip. I've used MANY random orbit sanders over the years - I used/owned the original from Milwaukee back in the 90's and loved it. I've used some high end pneumatics in classes I had taken in the 80's. I currently owner 3 different more economical cordless random orbit sanders and have always thought they were great. I bought the Festool to settle my own curiosity and skepticism... After only using it ONE time... I've been reaching for that green jug for more!! I am utterly amazed at the comfort and ease I experienced. Faster results with the same sandpaper and much less effort to control and let the sander float across the wood. Bottom line - if you can afford it, try it! You will not regret it! It makes woodworking more enjoyable and makes me want to do more.
Interesting Topic. I never new that there is "hate" against festool. I, as a hobby woodworker, sure don´t need festool. Bosch, Metabo etc. do well for us hobbyist´s too. But when I startet with a Festool c12 some 20 years ago its tool change system hooked me! A few years later I saved up enough money and bought the ts55 track saw, because of the reasons mentioned here. No one else had a track for there saws back than and it really makes a difference. Over the course of 20 years I go me a few more tools from them. Router, sander, jigsaw etc and even the small domino. No I´m sure not rich, but I´m patient. Buying cheap is buying twice and buying twice is too expensive. It´s my motto. After 20 years countless peaces of furniture and other things I build with that tools. Every single machine is still working fine.
I would rather watch a video with a guy using Ryobi and DeWalt than one that uses Fesstool. Reason is they will have more similar issues to overcome than the guy with a $1200 domino Fesstool. The biggest issue I have with Fesstool is that they are not just a little more expensive. They are like comparing a Ford to a Rolls Royce. Most UA-cam watchers don't have these spendy tools so let's see how you do things with the tools we have.
I never even heard of it until this week. I don’t love or hate it. I don’t collect or extract my dust. I love it to fly everywhere. My wife hates it but I am not much of a fine woodworker as get it built sand the ruff off and paint it. Loved the video, great history lesson and great editing. It doesn’t look that cool not a fan of the green and gray. I have a router and didn’t even realize it was that brand. It’s behind all my yellow and red tools. I never had any problems with any of my mid to high end tools. It looks like office supplies. Like a printer
SKILSAW Power Tools was founded in 1924 by Edmond Michel. With the invention of its flagship tool, the SKILSAW Model E, equipped with an 8-inch blade, It was the world's first portable circular saw.
Very interesting video, thanks to both of you. Last year I decided to upgrade my table saw. I looked at a lot of brands; Sawstop, Laguna, Harvey, etc. I talked it over with my wife who had no problem with me dropping the money on any of them. I decided not to, bought, bought a Delta from Lowes. Good saw, I knew/know I am not able to really get the value out of a really high end saw. I don’t envy the saws or owners I just didn’t think it’d be a good investment as a hobbyist. At 75 I’m not sure if that will change but I’d love some Festool products. This video made me think about it
I just bought my first festool track saw, and as a keen home renovator, oh my God, I wish I had bought it years ago. It makes cabinet work SO much easier, faster, and more accurate. They are actually a similar price to their high end competitors, but just has a slightly nicer design and seems more technologically advanced.
Matt, serious question, why do you have Festool? You mentioned that it’s for makers and it saves them time (hundreds or thousands of times over - which may be a bit of an exaggeration!), but I see your channel as more of tool reviews and not builds. So did you buy them just to review them?
Hey Craig, no I didn’t (don’t) buy them just to review them. I use them regularly. Just because i don’t make a video of a build doesn’t mean I don’t use the tools. The build videos get less views than tool videos so I choose to do more tool videos vs videos of building things.
@@731Woodworks thanks Matt, appreciate the response. I loved your video on haters (made me check my actions and how I phrased my question to you!) and the suggestion from a follower to do both at the same time. I do like your tool review videos but also love your build videos - so it’d be the best of both worlds! Take care Matt and keep crushing it!
I'm actually a big fan of Festool but don’t own any tool. I'm hobbyists and a beginner at that so I can't justify the purchase of any of the Festools. My tool of choice is Makita which is still a very expensive tool at my experience level but is a product that I can work my way up towards my desired levels of expertise as a hobbyists. When and if I get to that level of expertise in woodworking then maybe I can justify the expense in my mind. Great video and thank you for the educational product you and others like you produce for all new to the woodworking hobby!!
I have never used a Festool tool. I’m sure they are quality tools. It seems that some of those (UA-camrs) that own them tend to be a bit”snobbish” about them, which is a turn off
I dont own a Festool powertool, but once bought on sale their 3-drawer Sortainer, now got the Festool organizer. They are pricey, but the quality is over the top.
"You just haven't used their tools!" Well, I have... In fact, I still own Festool products, and I'm mostly not happy with them. Let's me start with a simple premise here: if you sell me something at a premium price, I demand premium quality. And I do not feel like I received that, for the most part. 1. I got an MFT table which was ridiculously unstable. So far that it was a safety concern. Then I saw that they sell the diagonal bar as an optional accessory? I felt ripped off, and sent that thing back, bought a Wolfcraft table at half the price, and it's WAY more stable. If I have a product that just doesn't work without an accessory, I put that thing into the base product. That was the first red flag. 2. I also got a TS55 track saw and the adjustment for the track always got stuck. Festool knew about this common problem for an eternity, and they never worked it out. 3. I got a PS 300 jigsaw, and the cuts are so unreliable I cannot justify to use it, simply because I always have to fear that it's gonna ruin the wood I'm working on. Of course, again, no one can fix it. I'm using a 30 year old jigsaw now, which probably cost 50 bucks back then, and it's still more accurate! Also, why do they sell a jigsaw sled for track if it doesn't cut straight lines? If it doesn't work, just don't sell it. 4. I think some of the tools are missing features that should be a given, especially at this price point. Like the Kapex which has no special cut capacity whatsoever. 5. Festool has a high price, not only because of quality, name, etc. but also because things like their theft insurance. That's something that you have to pay for, whether you use it or not. And for many hobbyists, it's an irrelevant feature, driving up the price again. 6. Holding safety features hostage behind a patent is not something that is incredibly popular. Bosch released a table saw with a "saw stop" feature, which was way better because it didn't destroy the blade. I just don't think safety feature should be owned by one company like this. Imagine only Ford having airbags, Chevrolet having seatbelts, Ryobi having riving knives. It's good that we are over this, I'd say! Thankfully, this patent is running out soon, and will hopefully make woodworking better for everyone.
I like to think that people love to jump on the Festool hating bandwagon, the same way they love to jump on the Nickleback hating bandwagon. There’s no reason to do it other than the fact that everybody else is doing it.
It's funny, never been a hater but with a difficult custom bench seating with storage build for my daughter, I realized I needed better tools. I landed on Festool and have not been disappointed.
My first festool was a dust extractor I bought because I was concerned that my DIY and hobbies were exposing me and my family to too much dust. I have since come to cherish it as my most important tool, it is incredibly well designed, hands down the most effective extractor I've ever used and the manufacturing quality is next level. I work in manufacturing myself and deal with fairly intricate products for the pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries, I never thought that a construction tool manufacturer would set such high quality standards on their manufacturing, it's almost unnecessarily tedious but it does gives a glimpse into how festool does things, everything I've seen tells me that they don't cut corners, that goes a long way to gaining trust and it's hard to put a price on that. Money well spent as far as I'm concerned.
Festool is actually a VERY small company. TTI and others are 100 times bigger. Festool only does woodworking. Milwaukee and Dewalt, woodworking is a small part of their offerings.
It's really cool how people can actually buy whatever tools they want and can afford. It's just wild that Festool doesn't force people to buy their gear like other companies do....oh wait. Appreciate you Matt.
It's not a little more expensive, it's 3-4X expensive. What is frustrating is seeing videos saying "easy to make", but in the video they use $40k in equipment (festool, sawstop). It's irrelevant to me woodworking in my garage. So know your market. And if you're making a video for the diy viewer, put the dang festools and sawstops away and use tools that MOST of us have!
Maybe it is, I don’t need it, I can’t afford it so it’s not something to worry about, if you’re happy with your tools, they work and you can afford them, go for it. Same for everything in life.
I was hesitant buying my first one 10 years ago but now have white and green boxes all over my shop. I do renovations and still use my yellow tools on the rough work but when I am installing cabinets Festool makes me look good. Every Festool I bought is still working like the day I bought it. Gone are the days I come home covered in dust and coughing for a week.
I broke down and bought a festool track saw today. Totally agree that it is worth the hype. I’m a little mad I waited this long to get it. Worth the extra $$$
The best tools don't always make a better product. However, it does make the work more enjoyable. It's what fits your budget and need. I would rather a BMW to my Toyota. Both get me where I need to go but, the BMW just makes the journey so much better. :)
Yeah but the Toyota won’t give you all the maintenance and repair problems. It will be more luxurious in the BMW though for sure. Depends on what you value. But I guess in this scenario money is no object, it would still be annoying to me to have to take it in for repairs or get a new car more often. I also don’t drive much so luxury in that regard was never important to me.
I remember back in the 80s when I was an apprentice toolmaker working in the press shop. We had Festo pneumatic material feeders that fed and clamped material in the press tool. They are a fantastic product. They were expensive back then but real top quality. Don't have the cash for them now but certainly do love the product. Probably would not buy a domino joiner as a good quality dowel jig is just as good IMHO, but their sanders, track saw, mitre saws are worth the money. I forgot to mention their vacuums and dust extraction system.
What a Super Cool Video!! Love the history bit on the company (great vid series idea, hint, hint). As far as my take on this company; I don't understand why people HATE good quality and precision? I don't have any Festool tools because of the cost, but if finances weren't a factor, I have a short list of their tools I would go out and get tomorrow. When it comes to building quality projects, quality tools will ALWAYS make a difference, even if it's just a time difference. Excellent video Matt, thanks!!
I was on a framing crew for 20 years never heard of festool until recently as I'm now interested in wood working at home..all you guys that are stand outs in woodworking have them..I'm just floored I never heard of them..super nice machine's it looks like..I was like who are they lol..dust collection is huge for me guess I'll check out festool now..really appreciate you man..good channel and would like to order some plans off you...
Great video, well thought out and presented. People that give you flack are the same ones that give all youtube woodworks flack for using rubio, walnut or Resin. They can't afford it and maybe do not want to see it all the time. But you pick the toosl that fit you, I started Ryobi, Dewalt and now Festool, you get what you can get. Keep up with the good videos
I work in the automotive industry on the service side. Festool is like the Snap On of wood working. The tools cost a lot of money, but when you work with them every day, especially if you make money with them, the difference is noticeable. Plus you pay for the American worker, their wage, benefits, the innovation and R&D that goes into all the tools. I don't personally own any Festool products, but I own a lot of Snap On stuff. When I decide to take my woodworking up to another level, I'll seriously consider upgrading to Festool.
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Great review. I am new to woodworking and consider myself a hobbyist. However, I am a hobbyist with aspirations to be a professional. I don’t own any Festool. Products because where I am in my journey. Maybe someday 😀
Isn't Festool like really expensive stuff?
The reason Festool gets so much hate online is in my opinion because most of us are hobbyist woodworkers, and whether you agree or not, Festool is a high end brand, marketed for serious woodworkers and professionals.
Most people are just tired of seeing it presented so often on hobby channels as if it's a normal every day shop tool to have, which it isn't.
Having options is never a bad thing. Dollar for dollar I think the woodpeckers stuff is the biggest ripoff out there. I say that as someone with multiple sustainers of Festool stuff.
I think this is 100% spot on.
Buy the tool you can afford. Accuracy comes from knowing how to dial in the tool. I don't hate on Festool, I simply can't afford them. My Bosch and Bora track guide cut straight, and ya, I need to use my broom after I get done breaking down sheet goods. I've never heard of a customer complaining that the coffee table they purchased wasn't made with only the most expensive tools? Old Matt loved his Delta 725 table saw. Now he owns a Sawstop. Woodworking is a progression. Use the tools you can afford.
Amen! I'm to the point if I see a Woodpeckers, Festool, or SawStop pop up in a video, I'm not watching the rest of if. Know your audience!
I think most of us just don't see the value return on that high price. I own a Sawstop cabinet saw because it was basically the same price as the Delta and the Grizzly(?) that I was looking at 12 years ago. The quality of the cut and fence seemed to be about equal for all of them, but this one won't cut my fingers off? Sign me up. And it get used for the majority of work on everything I build.
If I have a choice between a Milwaukee, Dewalt, or Makita tool that's solid construction, does the job well, and has some nice features over entry-level junk.... what's the case for buying one that costs twice as much? As a hobbyist like you and everyone else in here, does a $600 saw make a cut better than a $300 saw? For as many cuts as I will make with it in year?
I can afford the tool, if I really wanted it, I just don't think I'd use it enough to pay $5 per cut over the lifetime of the tool. Dominos are the only thing I'm tempted by. If someone make a reasonably priced and SAFE to use domino alternative, I'd probably get one. I build one, maybe two pieces of furniture a year. When I retire, maybe it's worth it. But probably not until then.
I think part of the problem is that DIY guys watch youtube channels for DIY stuff and they often don't realize that the youtuber isn't a DIY'er. The content creators are full time professionals at their job and so investing in higher quality tools typically makes sense for them. The catch is that it sometimes distances them from their viewers to a degree (for right or wrong) and of course you'll never make everyone happy. I'm a mechanic (old car restoration guy) and I see Festool as being the woodworking equivalent of Snap-On (or other high end tools). Sure, a DIY guy can work on a car using harbor freight, craftsman or husky tools, but when you're doing it for a living 50 hours a week you learn that the extra money spent on premium tools isn't always wasted. Some tools are fine to go cheap on and others are well worth the upgrade. It's a good tradesman that can know and understand the difference. Next week I will be sanding down a '55 Chevy and you can bet I'll be using my Hutchins sander and not a harbor freight sander.
Fully agree. In my day job, I use a $4000 laptop, but my wife can handle email and the family accounts on her 4 year old Lenovo quite nicely.
I was a bodyman and a frameman for 45 years at 70 I have probably $30K in Snap-On and others. Now I do woodwork as a hobby and wes Festool has my wallet but I do try save a little by buying China on Amazon. Festool is one of the best but I cringe when I order anything. Well when I,m gone hope my son loves these fine tools
Not necessarily "full time professionals", but **full time professional UA-camRS**. And that specific distinction allows them (if they have the audience) to buy tools and equipment that average working pros can't afford or justify. As a pro (plumber) I don't/can't buy the BEST and MOST EXPENSIVE, but I buy a pro grade that fits into my expense margins. UA-cam "pros" rarely, if ever, need to rely on actual real-world trade profits to buy the tools they need to work - they are "paid" by viewers to keep buying newer and better, while the working pros need to make tools last a decade.
There’s a concept in psychology called “ego centric bias.” It basically means seeing the world and everyone else through the lens of how you understand yourself. In other words thinking that everyone else is similar to you and everything else is made to be for you.
There are people in a New York apartment that literally do not own a hammer, who consider themselves the definition of a “DIY” target audience. So if you post a video that requires a circular saw they will yell at you for having tools that the average DIYer doesn’t have.
These people barely qualify as a crafter since all they own is a pair of scissors but they see the world through their own eyes and want you to make videos specifically for them and their tool less situation.
That’s an extreme example to illustrate the point. But it puts content creators in a weird spot. Everyone has to make a choice about how fancy they are going to make projects.
It’s possible to go so far that you alienate a bunch of people who can’t replicate what you’re doing. But on the other hand I daresay most videos get watched for entertainment or inspiration or general education and not instruction for a specific build.
But it depends on who you’re trying to target and what reason you’re targeting them. Bourbon Moth has said that he realized people were watching for entertainment so he leaned into that. Anyone capable of making his stuff would have the tools and knowledge to figure it out just watching the video anyway.
And most people with that level of skill probably want to make changes so it’s a bespoke piece just for them.
Thing is Festool, isn't what Snap-on used to be, their tools are kinda cheaply made, they do seem to hold up al least as long as the narrow product cycle. Look at Ave's reviews, he found places where there could have been bearings, but instead was a pocket in plastic with some grease. If someone took a Chinesium tool apart and found that, we would never have heard the end of it. He also found beef where it had to be, so not bad. But kinda like the work they are supposed to do, cheap solution to houses that will be vacuumed into the dump in a generation. Don't look behind the curtain.
The design and innovation is excellent, just not something to worship on quality.
I own some festool but the price is still a problem. After 40 years in the business I have found plenty of good brands out there.
I’m a weekend woodworker. I was shocked at the price when I first learned of festool. After years of frustration at wasted time and projects from cheaper tools I’m currently saving up for my first festool/ first track saw.
The value of a good tool goes up exponentially. I don't do enough woodworking to justify festool prices, but I never by cheap shitty tools. It's. Just. Not. Worth. It.
Track saw in general is a great buy, I seriously should have bought one years ago. I went with the Makita, couldn't be more pleased.
I had to save up for my TS 55 tracksaw but I would buy another one in a heartbeat if anything happened to mine.
It will make you a more accurate woodworker, it is much safer than a circular saw and if you own a table saw you can put a sheet of wood on it and use it as a coffee table because you won't be use it that much anymore.
If someone asked me if I could only own one Festool product, it would be the TS55 Tracksaw.
Shop the used market, you can save a few hundred bucks.
Track saw + vacuum are my favourite tools.
the architecture school I went has a wood workshop and when they when from French franc to euro, they bought every festool they could 've bought at that time, they made a budget in French franc and didn't realised with the conversion how expensive in would be, so nowadays they continued happily with festool and I must said I enjoyed every single one of those tool man, I always felt the difference when helping a friend or father in law, and I've to use their tools, so because I had years using these tools and pushing then to the limit I naturally bought them after graduation, even tho I'm not a "professional wood worker" per say because I don't sell what I build, but when I do all my design for my house or I've to build something I'm glad, it really feel different, my father in law once visited my workshop and was happy to see all my tools, (even tho he said it is because I 've great tools I can built greatthing -_-)
I'm a retired long haul truck driver. When I retired, I started watching UA-cam Woodworking Channels. April Wilkerson was just getting started. So, like her, I figured I could make things I needed rather than purchasing them. With a limited space two car garage, I asked my friend Jesse (he own Eagle Tools in Los Angeles) my options for this small space. He suggested a Festool ts55 Track Saw Kit. He had a Festool Representative stop by my house to demonstrate the track saw. Under his supervision, I made a few cuts and it was Festool from then on. Expensive? You bet! But for me, the perfect and square cuts it makes, made me look like a professional woodworker. My pieces came together square and fit perfect. I now own the MFT/3, two sanders, CT26 Dust Extractor and both the 500 and 700 dominos. Next month, I'll be investing in the Kapex KS 120. I've made a ton of things for both the inside and outside of my home. My kids come over and we make things for their homes. And, best of all, my grandkids come over and safely make things for themselves that they want and need. How do you put a price on that?
Great way to do it.
Yeah, you can do that with other tools too.
Just my way of thinking and it's so much fun to work with good tools.
"Limited" 2 car garage workshop? I'm sure I speak for all of Europe when I say I hate you 😜 Just kidding of course. But a dedicated workshop is a dream for many here.
I think it's awesome that you're passing this on to your kids and grandkids. My parents didn't have much money when we were born, and my dad made all manner of furniture for us, as well as wooden toys. And he taught us how to make or repair things ourselves as well. That is a gift that keeps on giving :)
Yup the only saw that can make square cuts
I had a lot of work done at a previous house, including a pro fitted kitchen. I always say “the tool is the tool, the blade, bit/blade does the job” but the tool has to still turn the cutting edge. 12 years later and I’m working on my own renovation. I made a conscious decision as I needed 18v as there was limited power on site. I choose makita lxt as my system. But as soon as the power was improved, as well as the hard yards of work (cutting, sanding, planing etc ) festool was my choice of 240v system. It’s always the same, people roll their eyes when you mention the F brand. Then they see the quality of the cuts, they are incredibly and the confidence using them installs in you. There’s only you to blame when it goes wrong, because the tool will never let you down.
I've always been of the opinion that you purchase the best of what you can afford. I was able to purchase a Festool sander and dust extractor last year, finally! I must say, I am so impressed by the tools. They exceeded my already high expectations. The sander is so comfortable to use, and with the dust extraction combined I am now able to sand for hours without the wrist and hand fatigue. Now I can finally make that dining room table I've been wanting to make! My next purchase is going to be the Domino. I'm between jobs right now, so I really cant justify the purchase, but it is going to be my next tool purchase once I have the funds. Festool thinks of all the small, but so important, details of the tools. Thanks for taking the time to research and make this video. I really appreciate the history lesson. Thanks to Jason Bent too!! :)
The only thing I hate about festool is that I don’t own any of their tools yet
For me, it all came down to dust collection. It’s a health issue for me and in my experience, the festool is the best I have ever used. To me, it’s worth the investment and when it’s time for me to replace a tool, it will be a festool.
Festool products, and people's reactions to them, are interesting. For a finish carpenter, Festool -- particularly the entire Festool ecosystem -- cannot be beat. (We can argue about whether Festool is better than some of its top-notch competitors, but that's a different discussion.) Their tools are portable, accurate, and leave little mess. Perfect for doing precise work at the jobsite.
But, what about a woodworker -- someone who makes fine furniture or meticulously crafted boxes and such -- as opposed to someone who merely works with wood? For a woodworker, Festool doesn't have nearly as much to offer. I used to manage a cabinet mill. If I were setting up a large cabinet shop today, Festool would make up a very small part of my tool budget. Since I won't be taking the tools from jobsite to jobsite, portability isn't a plus factor. Nor am I going to want all those systainers taking up space. I might use a tracksaw for breaking up sheets of plywood, but I doubt it. Instead, I'd use a cart to move materials to the table saw. And, many of those table saws would be sliders. I might have a domino (or three). And, I might have a Kapex. Other than that, I don't think Festool products would have a role in my newly created cabinet shop. All my sanders would be pneumatic as would my drill drivers. I wouldn't have router table, I'd have shapers.
On the other hand, a smaller shop -- even one that does professional work -- might benefit from a whole host of Festool's products. There, Festool's portability pays dividends. Space in such an environment is at a premium, and Festool's ecosystem allows a lot of capability to fit into a relatively small space. If I were building myself such a shop today, it might be exclusively stocked with Festool products.
100% agree, my friend makes bespoke built in furniture and he uses a lot of Festool gear when he is fitting on site but in his shop he mainly has serious machines like a cabinet saw and spindle moulder and radial arm saw, planer and thicknesser etc. Festool really don't make any serious shop machines for making cabinetry other than maybe the domino which is an amazing device.
ANd those pneumatic tools most likely would use festo pneumatic equipment like vavles and so on and so forth, so you would still be using festool or at least stuff from the same parent company.
makita?
@@ReizungV I own several Makita power tools. They are all excellent. However, Makita doesn't have the same kind of ecosystem that Festool has created.
@@DKWalser okey, i dunno what ecosystem they have, but makita has pretty much all tools on 18v and a lot of tools on 40v ?
I work in the automotive field and love woodworking as a hobby. A lot of the body shops in my area have started using festool sanders and dust extractors to keep dust down in their shops
I have used Festool tools and Woodpeckers tools at demonstrations. I like both companies tools but I cannot afford them. I am just a DIY man, I love woodworking. It is how I fight PTSD. I am a disabled Viet Nam veteran and I am happy with what I have. And I thank God that I survived that war.
I love my Festool gear. I have the Domino 500, the CT26 Dust Extractor, a Karvex Jigsaw, and 4 sanders. They make fantastic tools that are well engineered, a pleasure to use and well, I can afford them. They just work.
sounds kind of like the YETI brand for coolers, people talk so much crap about it but in reality they are super well made the knock offs can be really good as well but honestly not as well made if you look at the details as YETI I think the issue with many is they cant afford it so instead of just saying" well this is too rich for my blood" or " I would rather spend my money on something else" they instead want to not only talk down on the product but also clown on the people who do buy it as if they are showoffs or somehow stupid.
For casual people, it’s expensive. If you are a shop and are making money, it’s an investment. The replacement service is crazy good. I don’t own any festool yet, but I’m looking at a boring 5” sander just because after using one for a couple days it was much faster, cleaner, and quieter. I used the 3m 710w sanding discs and worked from
120 up to 240 and it was clean.
It’s funny you mention the 125 sander, I have one in my cart lol.
And so it starts! Toe dipped.
Festo agent.
@ if I was a Festool agent, I’d have all the tools. I’d be ok with that lol.
@thenext9537
And never use them. Just like a festool agent.
@@joschmoyo4532 All my tools get used, if they don’t or sit around I sell them. Exceptions are if I use them, just not often then yes I’ll use them. Otherwise I sell them as I don’t need clutter.
I’m very new to woodworking I use to watch my grandfather in shop when I was a kid. I only have the DIY type of tools but in most cases You Get What You Pay For. Thanks for the video
I'm a hobbyist, yet own a bunch of their tools, including the basis table (saw, router,...), sanders, vacuum cleaner, etc... and after 20 years of use, they're still almost like new, and accessories are still available for all the models I have... unbeaten ! You can't look at the bare price, it's an investment... if you plan to do a one-shot, forget it, but if you're into woodworking (even as a hobbyist), I never encountered anyone regretting to have bought Festool...
Longevity of parts/support is where festool can make sense even for a hobbyist. You have a tool, you get used to the tool, you want it to last a long time and not learn some new tool.
I got sold on throwing in the towel on avoiding "overpriced for me" with the ETS125REQ+ because of the edge guide. Being able to sand the edge of a 3/4-3" thick edge while maintaining that perfect 45-90 degree angle is fantastic. Yes, I paid more for the guide than I could have bought a nice big box store 5" RO sander. No, I have no regrets doing it. Since then, I added an ETS150/3 and the CT15. The CT15 has more than enough capacity for sanding duties at about half the price of the rest of their vacuums.
That edge guide is fantastic. I'd love to dedicate an ETSC125 to it full time, but sheesh those are expensive! The Bosch GET are a sufficiently burly alternative to the ROs if you find yourself needing something like that.
I didn’t know that edge guide existed until just now. I have the ets125. I don’t think sanding my edges at precise angles matters that much to me for $110, but it’s nice to know it exists.
At some point you want to leave room for hand crafted character.
Can anyone even tell if your table sides are exactly 90 degrees. Does your 1/16” edge chamfer really have to be sanded perfectly?
I guess that’s a question for the philosophers.
I used to be that guy that would scoff when I saw the Festo/Festool tool…until one day I decided I needed proper dust extraction and a drywall sander to do some property maintenance. My collection of festool tools has grown since. As you say, once you get into the system it all makes sense and it works. It’s not always perfect and fortunately there are companies out there that make products that add/improve the system (TSO for example). Don’t want to think what I’ve spent to date on the system but hey, I enjoy using their equipment and it works for me. Thanks for the video 👍
I've mentioned this on other similar videos. I think the primary reason for the "hate" is not really a criticism of Festool per se. Yes, the price is a big factor and results in jealousy. That actually translates though into a lot of the online "hate". Why do youtubers receive comments like that? More than likely it's not the production shops that get the hate for it. Look at Dusty Lumber's videos. I don't think I see many Festool hatred comments on his video. Why? Because he's always had high end tools on his videos, he's been a production shop since before he started UA-cam. Where you get the hate are the channels that started out with cheap tools, then after their channel grew they upgraded to expensive equipment.
The issue is that the fan base of channels like this one and others like it is primarily hobbyists or those that do woodworking as a side hustle. They likely don't have the money for Festool and probably never will (or even if they do have the money they can't justify the cost over a lower cost tool). They started watching the channel because the creator was "one of us" an everyman buying tools at Harbor Freight and Home Depot. Then, once they start getting all these expensive tools, it feels like they've abandoned who they were. It feels like they are sell out (even if they bought all the new equipment with their own money). It's like a blue collar worker who joins management. Most understand it and are happy for that person (especially if they deserve it), but it's still seen little bit as a betrayal.
Look at Steve Ramsey. He absolutely has the money from his channel to buy a Sawstop, a domino, or whatever other top end equipment he wants. I wouldn't be surprised if he had another shop across the street with top end equipment, but every video is him using an old contractor table saw and all the old "cheap" other equipment. His brand was woodworking for mere mortals and he's never betrayed that. And because of that, everyone loves him and there are very few criticisms of him. In my opinion a lot of the hate isn't necessarily jealousy (though that is a factor), but more a feeling of betrayal and "selling out" on the part of the content creator.
@@EngravinDave that's true, and from a business perspective a content creator has to weigh the cost/benefit of making transitions like upgrading to expensive tools. There will always be "haters" and so the question is how do you deal with them? Do you just ignore it? Do you make videos like this and try to convert them or address some of the criticisms? Or do you try to appease them in some way? There are costs and benefits to all those approaches.
I think Steve's rut has a lot to do with burn out, but also that he's done pretty much every possible video over the years, so where do you go? Do you start repeating videos? Do you rebrand? Do you quit youtube and do something completely different? Do you go the livestream route and just address things as they come in?
Steve has his Woodworking Talk Show podcast, so he’s doing different things
I don't mind those channels a lot, if they do well and can afford nice tools, more power to them. As long as they stay true to what they used to do, things like offering tips and tricks, showing how to do certain things (and not in a way that can only be done with expensive tools), or providing nice ideas (or plans) for new projects.
What I hate are the channels who present an "easy to build doohicky", and start the video with "we'll just run this CAD design through our CNC mill, while we start cutting this inch thick steel with our top of the line automatic plasma cutter".
I just purchased the dual battery operated sliding table saw, expensive yes, but site portable and angle cuts can be adjusted to the tenth of a mm. If I want to do 1 or 2 cuts I can attach the dust bag and dust is minimal. For me as a contracted carpenter and joiner it has been absolutely worth the expense.
I run sound professionally in film/television. I own all of my own equipment as many professional sound mixers do. The cost of a single wireless transmitter and lav (small mic that I place on talent) are over three thousand dollars a channel (per person). I’m also an amateur woodworker and anything Festool makes seems like a WAYYYY better deal than what I pay for way less useful pro sound equipment. Especially being that you can use Festool’s equipment for real life applications.
Right? It's kind of amusing coming from that field where hobbiests with $5k mirrorless rigs are hating on professionals with $50k+ cinema rigs to this one where hobbiests with a $500 contractor saw hating on professionals with a $4k cabinet saw. The time and reliability savings from high end equipment will likely never yeild returns for a hobbiest, and that's okay.
I am in the hobbiest category when it comes to woodworking. While a shop full of Festool tools may not make sense for me, I'm not going to hate on a professional for buying professional tools. I can afford to take my time to get good results whereas a professional needs the best possible results in the shortest time possible. I do happen to own a Festool sander and dust extractor. It's faster, more comfortable to use, and less messy than my Dewalts. It's just an expensive convenience for me, but that time savings and comfort may offer significant value to a pro. The content is still relevant to me, regardless of how fancy the tools are.
I am deeply sorry but I cannot fully agree with you. I am a pure hobbyist and never sold any of my projects. But, I spent my money on some Festool tools because my level of experience cannot compensate for a poorly made tool. The domino along with the CT36 was my exact first combo and I’ve never regretted it. It is a pure joy to use. No fuss, no frustration.
Thanks for that video !
Wait till this guy finds out about Mafell....
LeMello, Mirka, Fein, Hilti…
@@robhaydnsei - Fein and Hilti may price the same, but they're not in the same league as Festool and certainly not Mafell. Mirka are specialists (sanding) to me. Priced similalry to Festool and 3M for very similar products but without the same infrastructure.
Erika😍. When you talk about expensive 😭
My 2003 mafell jigsaw. I’m 56 I’ll take bets it will out last me
👍😂😂
I am Teacher in Australia and I have used a Domino before. I love its accuracy and ease of use; great for students. I have been starting my own little shop and I wanted to buy one for myself, but cost is always factor, as stated - $2000AUD. But bit the bullet as I know how good it is and I am glad I did.
I’m a professional carpenter and find the price is a hard pill to swallow but no doubt it’s extremely well engineered and thought out stuff. It changed the way I work and if I could afford it I’d buy it all
Some of its great. But I’m not so enamored that I’d kit everything out in neon green. I’d probably get the Rotex, the dust extractor, track saw, and domino. But the rest doesn’t seem any better than alternatives for me.
It all depends on how much you use the tool, I’ve had a Festool sander for 18 years and it’s fantastic, I like the Domino but very expensive, but a fantastic tool.
One of the issues these days is that the price of something tells you little about the standards and reliability of what you're getting. A cheapo tool may well wind up being of better quality as they're not able to saturate the airwaves with advertising and have to focus more on word of mouth. But, it's very case by case and brands that were great a couple decades ago may well have been sold to private equity firms and stripped of any actual quality.
The major problem I have with these tools is not the tools themselves. Heck I’d love to own a set. My problem is when I started watching you, Wilkerdo’s, Anna White etc, y’all had the same simple set of tools we did. All is a sudden sponsorship is a part of the game. This is great but kinda leaves us little guys wondering if we are still in the same class. Wilkerson got to be where it almost seemed like ever episode was a informercial. Anyways I still love the videos, just kinda wish it was more projects, less tool reviews etc. Keep the faith my brother.
It takes extra tips and tricks to get "regular" tools to give results like high end tools. I learn a lot from watching people use tools with limits like mine and learning about how they get around those limits.
It’s gotta be hard, cuz for them how do you pass up the money? This is their job. I do always enjoy seeing people building things with the tools I have, or even lesser tools than I have!
But Matt is not sponsored by Festool. I don't think that anyone other than Sedge is sponsored that I've seen. What I have seen from Matt and others is as they have become more successful they get to buy nicer gear. Them using better gear is not a problem at all. Everything they all do can be done with any basic gear. Rex the handtool only guy can show you that, granted it makes a weekend project into a month long project.😂 Another example is Guga, a cooking guy. A couple years ago you never saw that guy cooking high end steaks. Now every episode he is cooking Japanese A5 wagyu. I can watch him and pick up tips while cooking my poor mans steaks still. Same way any one of us can pick up tips on the way Matt does stuff here.
Do not like April. Every 20 seconds you get a minute of advertising, both from her and UA-cam. And with that time wasted when should I actually make something miss Sell Out?
I agree with you on some of these channels, but I think many of them really just do bite the bullet and buy once, cry once. To a certain extent it's a matter of priorities. A car channel I've been watching addressed a common misconception people seem to have about "car guys", which is that they must all be filthy rich, but in reality most of them have chosen to wear generic clothes/shoes, they use old phones, etc. and dump the money they save into expensive car parts instead.
It's the same for woodworking tools- do you really NEED that flagship phone? Because you COULD get the newest iPhone or biggest Samsung with all the bells and whistles (which will last you about a couple of months before it's obsolete, and a couple of years before it craps out) but for about the same price you could get, for instance, a Festool ETS EC 150 which will last you a lifetime and really bump up your sanding workflow.
But yeah, April in particular seems to have tons and tons of sponsors and "friends" who just so happens to be experts on this-and-that to come help her out and her videos have become entirely unrelatable as a result.
I had a Festool Trion jigsaw that lasted over 10 years working on site. It had a hard life, mostly cutting through 45mm worktops. It went through 000’s of blades, even got dropped of 3 story scaffolding and carried on working. It paid for itself in the first couple of years. Great accurate jigsaw. I have 17 Festool tools and wouldn’t ever go to another brand. The engineering and just feels like a quality tool in your hand. When I try friends other brands they really just feel like toys. You won’t ever be sold if you worry about the money, but it’s honestly worth every penny. 3 years warranty. 10 years guaranteed parts, 3 years theft cover for £100 if anything is ever stolen. Plus their customer service. They pick up the tool if it fails under warranty and drop it back to your address once it’s repaired. Festool is an investment in your tool collection. One more thing, try the Kapex without dust extraction for a few cuts then put it back and and you realise how good it is. Is it perfect, No is it better then other mitre saws, absolutely yes.
1st the woodpeckers , 2nd the sawstop , 3rd the festool then packout or packout and then festool .. anyone seen this movie before ?
broken record you say? Yes!
I don't hate Festool, I just didn't choose to buy one of their tools yet, and one of the reasons is the price. I started with Makita and their 18V-System, and whenever I need a new tool I first have a look at their offering, then compare it to other brands, if there is anything much better. And although Makita is my first choice, I'm not so fixed on that brand, so I got a few tools from Bosch for example as well. Festool hasn't be the winner in such a comparison yet, but maybe one day I'll buy one, if the higher price is justified if the tool is so much better than others.
Still I appreciate your video, and I thank You for that! 🙂 And I thank You for something else, because I learned something new: I as a German always thougt that Festool is an american brand, but I needed an American to tell me it's a german brand! 😅
I'm Dutch from Europe and I own the festool track saw ts 55. I own the rotex 90 from festool and I own the CTL Mini II vacuüm from Festool. I Work freelance in construction and Yes. I've been eating instant noodles like for ever... to buy these tools!! But people know about Festool and they know about the Festool brand... In Europe any Festool vacuüm is a must have, if you work Freelance in construction. If you want to do any paintjobs or renovation project you need a Festool grinder. If you also bring out your Festool track saw....Boy! People go crazy!! Like people see a Bentley or a Rolls Royce... Like I'm the best Freelance construction worker, "Ever" they asked doing a job on their home... and I'm not!!! I know I do my job correct. But I'm not Superman. It's because people see a Festool Tool. And the Festool vacuüm, it's just great. The Festool track saw, it's just great. The Festool Rotex 90 is a great grinder. Both operate with the Festool vacuüm and it's fun to work with. I own a DeWalt impact driver and it's a great tool. I own a Makita jigsaw and a Makita drill. I own a Bosch "bleu" Hamer. I own a Fein multitool. And I'm saying this to give an insight...about the power tools I own and I work with.... But Still....Still...I want to own a Festool Impact driver! But I also think about a Keyang impact driver... or maybe buying a new one from DeWalt. But even still...still...the Festool impact driver is something I really would like to own and work with... I don't know. Toys for boys maybe, hahaha... and the Makita 40Volt it's just really mad. To fully change into a hole new system working Freelance... I'de rather eat intstant noodles for a month and I would buy a new Festool tool, before I change into a 40Volt systeem. Just enjoy working and constructing using different types of cool power tools and machines...And building stuff!!! Don't be focused on one brand or on one Tool... buy the tools to do your job and try to make people happy! It's not about the Tools you use, it's about the job you do. Build stuff and make people happy!!! It's not about a brand of power tools. We get paid to build or we get paid by people to Build!!!... Build me my home?....it's what we do!!!
I have the rotex 150 and the entry level dust extracted and I honestly will be buying more Festool products in the future
Agree - my Rotex sander is unbelievably good - expensive but so worth it.
I had my van stolen around 5 years ago. I contacted festool and told them about this, an impact driver, a screw gun a reciprocating saw and an SDS were taken. They returned me, not just all the tools I mentioned; Another screw gun and impact. Plus 5x extra batteries of differing sizes. All with a box to fit them all in. Will not ever forget that when I was going through a really bad time. Great company.
Other than the domino and dust extractor there is no other festool tool that really interests me. I’m a makita fan and they offer everything I need. I’m pretty sure they (makita and the other big name tool brands) already have their version of a domino made and are just waiting for the patent to expire. I’ve never had a customer say to me that I can see that timber has been cut and sanded with a festool…lol..and yes I have used festool on many occasions but they have never really appealed to me as good as what they are. Thanks for the info and videos you supply , keep it up!!
makita has a big problem with quality, we have a lot broken tools from makita but festool only one it was replaced in 2 days. and youtube is full of defect and fault makita tools
Remember no brand sold at Home Depot has a comprehensive wear and tear three year warranty
It’s a different niche… closer to Hilti
@@robhaydnsei hilti is premium like festool good tool brand and made in lichtenstein👍
I am a hobbyist and I bought my Festool track saw and CE22 dust extractor probably 12 years ago. It was an impulse buy, but I didn't have a table saw, so felt this track saw would fit me needs. Although I now have a table saw, is still use the track saw. The extractor ALL the time. I've since added the Rotex sander (dust collection is unbeaten).
As a seller of these tools you explained it pretty well, Our store has most of the popular tools ready for anyone to try out to compare to what they currently have. More times I can count they are amazed at the simple ets125 and buy that as their first purchase along with the ct15 or ct mini for the home shop. Keep these videos coming.
Thanks Bob
@@731Woodworks don't understand how you give a platform to Festool but never even speak of Mafell!!!
I do not do a lot of wood working these days but man I love my festool tools. I like the idea of buying the best thing you can possibly buy and just never needing to get another. Not just with tools but with just about anything I do not plan on replacing. I do this as a hobby and I do not like to struggle with my hobby, nice tools make things run smoothly. Like you say in the video, the system and dust collection is what makes it worth it. If I was the type of guy who loved hand tools and had fun with that I think I may see it differently but that is just not me.
I appreciate the effort you into explaining the value. My wallet and ability can’t justify a $1600 miter saw but if you can afford it go for it
Having done a fairly large number of woodworking projects myself, I've talked to a few people about getting started. My vote is a simple 10 or 12 inch DeWalt miter saw at the most. Take that $1600 and buy the
The big festool chop saw is not worth the cost. I owned it at one point and didnt like it much mainly because you were locked into using their blades and the saw really didnt do much that other brands did for half the cost. I use makitas mostly, however as I have gotten older I look more and more at the smaller chop saws, for me I dont need 10" saws much. Festool is releasing a smaller battery powered saw that looks interesting. Still a hefty price tag.
@@paulhouseholder9360I have the basic dewalt 12” miter saw. Buying the non sliding version is better because it’s less slop and thus more accurate.
I tuned it up to make sure it’s square in all three planes and made a zero clearance plate and fence on it. Cost $200 and I can cut as precise as a I would ever need to as a woodworker.
Of course I also have a table saw. But I bought my miter saw for home remodeling more so than woodworking. It just wasn’t hard to get it cutting perfectly square so I use it for woodworking too.
The miter saw is one of the festool you just don’t need for woodworking. The sanders and dust collector are cool. The domino and track saw are worth considering. But that’s about it. A Bosch router is just as good. A tuned up basic miter saw is fine. Every brand has certain tools that are too off the line or near enough to make no difference. Bosch routers Milwaukee drills etc. festool isn’t needed for every tool but they do have a handful that are great for woodworkers.
i would have to disagree, the festool kapex is sooo much better than the next best miter saw option. we have both the highest end makita and the festool kapex miter saw in our shop and the festool is as accurate as it gets when cutting different angles. it is certainly expensive but it is by far the most accurate@@CarlYota
I work for myself and sometimes I need some wood working tools. I have DeWalt drills and sanders, but I picked up a Festool sander for a remodel that I was working on. It works much better then anything I have.
I broke my Dewalt sander on the very first project. Upon investigating it I realized it had plastic drive components. And most comparable sanders were the same faulty design. So I returned it and bought a festool (the $200 one). Haven’t had a problem yet.
New subscriber here. I thought I would give it a try, but I unsubscribe if videos become all about the sponsor. You made it very clear that you are not sponsored by Festool, and I'm pretty sure that their sponsorships are few and far between. I work at a local Woodcraft, and own a bunch of Festool myself, and I'm always getting comments such as "must be tough" and "where are you making all this money to afford Festool?" The bottom line is haters be haters. Festool tools take a beating and they will keep coming back for more. I think the only thing I dislike about the Festool way of thinking is they are transitioning to cordless. Our rep himself said they are planning on nearly a full transition in the future. I'm one who still likes cords on some machines, and I think it's fair to say that when a lot of these batteries are dead, in the distant future of course, they will end up in the landfills.
Our trash ends up in the landfill every day. There will be and are ways to recycle from batteries.
I just dropped some dough on the cordless Festool track saw and love it! I run a home repair business and plan on using it for that and a side wood working gig. I dont mind spending extra money on a quality tool thats made in Germany and not China or Mexico. I use Stabilla levels which are German made and the best levels on the planet. My tool bag is full of German made Kinipex tools. They cost more but the quality is un beatable. My livelihood depends on these tools and I am passionate about my job so I have Cadillac tools. I'm kinda a tool snob but I dont care. Haters will always be haters. You do yer thing brother! No hater here!
Don’t forget, this is the same guy would did a ryobi video too!
At one time, I had a garage full of Ryobi, Skil, Dewalt -- and Chicago Electric (Horror Fright) stuff. When I could, by and by, I got better stuff, and the old cheaper stuff went to deserving relatives as hand-me-downs, or on to Craig's List.
I live close to the German headquarters and my former neighbor made special low volume accessories in his workshop for them. He showed me why there is nothing comparable to this tools
Pricey ? The best ? Wait until you use Mafell.
The first Festools I bought were the CT36 and the drywall sander for a residential remodel (my home) I'm working on. I'm knocking down the orange peel and skim-coating all the walls and ceiling.... I honestly couldn't believe how awesome that combination was. IMO, easily worth what I paid even if I only use them for this one job (though I use the CT 36 in my workshop every day).
I had a discussion with a colleague about high quality tools that changed how I look at tools and specifically high end tools. I was telling him he should get a cordless 15ga nail gun as a part of his siding business. I mentioned the typical points about saving money over time by not having to set up a compressor, ease of moving the tool around the job site, and moving the tool between job sites. Sure, it would cost between 2x and 3x as much as an air gun, but it would pay for itself.
He had a great point "Yeah. That's great and all, but I'm buying stuff that inexperienced helpers will drop off the 2nd floor of a building or forget outside in the rain, or forget to perform maintenance on. Tools get beat up around here. I go for the bargain bin stuff that can be replaced easily."
This is in contrast with Festool. Festool stuff works brilliantly when it's in perfect condition! If you need your track saw to be better then 1/128th true over 8ft, you just might not get that with Mikita. Once you drop that track off the table with the saw on it, it's just as crap as the 1/2 priced one! As long as these tools are used gently (and that isn't how everyone uses tool, either by temperament or by application), they will stay awesome for a long time.
The miter saw looks great but I think I'll stick with my Dewalt one. Don't get me wrong, I expect the Festool one is a superior tool out of the box. If it would stay that awesome for me for 5+ years, I would totally get one. Within the first year of owning my saw, I've had 2 different helpers not know how to unlock the bevel and miter settings and literally just forced their way through the locking function *face palm. If that happened with my Festool saw, that would be a lot more unfortunate. Close to 2.5x as unfortunate to be specific. Again, Festool is awesome as long as it isn't abused. If I'm using it in a climate controlled environment and it's only being handled by trained professionals, that's totally the tool for the job. Where I'm working, my miter saw gets used in the rain sometimes, it isn't in a climate controlled space a lot of the time, and sometimes it's being used by people who aren't treating it gently.
I had the choice of the Festool track saw and the Makita one. I choose the Makita and don’t regret it to be honest. But I’d love the kapex ive been oohing over that for a while. Think most of the festool hate comes from £££. Jealousy doesn’t make friends .
Do you really need the kapex though? What can it do that a tuned up $200 Dewalt miter saw can’t? The price difference is staggering. And most woodworkers use table saws as their main tool anyway. I have a squared up basic Dewalt and can cut as precise as I’d ever have to as a woodworker.
I’m all for expensive tools if they are actually better than the basic alternatives. But is the kapex actually that much better? Maybe for dust collection inside someone house, but in a woodworking shop?
More brand guides like this would be amazing. Thanks for the awesome content as always 👍A breakdown on Makita, Bosch, Fein would be fantastic
I don't hate Festool, I just can't afford it, most of my tools were either inherited from my dad or bought second hand. I'm just a basic diyer and plan on making small projects, just something to to.
Im a professional woodworker in Ireland and Im on the dewalt battery platform. My rule of thumb is if I need accuracy and/or dust collection its festool. If not its Dewalt. So my angle grinder, multi tool, SDS, drills and jigsaw etc are Dewalt. Track saw, sander, planer, kapex router are festool. The quality of the festool is incredible and as youve mentioned, the dust collection is second to none.
Bottom line, "If you want to make money you haft to spend money".
Yep! And for some reason the floating tenon is the most expensive joinery on earth lol
I have several brands for power tool. Best tool for the job. My first purchased the extractor and the domino. Yes, not cheap, but quality built. I do woodworking project for myself and the time I save so much time using the domino. My first Festool drill was the CXS and the power and smooth control for such a small and 10.8V system. I have Makita, Bosch, Ryobi and DeWALT. Having a good dust extraction with suction control makes a huge difference and for sanding even more.
I’m considering a domino. As a hobby, with very limited time in the shop, I’m thinking the speed will help me increase my ability to complete projects I’m a more timely manner. Expensive, but I’m learning the time is more valuable.
You said it best people who hate on it have never used it I’m a union painter and drywall finisher at a hospital the first time I used it was at the hospital and it was a game changer no dust to set off smoke heads no clean up and smooth sanding I actually just bought one for side work and it’s gunna pay for itself
I'll have to respectfully disagree with your sander recommendation. The ETS-125 is a "Finish" sander and has a 2mm stroke with a 250-watt motor. It is a common mistake to think that you're buying an entry level priced Festool sander for $249. The 2mm stroke is fantastic with mid to fine grits and leaves a butter smooth finish. But it isn't aggressive at all and will take a long time if you need to remove any amount of material. The best choice is the ETS EC-125 for $475. I get that it is "WAY" more expensive, but it is a much better all-around sander. It is a 3mm stroke with a 400-watt motor which means it works well with course to fine grits and is more aggressive which equals faster sanding, but it is still capable of leaving a fine finish. The ETS-EC 125 would be your go-to everyday sander and the ETS-125 is a sander to use at the end of a project for the final fine sanding. But you really don't "need" an ETS 125 if you already have an ETS-EC 125, see what I mean? Also, the ergonomics of the ETS-EC -125 are usually preferred by most as well, which makes those long sanding session a bit easier.
I own two versions of the ETS-125, the corded as you have in the video and the cordless ETSC-125, so I'm not a hater, I just want people to understand what they are buying before doing so.
All the Best, Chuck
Yes the ets125 is comparable to the orbital sanders you get at Home Depot from Dewalt and Makita. Those are all short stroke finish sanders. And those are what the average person thinks of when they think about sanders. The aggressive $500 one are a different breed meant for hogging off material similar to belt sanders but obviously not that wreckless.
As long as you know what you’re buying and you want a finish sander then the ets125 is fantastic. Much better than the comparable big box brands because it’s not made of plastic drive parts that will brake after moderate use.
I’m f you want something that will flatten your table top that has one board 1/16” proud you should look elsewhere. If you want to take your properly finished piece up through the grits this is what it’s made for.
The key to a side hustle/ small time woodworking business is knowing which tools are worthwhile to upgrade from box store tools to higher end tools. Much the like you would not expect to build a heirloom quality piece out of construction grade lumber, you can't expect the same results from low end tools. But know what you need for your personal brand of woodworking.
If I were a professional woodworker making high-end furniture and had the money, I would consider Festool.
As a hobbyist, I can afford to spend a bit more on some tools... the trick is figuring out where to spend a little extra to make a difference. And I fully endorse the recommendation made in this video, for the Festool orbital sander and shop vac. I do a lot of sanding (some for home renovations: doors and walls), and the Festool combo is a game changer in dust collection and comfort, even though there are other good brands offering a similar quality. I'd probably buy them again if I only used them for my woodworking projects.
Likewise I spent extra on a track saw that I do not use all that often, but when I do I want it to work well and cut true and neatly. Likewise for a good set of combination squares. That are actually square unlike the cheap ones I had. In contrast, I did not spend much on my chisels, tools that I use a lot. I went with someone's recommendation, got a cheap set with handles that looked like they'd last me a while, and spend a lot of time ensuring they are properly set up, and I keep them sharp.
YT can be a real money saver if you take the right advice.
hey man, i have so many festool tools i cant name them all. i love every one of them, makes my wood shop so much cleaner. and they are some of the best built tools i have ever used, and i have used alot. i did not know the history of their company but i do now, if you take care of your tools they will take care of you. after using them i always wipe them and clean them off, they still look as new. i have never been let down by one of their tools. i have been woodworking for 40 plus years and have used alot of differant brands, some are really good, but festool is my fav, by far. i cant say enough about them. keep up the cool vids, love watching...
I’m a professional contractor and have been for decades and can say Festool is EXPENSIVE and other than a few cases, where other brands don’t make equivalent or comparable tools, they are quite over-priced or at least priced higher than I’d consider spending considering the tools don’t have added benefits to outweigh the higher cost.
Now some of their tools don’t have comparable other options, like the Domino, but you can buy much cheaper track saws, drywall sanders, miter saws, etc. that can accomplish the same job for less.
I don’t hold anyone’s tool choices against them, so long as they can use their tools to accomplish their jobs, and so long as they aren’t either throwing it in your face or act professional because of their tools despite not knowing how to actually work or do the work.
As a note I own a Domino and have used the Kapex but never liked the vertical grip, though I did like the front adjustment for the bevel. I’ve used a lot of different brands over the years from plug-ins to battery tools and ultimately have come to choose a battery platform over a particular tool company or specific tools as I’ve long switched to battery tools as much as possible. I have plenty of power tools that are well over 20 years and battery tools that are over 10 years old that are sill working.
Honestly, if I was able to afford Festool products, I would love to have just about everything they have available....BUT, I simply have to get what I'm able to afford at this time.
Thanks for the insight into a tool company. While Festool is not for me at my skill level and budget, that does not change the fact that it is a well made, well backed, long lasting tool. This video is not a 'commercial" for Festool, it is someone putting information and opinion out for others to see/hear. Maybe someday I will be able to afford high end tools and I will proudly walk into the store, look over and try Festool. Until then I will walk into my "Big Box Store" and just as proudly checkout and purchase the tools that I do. Stop with the hater crap and just be happy that these folk that we watch on youtube have been blessed to be able to get these tools and share with us the thoughts on them. Thanks Matt, keep up thee good work!!!
If you watch AvE's tear-down of a Festool track saw, you'll see why I can't see myself splurging on their products. While the usage design is certainly top notch, the materials and internal design leaves a lot to be desired. If they had more skookum internals, I could see the price being justified.
I get that there are people who have had their festool for a million years and never had an issue. That's great, but some of us abuse their tools more than others. If you can treat this like it's made of crystal, make sure it is put away properly every time, never gets wet, never dropped in the dirt, never repeatedly put the motor in a bind, etc... Hat's off to you. I buy cheaper tools because I tend to abuse them on occasion, but at least with them, their price more closely reflects their durability.
With Festool, they use budget parts to make a top of the line tool, then charge double for it. Maybe hoping the price deters people abusing their products the way they would with a cheaper brand.
Track saw of that vintage but the newer models are completely redesigned and have brushless motors.
@@kwilliams2239
I guess I don't see the correlation between brushless vs brushed and durable vs not durable. I could buy 20 to 30 brushless tools all day long at harbor freight or Amazon for the price of one Festool track saw. I don't think I would classify them as durable just because they have "brushless" molded into the side of the tool.
A brushless motor is just more energy efficient than its brushed counter-part. It also requires a lot more circuitry to control it. IOW, more things that can break.
I liken it to people who still buy BMW. They will never admit that BMW makes highly designed mediocre products over the last couple of decades. They still see that brand as a status symbol, and convince themselves that it's fine for regular maintenance and repairs to cost so much, or that replacing their car every 3 years is normal.
You might have the similar problems with a Ford or a Kia, but at least you are paying Ford/Kia prices.
Festool hate is primarily based on one emotion: ENVY. They can afford it and you can’t. Just admit it. Jealousy is the primary driver of Festool hatred.
Gottlieb, my long lost ancestor. Festool is in my blood.
I'm an intermediate woodworker and recently dipped my toes into the pool. Funny thing is I started with the exact sander (125REQ) you recommend for that dip. I've used MANY random orbit sanders over the years - I used/owned the original from Milwaukee back in the 90's and loved it. I've used some high end pneumatics in classes I had taken in the 80's. I currently owner 3 different more economical cordless random orbit sanders and have always thought they were great. I bought the Festool to settle my own curiosity and skepticism... After only using it ONE time... I've been reaching for that green jug for more!! I am utterly amazed at the comfort and ease I experienced. Faster results with the same sandpaper and much less effort to control and let the sander float across the wood. Bottom line - if you can afford it, try it! You will not regret it! It makes woodworking more enjoyable and makes me want to do more.
Festool is the SnapOn of wood working.
Interesting Topic.
I never new that there is "hate" against festool.
I, as a hobby woodworker, sure don´t need festool. Bosch, Metabo etc. do well for us hobbyist´s too.
But when I startet with a Festool c12 some 20 years ago its tool change system hooked me!
A few years later I saved up enough money and bought the ts55 track saw, because of the reasons mentioned here.
No one else had a track for there saws back than and it really makes a difference.
Over the course of 20 years I go me a few more tools from them.
Router, sander, jigsaw etc and even the small domino.
No I´m sure not rich, but I´m patient.
Buying cheap is buying twice and buying twice is too expensive. It´s my motto.
After 20 years countless peaces of furniture and other things I build with that tools.
Every single machine is still working fine.
I would rather watch a video with a guy using Ryobi and DeWalt than one that uses Fesstool. Reason is they will have more similar issues to overcome than the guy with a $1200 domino Fesstool.
The biggest issue I have with Fesstool is that they are not just a little more expensive. They are like comparing a Ford to a Rolls Royce.
Most UA-cam watchers don't have these spendy tools so let's see how you do things with the tools we have.
I never even heard of it until this week. I don’t love or hate it. I don’t collect or extract my dust. I love it to fly everywhere. My wife hates it but I am not much of a fine woodworker as get it built sand the ruff off and paint it. Loved the video, great history lesson and great editing. It doesn’t look that cool not a fan of the green and gray. I have a router and didn’t even realize it was that brand. It’s behind all my yellow and red tools. I never had any problems with any of my mid to high end tools. It looks like office supplies. Like a printer
SKILSAW Power Tools was founded in 1924 by Edmond Michel. With the invention of its flagship tool, the SKILSAW Model E, equipped with an 8-inch blade, It was the world's first portable circular saw.
Very interesting video, thanks to both of you.
Last year I decided to upgrade my table saw. I looked at a lot of brands; Sawstop, Laguna, Harvey, etc. I talked it over with my wife who had no problem with me dropping the money on any of them. I decided not to, bought, bought a Delta from Lowes. Good saw, I knew/know I am not able to really get the value out of a really high end saw. I don’t envy the saws or owners I just didn’t think it’d be a good investment as a hobbyist.
At 75 I’m not sure if that will change but I’d love some Festool products. This video made me think about it
Talked it over with wife!!!!! Do yourself a favour book your next holiday to switzerland visit a wee place calked dignatas😊
@@andrewmcnab4537 ah, another incel
They can’t afford it so they complain about it
I just bought my first festool track saw, and as a keen home renovator, oh my God, I wish I had bought it years ago. It makes cabinet work SO much easier, faster, and more accurate. They are actually a similar price to their high end competitors, but just has a slightly nicer design and seems more technologically advanced.
Matt, serious question, why do you have Festool? You mentioned that it’s for makers and it saves them time (hundreds or thousands of times over - which may be a bit of an exaggeration!), but I see your channel as more of tool reviews and not builds. So did you buy them just to review them?
Real question is did he even pay for them or even pay full price
Hey Craig, no I didn’t (don’t) buy them just to review them. I use them regularly. Just because i don’t make a video of a build doesn’t mean I don’t use the tools. The build videos get less views than tool videos so I choose to do more tool videos vs videos of building things.
@@731Woodworks thanks Matt, appreciate the response. I loved your video on haters (made me check my actions and how I phrased my question to you!) and the suggestion from a follower to do both at the same time. I do like your tool review videos but also love your build videos - so it’d be the best of both worlds! Take care Matt and keep crushing it!
I'm actually a big fan of Festool but don’t own any tool. I'm hobbyists and a beginner at that so I can't justify the purchase of any of the Festools. My tool of choice is Makita which is still a very expensive tool at my experience level but is a product that I can work my way up towards my desired levels of expertise as a hobbyists. When and if I get to that level of expertise in woodworking then maybe I can justify the expense in my mind. Great video and thank you for the educational product you and others like you produce for all new to the woodworking hobby!!
I have never used a Festool tool. I’m sure they are quality tools. It seems that some of those (UA-camrs) that own them tend to be a bit”snobbish” about them, which is a turn off
Agree. Some come off as very snobbish about them, many of them are gifted Festools from the manufacturer to promote them.
I dont own a Festool powertool, but once bought on sale their 3-drawer Sortainer, now got the Festool organizer. They are pricey, but the quality is over the top.
"You just haven't used their tools!" Well, I have... In fact, I still own Festool products, and I'm mostly not happy with them.
Let's me start with a simple premise here: if you sell me something at a premium price, I demand premium quality. And I do not feel like I received that, for the most part.
1. I got an MFT table which was ridiculously unstable. So far that it was a safety concern. Then I saw that they sell the diagonal bar as an optional accessory? I felt ripped off, and sent that thing back, bought a Wolfcraft table at half the price, and it's WAY more stable. If I have a product that just doesn't work without an accessory, I put that thing into the base product. That was the first red flag.
2. I also got a TS55 track saw and the adjustment for the track always got stuck. Festool knew about this common problem for an eternity, and they never worked it out.
3. I got a PS 300 jigsaw, and the cuts are so unreliable I cannot justify to use it, simply because I always have to fear that it's gonna ruin the wood I'm working on. Of course, again, no one can fix it. I'm using a 30 year old jigsaw now, which probably cost 50 bucks back then, and it's still more accurate! Also, why do they sell a jigsaw sled for track if it doesn't cut straight lines? If it doesn't work, just don't sell it.
4. I think some of the tools are missing features that should be a given, especially at this price point. Like the Kapex which has no special cut capacity whatsoever.
5. Festool has a high price, not only because of quality, name, etc. but also because things like their theft insurance. That's something that you have to pay for, whether you use it or not. And for many hobbyists, it's an irrelevant feature, driving up the price again.
6. Holding safety features hostage behind a patent is not something that is incredibly popular. Bosch released a table saw with a "saw stop" feature, which was way better because it didn't destroy the blade. I just don't think safety feature should be owned by one company like this. Imagine only Ford having airbags, Chevrolet having seatbelts, Ryobi having riving knives. It's good that we are over this, I'd say! Thankfully, this patent is running out soon, and will hopefully make woodworking better for everyone.
I like to think that people love to jump on the Festool hating bandwagon, the same way they love to jump on the Nickleback hating bandwagon. There’s no reason to do it other than the fact that everybody else is doing it.
i loved their clamps it was amazingly fast and held solid, i also used the big domino i made everthing from table tops to large doors..
Matt, you gotta stop with the click-bate-ee thumbnails. It’s beneath you :)
It's funny, never been a hater but with a difficult custom bench seating with storage build for my daughter, I realized I needed better tools. I landed on Festool and have not been disappointed.
"Let's do this amazing woodworking project with scrap wood!"
Pulls out $50000 worth of equipment.
My first festool was a dust extractor I bought because I was concerned that my DIY and hobbies were exposing me and my family to too much dust. I have since come to cherish it as my most important tool, it is incredibly well designed, hands down the most effective extractor I've ever used and the manufacturing quality is next level. I work in manufacturing myself and deal with fairly intricate products for the pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries, I never thought that a construction tool manufacturer would set such high quality standards on their manufacturing, it's almost unnecessarily tedious but it does gives a glimpse into how festool does things, everything I've seen tells me that they don't cut corners, that goes a long way to gaining trust and it's hard to put a price on that. Money well spent as far as I'm concerned.
Festool is actually a VERY small company. TTI and others are 100 times bigger. Festool only does woodworking. Milwaukee and Dewalt, woodworking is a small part of their offerings.
It's really cool how people can actually buy whatever tools they want and can afford. It's just wild that Festool doesn't force people to buy their gear like other companies do....oh wait. Appreciate you Matt.
It's not a little more expensive, it's 3-4X expensive. What is frustrating is seeing videos saying "easy to make", but in the video they use $40k in equipment (festool, sawstop). It's irrelevant to me woodworking in my garage. So know your market. And if you're making a video for the diy viewer, put the dang festools and sawstops away and use tools that MOST of us have!
Amen to this comment! These UA-camrs make “easy diy project” videos then whip out their $4k specialty Festool (which they got for free).
Maybe it is, I don’t need it, I can’t afford it so it’s not something to worry about, if you’re happy with your tools, they work and you can afford them, go for it.
Same for everything in life.
I was hesitant buying my first one 10 years ago but now have white and green boxes all over my shop. I do renovations and still use my yellow tools on the rough work but when I am installing cabinets Festool makes me look good. Every Festool I bought is still working like the day I bought it. Gone are the days I come home covered in dust and coughing for a week.
I broke down and bought a festool track saw today. Totally agree that it is worth the hype. I’m a little mad I waited this long to get it. Worth the extra $$$
The best tools don't always make a better product. However, it does make the work more enjoyable. It's what fits your budget and need. I would rather a BMW to my Toyota. Both get me where I need to go but, the BMW just makes the journey so much better. :)
Yeah but the Toyota won’t give you all the maintenance and repair problems. It will be more luxurious in the BMW though for sure.
Depends on what you value. But I guess in this scenario money is no object, it would still be annoying to me to have to take it in for repairs or get a new car more often. I also don’t drive much so luxury in that regard was never important to me.
I remember back in the 80s when I was an apprentice toolmaker working in the press shop. We had Festo pneumatic material feeders that fed and clamped material in the press tool. They are a fantastic product. They were expensive back then but real top quality. Don't have the cash for them now but certainly do love the product. Probably would not buy a domino joiner as a good quality dowel jig is just as good IMHO, but their sanders, track saw, mitre saws are worth the money. I forgot to mention their vacuums and dust extraction system.
Yep. I bought into Festool because I actually used it and I loved it. I’m not spending your money, I’m spending mine. Keep’r movin’.
What a Super Cool Video!! Love the history bit on the company (great vid series idea, hint, hint). As far as my take on this company; I don't understand why people HATE good quality and precision? I don't have any Festool tools because of the cost, but if finances weren't a factor, I have a short list of their tools I would go out and get tomorrow. When it comes to building quality projects, quality tools will ALWAYS make a difference, even if it's just a time difference. Excellent video Matt, thanks!!
Same with Apple Mac. Some people know the price of everything and the value of nothing. These are tools fit for the job.
Being able to disconnect the power cord is very usefull when changing saw blades or router bits, too.
I was on a framing crew for 20 years never heard of festool until recently as I'm now interested in wood working at home..all you guys that are stand outs in woodworking have them..I'm just floored I never heard of them..super nice machine's it looks like..I was like who are they lol..dust collection is huge for me guess I'll check out festool now..really appreciate you man..good channel and would like to order some plans off you...
Great video, well thought out and presented. People that give you flack are the same ones that give all youtube woodworks flack for using rubio, walnut or Resin. They can't afford it and maybe do not want to see it all the time. But you pick the toosl that fit you, I started Ryobi, Dewalt and now Festool, you get what you can get. Keep up with the good videos
I work in the automotive industry on the service side. Festool is like the Snap On of wood working. The tools cost a lot of money, but when you work with them every day, especially if you make money with them, the difference is noticeable. Plus you pay for the American worker, their wage, benefits, the innovation and R&D that goes into all the tools. I don't personally own any Festool products, but I own a lot of Snap On stuff. When I decide to take my woodworking up to another level, I'll seriously consider upgrading to Festool.