One tool I forgot to mention but is high on my wish list is the ES ETS edge sander (thanks for reminding me Mino!), I just need to decide whether to go corded or cordless... I'm in a workshop so corded makes sense (cheaper and no need for batteries, will be connected to a vac anyway) but cordless is shiny and feels more flexible...

They offer a mains-adapter for the cordless.

I have an RTSC and it runs corded with the adapter most of the time, but it was helpful to be able to run it on battery for the odd task.

I think we who have the CXS love it due to ergonomics and control.
I used the Bosch drivers in the past and a lot of other brands.
The CXS is more like an extension of the hand rather than a tool in your hand, if you ask me.

The Domino has „cousins“ in the Mafell Duo-Doweller and the Lamello Zeta-P, but they all have their niches with different approaches for applications and costs.

Quote from: grobkuschelig on May 12, 2021, 06:36 AM

They offer a mains-adapter for the cordless.

This is true, making the only real difference the cost... Corded is slightly faster (12,000 vs 10,000 min) but I have no idea what this means in use... (obviously it'll sand faster but would the difference matter...)

The corded one is a bit lighter and the handle is a bit smaller without a battery. But for hobby use this is negligible, same as the speed difference. It is a finish sander, so material removal rate is not really important there. I would not buy the power adapter from the get go. For hobby use the battery runtime should be fine on itself.

If you plan on having only one of them, the cordless is IMO the better choice. Coupled with DTSC for the odd corner later on you are pretty much set for sheet goods processing.

These are no replacements for the ETS EC series though when you want to sand raw lumber etc.

There's really no such thing as must-have tool or kit from Festool. Countless woodworkers in the world do great stuff without owning or using any Festool tools, and that supports my first statement.

The only exception is the Kapex...at least according to this fellow who can't sleep without one! (The guy's look reminds me of the SAW movies.)

Unless a guy is willing to take the time required to make Mortice and Tennon joints, in any of the several ways to make them happen, a Domino is pretty much a must have. Of course as a hobbyist, that time may not matter, but if you are making money with your work, it does.
Sure, you could drill holes with a brace & bit, then drive screws by hand, but who wants to do that?

This whole topic is basically, "it depends"......on a number of factors.
I worked in the custom department of a large cabinet shop for about 10 years before ever having/using any Festool equipment. My first was a DF500 and it made a huge change in the way I work. A few months later, I got an RO90. Again, big difference compared to the other sanders I had.
Next was MFK700, for solid wood edges on shelves or countertops. I bought a CXS to replace a 12v Bosch drill/ driver/ and right angle drill. One tool in place of three.
I got along fine with just those 4 for about 5 years, until a fire killed them all.
During the recovery, I got a TS55 as part of a huge bundle. It was very handy while a bunch of new stationary equipment arrived and was set-up. The routers were just added because of the ability to use them with the track, then impressed me in other ways too.
At this point, I wouldn't give up any of them. Absolutely necessary? No, but I wouldn't want to go back to the hard way. When you earn your living with them, time and convenience matter.

On a side-note. Duo-doweler, not even close to as versatile.
Lamello Zeta is a fabulous tool, but it is more of a compliment to the Domino than a substitute for it. It has the same limitations as a standard biscuit joiner as far as width.

Quote from: Crazyraceguy on May 12, 2021, 06:13 PM

Unless a guy is willing to take the time required to make Mortice and Tennon joints, in any of the several ways to make them happen, a Domino is pretty much a must have.Snip.

A better machine (or a better way of doing things) doesn't make it a "must-have."

If time matters, it does.

I am still using my TE-17 that I bought used 25 years ago. It's still going, can't kill it.

I have way too many festool, along with other brands. But if it were one tool, I won't give up my Ets 125, with the CT. I have a bunch of other sanders, including a Rotex and a mirka. But something about the Ets just fits my hand and arm movement best. I prob put in about 6 hours a week on mine and have for at least the past decade or so. For me if and when it finally dies it will be a same day replacement for me. Good news is it is one of the cheaper festool tools.

Worth noting I have at least a dozen other drills and drivers from all the major manufacturers but I do enjoy using the cxs for installer work. Not sure why but the size and balance is just perfect for some reason. I have the Milwaukee knock off that I picked up since I have a mountain of those batteries but there is really no comparison, and I don't think the Milwaukee was much cheaper if at all.

Finally not a particularly unique tool, but super useful and used more than pretty much any other is the 18V Makita adjustable LED light. This has replaced all the desk/angle poise lamps in my workshop, and is perfect for close up hand work, routing, and supporting all those pesky Festool machines (I’m looking at you OF1400 and DF500) without built-in lights.

Which one specifically of the two dozen or so LED lights that Makita offers is your favorite?

Quote from: Crazyraceguy on May 12, 2021, 06:49 PM

Quote from: ChuckM on May 12, 2021, 06:34 PM

Quote from: Crazyraceguy on May 12, 2021, 06:13 PM

Unless a guy is willing to take the time required to make Mortice and Tennon joints, in any of the several ways to make them happen, a Domino is pretty much a must have.Snip.

A better machine (or a better way of doing things) doesn't make it a "must-have."

If time matters, it does.

I bet there's tons of people working in the same business as you who don't have a domino and don't miss it at all. Nothing's absolute.

I'm sure there are, I was one of them for years too. But, you can't miss what you never had.
I never said anything about absolute, just offering my view on the topic of "must have".
I certainly can't speak for everyone, wouldn't even try, but for me and the way I work, some things are essential.
Things were painfully slow in the weeks immediately after the fire. Not only were the tools destroyed, several projects awaiting delivery/install were there too. So, current jobs/upcoming jobs got behind because previously finished things had to be reconstructed first. All of this while moving, re-making work stations and replacing tools. It was quite a challenge and also the point were I really learned to appreciate the TS55, which I didn't have before.

Quote from: CeeJay on May 13, 2021, 05:33 PM

Finally not a particularly unique tool, but super useful and used more than pretty much any other is the 18V Makita adjustable LED light. This has replaced all the desk/angle poise lamps in my workshop, and is perfect for close up hand work, routing, and supporting all those pesky Festool machines (I’m looking at you OF1400 and DF500) without built-in lights.

Which one specifically of the two dozen or so LED lights that Makita offers is your favorite?

I like the DML801.

It’s small enough to stand anywhere without getting in the way and is bright enough to supplement whatever ambient light is there.

It sits up high enough to look down on the workpiece and the head has up/down and side/side tilt.

With a 3.0ah cell it is base-heavy enough to be stable and will last 4-6 hours.


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I should add the Bluetooth vac remote to my list...

By no means essential, I've just ordered one as I'm sick of climbing under the bench to turn the vac on for non-Festool/corded tools and general clean up. I could have moved the vac but I have a tiny workshop so it's tucked out of the way.

Ditto on the Bluetooth remote. I’ve got two.

One on the ‘no plugit’ hose I use with non Festool stuff, and I later put one in the ‘with plugit’ hose I use with my Festools. This is so I can quickly disconnect the hose from the tool for a clean up without having to trigger the tool.

Particularly useful for edge routing which is usually messy, and for cleaning up sandpaper between grit changes.


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