Tool selection

Moggaman

Hi. Planning on building some carcass units for wardrobes. Am wondering about best tools for job at a reasonable price. Is a mitre / chop saw and a circular saw the 2 most used best general tools for me to buy and also could you suggest a middle of the road one for each. Corded chop saw and battery circular saw I think .
Thanks .

Track saw. For wardrobes, cabinets etc., start with a tracksaw. You will thank me later. Look at the 10 Minute Workshop (Peter Millard) beginners guide series on YouTube.

Moggaman

JayZeus wrote: »

Track saw. For wardrobes, cabinets etc., start with a tracksaw. You will thank me later. Look at the 10 Minute Workshop (Peter Millard) beginners guide series on YouTube.

Saw a track saw but are they expensive and have you a suggestion on brand. Thanks

the_pen_turner

Moggaman wrote: »

Saw a track saw but are they expensive and have you a suggestion on brand. Thanks

buy a festool. you will sell it again in a years time for most of the money .

cletus

the_pen_turner wrote: »

buy a festool. you will sell it again in a years time for most of the money .

C'mon, that's a €700 outlay...

mloc123

If you have no tools already... I would start with a circular saw. A track saw is nice, but a circular saw, some clamps and a piece of guide timber will work well.

mloc123

mloc123 wrote: »

If you have no tools already... I would start with a circular saw. A track saw is nice, but a circular saw, some clamps and a piece of guide timber will work well.

Unless you want splinter free cuts ready to edge band.

If the OP's considering buying a cordless circular saw and a miter saw, they're already well into Parkside/Erbauer/similar track saws price-range, but planning on buying the wrong tool for the job.

So which should they buy? If they're doing carpentry, buy a circular saw. If they're building furniture units, buy a track saw.

There's do it yourself and then there's do it properly yourself.

cletus

cletus wrote: »

C'mon, that's a €700 outlay...

It may be beyond their means, but the outlay offset by the return on resale and the better quality of tool they'll have to work with may indeed make it a very sensible way to spend that money.

If it's not in budget, the Erbauer tracksaws from screwfix seem to be good value for money, or the equivalent models from Parkside, Scheppach etc.

mickdw

JayZeus wrote: »

Unless you want splinter free cuts ready to edge band.

If the OP's considering buying a cordless circular saw and a miter saw, they're already well into Parkside/Erbauer/similar track saws price-range, but planning on buying the wrong tool for the job.

So which should they buy? If they're doing carpentry, buy a circular saw. If they're building furniture units, buy a track saw.

There's do it yourself and then there's do it properly yourself.

Chop saw is useful but a circular saw is a useless tool for that work.

the_pen_turner

cletus wrote: »

C'mon, that's a €700 outlay...

why is it a bad plan. buy it now for 700 and sell it later for 600. so 100 total cost. or buy a makita or dewalt for 450 and sell for 250 , or buy a triton or similar cheap knock off and get 50 for it.

it is a lot of money to spend but it would be well worth it

cgc5483

JayZeus wrote: »

It may be beyond their means, but the outlay offset by the return on resale and the better quality of tool they'll have to work with may indeed make it a very sensible way to spend that money.

If it's not in budget, the Erbauer tracksaws from screwfix seem to be good value for money, or the equivalent models from Parkside, Scheppach etc.

Would definitively suggest a tracksaw. So much more useful for cutting sheet timber. A decent battery circular saw is not cheap either.

If you look up 10WorkShop on Youtube as suggested above you will see a few videos comparing different price category track saws. He reviewed an Erbauer one just last week. He's big on Festool but as others pointed out they are expensive but they do hold their value for resale.

I had a Parkside and upgraded to a Makita a few months ago. More expensive but not quite in the Festool price range. Great saw and much sharper cuts without chipout in particle board.

Personally I wouldn't bother with a mitre saw if it's carcasses you want to build as will be mostly sheets you are cutting. Good hand saw with mitre box is perfect for any smaller cuts. Spend the money on the track saw

Seve OB

cletus wrote: »

C'mon, that's a €700 outlay...

He is right though.
I bought some festool stuff.
The difference is unreal, you will get better finishes in your projects and it will make the job so much easier.
Go on adverts and buy second hand. If you buy right, you will be able to sell it off after you do the job and cost you nothing........ but if you are into a bit of DIY, you won’t sell it, you’ll shop for more

cletus

Am wondering about best tools for job at a reasonable price

Even if the OP can recoup most of the cost in a year's time, an initial outlay of €700 is not reasonable. There are other, cheaper track saws that will work for the OP.

This reminds on of the threads where someone wants a recommendation for a hammer drill to make a couple of 6mm holes to hang a bracket, and the recommendation is to buy a €400 sds drill

Calahonda52

Seve OB wrote: »

He is right though.
I bought some festool stuff.
The difference is unreal, you will get better finishes in your projects and it will make the job so much easier.
Go on adverts and buy second hand. If you buy right, you will be able to sell it off after you do the job and cost you nothing........ but if you are into a bit of DIY, you won’t sell it, you’ll shop for more

That sums it up right there.
There are tools, and then there are festools: the difference is unreal!

Effects

I wouldn't dream of doing wardrobes without a track saw. I went for a DeWalt one a few years ago, as at the time, it came with two lengths of track as well as a bag for them. The Festool would have been great, but the value wasn't there for me.
It's the best power tool I've ever owned, and I use it all the time.

You'll generally pay more for battery tools, so I'd rather get a better quality corded tool than have a battery one.

No need to be paying 700 for a TS55. Still a whack of cash, but great value to be had used if you keep your eyes open.

Here's one, nothing to do with me, but looks clean and honest, includes track and spare blade and it's regular mains voltage so no need for a transformer.

https://www.adverts.ie/power-tools/festool-ts-55-rebq-plus/23150252

500 is a bit stiff IMHO, but at 450 it's a fair deal I'd reckon.

cletus

cletus wrote: »

Even if the OP can recoup most of the cost in a year's time, an initial outlay of €700 is not reasonable. There are other, cheaper track saws that will work for the OP.

For some, it's unreasonable if they just can't afford it, but for others it's money well spent. And an initial outlay doesn't have to be a sunk cost. Use it and sell it on, then the only thing that matters if you can cashflow the purchase is the cost of ownership after you sell it on. I'd rather the experience of having the right tool for the job for say €50 or so than the wrong tools sitting in the shed and a crap result because I bought a builders saw to make furniture.

cletus wrote: »

This reminds on of the threads where someone wants a recommendation for a hammer drill to make a couple of 6mm holes to hang a bracket, and the recommendation is to buy a €400 sds drill

And that reaction reminds me of fellas tsk'ing and muttering about someone buying a new car when a 10 year old Golf (sorry, 10 year old Golf owners!) would do the same job. Saws should all cut, but they're not all equal once you get past the basics.

It all comes down to what standard or quality you want to achieve from your efforts. If you just want some rectangular boxes with doors and shelves, a bahco panel saw, a straight edge and a pencil might get the job done. But if you're going to spend time and money you might as well aim for a great result if that's within your means. I'd rather assume a person doing the job DIY is still looking for a great result than just cutting corners and something that's passable as the outcome.

In the case of the OP it could be either or somewhere in the middle. But they asked for advice and they're getting plenty of it pointing them towards a tracksaw and more than one or two saying the Festool is the smart buy if they can spend on one to do the job. They don't have to keep it. And they don't have to make do with what others would just because others think it's unreasonable to spend what they wouldn't in the process.

the_pen_turner

i have 2 track saws (technically 3 if you include the normal saw that works on a rail) a dewalt 54v and a festool ts55.
the diference in cut quality is night and day. the ts55 is way better on melamine and worktops etc. i dont use mine that often but i do for jobs like that where absolute cut quality matters above the headache of the cord. the dewalt is my day to day saw that i use on mdf etc where perfection isnt needed because its being painted ect.

Moggaman

JayZeus wrote: »

For some, it's unreasonable if they just can't afford it, but for others it's money well spent. And an initial outlay doesn't have to be a sunk cost. Use it and sell it on, then the only thing that matters if you can cashflow the purchase is the cost of ownership after you sell it on. I'd rather the experience of having the right tool for the job for say €50 or so than the wrong tools sitting in the shed and a crap result because I bought a builders saw to make furniture.



And that reaction reminds me of fellas tsk'ing and muttering about someone buying a new car when a 10 year old Golf (sorry, 10 year old Golf owners!) would do the same job. Saws should all cut, but they're not all equal once you get past the basics.

It all comes down to what standard or quality you want to achieve from your efforts. If you just want some rectangular boxes with doors and shelves, a bahco panel saw, a straight edge and a pencil might get the job done. But if you're going to spend time and money you might as well aim for a great result if that's within your means. I'd rather assume a person doing the job DIY is still looking for a great result than just cutting corners and something that's passable as the outcome.

In the case of the OP it could be either or somewhere in the middle. But they asked for advice and they're getting plenty of it pointing them towards a tracksaw and more than one or two saying the Festool is the smart buy if they can spend on one to do the job. They don't have to keep it. And they don't have to make do with what others would just because others think it's unreasonable to spend what they wouldn't in the process.

Thanks all. Clearly the track saw is the business if you want to do the job properly. I’ll have to think it over...

monkeynuz

JayZeus wrote: »

No need to be paying 700 for a TS55. Still a whack of cash, but great value to be had used if you keep your eyes open.

Here's one, nothing to do with me, but looks clean and honest, includes track and spare blade and it's regular mains voltage so no need for a transformer.

https://www.adverts.ie/power-tools/festool-ts-55-rebq-plus/23150252

500 is a bit stiff IMHO, but at 450 it's a fair deal I'd reckon.

Is it red block paving?

mloc123

JayZeus wrote: »

No need to be paying 700 for a TS55. Still a whack of cash, but great value to be had used if you keep your eyes open.

Here's one, nothing to do with me, but looks clean and honest, includes track and spare blade and it's regular mains voltage so no need for a transformer.

https://www.adverts.ie/power-tools/festool-ts-55-rebq-plus/23150252

500 is a bit stiff IMHO, but at 450 it's a fair deal I'd reckon.

I just noticed Screwfix are selling it for 526 new

mloc123

mloc123 wrote: »

I just noticed Screwfix are selling it for 526 new

Plus a track, the FS1400/2 is about €100-120 delivered. Spare Festool blade, €50-60 depending on type.

Sharpyshoot

JayZeus wrote: »

Plus a track, the FS1400/2 is about €100-120 delivered. Spare Festool blade, €50-60 depending on type.

Is that your ad on adverts because I’d offer €400 and could collect tomorrow

listermint

I have personally a chop saw. Cheap Evo model Amazon. I think it was 360 or so.

Hitachi beast 110v for big work.

Throw around B&D unit it's old.

And a first owner festool TS55 with twin guides for full length sheets.

Also a DeWalt cordless 54v table saw.

Most of the above was big money.

I agree with all opinions around the tools and I would still not recommend someone go out and blast festool money down.

They can get satisfactory results from an Titan or Erbauer track saw for one third the money and not feel tool buyers guilt to the missus.

Festools are fantastic. But I wouldn't be goin around telling everyone to buy one out the gate.

Sharpyshoot

Sharpyshoot wrote: »

Is that your ad on adverts because I’d offer €400 and could collect tomorrow

No, not mine.

But I sold one almost the same as it a couple of months back for €475 and it was 6 years old, so missing a few of the latest upgrades that were made to the TS55 in 2019 onwards. That was more than I paid for it when I bought it used. I used it and made a profit on resale. I've done the same a few years ago when I bought that one, selling my older (original TS55) model for more than I paid for it too.

The new one I bought at the start of this year was bought on a special offer and cost me €499 including VAT and was supplied with the case and a 1400mm track. That deal's not available now and won't be repeated, but I see no reason why I won't get my money back again when I sell this one on in a few years time.

I'm writing from repeat personal experience in buying Festool saws, using them for a couple/few years and then getting my money back again and buying a newer one. It ties up some funds but it's not really costing me anything to own them. Show me any other power tool where that's the way the economics work for a DIY/hobby owner!

listermint

Fair point of view above but it warrants getting that original good deal , which il note I did better than you on and also having that level of money to have tied up in your case permanently of always buying the newer saw.

listermint

listermint wrote: »

I...Festools are fantastic. But I wouldn't be goin around telling everyone to buy one out the gate.

It really does depend.

If you have the funds, buy Festool. If you don't need to keep it once the job is done, sell it. If you want to keep it, and can afford it, you'll have the better tool as long as you own it.

If you don't have the funds, buy an Erbauer or whatever, but know that it's not as good a tool at the end of the day if you want to keep it and you'll end up more out of pocket if you're going to sell it when the job is finished.

Either way, I'd buy a tracksaw (definitely not a circular saw) and do without the miter saw if money's tight. Or if it's really tight, just get the panels cut to carefully considered dimensions and get a handsaw for trimming.

listermint

listermint wrote: »

Fair point of view above but it warrants getting that original good deal , which il note I did better than you on and also having that level of money to have tied up in your case permanently of always buying the newer saw.

Good point and I don't take it for granted everyone has the luxury of being able to spend on stuff like this. And it's never a sure thing that you'll have someone ready and waiting to buy as quickly as you might need to sell if you buy with the intention of shifting it on. There's risk in that at least to some degree. I sure as hell wouldn't be paying new list price for one just to make a few wardrobes either, as daft as I can be when it comes to buying tools.

listermint

JayZeus wrote: »

Good point and I don't take it for granted everyone has the luxury of being able to spend on stuff like this. And it's never a sure thing that you'll have someone ready and waiting to buy as quickly as you might need to sell if you buy with the intention of shifting it on. There's risk in that at least to some degree. I sure as hell wouldn't be paying new list price for one just to make a few wardrobes either, as daft as I can be when it comes to buying tools.

I will however say the Brits absolutely fkd us on getting decent pricing on tools into the future.

Il never forgive that

Our German, Dutch and other continental European cousins have us well covered in that regard. That same TS55 REBQ-Plus-FS kit is €550 delivered to your door, which isn't the worst adjustment in pricing to have to deal with. Lots of supplier options too, but Rubart.de or Dictum.com seem to be very competitive. I gave up on giving Axminster and the like any of my hard earned a couple of years back.

listermint

JayZeus wrote: »

Our German, Dutch and other continental European cousins have us well covered in that regard. That same TS55 REBQ-Plus-FS kit is €550 delivered to your door, which isn't the worst adjustment in pricing to have to deal with. Lots of supplier options too, but Rubart.de or Dictum.com seem to be very competitive. I gave up on giving Axminster and the like any of my hard earned a couple of years back.

Aye I paid 520 for kit two guides ,lock section and clamps. UK.


Fkn brexit.

listermint

listermint wrote: »

Aye I paid 520 for kit two guides ,lock section and clamps. UK.


Fkn brexit.

Yeah, that was a cracker of a deal.

I've been buying tools from all over Europe the past year though and there's a smashing range of suppliers I never would have found were it not for Brexit forcing me to look further than the UK retailers and distributors. Veritas tools from Estonia and Sweden, Festool from Germany, Austria, Italy and France. Chisels from Czech republic and Netherlands. I refuse to buy non-UK produced items now from UK based retailers or retailers who buy via UK based distribution. I'd rather leave my money in the EU than prop up their bad decision in the UK. Can't have your cake and eat it I say.

the_pen_turner

any chance you would share all these great sites you have found. im on a similar mission to cut the uk out of my buying if possible

Sharpyshoot

the_pen_turner wrote: »

any chance you would share all these great sites you have found. im on a similar mission to cut the uk out of my buying if possible

I think this deserves its own thread and I will start one to get the ball rolling.

the_pen_turner

Sharpyshoot wrote: »

I think this deserves its own thread and I will start one to get the ball rolling.

i started one a while back.
https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2058161142