If you want something to wrap get this:
https://www.amazon.ca/Festool-Folding-Rule-by/dp/B0058HUKXM/
and then say that it comes with a tool they have to pick.
You can order it on Amazon from hartville and they do free returns. That’s where I order my festool stuff since the price is the same everywhere and you can get 5% back if you use the Amazon credit card.
This is a great idea.
My wife has taken to doing this for things that she would like to get but isn't exactly sure which I would want. It's super sweet cuz then we go shopping together, too.
This. My husband knows exactly what he wants where I would be lost. Yes it ruins the surprise but he really appreciates that I tell him what I want to do for him and he gets to pick it out. He REALLY enjoys reading all about different features along the way while he’s making his selection.
I agree with this. Give him the green light to get one, but it’s hard to know what would help him the most.
That being said the domino 500 is a gem. But, then you need the vacuum, and then the accessories…
If there is a woodcraft or other woodworker store within reasonable distance, it wouldn't be the end of the world if you ended up getting him something he doesn't need -he can just go return it.
pS could you marry me too?
Take him on a trip on his birthday. Don't tell him where. Go to a woodworking supply store that stocks Festool, and tell him to choose one. You get the joy of spending time with him and seeing him act like a child in a candy store. He gets time with you and a new tool. Win win. Grab a nice lunch or dinner at a place he likes before/after and he has the best day ever.
u/courtneyrel this is the one!! This will be an awesome experience for you both. Look up Festool dealers and find a Woodcraft or something near you that carries it
Oh my gosh, I'd absolutely love this. I imagine that would feel similar to being proposed to. The secrecy, the surprise, the excitement, having something brand new and shiny, and someone to share all this with.
I'd pick random orbital sander with a vacuum unit. And ice cream afterwards. With all the sprinkles.
personally i would not like to get tools as presents, because nobody else but me knows what i want or need. Buy him a new festool tool, well now he needs to carry an extra festool charger buy extra batteries, if its corded maybe he has cordless tool that's just more convenient.
BUT if he doesnt have a festool dust extractor, that would be the perfect gift, I dont know a single carpenter who doesnt want one. they go from 500- 1200£. Festool track saws and dust extractors are the first festool items people buy
My tradesmen asked me countless times: ”Did you bring your magic dust collector today!” Nothing like it when working in an occupied client’s home … or your own.
Kinda surprised about the dust extractor being common.
I own one and, while it is a good vacuum, I don't think I would buy one again if this one broke. An $800 vacuum that is marginally better than a $100 vacuum just doesn't seem worth it to me.
The dust extractor is the only Festool tool I own ( so far). The best part for me is that I can plug in my tools and the vac comes on and off automatically. I also found it’s much cleaner than my shop vac.
Yep. On remodeling jobs, as both GC and one of the tradesman myself (Cabinetry), where the home was occupied, I put it in the tradesmen contracts that the last hour of every workday would be spent in cleanup.
That one Festool tool made many a housewife tickled to walk into a spotless, clean, completely dust free home after her work day.
I own nearly every Festool made, and the two I would never give up or the dust extractor and the Track Saw. Both made me beaucoup money in both goodwill and word of mouth referrals.
Sorry, but anyone who equates the Festool dust extractor with a $100 big box store dust collectors hasn’t a clue!
Not everybody is working in a clients occupied house. Some work in a shop or even outside. That level of dust extraction just isn't very useful for the price for some environments.
Just because people have different dust extraction needs than you doesn't mean they don't have a clue. For having that kind of a mindset it may be you who doesn't have a clue.
Festool has a patent on their domino jointer that makes no one else in the market able to produce once. Might as well get something he doesn’t have, and can’t get from elsewhere if you’re going to get something without knowing exactly what he wants.
I have just about every tool they make. The domino, which is an awesome tool, is the one I use the least and it’s expensive. Track saw is the #1 most used and sander is #2.
Another vote for the domino here, but it really shines with furniture IMO so I wouldn't get it unless he builds furniture. I heard real good things about their sanders but I don't own any. I will add this - anyone who says the Kapex handle is comfortable is full of shit.
I disagree, I use a regular cheapo dust extractor with an adaptor I found on Amazon. More than good enough for the diyer. Although dust extraction is essential when using a domino to avoid clogging up the bit.
The Mafell DDF40 is a very similar tool. Lots of people are familiar with the brand Mafell, but they make incredible high quality tools. On par with or often times superior to Festool offerings. Look at their Erika saw, it’s awesome
Mafell makes a double dowel joiner that does effectively the same thing. The name of the joint changes but they’re both variations of mortise-and-tenon.
Domino Jointer is the premier option for Festool, but it does break the stated budget. I'm a big fan of their dust extractor with the cyclone attachment as another option.
Rumor has it that the Festool domino joiner patent expires this year in the US. There may be some cheap alternatives flooding the market soon. I’ve got the Festool Domino 500, the quality is great and I’ve never run into an issue with it. Even if there were knockoffs and I didn’t have one, id probably stick with Festool.
Its worth noting that the Domino proper's price will likely drop drastically once its off patent, part of the deal with patents is it allows Festool to have beefy margins. This is exactly how it played out with the Fein Multimaster.
1. [Domino df500 ](https://www.festoolusa.com/products/domino-joining-system/domino-joining-machines/576419---df-500-q-plus-us) \[ corded \] brilliant for furniture / joinery ( life is too short for dovetails )
2. [CT36 dust extractor ](https://www.festoolusa.com/products/dust-extraction/mobile-dust-extractors/577084---ct-36-e-hepa-us) \[ corded \] powerful, controllable speed, filters exhaust well, dissipates static buildup, get the Bluetooth button attachment so you can power it up / down right at the tip of your hose. This is a larger and older model, that just means you don't need to change bags as often and you get the simple dial instead of the buttons.
3. [Kapex ](https://www.festoolusa.com/products/semi-stationary-work/sliding-compound-miter-saws/575306---ks-120-reb-usa) \[ corded \] gold standard for trim work / precise cutting
4. [ets150/5 orbital sander](https://www.festoolusa.com/products/surface-preparation/random-orbital-sander/576339---ets-ec1505-eq-plus-us)\[ corded \] great for finish work down to about 150 - 180 grit get the smaller travel ets 150/3 for finer sanding
5. [csc sys 50 cordless table saw](https://www.festoolusa.com/products/semi-stationary-work/table-saw/576821---csc-sys-50-us) \[ battery \] this thing is crazy cool, fine kerf, super precise sliding table saw for small detailed projects ( think: boxes / picture frames / trim etc ) and to top it all off the blade height and angle settings are all motorized and saved with presets. Its not a job site saw, so don't buy it if you plan on ripping down OSB all day
I would vote for the extractor since he already has the track saw. I had some other nice vacuums/extractors but wish I had gotten the Festool one first. It’s so quiet and the premium hose it comes with is really nice. Plus the hose attaches/locks onto the track saw for safety/convenience. If I got that as a gift from my wife I’d be elated!
OP, the Domino is the answer. Such a useful joinery tool. He’ll absolutely love it.
Does he do a lot of smaller projects? Or tables and such. If he does, he’ll absolutely adore this tool. It’s top notch for putting boards together to make a beautiful dining room table. I didn’t have one when I built my table, but I sure wish I did. Also when I built my daughter’s crib. I really wished I had that tool. At the time I couldn’t swing the 1k.
If going for no.2 the CT36 dust extractor, you also might consider getting the „longlife FIS CT-36“ reusable dust bag. Seems quite expensive but it pays off if your husband is quite mobile in his projects. Said this as an woodwork enthusiast with overcomplicating tendencies myself, who is therefore moving half his shop to an lightbulb replacement at my friends and is solely focused on reducing items to carry with.
yeah especially if he does a lot of sanding. i'm not an owner but specifically looked into it because the vibration reduction on the festool sander in theory means he'll be able to work longer over the years with less potential damage to his hands/arms/wrists. feels like a thoughtful gift option when you consider that.
I agree with this. The domino is a one of a kind tool, but unless he actually does that type of joinery I don’t see it as a must have.
I just upgraded from a ridgid shop vac and dewalt random orbital sander to the ct midi and ets 125. The difference is incredible. I hated sanding before because my hand would end up numb from the vibration and the dust collection was mediocre. With the festool setup, there was virtually no residual dust and was very comfortable.
Buy a Mirka DEROS sander. Domino jointers are great if he is always building furniture. Everything needs sanding. And Mirka is what every cabinet shop uses.
If he is a furniture builder, the domino. No question, no competition. If he does more construction type work, like this shed, I would saw a track saw. I am sort anti - battery for stuff like that, especially if it doesn’t get used every day. To me the corded version is just fine.
I was in this camp until I got one of those small one handed radial saws. To my surprise, I use that little bugger constantly, just because it’s so much easier to grab and cut, vs muss about with cords the whole time.
Does Festool make scaffolding?
That setup looks sturdier than anything purpose-built I could buy at Harbor Freight, plus it turns into a ladder a sawhorse and some fence posts later.
Maybe he's good on reach.
For a 1k budget.....Festool doesn't really have anything worth purchasing *unless* your husband runs that brand only.
It's common knowledge in the woodworking industry that no brand makes the best everything. The Domino and Kapex saw are great tools and worth their cost, but both are well above 1k.
If it were me, I'd be very happy with a $1000 gift card to a local woodworking store. Not trying to rain on your idea. I'm just throwing out some options and think your intentions are amazing! Lucky husband you have there
150 sander with dust extraction.
But depends if he does more framing/ rough work or detail work.
Some woodpecker index squares are amazing and cheaper and work for both details and rough work
You’re getting a lot of the same advice here. As a similar weekend husband woodworker, I second the Festool dust extractor if he’s doesn’t already have one, and/or the sander. I have a Dewalt sander but now I wish I’d gotten the Festool one after getting their tracksaw. The only other advice I liked here was checking out the Mirka sander, that’s a new one to me. However, if he has the Festool tracksaw with the battery, then I’d probably lean towards the Festool battery sander so the tools can share batteries
Domino would likely be overkill unless he does a lot of furniture. It’s very cool for what is does, but very expensive and very niche.
Just ask him. I can guarantee that he has researched for hours and knows exactly which one he would buy for himself and while he will undoubtedly love whatever you get him, he might be secretly the tiniest bit upset that now he has to wait longer to buy the one he wants (unless you guess correctly)
Whatever you do decide to get him, I have two pieces of advice for you: 1) Also make sure you get him a Festool dust extractor. It is kind of essential to use the Festool tools with a good dust extractor and theirs are the best you can get. 2) Are you insane?! The Festool habit is about as expensive as a cocaine habit and just as addictive. Trust me, I know.
Edit: Didn’t notice he already had a Festool track saw. In that case I’d say dust extractor would be my no 1 suggestion.
I assumed then he had the vacuum with it? If not, that’d be my suggestion. Their 6” rotex sander is pretty nice too. I used to have their barrel grip jig saw and it was really nice to use, but still just a jig saw. I’d agree the domino would be awesome to have, and like other people said, the only thing like it out on the market.
I know it takes the mystery out of it but I would ask for his input. 1k is a a lot to spend and risk it not being "the right version" the domino, for instance, comes in 2 sizes and he might have a good reason to value one more than the other.
A lot of recommendations for the domino but it’s such a specific kind of tool. I’d suggest a router, Festool makes great routers and various attachments that work well with the tracks. Also storage systainers.. Have fun!
Saying that he does woodworking and showing him doing carpentry doesn't help explain what tool he is likely to need. What sort of work does he actually do? Does he make wooden bowls? Does he build jewelry boxes? Does he make furniture? Does he do finish carpentry? Does he build boats?
I’m not kidding when I say a little of everything. Except boats. He will build a whole house in the backyard one week and then spend the next month making cutting boards. I guess he mainly does cabinets, tables, shelving, arches and trellises, and bowls on the lathe sometimes. He’s very much into milling his own live edge stuff right now. One of the reasons I’m having trouble is because he has such varying hobbies
If he doesn’t have the festool vacuum that’s the answer. With the long green hose it’ll run you about a grand.
Otherwise the domino probably. Track saw/vacum/domino are probably the the main festool things worth buying.
I have the vacuum for the track saw at it’s insane how well it works. You can make cuts inside virtually dust free.
My first thought as well. Little Giant ladders convert to a scaffold with a proper plank. Don't use it frequently, but when needed it's money and safer to boot.
First off you are a great wife for paying attention and asking here. If he has the track saw, it may seem boring but the dust extractor is great and pairs well with it. It’s a tool I use all the time.
Otherwise yeah the domino but only if he’s doing furniture building, it’s not too useful outside of that.
The Festool miter saw is also the best miter saw you can buy, but you need to be into some fine woodworking to appreciate it, for construction not so much.
In all honesty… get him the festool midi m class extractor. It literally hooks up to any power tool and can get the inserts from Amazon or Temu very cheap. I started off my festool journey with this and never looked back it is a beast of a machine. And make sure it has the Bluetooth switch which is an extra £40. Your husband is a lucky guy having his wife think of him like that 👍🏻
If you really want a surprise, look for the crappiest tool that you see him use a lot, then buy the nicest version of that thing you can find. Fancy landplanes or chisels are great examples of this.
Do not buy a woodworker, tradesman, or anybody that wants very exact expectations from their tools something without making sure it's what they want. I promise it's always a pain in the ass. People know I'm in to woodworking and then are like "here's a wood burning tool... Here's a whittling set... Here's a tool you already have a better version of." It's painful because I want to be nice and accept things with grace but at the same time im always thinking "if you'd just asked I would have told you exactly what I'm looking for."
Exactly what they want >> The "surprise"
I promise he will be ecstatic to get a festool thing he really wants rather than being surprised.
There are a lot of good options, but being honest I would be very upset if my wife spent that much money on a tool for me, because even though it would be a great tool and a wonderful thought, it wouldn’t be the tool I would have picked out for myself, and given you are a couple it’s basically him spending the money on himself anyway.
The thing is… the reason he doesn’t own any other festools is because I am a saver and he is a spender, and he knows I wouldn’t condone spending $1k on a tool. It will absolutely blow his mind that I dropped this kind of money on something that is not a need. We have a joint account for bills but we have separate bank accounts for anything extra, so it’s me using my fun money/savings on him, not the “ours” money. He is an outstanding husband and father, he works so damn hard, he deserves this, and I/we can afford it. Worst comes to worst, he can return it. He knows that I know nothing about tools and won’t be offended if I get the wrong thing!
Maybe not the most glamorous of choices but get a festool vacuum first… no point have a flashy tool with excellent dust collection if you can’t collect the dust! I’ve got a midi and it’s fine but wish I have more capacity at times.
I have no idea what your husband owns shop tools wise, nor his working style. For ME it would hands down be a Festool Domino, which is a loose tenon cutter. Kind of like a biscuit joiner but the tenons it uses are much stronger. Your husband however may want the Kapex miter saw, or the and the product brand name from Festool evades me but their track saw is REALLY nice. Sorry I tend toward long winded, the whole situation here is too many options, and may end up being redundant and other than having an expensive brand name on it, might not be what he really wants or needs. The recommendation for a "Coupon" good for "one free Festool tool of your choice" seems like the most sensible approach.
Thank you so much!! He already has the Festool track saw and loves it. I’m leaning toward a planer or joiner but I don’t really understand the difference except that the joiner squares the boards. He loves to make stuff with thick live edge slabs… can you flatten those with a joiner or does it have to be a planer to take down thickness? If the joiner does everything the planer does plus more, I’m sure he’d rather have the joiner
DA sander and dust extractor or to TS75 track saw with a dust extractor. These are by far the most commonly used festool tools I own. A domino is awesome if he does a lot of joinery like cabinet face-frames. A Kapex miter saw is great too if he wants to be able to do miter cuts inside(with a dust extractor).But you gotta tell us what type of work he does most often.
The common theme here is the dust extractor. So I’d start there. But prepare for more festool purchases after this. ;) I ansolutely love all my festool stuff. No way I could financially justify any of it.
No he def is more of a shelf and cabinet maker! This was just the only pic I could find of him actively building something. It was actually the only time I’ve ever seen him do construction and I have no idea how he even knows how to build an entire structure like this from the foundation up. He prob watched 5 minutes of a YouTube video and was like “ok got it”… he’s just one of those people
Best choice-
Rotex sander with a festool vacuum. All trades need to sand at some point. The vacuum makes it a nearly dustless process. And he will live longer. Do NOT get cordless.
Kapex kicks ass, but is over $1K
Domino is over rated unless he is mostly building furniture. I sold mine off after how much it sat around, and I'm a full time carpenter.
I am one of those guys that has all the tools. Hands down my favorite tools are my japanese chisel, but my favorite festool is the vaccuum and the domino. The track saw is awesome but I only use it on the field, if I am in the shop I use the tablesaw. The sander with the vaccuum is nice as well because it captures all the dust.
The festool shop vac is great. Besides the track saw I find myself saying it’s my favorite festool.
Also they have a multi function table that I also use often. Great for clamping work pieces down and cutting/working on.
I’d go for a sander (Mirka is phenomenal too). If he has a cheap sander, a quality and balanced sander will save his hands. The dominos are great, but you need an extractor and dominos and that’s outside the range.
Ideally, someone mentioned the “coupon good for one Festool tool” is probably your best bet. Then he can decide what’s best for his uses.
It really depends on what he builds and I’ll probably get down voted but it’s better being honest. In my humble opinion festool makes good tools but other companies do to and most are a lot cheaper and work just as good you could get a couple tools cheaper than a festool. I have some festool tools and other brands that are the same type of tool for example impact drivers festool and Mikita I use the Mikita more and reach for the Mikita. Drills same thing but I did knock both of the roof of a three story barn the festool didn’t work the Mikita’s battery stopped working but the drill works after a different battery was put in. Track saw yes festool plug in all day long. Shop vacuum festool has a really high price for that money I’d put the money to get a two stage dust collection system. Domino jointer a lot of people like or want I have one it sits in the case since I build fine furniture and use mortise and tenon and get a better tighter joint. Planers are a needed to thickness stock , jointers, good hand planes, chisels there are so many tools it really depends on what he builds and how. If it’s construction and you want festool id say impact driver , drill
Talk to someone he is close to and works with, they will either know or can naturally slip it into conversation to get an answer. I wouldnt go in blind, we have no idea what kind of carpentry he does or what he wants to do
I know but I desperately want it to be a surprise!! He always comes up with the most thoughtful surprise gifts and I’m a TERRIBLE gift giver unless he pointedly tells me what he wants. If I fuck up, there’s always a gift receipt right??
Everyone here is right but there’s a solution that still lets it be a surprise. Just ask one of his friends to ask him. Have them start asking about what he’s working on then just ask what his next tool is or a dream tool. Something a long those lines, he’s never going to suspect a friend would buy that so it’s harmless. Bing bang boom.
Even though I’m sure you would prefer to give him an actual tool, I would maybe set a budget and go with him to pick out whatever he would like within that. This way you still pay for it and you can go with him to the store and see him like a kid in a candy shop. This is what I would prefer.
If you absolutely want to get something and he only has the tracksaw for festool. I would suggest the domino or hepa vacuum with the sander.
This you need to discuss. Or give a festool voucher.
Certainly if it is intended to replace another machine. You do not know how his work flow is, what he likes or dislikes in his tool collection. How his work flow is,... Etc...
Their Routers are absolutely stunning…
The CT MIDI dust extractor is also exceptional and will Bluetooth pair to his track saw and any other festool to turn itself on and off when the tool is turned on.
It’s insane price for a dust extractor… corded or cordless… but they are so awesome… I want one so badly.
Like I said hint around or ask him questions.or what does he grip about not having or one of his tools that needs to be replaced. he will let you know guys and there tools they can't get enough but just ask him without giving it away.
Is he building his new “digs”, after all Father’s Day is rapidly approaching. 😂 “I need my man cave asap!” Jk
Lucky guy to share life with You and get Festools. I’ve never met or seen you, let me be clear, as the finish of a Festool sander. 😃
RO150: https://www.ustoolandfastener.com/festool-ro-150-feq-rotex-sander-multi-jetstream-2-575074/
Amazing rotary sander, inside your budget!
I love mine. Also there is a 125, less of a monster...
Is there a store with reasonable prices around? Bring him there on his birthday, give him a nice voucher and tell him to take his time a pick something. Please do not gift tools unless you certainty know what he wants.
I have a few things that I was gifted, don't use much but can't sell them because they were gifted. Frequently, I would just chip-in a few bucks and got a better model that I would need.
I have multiple Festool tools. I’m in the high end paint business. Dust collection is unmatched and ultra reliable. I personally would say start with a dust collection setup. He can add tools as he goes. CT 26 with a Cyclone would be ideal for wood working. Then he can add from there his choice of tools. My 150 sanders have RIDICULOUS hours on them and still work like new. I would have bought 10 box store sanders in the 8 years I’ve had them. They run literally all day, multiple days a week.
For Christmas and birthdays I give my family a list of tools I'd love from a £10 value all the way up to the big gifts I'll buy myself, give him this option then he won't know exactly what he's getting but what ever you do get will be really appreciated.
Gift card/ permission to get one. When it comes to any professional tool don't guess or it will end up collecting dust in the corner. Same goes for all professions, its a nice gift idea but you don't know enough to pick it unless theyve been hinting at it hard "man this tool part number 55555 is awesome I sure would like to have that for this work I do" , electricians, plumbers, mechanics, carpenters, framers blah blah blah
This is adorable but I agree with the top comment - ask him. It's going to be so much more joy than the surprise would have caused. You don't want to invest that on anything that might give the feeling of "this is amazing but actually it would have been a little bit better if I'd bought XYZ tool instead" which he'd never say, obviously.
Definitely get him an actual plank and good set of ladders instead, or just tell him he can get something he likes, but he has to also get some proper safety gear - that's kind of set up is a widowmaker ngl.
Honestly I think you should just ask him. In that price region thats the sane thing to do.
That or a “coupon” good for “one free Festool tool.”
If you want something to wrap get this: https://www.amazon.ca/Festool-Folding-Rule-by/dp/B0058HUKXM/ and then say that it comes with a tool they have to pick.
This is an _awesome_ idea.
yeah way better than just saying it or a coupon
The surprise. The disappointment. Then the surprise again. Genius.
Yeah, wrap it in a huge box and put the Festool sticker on the outside of the wrapping
Get a Micro/Mini Systainer instead, unless he's used to Folding Rulers.
This is actually a great idea. My wife did that for me with a coupon for one free car part under $1000. That’s how I got my turbo.
Vroooom psh psh psh
I'm sorry, the answer we were looking for was "stututututu"
This guy turbo
Or just a gift receipt that he can return if he wants.
And pay shipping? The coupon idea is better
You can order it on Amazon from hartville and they do free returns. That’s where I order my festool stuff since the price is the same everywhere and you can get 5% back if you use the Amazon credit card.
This is a great idea. My wife has taken to doing this for things that she would like to get but isn't exactly sure which I would want. It's super sweet cuz then we go shopping together, too.
This. My husband knows exactly what he wants where I would be lost. Yes it ruins the surprise but he really appreciates that I tell him what I want to do for him and he gets to pick it out. He REALLY enjoys reading all about different features along the way while he’s making his selection.
I agree with this. Give him the green light to get one, but it’s hard to know what would help him the most. That being said the domino 500 is a gem. But, then you need the vacuum, and then the accessories…
If there is a woodcraft or other woodworker store within reasonable distance, it wouldn't be the end of the world if you ended up getting him something he doesn't need -he can just go return it. pS could you marry me too?
You could try to be smooth w it and bring up a woodworking project, steer it in the direction of woodworking and ask what the most useful tools are
Take him on a trip on his birthday. Don't tell him where. Go to a woodworking supply store that stocks Festool, and tell him to choose one. You get the joy of spending time with him and seeing him act like a child in a candy store. He gets time with you and a new tool. Win win. Grab a nice lunch or dinner at a place he likes before/after and he has the best day ever.
This. Picking out the tool is part of the joy of getting one, and he's gonna know what he'd use the most.
I like this idea the most. If he has woodworking friends you could talk to them also. Please update us on how it goes!!!
u/courtneyrel this is the one!! This will be an awesome experience for you both. Look up Festool dealers and find a Woodcraft or something near you that carries it
Can I double up vote this?
Oh definitely this. All of this. That sounds like possibly one of the best days ever!
Can I double up vote this?
I was gonna suggest a domino joiner, but this is better.
Couple that with the Festool Mini-Systainer Voucher and you will be a strong candidate for the „wife of the year“ award! 😜👍
A year? That'd be at least the spouse of the decade.
Oh my gosh, I'd absolutely love this. I imagine that would feel similar to being proposed to. The secrecy, the surprise, the excitement, having something brand new and shiny, and someone to share all this with. I'd pick random orbital sander with a vacuum unit. And ice cream afterwards. With all the sprinkles.
personally i would not like to get tools as presents, because nobody else but me knows what i want or need. Buy him a new festool tool, well now he needs to carry an extra festool charger buy extra batteries, if its corded maybe he has cordless tool that's just more convenient. BUT if he doesnt have a festool dust extractor, that would be the perfect gift, I dont know a single carpenter who doesnt want one. they go from 500- 1200£. Festool track saws and dust extractors are the first festool items people buy
My tradesmen asked me countless times: ”Did you bring your magic dust collector today!” Nothing like it when working in an occupied client’s home … or your own.
Dust containment is nice in general
Kinda surprised about the dust extractor being common. I own one and, while it is a good vacuum, I don't think I would buy one again if this one broke. An $800 vacuum that is marginally better than a $100 vacuum just doesn't seem worth it to me.
The dust extractor is the only Festool tool I own ( so far). The best part for me is that I can plug in my tools and the vac comes on and off automatically. I also found it’s much cleaner than my shop vac.
Yeah I agree that is useful but that is easy enough to get with [a $35 plug](https://a.co/d/6bY12kT)
Isn’t it the fact that it acts as a particulate air filter as well? Shop vacs just eject the small particulates back into the air.
Yep. On remodeling jobs, as both GC and one of the tradesman myself (Cabinetry), where the home was occupied, I put it in the tradesmen contracts that the last hour of every workday would be spent in cleanup. That one Festool tool made many a housewife tickled to walk into a spotless, clean, completely dust free home after her work day. I own nearly every Festool made, and the two I would never give up or the dust extractor and the Track Saw. Both made me beaucoup money in both goodwill and word of mouth referrals. Sorry, but anyone who equates the Festool dust extractor with a $100 big box store dust collectors hasn’t a clue!
Not everybody is working in a clients occupied house. Some work in a shop or even outside. That level of dust extraction just isn't very useful for the price for some environments. Just because people have different dust extraction needs than you doesn't mean they don't have a clue. For having that kind of a mindset it may be you who doesn't have a clue.
Get your clue by reading what the OP stated about her husband’s work habits …
Your $100 shop vac is a vacuum, not a dust extractor. It does not filter the exhaust air nearly as well as a dust extractor does.
Festool has a patent on their domino jointer that makes no one else in the market able to produce once. Might as well get something he doesn’t have, and can’t get from elsewhere if you’re going to get something without knowing exactly what he wants.
Depending on what kind of work he does, a domino might be not that valuable.
I have just about every tool they make. The domino, which is an awesome tool, is the one I use the least and it’s expensive. Track saw is the #1 most used and sander is #2.
The work will follow the tool.
I can definitely say that if I had a domino I would come up with reasons to use it
I built cabinet boxes just fine without a domino joiner before I had one - but now that I do, I wouldn't do it any other way.
I do a lot of furniture builds so it would be perfect for me, but for just general carpentry its probably not useful.
Another vote for the domino here, but it really shines with furniture IMO so I wouldn't get it unless he builds furniture. I heard real good things about their sanders but I don't own any. I will add this - anyone who says the Kapex handle is comfortable is full of shit.
But you need to buy at a minimum a festool hose, dust extractor would be ideal paring for any tool
I disagree, I use a regular cheapo dust extractor with an adaptor I found on Amazon. More than good enough for the diyer. Although dust extraction is essential when using a domino to avoid clogging up the bit.
Same.
I agree on that point, I bought the df500 and I got a festool hose and I used my rigid vac, the festool extractors are amazing though,
The Mafell DDF40 is a very similar tool. Lots of people are familiar with the brand Mafell, but they make incredible high quality tools. On par with or often times superior to Festool offerings. Look at their Erika saw, it’s awesome
Mafell makes a double dowel joiner that does effectively the same thing. The name of the joint changes but they’re both variations of mortise-and-tenon.
Looks like he could use a proper ladder in his tool collection….
I actually support this scaffold vs the inevitable lean from the ladder.
Yes he can be a master jerry rigger but he wouldn’t want me spreading that info 👀
We all see that setup and we're all thinking 🤔 how is he getting the top
Tippy toes and small hops of course.
saw horses and ladders all the way up! maybe he could just take a few 2x4s and make a ladder.
And some safety glasses and hearing protection. That shit don't grow back.
that’s a perfectly fine and safe ladder. I prefer a double sided but that’s just my opinion
Im not referring to the ladder in the photo. Its a fine ladder. He just needs one tall enough to do the job and that one aint it.
And a light refresher on safety...
Get a Festool systainer box, but place a ryobi palm sander inside it.
I don't think OP is looking to divorce
Domino Jointer is the premier option for Festool, but it does break the stated budget. I'm a big fan of their dust extractor with the cyclone attachment as another option.
Plus one to the dust extractor it is great
Domino 500. No other company has a direct replacement due to patents for the time being and it's a highly useful tool for joinery.
Rumor has it that the Festool domino joiner patent expires this year in the US. There may be some cheap alternatives flooding the market soon. I’ve got the Festool Domino 500, the quality is great and I’ve never run into an issue with it. Even if there were knockoffs and I didn’t have one, id probably stick with Festool.
Its worth noting that the Domino proper's price will likely drop drastically once its off patent, part of the deal with patents is it allows Festool to have beefy margins. This is exactly how it played out with the Fein Multimaster.
Normally I would say don't try to surprise him with a tool but assuming he doesn't have a domino, this is the blaringly obvious choice.
$999 in clamps, bigger the better
1. [Domino df500 ](https://www.festoolusa.com/products/domino-joining-system/domino-joining-machines/576419---df-500-q-plus-us) \[ corded \] brilliant for furniture / joinery ( life is too short for dovetails ) 2. [CT36 dust extractor ](https://www.festoolusa.com/products/dust-extraction/mobile-dust-extractors/577084---ct-36-e-hepa-us) \[ corded \] powerful, controllable speed, filters exhaust well, dissipates static buildup, get the Bluetooth button attachment so you can power it up / down right at the tip of your hose. This is a larger and older model, that just means you don't need to change bags as often and you get the simple dial instead of the buttons. 3. [Kapex ](https://www.festoolusa.com/products/semi-stationary-work/sliding-compound-miter-saws/575306---ks-120-reb-usa) \[ corded \] gold standard for trim work / precise cutting 4. [ets150/5 orbital sander](https://www.festoolusa.com/products/surface-preparation/random-orbital-sander/576339---ets-ec1505-eq-plus-us)\[ corded \] great for finish work down to about 150 - 180 grit get the smaller travel ets 150/3 for finer sanding 5. [csc sys 50 cordless table saw](https://www.festoolusa.com/products/semi-stationary-work/table-saw/576821---csc-sys-50-us) \[ battery \] this thing is crazy cool, fine kerf, super precise sliding table saw for small detailed projects ( think: boxes / picture frames / trim etc ) and to top it all off the blade height and angle settings are all motorized and saved with presets. Its not a job site saw, so don't buy it if you plan on ripping down OSB all day
This has been the most helpful comment so far, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!
I would vote for the extractor since he already has the track saw. I had some other nice vacuums/extractors but wish I had gotten the Festool one first. It’s so quiet and the premium hose it comes with is really nice. Plus the hose attaches/locks onto the track saw for safety/convenience. If I got that as a gift from my wife I’d be elated!
OP, the Domino is the answer. Such a useful joinery tool. He’ll absolutely love it. Does he do a lot of smaller projects? Or tables and such. If he does, he’ll absolutely adore this tool. It’s top notch for putting boards together to make a beautiful dining room table. I didn’t have one when I built my table, but I sure wish I did. Also when I built my daughter’s crib. I really wished I had that tool. At the time I couldn’t swing the 1k.
If going for no.2 the CT36 dust extractor, you also might consider getting the „longlife FIS CT-36“ reusable dust bag. Seems quite expensive but it pays off if your husband is quite mobile in his projects. Said this as an woodwork enthusiast with overcomplicating tendencies myself, who is therefore moving half his shop to an lightbulb replacement at my friends and is solely focused on reducing items to carry with.
For under $1k I’d go with an ETS 125 and one of their dust extractors. A Domino jointer would be great but that’s a little over your specified price.
yeah especially if he does a lot of sanding. i'm not an owner but specifically looked into it because the vibration reduction on the festool sander in theory means he'll be able to work longer over the years with less potential damage to his hands/arms/wrists. feels like a thoughtful gift option when you consider that.
I can confirm the reduced vibration is a huge upgrade over traditional random orbitals.
I agree with this. The domino is a one of a kind tool, but unless he actually does that type of joinery I don’t see it as a must have. I just upgraded from a ridgid shop vac and dewalt random orbital sander to the ct midi and ets 125. The difference is incredible. I hated sanding before because my hand would end up numb from the vibration and the dust collection was mediocre. With the festool setup, there was virtually no residual dust and was very comfortable.
Buy a Mirka DEROS sander. Domino jointers are great if he is always building furniture. Everything needs sanding. And Mirka is what every cabinet shop uses.
If he is a furniture builder, the domino. No question, no competition. If he does more construction type work, like this shed, I would saw a track saw. I am sort anti - battery for stuff like that, especially if it doesn’t get used every day. To me the corded version is just fine.
I was in this camp until I got one of those small one handed radial saws. To my surprise, I use that little bugger constantly, just because it’s so much easier to grab and cut, vs muss about with cords the whole time.
Does Festool make scaffolding? That setup looks sturdier than anything purpose-built I could buy at Harbor Freight, plus it turns into a ladder a sawhorse and some fence posts later. Maybe he's good on reach.
For a 1k budget.....Festool doesn't really have anything worth purchasing *unless* your husband runs that brand only. It's common knowledge in the woodworking industry that no brand makes the best everything. The Domino and Kapex saw are great tools and worth their cost, but both are well above 1k. If it were me, I'd be very happy with a $1000 gift card to a local woodworking store. Not trying to rain on your idea. I'm just throwing out some options and think your intentions are amazing! Lucky husband you have there
150 sander with dust extraction. But depends if he does more framing/ rough work or detail work. Some woodpecker index squares are amazing and cheaper and work for both details and rough work
You’re getting a lot of the same advice here. As a similar weekend husband woodworker, I second the Festool dust extractor if he’s doesn’t already have one, and/or the sander. I have a Dewalt sander but now I wish I’d gotten the Festool one after getting their tracksaw. The only other advice I liked here was checking out the Mirka sander, that’s a new one to me. However, if he has the Festool tracksaw with the battery, then I’d probably lean towards the Festool battery sander so the tools can share batteries Domino would likely be overkill unless he does a lot of furniture. It’s very cool for what is does, but very expensive and very niche.
You're a great spouse is all I gotta say.
Thank you!!! So is he, that’s why he deserves a festool ♥️
Just ask him. I can guarantee that he has researched for hours and knows exactly which one he would buy for himself and while he will undoubtedly love whatever you get him, he might be secretly the tiniest bit upset that now he has to wait longer to buy the one he wants (unless you guess correctly)
Permission to buy the festool that he wants would be best. Then he gets to go to the store and buy it. That’s the best gift of all.
Your husband is a hottie
How about some scaffolding
.He needs proper scaffolding
Whatever you do decide to get him, I have two pieces of advice for you: 1) Also make sure you get him a Festool dust extractor. It is kind of essential to use the Festool tools with a good dust extractor and theirs are the best you can get. 2) Are you insane?! The Festool habit is about as expensive as a cocaine habit and just as addictive. Trust me, I know. Edit: Didn’t notice he already had a Festool track saw. In that case I’d say dust extractor would be my no 1 suggestion.
Track saw all day
That’s the only festool he already has
Smart man. It’s the only one I have too.
I assumed then he had the vacuum with it? If not, that’d be my suggestion. Their 6” rotex sander is pretty nice too. I used to have their barrel grip jig saw and it was really nice to use, but still just a jig saw. I’d agree the domino would be awesome to have, and like other people said, the only thing like it out on the market.
Came here to say Track Saw. Festool is known for dustless so maybe the extractor vacuum. He can then add onto it!
Festool safety glasses if they make them
I know it takes the mystery out of it but I would ask for his input. 1k is a a lot to spend and risk it not being "the right version" the domino, for instance, comes in 2 sizes and he might have a good reason to value one more than the other.
3M Sander
A lot of recommendations for the domino but it’s such a specific kind of tool. I’d suggest a router, Festool makes great routers and various attachments that work well with the tracks. Also storage systainers.. Have fun!
I’ll reiterate what others have said, depends on the work he does but I don’t think you can go wrong with the ets 150 sander.
Saying that he does woodworking and showing him doing carpentry doesn't help explain what tool he is likely to need. What sort of work does he actually do? Does he make wooden bowls? Does he build jewelry boxes? Does he make furniture? Does he do finish carpentry? Does he build boats?
I’m not kidding when I say a little of everything. Except boats. He will build a whole house in the backyard one week and then spend the next month making cutting boards. I guess he mainly does cabinets, tables, shelving, arches and trellises, and bowls on the lathe sometimes. He’s very much into milling his own live edge stuff right now. One of the reasons I’m having trouble is because he has such varying hobbies
If he doesn’t have the festool vacuum that’s the answer. With the long green hose it’ll run you about a grand. Otherwise the domino probably. Track saw/vacum/domino are probably the the main festool things worth buying. I have the vacuum for the track saw at it’s insane how well it works. You can make cuts inside virtually dust free.
Give him a coupon for “One Festool Tool of your choice” Personally, I’d buy a Domino…or a Kapex specifically for dust collection.
Scaffolding?
My first thought as well. Little Giant ladders convert to a scaffold with a proper plank. Don't use it frequently, but when needed it's money and safer to boot.
don’t buy a woodworker tools. Especially if you don’t know exactly what he needs/wants. Get a gift certificate to Rockler or something
First off you are a great wife for paying attention and asking here. If he has the track saw, it may seem boring but the dust extractor is great and pairs well with it. It’s a tool I use all the time. Otherwise yeah the domino but only if he’s doing furniture building, it’s not too useful outside of that. The Festool miter saw is also the best miter saw you can buy, but you need to be into some fine woodworking to appreciate it, for construction not so much.
Duat extractor for utility. Would work with all his other tools
In all honesty… get him the festool midi m class extractor. It literally hooks up to any power tool and can get the inserts from Amazon or Temu very cheap. I started off my festool journey with this and never looked back it is a beast of a machine. And make sure it has the Bluetooth switch which is an extra £40. Your husband is a lucky guy having his wife think of him like that 👍🏻
I think he’ll be happy with anything you get him!
If you really want a surprise, look for the crappiest tool that you see him use a lot, then buy the nicest version of that thing you can find. Fancy landplanes or chisels are great examples of this.
Do not buy a woodworker, tradesman, or anybody that wants very exact expectations from their tools something without making sure it's what they want. I promise it's always a pain in the ass. People know I'm in to woodworking and then are like "here's a wood burning tool... Here's a whittling set... Here's a tool you already have a better version of." It's painful because I want to be nice and accept things with grace but at the same time im always thinking "if you'd just asked I would have told you exactly what I'm looking for." Exactly what they want >> The "surprise" I promise he will be ecstatic to get a festool thing he really wants rather than being surprised.
There are a lot of good options, but being honest I would be very upset if my wife spent that much money on a tool for me, because even though it would be a great tool and a wonderful thought, it wouldn’t be the tool I would have picked out for myself, and given you are a couple it’s basically him spending the money on himself anyway.
The thing is… the reason he doesn’t own any other festools is because I am a saver and he is a spender, and he knows I wouldn’t condone spending $1k on a tool. It will absolutely blow his mind that I dropped this kind of money on something that is not a need. We have a joint account for bills but we have separate bank accounts for anything extra, so it’s me using my fun money/savings on him, not the “ours” money. He is an outstanding husband and father, he works so damn hard, he deserves this, and I/we can afford it. Worst comes to worst, he can return it. He knows that I know nothing about tools and won’t be offended if I get the wrong thing!
Maybe not the most glamorous of choices but get a festool vacuum first… no point have a flashy tool with excellent dust collection if you can’t collect the dust! I’ve got a midi and it’s fine but wish I have more capacity at times.
I have no idea what your husband owns shop tools wise, nor his working style. For ME it would hands down be a Festool Domino, which is a loose tenon cutter. Kind of like a biscuit joiner but the tenons it uses are much stronger. Your husband however may want the Kapex miter saw, or the and the product brand name from Festool evades me but their track saw is REALLY nice. Sorry I tend toward long winded, the whole situation here is too many options, and may end up being redundant and other than having an expensive brand name on it, might not be what he really wants or needs. The recommendation for a "Coupon" good for "one free Festool tool of your choice" seems like the most sensible approach.
Thank you so much!! He already has the Festool track saw and loves it. I’m leaning toward a planer or joiner but I don’t really understand the difference except that the joiner squares the boards. He loves to make stuff with thick live edge slabs… can you flatten those with a joiner or does it have to be a planer to take down thickness? If the joiner does everything the planer does plus more, I’m sure he’d rather have the joiner
DA sander and dust extractor or to TS75 track saw with a dust extractor. These are by far the most commonly used festool tools I own. A domino is awesome if he does a lot of joinery like cabinet face-frames. A Kapex miter saw is great too if he wants to be able to do miter cuts inside(with a dust extractor).But you gotta tell us what type of work he does most often. The common theme here is the dust extractor. So I’d start there. But prepare for more festool purchases after this. ;) I ansolutely love all my festool stuff. No way I could financially justify any of it.
When you say "woodworker" is he more like framing houses building small buildings etc. or more like shelf and cabinet maker
No he def is more of a shelf and cabinet maker! This was just the only pic I could find of him actively building something. It was actually the only time I’ve ever seen him do construction and I have no idea how he even knows how to build an entire structure like this from the foundation up. He prob watched 5 minutes of a YouTube video and was like “ok got it”… he’s just one of those people
You may think you're clueless, but you're definitely a keeper!
Track saw all day!
Small rolling scaffold maybe?
Best choice- Rotex sander with a festool vacuum. All trades need to sand at some point. The vacuum makes it a nearly dustless process. And he will live longer. Do NOT get cordless. Kapex kicks ass, but is over $1K Domino is over rated unless he is mostly building furniture. I sold mine off after how much it sat around, and I'm a full time carpenter.
I am one of those guys that has all the tools. Hands down my favorite tools are my japanese chisel, but my favorite festool is the vaccuum and the domino. The track saw is awesome but I only use it on the field, if I am in the shop I use the tablesaw. The sander with the vaccuum is nice as well because it captures all the dust.
Some scaffolding
The festool shop vac is great. Besides the track saw I find myself saying it’s my favorite festool. Also they have a multi function table that I also use often. Great for clamping work pieces down and cutting/working on.
get him a little giant ladder
Buy him some safety goggles Jk but it'd be funny if you gave him goggles, $500 cash, and a cute note regarding the purpose of the money.
How bout an proper scaffolding
+1 for this ^
Do they make ladders and scaffolding systems?
A scaffold system!!!! So you’re not visiting him in the cemetery!!!!
He’s so tiny!
Lmao he’s 5’11 and 180 but you’re right, he does look tiny in this pic
First we need to know what he has!
Literally everything except (I think) a planer or joiner
Couple sections of Scaffolding by the looks of the picture
I’d go for a sander (Mirka is phenomenal too). If he has a cheap sander, a quality and balanced sander will save his hands. The dominos are great, but you need an extractor and dominos and that’s outside the range. Ideally, someone mentioned the “coupon good for one Festool tool” is probably your best bet. Then he can decide what’s best for his uses.
I would want a saw/rip guide.
It really depends on what he builds and I’ll probably get down voted but it’s better being honest. In my humble opinion festool makes good tools but other companies do to and most are a lot cheaper and work just as good you could get a couple tools cheaper than a festool. I have some festool tools and other brands that are the same type of tool for example impact drivers festool and Mikita I use the Mikita more and reach for the Mikita. Drills same thing but I did knock both of the roof of a three story barn the festool didn’t work the Mikita’s battery stopped working but the drill works after a different battery was put in. Track saw yes festool plug in all day long. Shop vacuum festool has a really high price for that money I’d put the money to get a two stage dust collection system. Domino jointer a lot of people like or want I have one it sits in the case since I build fine furniture and use mortise and tenon and get a better tighter joint. Planers are a needed to thickness stock , jointers, good hand planes, chisels there are so many tools it really depends on what he builds and how. If it’s construction and you want festool id say impact driver , drill
Track saw with 8’ slide
Make him an individual gift card with this offer … he will be happy and pick what he needs/wants.
Talk to someone he is close to and works with, they will either know or can naturally slip it into conversation to get an answer. I wouldnt go in blind, we have no idea what kind of carpentry he does or what he wants to do
Just ask him. Birthday presents don’t have to be a surprise.
I know but I desperately want it to be a surprise!! He always comes up with the most thoughtful surprise gifts and I’m a TERRIBLE gift giver unless he pointedly tells me what he wants. If I fuck up, there’s always a gift receipt right??
Everyone here is right but there’s a solution that still lets it be a surprise. Just ask one of his friends to ask him. Have them start asking about what he’s working on then just ask what his next tool is or a dream tool. Something a long those lines, he’s never going to suspect a friend would buy that so it’s harmless. Bing bang boom.
How about you get him a telescopic aluminum pick so he doesn't have to stand on 4x4s?
Even though I’m sure you would prefer to give him an actual tool, I would maybe set a budget and go with him to pick out whatever he would like within that. This way you still pay for it and you can go with him to the store and see him like a kid in a candy shop. This is what I would prefer. If you absolutely want to get something and he only has the tracksaw for festool. I would suggest the domino or hepa vacuum with the sander.
This. I am thrilled as receiving the actual tool when my wife does this. We both learned long ago we get exactly what we want when we do it this way.
This you need to discuss. Or give a festool voucher. Certainly if it is intended to replace another machine. You do not know how his work flow is, what he likes or dislikes in his tool collection. How his work flow is,... Etc...
Maybe a good ladder too?
Their Routers are absolutely stunning… The CT MIDI dust extractor is also exceptional and will Bluetooth pair to his track saw and any other festool to turn itself on and off when the tool is turned on. It’s insane price for a dust extractor… corded or cordless… but they are so awesome… I want one so badly.
Maybe if they sell scaffolding with built in dust collection.
You should buy him a router. The 1400 EBQ to be more precise.
https://preview.redd.it/ugck5ecpd74d1.jpeg?width=474&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f110655e0983d95decd82f44bdb1cfb8e2009b59
Festool track and saw, best investment
Like I said hint around or ask him questions.or what does he grip about not having or one of his tools that needs to be replaced. he will let you know guys and there tools they can't get enough but just ask him without giving it away.
Is he building his new “digs”, after all Father’s Day is rapidly approaching. 😂 “I need my man cave asap!” Jk Lucky guy to share life with You and get Festools. I’ve never met or seen you, let me be clear, as the finish of a Festool sander. 😃
I don't know if Festool has any scaffolding equipment but from the picture, sure could use a little safer setup.
Sorry should of read it all. Festool orbital sander/grinder
RO150: https://www.ustoolandfastener.com/festool-ro-150-feq-rotex-sander-multi-jetstream-2-575074/ Amazing rotary sander, inside your budget! I love mine. Also there is a 125, less of a monster...
Is there a store with reasonable prices around? Bring him there on his birthday, give him a nice voucher and tell him to take his time a pick something. Please do not gift tools unless you certainty know what he wants. I have a few things that I was gifted, don't use much but can't sell them because they were gifted. Frequently, I would just chip-in a few bucks and got a better model that I would need.
You should get him some ladder Jacks or a small scaffold instead
I have multiple Festool tools. I’m in the high end paint business. Dust collection is unmatched and ultra reliable. I personally would say start with a dust collection setup. He can add tools as he goes. CT 26 with a Cyclone would be ideal for wood working. Then he can add from there his choice of tools. My 150 sanders have RIDICULOUS hours on them and still work like new. I would have bought 10 box store sanders in the 8 years I’ve had them. They run literally all day, multiple days a week.
He’s a track saw kinna guy
You can’t go wrong with the festool multitool kit or the kapex miter saw. Or the vacuum
For Christmas and birthdays I give my family a list of tools I'd love from a £10 value all the way up to the big gifts I'll buy myself, give him this option then he won't know exactly what he's getting but what ever you do get will be really appreciated.
Just get him clamps. You can not possibly go wrong if you buy him more clamps.
If he doesn’t have a vacuum then get one. Otherwise maybe ask some of his friends or colleagues
CXS 12 is a great all around drill and relatively less expensive.
Well personally I would say track saw, but since it was listed in the no fly zone, my vote is the rotex sander
Get a dust extractor, unless he has one. I would get the CT26.
Kapex cordless. US tool and Fastener ship from MA. They don’t collect sales tax. Makes a difference on these big ticket items.
The track saw would be a favorite for me.
That's a lot of windows and a beautiful door for a shed! Damn
I love my Festool Jigsaw. Something about it that I haven't felt with another Jigsaw, its just so smooth.
Domino
Gift card/ permission to get one. When it comes to any professional tool don't guess or it will end up collecting dust in the corner. Same goes for all professions, its a nice gift idea but you don't know enough to pick it unless theyve been hinting at it hard "man this tool part number 55555 is awesome I sure would like to have that for this work I do" , electricians, plumbers, mechanics, carpenters, framers blah blah blah
Festool sander and Bluetooth festool dust extractor are always on the top of my “if money didn’t matter” tool list.
This is adorable but I agree with the top comment - ask him. It's going to be so much more joy than the surprise would have caused. You don't want to invest that on anything that might give the feeling of "this is amazing but actually it would have been a little bit better if I'd bought XYZ tool instead" which he'd never say, obviously.
Cannot go wrong with a sander. Even if he already has it you can never have enough.
ETS150 sander is the only Festool item I own if that means anything.
Definitely get him an actual plank and good set of ladders instead, or just tell him he can get something he likes, but he has to also get some proper safety gear - that's kind of set up is a widowmaker ngl.
Second sawhorse.
Rather than festool maybe a nice ladder?