A common problem for amateurs is justifying these expensive tools to their spouses. Pros want the most for their money, too.

There are hints scattered all over the forum about tools you don't need if you're using Festools. I'd like to gather these hints in one place to help those who are trying to justify, to themselves or others, the purchase of Festools.

It's certainly true that all these things I claim "aren't needed" have their place. Unless you believe that a claim made here wouldn't work for anyone, I don't want to get into an argument about it. These are talking points to support buying Festool.

Because these are talking points for the skeptical, let's stick to those cases where a Festool purchase can plausibly eliminate the need for another tool. We know the abrasives last a long time, and that the MFS can replace many templates, but what we need in this situation is "If I buy the Festool whatever, then I don't need this other $100 thing."

Here we go:

• My CT22 vac is so quiet and effective that it's welcome in the living quarters any time. We don't have carpet; my wife uses a simple and cheap "electric broom". I haul the CT upstairs for any major cleaning.

Plunge Saws & Guide Rails

• Door trimming is quick and accurate enough that you don't need a Porta Plane.
• Allow jointing of boards without a jointer. John Lucas shows how at Welcome to WoodshopDemos.com.
• Are cheaper than a panel saw.

Drills

• The Depth Setting Chuck, as an add-on, is less than half the cost of a good cordless drywall gun, and a bit cheaper than a corded one.

Maybe we could hire the services of a professional buyer.