Where June Left Off

June was all about the big machinery upgrades — swapping straight‑knife cutterheads for helical ones on both the jointer and planer. That change immediately improved milling quality, reduced tear‑out, and cut down on sanding time. But as soon as the surface quality improved, a new bottleneck became obvious: my sanding workflow and dust control needed to catch up.

That’s where July comes in.

Why Festool Was the Next Logical Step

Once the helical heads started producing cleaner surfaces, I realized I was spending more time than I wanted on sanding and cleanup. The machines were doing their part — but the finishing process wasn’t keeping pace. I needed a sanding setup that matched the quality of the cuts I was now getting.

Enter Festool.

ETS EC 125: The Sander That Changed Surface Prep

The Festool ETS EC 125 is one of those tools you don’t fully appreciate until you use it. Low vibration, consistent finish quality, and a level of control that makes surface prep feel less like a chore and more like a satisfying final step.

For epoxy charcuterie boards, the difference is immediate. The smoother the surface coming off the helical heads, the more the ETS EC 125 shines — especially when paired with the CT 26.

CT 26: Dust Extraction That Makes the Shop Usable

My shop is still very much a work in progress — insulation, layout, dust collection, and workflow zones are all evolving. But the Festool CT 26 instantly made the space feel more usable.

Dust extraction isn’t glamorous, but it’s transformative. Cleaner air, less sweeping, and sanding sessions that don’t leave a haze floating across the shop. When you’re trying to build efficiency in a space that’s still under construction, a good dust extractor is worth its weight in gold.

Efficiency in a Work‑in‑Progress Shop

Even though the shop isn’t fully dialed in, these upgrades have helped me keep projects moving. I’m able to mill, sand, and finish boards and blanks without fighting the space itself. The workflow feels smoother, more predictable, and less chaotic — which is exactly what I need while the shop continues to evolve.

And let’s be honest: after buying helical heads and Festool gear in back‑to‑back months, I’ve reached the point where I need to sell more blanks, charcuterie boards, and other products just to convince my wallet that these were “business decisions.” I mean, at this rate, the shop upgrades are so nice they might start asking for their own employee benefits.

Real Project Examples

These upgrades have already made a noticeable difference in:

• River boards — smoother transitions between wood and epoxy.

• Laser‑engraved coasters — less prep before engraving and better final finish.

• Epoxy crucifixes — improved sanding control around detailed contours.

The combination of helical milling + Festool finishing is becoming a reliable workflow I can count on.

What’s Next for the Shop

The shop is still growing, and future upgrades are already on the horizon:

• Better dust collection layout

• Improved insulation

• Dedicated finishing zone

• More efficient storage for blanks and board stock

• Possibly a layout redesign to streamline epoxy and sanding workflows

Each improvement builds on the last — and July’s Festool additions feel like a major step toward a more professional, efficient workspace.