Ok, I've gotten messages from forum members over the past year asking if we were going to offer a novice or introductory level class.  Here's your opportunity! 


Course Description:
As the next step in the development of Festool end-user focused classes, we are calling for entries for a 2-day class focused on the basics of the Festool System.   The class will take place at our headquarters in Lebanon, IN, and will be geared towards existing power tool users who have a basic or limited knowledge of the Festool System.

In this class, we will cover the essential components of the Festool System, including TS Plunge Cut Saws, Dust Extractors, MFT Multifunction Tables, Jigsaws, Sanders, Kapex, Routers, Domino and more.  Existing Festool users will learn to get the most of their existing tools by going through basic application exercises and simple calibration techniques.  Participants with limited Festool experience will learn new methods of work through an introduction to the broader line of Festool Tools and Accessories.

Though there will be some limited classroom-style presentations, the bulk of the class time will be spent in the practical training room, using the tools.  Safety is an extremely high priority in this setting, and though we are billing the class as a novice to intermediate level, we request that registrants have experience with, and are comfortable using power tools such as saws, routers, joiners and sanders. 

Safety glasses and earplugs will be required during all tool use.  In addition, participants will be asked to sign a standard liability waiver at the outset of class.  If this presents a problem, please let us know beforehand, since this will impact our ability to allow you to work with the tools.



What will I learn?

• Work cleaner and more efficiently with system-based, fully integrated Dust Extraction

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• Accurate and safe processing of a 4 x 8 sheet goods with the TS Plunge Cut Saw

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• Precision ripping with the TS Saw and FS Parallel Guides

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• General crosscutting, dimensioning and routing using the Multifunction Table

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• Dimensioning of trim, and the basics of crown molding using the Kapex Miter Saw

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• Construction of basic joints using the Domino Joiner (beveled, mitered, edge, face, etc.)

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• Basic techniques for precision routing with the OF 1400 Router (dados, rabbets, profiles, etc.)

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• Basic techniques for efficient and Dust-Free Sanding, including sander selection, abrasive selection and general progression from rough to fine-finish
  

How do I apply and how are participants selected?
If you are interested in participating, please click here to complete this online survey, and provide a few details about yourself.  If you have applied for previous end-user training events, you will need to re-apply for this one.  Attendees are accepted on a first-come basis.

We will notify selected participants (as well as a handful of alternates) by email. The one thing we ask of our selected participants is that you arrive on time and stick around for the full two days.


Travel and Accommodations:
Participants are responsible for all travel and accommodations.  We will be glad to help you make hotel reservations at our preferred local establishment (Fairfield Inn on 86th Street in Indianapolis).  And for those participants staying at the Fairfield Inn, Festool will arrive for pick-up on both days at 7:30am. 

Festool will provide basic refreshments (bagels and coffee) in the morning at our HQ, and lunch will be provided both days.   

Since some of the best conversations happen outside of the classroom, we will plan either a cookout or a group dinner on the first night following class.



When & Where?

Class date:	August 16-17
Class times:	8am-5pm
Class location:	Festool USA Headquarters, 400 N. Enterprise Blvd., Lebanon, IN 46052
Class size:	6-8
Fee:	$100

   
* Please note: Attendees will be responsible for all expenses related to travel and accommodations.


Class Feedback:
We plan to reserve at least an hour at the end of the second day to get everyone's feedback on the class.  We want to hear what you thought about the class structure and material covered, among other things. 


Festool training personnel in attendance:

• Brian Sedgeley, Tool and Application Trainer
• Rick Bush, Product Manager

There may also be additional members of the Festool USA team present periodically throughout the training event.

I just got back from the Cabinet Making Class. How was it? It took the better part of the first day there to get the smile off my face. Seriously. It was like Santa's Workshop for grownups. I made great friends, had an amazing time, and, oh, by the way, I learned a tremendous amount to boot! I was one of the lesser experienced wood-workers there, (more like the least experienced), but was made to feel at ease (not like a rookie). I've owned my Festools for a while, and come from a skilled-trades background, but I was finding the tools to be a bit fiddly in my hands. The class opened up my eyes to what these tools can do, and to what I can do with them. I have no doubts that those of you who decide to go will leave feeling the same way.

As for the Festool folks, trust me: You will not find a group of people who want you to enjoy yourself and your tools more than these people. Outstanding people, one and all.

Of course. Hopefully I'll remember to unsticky them... 

See, there you go again.  8 minutes after posting a suggestion, bammo..

You over-deliver, Shane.  That's why we ask/expect so much of ya.   

Shane, this class sounds great.  I would sign up for it in a heartbeat if I didn't already have a committment that I can't get out of.  I hope it goes well because I certainly hope the class is offered again - I would love to participate.

Fantastic, Shane.  This forum has been a wonderful resouce for building knowledge and skills, but I'm sure the class would bump up my Festool skill level by several notches, so I look forward to another class offering in the future.

Vijay,

Our trainers stay quite busy and their schedules are sometimes unpredictable.  I realize the need for attendees to have plenty of time to make arrangements but we are giving as much notice as possible.  Some of the classes earlier this year were announced months in advance.  I can't guarantee that future classes will be announced "X" number of weeks/months in advance but I can request that we are giving as much advanced notice as possible.

Thanks for the feedback.  We are continually working to offer customers what they ask for so I'm sure your feedback will be taken into consideration.

Shane

Registration is officially closed.  Thanks to everyone who signed up.  You should be contacted soon with more details.

WJ, I'm sure you will have more opportunities my friend.

Having been to cabinet and router classes in Lebanon, I've just got to say they were the greatest experience for all involved.  You can't just go to one!  The attendees will have a great time and learn alot.

Guys, we had two people back out of this class.  If anyone is still interested, please use the link in the original post to sign up.  Thanks!

I'll second that.

I put a thread up with a bunch of pictures!

Brice, I'm confident this request will be answered.  I believe we will see a solid surface class before the end of the year in Vegas as well as some other new offerings.  I don't currently have any details to offer but I hope to have at least a few dates to post up in the very near future, probably for the Indianapolis location.

Yes, for those who don't know Steve Bace, he is our trainer at our Las Vegas training facility.  He was previously a certified instructor for the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA).  So, he knows his stuff when it comes to solid surface.

How about a cabinet class or door class, even the intro class in Las Vegas? Throw us west coasters a bone, please!