The FOG does influence my purchase of Festool, more precisely, my purchase of the right product for my particular use.

While the poll question was about Festool purchases, the FOG also has an important effect on my purchase of non-Festools:

1.  It's valuable to find out what non-Festool items are useful and compatible with, say the MFT.  Information shared here becomes a combined research program, and saves us each from having to do all the experimenting that others have done.

2.  While it's not required that FOG members have much in common, there are a few common attitudes about work and tools that are pretty dependable:  FOG members value quality, are willing to look at different solutions, and expect precision.  They are also thrifty (!) in that FOG folk are used to doing a bit of cost/benefit analysis and thinking beyond purchase cost.  This makes the FOG opinions on non-Festools valuable to me.

Ned

It is nice to know that there are others out there with an almost fanatical dedication to the entire product line.  It instills the confidence in current and future users that they are making the right decision.  The spirit of the members taking the time to share their knowledge and experience with others is unprecedented.  I also love the humor many members impart to their messages.

The answer to your question is yes.

But that ain't all of it.

I finer bunch around a digital camp fire I have never met.

And when you make the jump from here to analog reality,

as I have had the opportunity to meet many of you in person,

see Mr lucas above, a nicer bunch of folks gathered around a common subject I have yet to meet.

This includes the boys down at Clancys.

Per

Definitely yes --- this place is dangerous! I'm not a professional woodworker/tradesman ---- so when I hear people who have been in the trades for 10-30 plus years rant about these tools --- well I don't think there is a better advertisement.


Justin

My first Festool purchase (Domino) wasn't directly attributed to this forum, but it did lead me here when I was trying to learn how to use it to its fullest potential.

This fine people on this forum influenced my second purchase (MFT) and third purchase (TS75) on the merits of the total "system".  After that, I have to say that the remaining tool purchases have basically sold themselves - based on the quality of the Festool system.

All that being said - this is the first place I go now to research my next purchases and projects. 

FOG gives new meaning to going green...

In Holland I could choose between a few high-quality brands. FOG pushed me over the edge to start buying these tools, but they also convinced me of the superiority of the system approach of Festool. And I'm still glad to hit the green slippery slope.

 

Welcome Home.  You are in good company.

For me, the forum has a little bit of swing.  I would never buy a tool just based on the review here or in any magazine.  But, after working with a tool hands on, the review here could be the butterfly effect that pushes to towards a yes or no.  If I felt the tool was not right for me, there is nothing said that would swing that vote to a yes.  But, if I am on the fence it would surely swing it.  Also, if I am considering a purchase, the review could help to accelerate the purchase.  ie, I know I am going to buy a OF1400 and a Domino, after looking at projects and reading through comments about the convenience of working with the tool, I have changed my spending habits so that a larger allocation of funds go towards the festool trust.

I see the biggest benefit of the forum of being able to network.  In that, I look at the projects page and when I find someone that is working on something I am considering building, I contact them and get more details. That alone has pushed me to go out and try a tool I may not have thought I wanted(needed).

Thus, the forum drives me towards new purchases and helps me make a decision when I might have reservations and did not buy a tool outright.

One sander???  Good luck with that. 

@ Steve, I really hate sanding and painting/staining, so that is why. Maybe Festool will change this after my first sander.

If it wasnt for this forum i would not be holding out for the C15 to be released.........because my dealers here in SA have no clue on new festool products in the pipe line. Even when i went there and told them about the C15 they said oh we have it here it just came out, and what do they bring out of the back room a T15....

 

Does the forum influence my buying decisions?  With the exception of a Kapex, ETS 150/3, T15+3, TDK12, Domino, RAS 115, Rotex 150, seveal rails, accessories, some classes, future purchases, etc - Not at all.  Yea, right.

Joking aside, I totally agree with Guy.  Guy, great post 

Much to the chagrin of my wife, and the detriment of my pocketbook, this forum has definitely swayed me to expand my Festool herd    hoard    holdings...  Chief amongst those that it "influenced":  the C12, the OF1400, a Rotex, several other sanders, organization galore, and oodles of accessories.

However, the first "push" down the green slide was actually the sale of a childhood collection, which prompted my justification to purchase the Domino-- my 1st Festool.  Truly, the most unique of Festool's offerings, IMO.
Craigslist almost immediately led me to a TS55 and Midi... I found the FOG right after these, and then the ride got very, very fast.

The member contributions realllly have swayed me to buy a number lot of things.  Brice's reviews and demos, Jerry Work's various things (the MFT write-up especially-- now I have... well, several), Bob's excellent service, Rick's supplemental manuals, tutorials posted by everyone with great and new ideas, and wholly newly invented "products".  RonWen's Domino plate being a prime and recent example.

Add to all this Admin's who interact and do a fantastic job (I still boggle at Shane's "jog out to the warehouse" to verify the LR32 contents), and actual corporate response (Intro training classes!!)   

Once you get past the sticker shock, it's all a blue and green love-fest here.         

I definitely would NOT have purchased any Festools without this forum.  While the concept has a lot of appeal (unified systems approach, dust control), I simply would not have paid such a premium without convincing evidence from satisfied users. In the US at least, we're "conditioned" to believe the market is efficient.  Consequently, in an efficient market, there's a direct relationship between price and value.  However, as a marketing guy myself, I know that much of this is BS.  So, I need to see evidence from satisfied users. This forum provides that. 

I'm sure there are times when "management" cringes at some of the comments/disclosures on the forum.  However, in the end, I think the forum enhances the value of Festool, supporting both with new purchases and education for existing assimilated brothers users.

I don't have quite as many Festools as Fred West but, thanks in part to this forum and the Festool class I attended, I am getting close.

Joe Ewing