Abrasive Frustration!

[peter halle]

Darcy,

I'll let her know that you'll be bidding.  ;D

I don't have a problem either.  She did with the $700 + bill.  But I did refinish the kitchen table for her - must have knocked off at least $100 worth of anger.

Peter

 

[tbellemare]

I can anticipate the amount of paper I will need for a job

Believe it or not, I have delivered abrasives to jobsites because they were in a bind. I'm happy to do it...

I see small packages being handy for hobby work

I see the same but I also see a package that performs a task from start-to-finish as a good way for people to see value in having different types and grits of abrasives. Festool offers assortment packages with certain sanders and I think it's a great way to expose users to the various grades and grits.

I think, in Festool's defense, the reason they don't offer every grit in small packs is pretty logical (and I'm assuming my logic melds with theirs)...

There is sort of an axiom in "working through the grits", that skipping grits is OK as long as you don't skip too far. There is a complimentary corollary that says that you get to the shine more efficiently by not skipping grits. I have to assume that someone along the way thought that those who want small quantities aren't under the gun to get something done as efficiently as possible.

'Just a thought, I don't know that it's true.

Tom

 

[Bob Marino]

She saw the credit card statement and blew a gasket.  I had bought large packs (mainly 100's) of at least 12 grits (all the slots are filled in the 2 systainers I also ordered with different papers.  "But honey, they work out so much cheaper this way."  If something happens to me look for a good deal on Ebay.

Sorry, Bob.  That was before I started buying from you.

Peter
[/quote]
Pete,

Rule number 1; don't let the better half see the credit card statements.

Bob

 

[peter halle]

Bob,

She now knows better than to open the American Express envelope.  Hmm.  What Festool is next?  Advice Bob?  ;D

Peter

 

[Daviddubya]

Seems to me if dealers like Bob and Tom will sell a customer whatever assortment of sandpaper they need, there is not much need for pre-defined assortment packs.  Maybe a newbie would benefit from a pre-defined pack?  Once a user knows what he/she uses, the benefit of ordering exactly what you need at that time is perfect.

I suppose there are folks that like or need to buy locally.  Then again, it is almost as fast to call a dealer and have the package arrive in the mail.  I must drive way across town - big town - to get to a dealer that stocks Festool products, accessories and supplies.  It is easier, as fast as I need it to be and far more convenient to order and have the stuff delivered.

 

[Bob Marino]

I see small packages being handy for hobby work[/quote]

I see the same but I also see a package that performs a task from start-to-finish as a good way for people to see value in having different types and grits of abrasives. Festool offers assortment packages with certain sanders and I think it's a great way to expose users to the various grades and grits.

I think, in Festool's defense, the reason they don't offer every grit in small packs is pretty logical (and I'm assuming my logic melds with theirs)...

There is sort of an axiom in "working through the grits", that skipping grits is OK as long as you don't skip too far. There is a complimentary corollary that says that you get to the shine more efficiently by not skipping grits. I have to assume that someone along the way thought that those who want small quantities aren't under the gun to get something done as efficiently as possible.

'Just a thought, I don't know that it's true.

Tom
Tom,  

Agree about Festool's thinking the 10 packs are primarily aimed for the hobyist. I also think you could be 100% correct as to Festool's reason for not offering the complete grit range, but not everyone skips or starts their sanding at, or with, the same grits. I think my customers' biggest request, besides the 3 packs of Platin, is  for the 220 Brilliant, as there are 10 packs of 180 and 320, but no 220 grit.

 Bob

 

[peter halle]

Off topic, but David good to see you posting again if I haven't said it before!!

Peter

 

[tbellemare]

Once a user knows what he/she uses, the benefit of ordering exactly what you need at that time is perfect.

David:

I couldn't agree more. I think, as you stated, the benefit of starter packages is to help people that aren't pro's or who aren't full-time to get what they think they can use - or to experiment with varioius types and grits.

I also think it's become obvious that Bob and I both accomodate the needs of our customers and nobody should be shy about asking for what they want.

Like Bob just said, sometimes even the hobbyist wants to walk their way through all the grits (my personal preference) and we are happy to accomodate them.

I have also run into pro's that have an unusual job, let's say a tile guy that has a bathroom solid surface counter to do...

That crew doesn't expect to get heavily into countertops but they want to use their cool tools to solve the one problem presented. They may want something a little less than the big pack. Of course, they may come back later realizing that they found they like the new work...

I don't want to speak for Bob, but I would assume that we can agree that there are as many combinations of requirements out there as one could consider. It doesn't make a lot of sense to try to restrict solutions.

Tom

 

[Daviddubya]

Peter and Tom - Thanks for your replies.

I find it interesting that more of the dealers have not chimed in and said they too will sell custom assortments of abrasives.  I was under the impression that custom assortments were a common practice.  Perhaps it has just been my own experience and I am lucky.  ;D

 

[peter halle]

David,

Not many dealers post here anymore for some reason.  One of the ones that did but I don't remember seeing in quite a while is Ron Pegram with McFeeleys.  At least we have quality versus quantity.  You've been lucky I guess.

Peter

 

[Bob Marino]

Peter and Tom - Thanks for your replies.

I find it interesting that more of the dealers have not chimed in and said they too will sell custom assortments of abrasives.  I was under the impression that custom assortments were a common practice.  Perhaps it has just been my own experience and I am lucky.   ;D

I don't want to speak for the other dealers, but just some thoughts.  Perhaps, many/some dealers feel that the standard 10 packs basically cover the customer's needs. Perhaps, many/some dealers feel that the cost - in time, money and effort isn't worth it and perhaps many of their customers just aren't asking for smaller packs. Also, I don't know how many dealers are aware of or have time to enjoin us at the FOG. I think if Festool offered 10 packs of all standard abrasives and 3-5 packs of Platin, we wouldn't be having this discussion.
I do like the idea (and am not sure if Festool has or hasn't considered this) of a few types of assortment packs; emphasis on  few/i].
Reason being even the pros ordering  a "pro" pack may not want all the grits in a given assortment and just about every solid surface guys had their own preference for papers as well as grits.

Bob