ear3
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No.
Anyone considering ditching Festool tools?
- Thread starter Louis@Godfreysjoinery
- Start date
Not ditch, but just have a much different opinion of them now. It's the reliability, quality control and short tool life that put me off. Fingers crossed it would fail within the 3 year warranty period, if not you're in for a hefty repair bill. Chances are the cost of repair would be enough to buy a similar tool from a well respected brand. Reading all the kapex issues was the final nail in the coffin.
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yetihunter
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- Apr 21, 2013
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- 786
Holmz said:
No wife, but a nagging immediate family that seems to know my every expenditure.
I showed my mother and sister some US Makita marketing materials with the spandexed bimbos and then showed them a Festool catalogue with Kayleen McCabe working away with a rotex. Long story short, they have never negatively criticised my Festool purchases since.
ditching? no, I'm happy with pretty much all my festool purchases, except maybe the surfix, but then again, my ideal finish is one that applies itself, looks great, and requires no participation on my end.
however, I do a little more research on alternatives nowadays instead of just assuming that the festool offering is the best option out there.
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however, I do a little more research on alternatives nowadays instead of just assuming that the festool offering is the best option out there.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
Nope. Ditching to me means; taking a large upfront cost. And in this case I don't see any gains for me as the Festools I have have been doing just fine for me.
However, when looking for a new battery drill... the Festool prices just seem a bit "out there". And since the battery drills don't integrate into a giant system like the FS, MFT, CT, etc. ... I'm tempted to try something else. But then again I like the 90 degree and excenter chuck. Especially the later seems to be nowhere else to be found...
However, when looking for a new battery drill... the Festool prices just seem a bit "out there". And since the battery drills don't integrate into a giant system like the FS, MFT, CT, etc. ... I'm tempted to try something else. But then again I like the 90 degree and excenter chuck. Especially the later seems to be nowhere else to be found...
bnaboatbuilder
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- Sep 5, 2013
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- 128
Bosch Flexiclick does the same now, 90 degree angle attachment, offcenter as well for half the cost of the CXS set. I have both.
Coen said:
bnaboatbuilder said:
Half the cost!? Huh? I was looking at T18+3 Set vs competition, not in the CXS / GSR12 range. The Flexiclick system with the 90 degree and excenter chuck seems to always come combined with the SDS chuck, for which I don't care at all. At that point the cost of the Bosch balloons to within 15% of the Festool, but has 24% smaller batteries and comes in an L-Boxx, which I can't stack with anything else. At that point...
However, the Bosch system is also available with an impact driver, in a set with 3 batteries (w/o the chucks) for less than just a Festool T18+3 Plus. And Festool doesn't have an impact driver at all at the moment.
I also wonder how the different brands have their switches. Having worked last week with a Metabo 14.4V (Li) from a few years ago, a new 18V (Li) Dewalt and my ancient Festool BPS 15.6 NiCD (with DIY rebuild battery) I found that only my Festool allowed very slow rotation. The other drills seemed to have a minium rotationspeed of like 120 rpm. My Festool was however... significantly heavier with the slowest top RPM. But unlike the Dewalt... the cilindrical chuck didn't need tightening every half hole.
I will not be ditching the brand anytime soon. I have about a dozen Festools and started on the green journey about 4 years ago. About half of my Festools are out of warranty and about half are not. So far I have not had an issue with any of the tools. My purchases have slowed because I have basically what I need and am just a hobbyist so not expecting any to wear out anytime soon.
I am very pleased with the accuracy and at least so far the quality.
I am very pleased with the accuracy and at least so far the quality.
I am not ditching Festool - exactly the opposite more consolidating onto it. I used to have routes from DeWalt, Bosh, Makita, Trend, Freud etc. I have replaced all these brands with a few Festool routers and life is much simpler.
The only problem I had was with a problematic Carvex jigsaw which was more down to an incompetent dealer and once Festool UK stepped in it was resolved in a day.
Indeed there is even a regional manager that will call on site should I have a problem or need a demo. There is much better support from Festool in the UK than any other brand I know of. I don't know if it is available outside of the UK but we get theft replacement service which is very reassuring considering the value of the kit.
For me it is gradual process of selling my older tools and replacing them with the Festool equivalents - just need some good product promotions to speed up the process
The only problem I had was with a problematic Carvex jigsaw which was more down to an incompetent dealer and once Festool UK stepped in it was resolved in a day.
Indeed there is even a regional manager that will call on site should I have a problem or need a demo. There is much better support from Festool in the UK than any other brand I know of. I don't know if it is available outside of the UK but we get theft replacement service which is very reassuring considering the value of the kit.
For me it is gradual process of selling my older tools and replacing them with the Festool equivalents - just need some good product promotions to speed up the process
green fever
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- May 26, 2012
- Messages
- 174
Okay guys here’s my response regarding service from Festool uk , my kapex 120 which was purchased 2013 had a problem I called service explained what the problem was I completed the online questionnaire regarding the fault , within 24 hours fedex came to my job site collected the saw within three days my saw was returned all the repairs carried out without charge New armiture , brushes & a service, my saw is well over a year out of the warranty period and Festool carried out all the work for free , so would I ditch Festool tools not a chance , what other company would even consider that ? Just a note I have a 2010 kapex that has carried out thousands of cuts and has never had a fault other than a blade guard which was caused by a piece of wood that was split and consequently thrown up into the guard that was repaired again by Festool at the time under warranty, I have used Festool services around 3 times since 2010 and my own personal experience with service has been excellent, the money I have invested in Festool tools is a testament in itself and where I can sympathise with your experience regarding repairs I have found Festool uk very helpful in my case, we as Festool owners expect the tools to last without having them constantly breaking down I hope that your tools are repaired and the recent bad luck is going to change, I can understand your frustration with the tools and the problems you have encountered but I’m sure phil & the service department will get you all sorted out , green
No, I am not thinking of ditching my Festool collection, but the question is thought-provoking.
I am an enthusiast woodworker and manyotherthingsworker – in many ways, my tool collection, whilst all pretty well used and mostly bought with something specific in mind, is a bit of an indulgence; that is, I draw some satisfaction from using tools that are nicely designed and made and, in the case of Festool, was attracted early on to the concept of the “system” and clean, dust-free working (which at the time was quite an innovation). That is to say that I am not a professional who would more likely have to take a harder line on the economic equation and my tools do not take a hammering (if I was a pro, I would no doubt have the same weaknesses and make no money anyway).
I am in pretty deep and my Festool collection has built up inexorably:
- My first purchase was a TDD12 drill with the Fastfix attachments which I thought revolutionary. The build quality of this drill was exceptional – since sold and replaced with a T18+3 plus a TXS 2.6
- Then a CentroFix set (since added to and now pretty complete)
- Maybe at the same time, I got a RS400/DS400 sander, closely followed by a Rotex RO150 (since replaced with the newest versions – more about Cleantec adaptors later)
- I used these with my Fein Dustex that I still have, but added a CT Mini and later a CT26E (with excellent reusable bag)
- There followed a flurry of:
- TS75 plus assortment of guide rails, including the indispensable 3m rail
- Kapex - I got the MFT800, but found this a bit chunky and replaced it with the UG cart and extensions). This was perhaps the first point I saw some imperfections in the Festool offering – I had, and still have, an Elektra Beckum Mitre saw. It doesn’t have the (excellent) laser guide (although that was an option) or angle thingy of the Kapex, but the Elektra Beckum side extensions are miles better than the original Kapex extensions and the UG replacements.
- Domino DF500 etc
- OF2200 router, then OF1400 router; I then thought I should complete the set and replaced my trusty old Elu MOF96E router with a OF1010 – this has been a bit of a disappointment, not because there is much wrong with the OF1010, but the MOF96E was a fantastic machine, not least because it had a really good little benchtop router table that I miss a great deal.
- At some point the Classic systainers were replaced with the T-Locs and I upgraded all of mine to the excellent T-Locs. At the same time, I ditched all my Bosch L-Boxxes (extensive Bosch 12v collection) and various DeWalt boxes (extensive DeWalt 18V collection) and replaced with Tanos T-Locs with colour-coded latches.
- I forgot to mention the BS105 belt sander and frame etc (an unbelievably capable tool)
- Also, the HL850 planer plus bench stand
- When the Domizilla DF700 came out, I “needed” this for some garage doors (again excellent machine)
- A more recent infill is the BHC18 hammer drill (only enticed by the free battery offer), that I have yet to use properly.
- Accessories accumulated include an LR32 set, parallel guides etc, a KAL light (good but poor battery performance), a DUO light (excellent), MFS 400 ++, various hoses and other bits and pieces.
I hope no-one has tried adding up the cost of the above – cost has not been the sole criterion (obvs!). I do have more tools than I need, partly because my time (and some tools) are split between; two places, home and a family-owned, never-ending project. The key question implicit in what the OP asked is what I would be happy to be without – for sure, I have other tools that could do the same jobs, other drills, a circular saw that can run against a straight edge, dust extractors, Lamello biscuit joiner and Zeta that will (mostly) do the job of the Domino’s etc etc; however, looking at my list, I have not identified anything I would rather replace with a competing product.
I don’t think that Festool is perfect – in the UK we know that the service function struggles a bit and I have mentioned a few flaws in some products.
I do think that Festool seems to have lost some of its distinctiveness as other brands have caught up.
I do have some frustrations with the product range, notably the seriously flawed (and misnamed) “Cleantec” adapters and the excessive wait for T-Loc fixing on the CT extractors.
I do value my other-branded tools, notably Bosch, DeWalt and Lamello.
I do place some value on the FOG as a source of information and inspiration, leaving aside on the one hand some over-exuberant evangelism and on the other hand some whingeing.
So, no, I am not giving up on Festool (but the competition is hot out there).
Just my experience and my thoughts, but thanks for getting me to think about it.
Cheers
I am an enthusiast woodworker and manyotherthingsworker – in many ways, my tool collection, whilst all pretty well used and mostly bought with something specific in mind, is a bit of an indulgence; that is, I draw some satisfaction from using tools that are nicely designed and made and, in the case of Festool, was attracted early on to the concept of the “system” and clean, dust-free working (which at the time was quite an innovation). That is to say that I am not a professional who would more likely have to take a harder line on the economic equation and my tools do not take a hammering (if I was a pro, I would no doubt have the same weaknesses and make no money anyway).
I am in pretty deep and my Festool collection has built up inexorably:
- My first purchase was a TDD12 drill with the Fastfix attachments which I thought revolutionary. The build quality of this drill was exceptional – since sold and replaced with a T18+3 plus a TXS 2.6
- Then a CentroFix set (since added to and now pretty complete)
- Maybe at the same time, I got a RS400/DS400 sander, closely followed by a Rotex RO150 (since replaced with the newest versions – more about Cleantec adaptors later)
- I used these with my Fein Dustex that I still have, but added a CT Mini and later a CT26E (with excellent reusable bag)
- There followed a flurry of:
- TS75 plus assortment of guide rails, including the indispensable 3m rail
- Kapex - I got the MFT800, but found this a bit chunky and replaced it with the UG cart and extensions). This was perhaps the first point I saw some imperfections in the Festool offering – I had, and still have, an Elektra Beckum Mitre saw. It doesn’t have the (excellent) laser guide (although that was an option) or angle thingy of the Kapex, but the Elektra Beckum side extensions are miles better than the original Kapex extensions and the UG replacements.
- Domino DF500 etc
- OF2200 router, then OF1400 router; I then thought I should complete the set and replaced my trusty old Elu MOF96E router with a OF1010 – this has been a bit of a disappointment, not because there is much wrong with the OF1010, but the MOF96E was a fantastic machine, not least because it had a really good little benchtop router table that I miss a great deal.
- At some point the Classic systainers were replaced with the T-Locs and I upgraded all of mine to the excellent T-Locs. At the same time, I ditched all my Bosch L-Boxxes (extensive Bosch 12v collection) and various DeWalt boxes (extensive DeWalt 18V collection) and replaced with Tanos T-Locs with colour-coded latches.
- I forgot to mention the BS105 belt sander and frame etc (an unbelievably capable tool)
- Also, the HL850 planer plus bench stand
- When the Domizilla DF700 came out, I “needed” this for some garage doors (again excellent machine)
- A more recent infill is the BHC18 hammer drill (only enticed by the free battery offer), that I have yet to use properly.
- Accessories accumulated include an LR32 set, parallel guides etc, a KAL light (good but poor battery performance), a DUO light (excellent), MFS 400 ++, various hoses and other bits and pieces.
I hope no-one has tried adding up the cost of the above – cost has not been the sole criterion (obvs!). I do have more tools than I need, partly because my time (and some tools) are split between; two places, home and a family-owned, never-ending project. The key question implicit in what the OP asked is what I would be happy to be without – for sure, I have other tools that could do the same jobs, other drills, a circular saw that can run against a straight edge, dust extractors, Lamello biscuit joiner and Zeta that will (mostly) do the job of the Domino’s etc etc; however, looking at my list, I have not identified anything I would rather replace with a competing product.
I don’t think that Festool is perfect – in the UK we know that the service function struggles a bit and I have mentioned a few flaws in some products.
I do think that Festool seems to have lost some of its distinctiveness as other brands have caught up.
I do have some frustrations with the product range, notably the seriously flawed (and misnamed) “Cleantec” adapters and the excessive wait for T-Loc fixing on the CT extractors.
I do value my other-branded tools, notably Bosch, DeWalt and Lamello.
I do place some value on the FOG as a source of information and inspiration, leaving aside on the one hand some over-exuberant evangelism and on the other hand some whingeing.
So, no, I am not giving up on Festool (but the competition is hot out there).
Just my experience and my thoughts, but thanks for getting me to think about it.
Cheers
I’ve dropped over $10k in new Festool stuff just this year and had a sizable collection before January. My first purchase was a RO150 and MIDI back in 2006. Both those still are in working order.
I’m trying to systainerize all my non Festool tools and stuff. They make organization so much easier.
I lost the set screw for a Hilti 2 1/4” SDS core bits the other day. They only sell the 6” centering pilot bit with the set screw as a package. $85. That’s one 6” 3/8” bit and a Set screw. Festool is a bargain after that.
I’m trying to systainerize all my non Festool tools and stuff. They make organization so much easier.
I lost the set screw for a Hilti 2 1/4” SDS core bits the other day. They only sell the 6” centering pilot bit with the set screw as a package. $85. That’s one 6” 3/8” bit and a Set screw. Festool is a bargain after that.
charley1968
Member
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2013
- Messages
- 491
Nope. All my Festools perform as advertised. As do my tool from other brands. I'm just one happy customer.
Coen said:
I firmly believe that Bosch is, was & probably will remain the kings in hammers of all varieties: cordless, corded, sds +, max & even hex. Some others are up there too. Both Hilti & Makita make excellent bigger hammers, & Wacker Neumann certainly make the most powerful (3600w, 100+J) electric hammers in the business.
But nobody else has the depth of range in all categories as Bosch. Not the power & performance edge. Nor the price points either. Whilst much of Robert Bosch's tool range leaves a little (or a lot) to be desired, their hammers rule. All but the biggest should fit into Sys IIs, Midi or maybe MaxiSys/tainers.
aloysius said:
But Bosch doesn't sell them in a Systainer
. So that tags on another €40.Nor do they come with Plug-it, although with a hammer that might be less of a problem. Having said that; I used my planer (EHL 65) a few days ago, and it was the only tool with fixed cord, grr. New EHL 65's do have Plug-it though. I have the retrofit-kit, but I'm afraid that will just make it worse.
HAXIT
Member
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2016
- Messages
- 247
To be king or queen, both will be fine. [big grin] Even though, Hilti and Makita with Bosch are very good and I have respect for all of them, but I would never give up my Flex and Metabo for none of them including Festool. Cordless or corded.aloysius said:
Here is the latest Metabo with dust collector.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=LoLb_BOPQgY
That on board DC is pretty cool!
Seth
Seth
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