Hi guys, I would like to try to set the record straight on the systainer mft top.
I am a one-man woodworking and general building company, I do most of my work on-site. Inventing is my hobby.
Sometime in 2008 I was standing on one of my systainers (shouldn’t, I know) and fell through the lid. Again. In the past I had also seriously damaged a few systainers with my circularsaw, router, and jigsaw. I couldn’t stand it any longer. Nor could I afford replacing demolished systainers any longer.
I set out to find a solution to be able to (mis)use the systainers on site without damaging my favorite tool transport system. It might even bring a new function to my many systainers on-site.
My first thought was to customise the lid of a systainer so it could hold substantial weight and protect the systainer from powertool damage. But why should I change the design of a perfect tool-transport container? Better make a special device that blends in within the system. I like tools to perform optimal. Made for the job. No compromises.
That’s when I got the idea to make a systainer top-workbench.
It should be a workbench-like design. Solid and with enough mass. Rectangular and with ample clamping possibilities. Fit the systainer like a glove. Strong and tough material. No fear of a little water. No plastics; it’s a mini workbench. Made of wood, of course. Functionality first. Made for the job.
One evening end of 2008 I made the first prototype.
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Then I set out to optimalise the design.The walls should be flush, clearly. Why not make the hole grid on top like my mft. I made the height the same as the sys 1, so it could blend in with the rest of the systainers.
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My colleagues and I used the set-up a lot. It looked like a useful addition to our equipment.
In 2009 I redesigned the systainer top workbench so I could produce it in small series. I called it the Systand. In februari 2010 I decided to try and get it patented in the Netherlands. Main reason: to prevent others from taking my idea, getting it patented, and forbidding me to make my own invention. Been there. Patent was granted.
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In the Netherlands a patent is called “Octrooi”
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Early in 2010 I contacted Festool, I told them about my design and sent them a systand. They told me it was a good idea but not suited as Festool product, nice design though, good luck with it. Furthermore Festool told me they had developed a new systainer: the T-loc, and advised me to design a work top for the new T-loc systainer . They sent me a T-loc 1 a few months before releasing it to the market, to facilitate my design efforts.
So I started to develop a T-loc version: the T-systand.
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I was not aware of the existence of the FOG at the time, until someone asked me if I had posted my invention on the FOG. Got to my computer, found the FOG, saw a pityful version of my invention, joined the club and posted.
www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/systainer-mft-top-workbench/
In my spare time I produced systands and sold them through the internet and a few local shops. Some of you guys have one or two.
www.festoolownersgroup.com/other-tool-reviews/the-systand-an-mft-style-systainer-top-workbench-review/
After some time I got a PM from Timtool. He wanted to make a different version of my systand, and asked me if he would be infringing on my patent. Decent guy. He wanted it to look like a systainer, a wooden box with a systand-like lid that looked like the plastic systainer. I told him my patent was about a set-up workbench, his was integrated in the lid of the box, so no problem and good luck with your design.
April 2012 the T-systand was ready. I sent one to Festool. Got no reply.
www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/t-systand-t-loc-systainer-top-workbench/
Until a few weeks ago.
I saw the sys-mft in a thread on the upcoming release of the new Festools.
Think I got my reply.
I guess Festool changed their mind and found my idea worthwile after all.
I bought a sys-mft, and compared it to my own (T)-systand.
I think my design is the far better on-site mini workbench.
Well, that’s my story so far, hope you enjoyed reading it .
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