Collets missing from Festool Routers

[jnug]

Had originally decided not to join here until I had purchased my Festool router.  I have been lurking here for awhile just trying to glean as much information as I could in order to make the best decision between Festool routers so that I could make an informed choice. Think have that narrowed down to either an OF1400 or an OF2000 (now discontinued). Hoping to pick up a good used copy of one or the other if possible.

Anyway while looking I noticed this old thread from a fellow that had been traveling and had seen some ads for used Festool that got him thinking that in some cases he was possibly looking at ads for stolen tools. Even before I had seen that thread I had seen something that had gotten me thinking as well. I have seen so many ads for Festool routers where the collets have gone missing...not just one of them but all of them that came with the tool originally. Now I know that "all" of the them is really two collets in some cases and three in others. But it still seems odd that in so many cases they are just all gone.

Is there a logical reason that I am just flat missing? It got me wondering that if somebody was stealing a tool, he would not likely look to see if parts as small as the collets were there. But they are critical to the use of the tool. So again thinking about normal circumstances it seems odd to me that so many would go missing. Maybe there is a logical reason and I am just not understanding it. But I thought I would ask here because if this group thinks its odd, then maybe I will just not pursue any that I see with the collets missing not trying to be a part of some Festool owner's misfortune. I really do want to get one and hope to find a good used router but not at the expense of another user.

Anyway, are the collets parts that for one reason or another tend to go missing? Does it seem odd to you guys that there would be some and in fact a pretty high percentage with none of the collets shipped with a new Festool router left at all?

Thanks....wish me luck. I really want one of these and am trying to buy a used one so that I won't get the "boss" stirred up if you know what I mean. Trying to be economical about it if I can.

 

[Carl Prentiss]

Welcome to the FOG. While I've never shopped for Festool on EBay your post prompted me to look. I looked at routers and collets and the first thing I noticed was that most of them listed were for more than the retail price. $63.00 for a 1/2" collet for the 2200 that lists for $42.00. WTH! I know you didn't ask but we have lots of top notch dealers right here on the forum that will provide world class support, as well as a classified sub-forum. I wouldn't even consider buying from EBay. Craigslist maybe but it would have to be local and a real good deal.

*Edit - That's not to say you shouldn't take advantage of a good deal if you find it. If you suspect it's illegitimate, Shane Holland can verify.

 

[jnug]

Charlie,

I did not notice a sub-forum specifically for dealers and the like although many brand specific forums have such a sub-forum. Is there a spot where they are all congregated or a way that they identify themselves here?

 

[Carl Prentiss]

Here:
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-sales-dealer-area/list-of-dealers-in-the-festool-owners-group/

Edit: Not sure that sub-forum is the correct term. Also the classifieds are at the very bottom.

 

[capww8]

I recently went through the same process, and got the distinct impression that the tools offered on craigslist without sustainers, and without accessories were stolen.

Ultimately, I wound up buying everything from a dealer, and couldn't possibly be happier (on the router specifically, the ratcheting collet lockdown is practically the coolest thing I've ever seen).

My wife was lamenting paying full retail for this stuff, but it sort of makes sense if you think about it. There aren't many circumstances where someone would be selling a festoon product, unless they were upgrading to a newer version of the same tool... barring tremendous financial disruption, I can't imagine a reason I would sell my Domino, or Kapex.

 

[DB10]

I recently went through the same process, and got the distinct impression that the tools offered on craigslist without Systainers, and without accessories were stolen.

Ultimately, I wound up buying everything from a dealer, and couldn't possibly be happier (on the router specifically, the ratcheting collet lockdown is practically the coolest thing I've ever seen).

My wife was lamenting paying full retail for this stuff, but it sort of makes sense if you think about it. There aren't many circumstances where someone would be selling a festoon product, unless they were upgrading to a newer version of the same tool... barring tremendous financial disruption, I can't imagine a reason I would sell my Domino, or Kapex.

I don't know about that, IMO I reckon quite a few people new to wood working get a bit carried away with Festool purchases, then when it has all collected dust for a few years try to recoup some of those costs, happens in all lines of hobbies. different story if your buying with a life long interest in woodwork or are trade.

 

[jnug]

I can see not having everything necessarily. But not having the collets just sounds odd to me. How can a guy have no collets whatever with the tool. You can't use it at all without at least one.

I guess I can come up with a way for a guy to lose the collets but boy its hard to get your mind wrapped around that. In part that is why I asked the question here. Figured well maybe I am just not getting it.....maybe these guys will know that it is really easy to lose the collets altogether or even the one collet if your tool only came with one. It certainly bothered me enough to ask people I knew for sure would know a heck of lot more than I did.