End User Training: Solid Surface on Feb. 17-18 in Las Vegas [FULL]

[Administrator_JSVN]

We would like to extend another invitation to end users to attend a new training event.  Below, you will find details about that event.  Please let us know if you have any questions. Please note that this class has a higher attendance fee ($300) due to the cost of materials.

Course Description:
We are calling for entries for a 2-day class focused on working with solid surface materials utilizing the Festool System. The class will take place at our training facility in Henderson, NV, and will be primarily geared towards professional applications.

Since most of the two days will be spent in the shop, actually using the tools, we request that registrants have some previous knowledge of the Festool System, and/or the basics of trim carpentry or cabinet construction. 

This should be considered an intermediate to expert-level class.


What will I learn?

More information to be added shortly.


How do I sign up?
If you are interested in participating, please click here to complete this online survey. Participants are selected on a first-come basis.. 

Travel and Accommodations:
Participants are responsible for all travel and accommodations.  We will be glad to help you make hotel reservations at our preferred local establishment (Sunset Station).  And for those participants staying at the Sunset Station, Festool will arrive for pick-up on both days at 7:30am. 

Festool will provide basic refreshments (bagels and coffee) in the morning, and lunch will be provided both days.


When & Where?
Class date: Feb. 17 - 18
Class times: 8am-5pm
Class location: Festool USA Henderson Nevada Training Center, 125 N. Gibson Rd., Henderson, NV
Class size: 8
Fee: $300
 
* Please note: Attendees are responsible for all expenses related to travel and accommodations.


Festool training personnel in attendance:
- Steve Bace, Tool and Application Trainer

There may also be additional members of the Festool USA team present periodically throughout the training event.

Thank you.

 

[ccarrolladams]

Steve B, Shane and Minnie,

Count me in for the Solid Surface Class in Henderson.

Steve B is the leading expert and trainer for solid surface production.

Although currently my firm does not provide counter tops, there is always the possibility in the future we will expand into that business.

Besides, since every base cabinet we build will have a counter top, usually solid surface, installed by someone, my feeling is the more I know about the art and craft of solid surface, the better I can coordinate with those vendors.

Also, besides a full range of Festool routers, we do own and operate a CNC nested router, with room for at lest one more. Many solid surface fabricators use CNC routers. In my opinion you need experience using conventional and plunge routers before you can effectively program and utilize CNC equipment.

 

[RDMuller]

Shane:  Is there any chance we good get "certified" out of this training so we could buy Corian.  Corian dealers seem to be holding to the requirement that purchasers be certified.  Other brand dealers make mention of this (maybe), but don't ever push the issue.  One asked me what tools I had --- when I said Festool, I was qualified. 

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Shane:  Is there any chance we good get "certified" out of this training so we could buy Corian.  Corian dealers seem to be holding to the requirement that purchasers be certified.  Other brand dealers make mention of this (maybe), but don't ever push the issue.  One asked me what tools I had --- when I said Festool, I was qualified. 

Roger, you will not get certified. Steve Bace was once "the guy" for ISFA training. However, we are not in a position to provide certification based on my understanding. I can put you in touch with Steve if you have specific questions.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

This class is now full. Thanks to all who signed up. Have fun in Vegas!

 

[RDMuller]

That filled up fast.  If you should have a cancellation I would have an interest in attending.  Right now my schedule is a little "ify" during that stretch

Let me know if something opens up

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Guys, we just had two attendees cancel out for this class.

Anyone interested in attending?

If so, please email Minnie Gleb at mgl@festoolusa.com and let her know you're interested.

Thanks!

 

[ccarrolladams]

Hi Steve, Shane and Minnie,

It goes without saying that I will be there for Solid Surface! This will be an outstanding class.

Are weather and driving conditions improving in Lebanon?

 

[ccarrolladams]

Wow!

Despite some heavy rain in surrounding areas, Henderson was lovely before and during the First Ever Festool Solid Surface class!

Previously in PM I had promised to take a million photos during Solid Surface. Alas, this did not happen. Another FOG member who was in the class not only took many photos, he was taking extensive notes.

I admit that I dragged myself to Henderson despite not feeling well the past couple of weeks. My physicians assured me I was no contagious. My cunning plan was to start my drive up from Los Angeles on Tuesday before dawn, trying to stay ahead of the worst rain. If I reached Henderson on Tuesday, I would throw myself on the mercy of The Sunset Station a day early. On the other hand, if the weather delayed me to the point I was exhausted, at least there is a motel or casino every few miles along I-15. In fact miles before Victorville all trace of rain stopped. It was windy, so voiding big rigs was important. I was in Henderson by 10:30am, so I killed time at a Home Depot. The Sunset Station welcomed me. It was great to have a whole day and night to rest away from my shop.

Still, when class did start on Thursday morning and I knew Roger was there with his camera, I concentrated on soaking up what Steve Bace had to share about solid surface. One of the participants, another FOG contributor, actually is a certified solid surface fabricator. I was fortunate to be his work partner. Another participant is a sales executive with a solid surface supplier. Still another participant was Brian S, the Seg himself, who adds to every occasion.

After a vital session discussing the different kinds of solid surface materials, the chemistry and selection of adhesives, we moved to the workshop. On each of the three work stations (a pair of MFT/3) was a 30" x 48" piece of 12mm solid surface material. Before we started breaking down our material, we installed Festool Solid Surface/Laminate blades (cat #495 375) in our assigned TS55. The resulting quality of cut was outstanding!

Certainly a downside to solid surface fabrication is the resulting dust and chips. Our team used 36mmAS hose with our CT36 turned to max. Still more dust escaped ahead of the saw than normal with wood. We made good use of the parallel guides with extensions, since many of the pieces were 100mm, 50mm and 25mm wide. That is a great invention!

Steve had warned us that when fabricating solid surface, it is vital to control "stress risers" which can become the start of a fracture. They can be a minor scratch or nick. Because solid surface is very expensive and heavy, the counter top we built was small, yet complex. We needed to attach a second piece to extend the surface, as happens in the real world. There was to be both a rounded inside and outside corner. Steve taught us that although in theory a jigsaw is not ideal, they can be used so long as you leave 6mm to be removed with a router.

Each of us had a choice of Trion jigsaws. I reached for a PS300, because that is what I use. My partner prefers the "D" handle PSB300. He did the rough inside corner with that and I made the outside corner rough with the PS300.

Steve had made us each a template. Once the material was rough cut, we used the template along with OF2200 and a 19mm straight bit with 1/2 inch shank and a top guide bearing. Even with the OF2200 chip collector installed some chips escaped the collection. Unfortunately the inside rounded corner required that the chip collector be removed. Chips flew everywhere! It was like an indoor snow storm. Still, the combination of the smooth OF2200 and that bit resulted in beautiful edges.

Dust collection with the RO 150 and later RO 90 DX was excellent. We all had the chance to use Granat paper. Before we got to a point where we needed power sanding, we broke out those useful Festool "cordless" sanders, cunningly designed to use 150mm round paper. One was already equipped with 80 grit Rubin, which did get the job done. But the sanding went so much better with Granat.

My personal Ah Ha moment was the realization that just a little saw dust from woodworking causes all sorts of complications fabricating solid surface. Also, I concluded that for me it is not practical to do any CNC routing or sawing of solid surface in my woodshop. To me discovering this now, before I made additional investments in equipment, was worth the cost of the trip and class.

I admire the work of solid surface fabricators. From this class I better understand how to design and build cabinets to make installation of the counter tops less frustrating. Should the appropriate business opportunities present themselves in the future I might well become a silent investor in a solid surface business. I am sure the aroma of solid surface material while being machined is the smell of profit. That aroma is not the same as quality hardwood or even plywood. Hence my thinking I want to be a silent investor who seldom visits the fabrication facility.

Now, let's hope other FOG members who participate in this class will share their memories and photos!

 

[Chris Hughes]

Thanks Carrol.  I hope you feel better.  It was nice working with you.  I don't know if Roger took any photos of our finished piece but I use a very cool edge profile that polished up quite nice. 

 

[ccarrolladams]

Thanks Carrol.  I hope you feel better.  It was nice working with you.  I don't know if Roger took any photos of our finished piece but I use a very cool edge profile that polished up quite nice.  

Chris, working along side you was like having my own personal tutor!

Our counter top was shaping up so well. It killed me to have to leave early on Friday, so I could not see the final product. What I did see of that cool edge profile was marvelous, just the sort of thing customers will want!

How was your flight home?

My drive back to Los Angeles today was less dramatic than the trip up on Tuesday. The predicted heavy rain from 4am to 4pm in Henderson consisted of light mist at 6:45am when I moved my car from the free parking to the bell entrance. After 7:20am all hint of rain ended at Primm on the California border. Rain did not restart until I reached my condo in Hancock Park.

 

[Chris Hughes]

Flight was delayed an hour so I didn't leave until 11 Vegas time but I slept to Detroit and was okay for the two hour drive.  Not fun but we have to go where we can learn IMO.  Thanks again it was fun.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Thanks for the report.  I'm looking forward to the pictures.  I really wish I could have been there. [sad]