Dave Ronyak said:
I think one of the most important questions is what will Festool's response to the competition from DeWalt, Makita and perhaps renewed efforts of other European tool makers? Will they redouble their efforts to increase the value built into their tools and address the items on the FOG and other owners wish lists or simply continue to approach their business in the same manner as in the past? In my opinion, Festool now has an incentive and an opportunity to advance and accelerate their current leadership position. They could begin by addressing the shortcomings and wish list items. They could further develop and expand their system approach, looking for ways to simplify the need for duplicate components and thus reduce the cost to their customers while increasing value. (Here are a couple of examples I would be interested in purchasing from Festool. The limit stops I have for the guide rails are essentially incomplete units of those supplied as components of the side stops for the hole drilling guide; if Festool made longer calibrated hex rods available, these side stops could be set up quickly and used for very accurate repeat cuts/dados on large sheet goods. If Festool made all components of the MFS 400 and 700 systems available for separate purchase, thus eliminating the need to purchase both an MFS 400 and MFS 700 to obtain all three lengths of he calibrated extrusions and thereby reducing costs relative to system capability.)
Dave R.
Dave,
Excellent points, particularly about manufacturing rods
or somethin' for repeatability. I think it woukd be a huge seller and an asset to cabinet building. I have asked myself that sanme question many times; I mean where's the holdup/delay/problem with getting that to market? As for the MFS components, I am pretty positive those individual components will be available for sale pretty soon.
One point I would disagree (although slightly) with you on is your last statement
"Or will they continue to operate with the same approach as before new competitors (DeWalt and Makita) arrived?", if by that you are implying that Festool kinda just makes the tools, serves em' up to the customers, like em' or not/take it or leave it. Festool invests heavily in marketing research, product development, analyzing competitor's models, getting feedback (including, I bet, feedback from this board) twistin' and tweakin' before a tool comes to market. I just wish they'd do it faster!
As for the new Dewalt and Makita saws, I think new compettion is a very goood thing, but Festool has had competition in Europe with a "guided saw system" for a looooooong time from Mafell. And Mafell make a damn nice saw!
Again, Festool does listen, just wish they's listen faster ;D.
Bob
;D
