Everything you wanted to know about Plug-Its conversions (USA Version)

[HunterL]

Okay thanks, so if I'm using a dust extractor with the tool power port (European) then I could likely get away with the one step down transformer for the extractor then just use the extractor power port for the tool?

 

[dodong]

Okay thanks, so if I'm using a dust extractor with the tool power port (European) then I could likely get away with the one step down transformer for the extractor then just use the extractor power port for the tool?

unless I'm hugely mistaken you will need a 110 to 220 transformer and not a step down transformer.
(germany = 220V / US = 110V)

yes, if you put the transfo before the extractor, you can use the extractor as power unit for the tool.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Okay thanks, so if I'm using a dust extractor with the tool power port (European) then I could likely get away with the one step down transformer for the extractor then just use the extractor power port for the tool?

Yes, that's correct. To run both a tool and vac of one transformer requires a beefy one though.

I'd consider selling your german tools off and buy them new in America. Fiddling with a transformer gets really old very quickly.

 

[dodong]

If I buy Festools IN GERMANY where I temporarily live, when I move back to the US can I use this method to "convert" to US plugs or am I better off using transformers or plug adapters back in the US?

Germany is 220v, USA is 110v, so it's called a step down transformer.

he's buying the tools in Germany, and wants to use them in the US... you need 110>220.
If he bought the tools in the US and wants to use them in Germany then you need a stepdown transfo.

 

[AlexThePalex]

dodong, yes, you are correct. Step UP it is.

 

[HunterL]

Unless there's a way to buy American tools here in Germany... it's just a hard chance to pass up since I can buy without the 19% VAT so we're talking hundreds of dollars off the US prices.

 

[Bohdan]

See if you can get the 110v tools designed for the British market or check on the British prices for them.

 

[Gregor]

See if you can get the 110v tools designed for the British market or check on the British prices for them.

British is 220V also (at least it was 3 months ago), just a different plug.

 

[Bohdan]

See if you can get the 110v tools designed for the British market or check on the British prices for them.

British is 220V also (at least it was 3 months ago), just a different plug.

I meant for the British market that is forced to work with 110v on construction sites.

 

[rmwarren]

Quickie plug-it adapter for 110V non-Festool's:

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

Took maybe 10-15 minutes to wire up yesterday, already used it once today.

[attachimg=3]

RMW

 

[nickao]

Nice and simple, I like it! And I like it for the guys that just dont want to cut the tool extension cord, but for me the tool extension just gets in the way and it defeats the purpose of the system.

With the Festool pigtails  so readily available in the USA now just clip the cord a few inches from the end of the tool, put on the pigtail and call it a day. Or buy a socket and just put it right on the router, cost about 6.00.

 

[rmwarren]

Yep, the adapter is clumsy, but it was intended for limited ad-hock use. Basically I had the parts sitting around. I've converted a PC sander and my RAS 115 using pigtails.

[member=3373]Dovetail65[/member] do you have P/N for the readily available USA pigtails/sockets? Back when I got mine I had to have them smuggled in from the UK...

Thanks,

RMW

Nice and simple, I like it! And I like it for the guys that just dont want to cut the tool extension cord, but for me the tool extension just gets in the way and it defeats the purpose of the system.

With the Festool pigtails  so readily available in the USA now just clip the cord a few inches from the end of the tool, put on the pigtail and call it a day. Or buy a socket and just put it right on the router, cost about 6.00.

 

[Gwerner]

[member=3373]Dovetail65[/member] do you have P/N for the readily available USA pigtails/sockets? Back when I got mine I had to have them smuggled in from the UK...

Thanks,

RMW

Yeah, I'd like to know the part number as well. I had to have a buddy in the UK send me some and as far as I know, the conversion kits were supposedly being discontinued over there too.

 

[nickao]

email me

 

[ben_r_]

Great thread an very informative! It really is too bad they discontinued these!

 

[gnlman]

Yeesh...I was planning of buying a couple of these to convert a tool and update my rs2...guess I shouldn't have procrastinated....

 

[ben_r_]

Yeesh...I was planning of buying a couple of these to convert a tool and update my rs2...guess I shouldn't have procrastinated....

There are currently two left in the Classifieds section. Someone listed 3 for sale and I bought one from him.

 

[plasticam]

Hello, I'm looking for one of these for my Mafell MT55cc....  Anyone???  [big grin]

 

[ben_r_]

Hello, I'm looking for one of these for my Mafell MT55cc....  Anyone???  [big grin]

Believe there is still a couple listed in the Classified section.

 

[gnlman]

HI. I've tried contacting the member with the plug its and have not heard back from him....
I ended up having to order one from Amazon France, as they were the only place I could find that would ship to NA....and then after all that it shipped from Germany...lol anyway if you have to order it, this will hopefully save you some time...I think shipped it was about 35 euros.
Greg