Festool Cordless drill DRC 18/4 Li 4,2 Set GB QUADRIVE

[jonny round boy]

I assumed (possibly wrongly) that UL approval covered cordless tools too. I'm happy to be corrected if it doesn't, however if that is the case then, like others, I can't see why else a cordless tool would be delayed or not released at all...

 

[peter halle]

Market support to make such an introduction economically feasible perhaps?

 

[bkharman]

I assumed (possibly wrongly) that UL approval covered cordless tools too. I'm happy to be corrected if it doesn't, however if that is the case then, like others, I can't see why else a cordless tool would be delayed or not released at all...

It is partially a risk assessment with the UL and others who "allow" items to be sold in the US.

There are other regulatory things that are based on the actual states as well (mainly California)

Land of the free, land of the free.

 

[Stephen B]

wow... I'm surprised that a decision has not yet been made on availability and ETA

We're only 21 million people  in Australia and it was deemed worthy for release here already. 

The longer it stays NAINA the more sales will be lost to Milwaukee DeWalt, Bosch and Makita
I couldn't imagine going back to the Makita i had, I have a big ballsy drill and it fully integrates with my Festool and Centrotec System.

We have some regulations here too remember.

 

[mike68au]

wow... I'm surprised that a decision has not yet been made on availability and ETA

We're only 21 million people  in Australia and it was deemed worthy for release here already.   

The longer it stays NAINA the more sales will be lost to Milwaukee DeWalt, Bosch and Makita
I couldn't imagine going back to the Makita i had, I have a big ballsy drill and it fully integrates with my Festool and Centrotec System.

We have some regulations here too remember.

No Doubt....

But I'm just surprised that a market as large as the US would have delays in releasing these drills.
We are a tiny market and yet any regulations have been met and the drills are on sale here.

 

[TelcoRandy]

Shane:

Is there any way to be 'heard' as a customer wanting a product? I know that you read every post on the forum and in my brief dealing with you I trust you to pass our comments along, but at the end of the day you are an employee, and as such can be told or directed to 'drop it'. So is there another way to get Germany's attention?

For instance, how many people saying "I'll buy a quaddrive the minute they hit US soil" would it take to get a commitment from Germany? What if we got up a petition and FedEx'd it to Christian Oltzscher, whom I believe is the President of Festool USA, or even to Sebastian Reschke in Germany? This is not a criticism of you or Festool Gmbh. I am not intending to cause a revolt or riot or anything (well, maybe just a little one, but with the best of intent) but I am asking for the best way to be heard DIRECTLY in addition to your much-appreciated efforts on our behalf?

I am basing my next comment on my results with the MedTainer project, where my experience was that over 90% of the people who posted that they wanted one actually stepped up and paid for it when it became 'real'. This group is a unique, elite, committed, and dedicated (and maybe in some cases rabid?) bunch of great people. I can't imagine that the experience would be any less for an actual Festool product?

So, what is the best way for us to be heard as a group who are willing to 'put our money where our mouth is' and part with our hard-earned cash for more green goodness? I, for one, would like to do my part to see NAINA become a term that is so rare that you have to be a member here for months (or years) to ever see it come up. I know we'll never hit 100%, but I'd sure like to be a part of making it better than it is.

Thanks for letting me get that out. I'll go take my meds now and go back to my nice padded cell....

 [poke];:-X

I'd be willing to put my money where my mouth is and pre-pay in FULL for a PDC and Duradrive.

Anyway, if I was a dealer I'd be a little upset about this NAINA business. A lot of people on the FOG (and I'm assuming a lot of people outside of the FOG) will go out of their way to import these tools on their own because they have no faith in a local dealer ever being able to get some of these products. It robs the dealers of their profits and Festool as a whole probably doesn't care because they're selling these tools and lining their pockets regardless.

 

[builderbob]

I saw the PDC in person yesterday and am very impressed at its capabilities. I really hope we see this drill soon. Let's use our voices to make sure it's known that we want these tools over here in NA!

 

[bkharman]

I saw the PDC in person yesterday and am very impressed at its capabilities. I really hope we see this drill soon. Let's use our voices to make sure it's known that we want these tools over here in NA!

Did you get a chance to hold and use it at all? How does it feel (weight, grip) compared to a T15 or T18. I am heading back to the UK in a few months and might pick this guy up if it isn't announced beforehand. I need to replace my Milwaukee 28 volt!

 

[SittingElf]

I played with one last week at my dealer in Germany. Feels very much like a T18. Controls are where they should be, and felt very comfortable in hand.

The only slight issue is that in Hammer mode, it is VERY loud... but that's to be expected, and it is designed for light masonry, not for daily hard use. (The BHC SDS drill is for that). 

Size is comparable to the T 18 as well.  Here's a picture of my Dealer's display table with a number of the new quads . The PDC is the second from the right. 

[attachimg=#]

I definitely want one, whether bought in the U.S. or in Germany depending on availability.

Cheers,

Frank

 

[wow]

I'd be willing to put my money where my mouth is and pre-pay in FULL for a PDC and Duradrive.

Anyway, if I was a dealer I'd be a little upset about this NAINA business. A lot of people on the FOG (and I'm assuming a lot of people outside of the FOG) will go out of their way to import these tools on their own because they have no faith in a local dealer ever being able to get some of these products. It robs the dealers of their profits and Festool as a whole probably doesn't care because they're selling these tools and lining their pockets regardless.

TelcoRandy:

Thanks for helping to make my point. Excuse me - make OUR point.

Festool, are you listening? ( I know you're listening Shane. I'm talking directly to whomever makes the decisions to bring products into the USA)

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Guys, I assure you that the FOG is very closely monitored not only by Festool USA, but by colleagues in Germany.

Prior to Protool being absorbed into the Festool portfolio of tools, it would have been difficult for us to introduce a new brand in the U.S. Now, it is easier to potentially introduce some of the previously Protool products into the U.S. market. The drills displayed at JLC are an indication of that and a first step. Still, we need to make sure that the tools can be sold in this market before just arbitrarily bringing them over.

I don't have my drill nearby, but I'm pretty sure the drill and charger need UL approval separately.

Shane

 

[Brice Burrell]

.....I don't have my drill nearby, but I'm pretty sure the drill and charger need UL approval separately.

Shane

I just looked at a few of my Festool drills.  No UL/CSA label on the first gen T15 and CXS, the Ti15 is marked with a CSA logo.  

 

[jonny round boy]

I just looked at a few of my Festool drills. No UL/CSA label on the first gen T15 and CXS, the Ti15 is marked with a CSA logo.  

Recall???  [poke] [big grin]

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I checked... We have the CSA certifications for the drills. Not sure why the logo doesn't appear...  [huh] I have copies if anyone needs them.

 

[gkaiseril]

Maybe some of you should talk to your congressmen and senators about the outdated laws for importing and approval of goods for sale in the U.S. Many of the laws were written when the U.S. was on DC electricity and the rest of the world was AC.

How many remember when the U.S. had 50 Hertz and 60 Hertz systems so a plug in clock that worked in New York City would not work in Los Angeles.

 

[Bigchasbroon]

I've noticed a few comments /questions about the weight and how the drill is. I have the PDC version. I bought it to replace a hilti 22v with 4ah batteries. When I used the hilti all day I was getting problems with tendons in my 3rd digit. I couldn't straighten it and it was really sore. So I decided I want something lighter. And I find it pretty light. My brother (philistine!) has a 18v dewalt li ion with3 ah batteries and it's definitely no heavier and perhaps a little lighter. I'll need to compare properly next time we work together.
It's got plenty of power, the biggest screws I've put in are 4' 10s and on speed 3 the motor just pushes them home with no noticeable slowing as it gets in deeper. The batteries last forever, seriously I've had it 2 months and I'm only on my 3rd battery change. I might do a proper review and post it in the appropriate place.

Anyway you guys can bitch about not getting some festools but there's lots of stuff we can't get like the qwas products or the Seneca stuff and decent root beer and peanut butter M & Ms.

 

[Bigchasbroon]

The screws were 4"10s not 4'10s    :

 

[wow]

... but there's lots of stuff we can't get like ... peanut butter M & Ms.

Ooooooh - that is SERIOUS! I'll send you some in trade for some Plug-It pigtails...

 

[TelcoRandy]

(Shane is on the right)



I teased myself tonight by finding these videos on Youtube. Anyway, about a week ago I contacted a friend in Austria, he said he would have no problem purchasing these for me if I Paypal him the funds. So if Festool Canada can't acquire these by August, I'll purchase both by other means.

I'm also curious if SittingElf bought his yet. I wouldn't mind seeing a video review, or even some pictures. These two drills have become a bit of an obsession for me.  [unsure]

P.S. I'm sorry for betraying you LeeValley Winnipeg (my local Festool dealer), but I have no choice. By the end of August I will do whatever it takes to have a PDC!

 

[bkharman]

I have a chub for that quad as well. I might be in the UK in May. Let you know.