Festool customer training: Feedback requested
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Brice Burrell
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Let me add on quick note about traveling for Festool training, remember they have a training facility in Las Vegas. Flights and lodging are inexpensive and there are lot of other things to do while there.
EcoFurniture
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Podcasts, Youtube instructions are a very good idea!
As for some training in Las Vegas: For us living in Canada, it may not be possible to cross the border that easy... (new immigration rules that make it difficult to go down south)
Therefore, Youtube would be a nice option! Another option would be a seminar at one of your canadian retailers locations, I know that Felder in Nanaimo was thinking of doing that...
Anyhow, it is really nice to see that you guys are interested in serving your customers better! Thanks!
As for some training in Las Vegas: For us living in Canada, it may not be possible to cross the border that easy... (new immigration rules that make it difficult to go down south)
Therefore, Youtube would be a nice option! Another option would be a seminar at one of your canadian retailers locations, I know that Felder in Nanaimo was thinking of doing that...
Anyhow, it is really nice to see that you guys are interested in serving your customers better! Thanks!
DustyLeigh
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When I first got into woodworking I started watching videos on the web. I began to see woodworkers using Festool equipment. That's what made me buy Festool. Put my vote down for videos that can be viewed on the web. I would also go to classes if they were not to far away.
I am lucky in that a Festool technician visited a local dealer (Anderson Plywood in Los Angeles) to make sales presentations. On the day he came, I was the only customer, so it became a private tutorial.
My curiosity was quite specific. I asked him to demonstrate making Dado cuts using the OF 1400 Router on the MFT/3. I think focused demonstration of very common procedures is most useful. On the MFT/3 I ventured out more and asked him to show me every possible clamping configuration on the table. That really opened my eyes, and went far beyond what I'd seen in the video or in the sales literature or technical manual.
Gary Curtis
My curiosity was quite specific. I asked him to demonstrate making Dado cuts using the OF 1400 Router on the MFT/3. I think focused demonstration of very common procedures is most useful. On the MFT/3 I ventured out more and asked him to show me every possible clamping configuration on the table. That really opened my eyes, and went far beyond what I'd seen in the video or in the sales literature or technical manual.
Gary Curtis
WarnerConstCo.
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As long as you have one in Lebanon, it's only 95 minutes from home.
If you do this I'd be happy to be an instructor. Of course I'd need all the latest and greatest tools and accessories at my house to practice and work on curriculum.
I vote for live webinars which would be recorded and available for playback. It would be great if they were recorded with students in attendance. It would be cool to have a high resolution playback option. Even if you charge for content. That way travel is optional. Festool makes no money off our travel so it makes no difference to them right?
I vote for live webinars which would be recorded and available for playback. It would be great if they were recorded with students in attendance. It would be cool to have a high resolution playback option. Even if you charge for content. That way travel is optional. Festool makes no money off our travel so it makes no difference to them right?
roadking06
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I would like to see Festool pay The Wood Whisperer to produce anything they want to put to video or internet anything.
roadking06 said:
Indeed. Perhaps Festool could finally convince Norm to abandon PorterCable as well.... or Give Tom Silva his own show.
Back OT, I don't see why live workshops could not be recorded and edited for web content. Those workshops would absolutely have to be prepared for specific skill levels. I would also hope that - like all good woodworking classes I've been to - they are based around actually making something of use.
CharlesWilson
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I definitely have to voice my support for webinars. Even if I attended a live session, having the video to go over afterward would be very helpful.
Also, I tend to get very sleepy in meetings and classrooms. I would probably retain less than 25% from a live session, but at least I would get a reasonable amount of shuteye.
Also, I tend to get very sleepy in meetings and classrooms. I would probably retain less than 25% from a live session, but at least I would get a reasonable amount of shuteye.
James Watriss
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I already posted on this considerably on the festool request board, but I'll take another stab...
I think that having a series of web seminars would be very helpful for learning the basics, and I think that while there should be an advanced and a beginner's class, I think the advanced class should assume basic knowledge of the tools and accessories, since there's a lot that any festool owner either already knows, or can figure out, just from owning and using the tool.
Or, maybe there should be a class for beginners/ haven't bought it yet but need the REAL sales pitch types.
Anyway... advanced class should be taught, I think, like an engineering class. Spend the first half covering advanced techniques, spend the second half in groups with a task that's pretty involved and challenging, so that the group is forced to innovate on their own... and share the results at the end of the class. It's not just about using intelligent tools. It's about intelligently using them.
I think that having a series of web seminars would be very helpful for learning the basics, and I think that while there should be an advanced and a beginner's class, I think the advanced class should assume basic knowledge of the tools and accessories, since there's a lot that any festool owner either already knows, or can figure out, just from owning and using the tool.
Or, maybe there should be a class for beginners/ haven't bought it yet but need the REAL sales pitch types.
Anyway... advanced class should be taught, I think, like an engineering class. Spend the first half covering advanced techniques, spend the second half in groups with a task that's pretty involved and challenging, so that the group is forced to innovate on their own... and share the results at the end of the class. It's not just about using intelligent tools. It's about intelligently using them.
John Stevens
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Neill said:
I agree with Neill--all good points, although I'm not clear about the one quoted above. If the format is pre-recorded video, I'm not sure how viewers could ask questions. Or are you thinking "webinar"? I'd appreciate the opportunity to learn what they guys learned at the Las Vegas training, but without traveling out of my home.
Regards,
John
John Stevens
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John Stevens said:
On the other hand, I had the privilege of a one-on-one session with Niall Barrett when he visited my local Woodcraft. I was having a problem with my AT-65 (this was 2004), and with his help we found that the saw was defective. I also brought along my PS2 jigsaw and OF1000 router and he answered a bunch of questions. That single meeting changed me from a "somewhat satisfied" Festool owner who might have purchased an additional Festool tool to a VERY satisfied Festool owner who has to be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt to buy anything but Festool.
Regards,
John
I've put my 2 sense on this issue already but I would like to add. Although webinars and YouTube videos are such a great Idea, I think they should be in-addition to training classes. The only people who can have input on YouTube videos and such are people who do use computers. There are a lot of folks who purchase and use Festool that:
-Don't use computers
-Don't like computers
-Don't have computers
I know a lot of the older folks here where I work and in my family cannot stand computers. My grandfather is a WW and a couple years ago I tried to get him involved with computers but he thought the mouse was to complicated to use. The fact is that there are a lot of people who just can't stand computers and don't like change. What I was trying to get at above is that if Festool decides what to do based only on this thread then I think they are going to miss the boat because a lot of people can't give feedback. I would suggest asking dealers to ask for feedback whenever a new purchase is made so this feedback request gets out to everyone.
I really think Festool needs to look at offering classes and putting together webinars and videos. Some people argue that "You can go back and look at the video for reference anytime you want" or "you will only remember 25% of the information provided". Well that?s why they invented paper and pencils. Take notes. That will also allow you to refer back to the same information. A good example is that if you do a training class in person, you can ask the trainer exactly what he meant and write it down. Videos do not allow you to do that so your interpretation of what?s going on may not be correct.
Although there are countless benefits of videos and webinars, I think in person training needs to offered as well as videos and such. The problem with both is that it may get expensive for Festool themselves and also take up a lot of time.
-Dave
-Don't use computers
-Don't like computers
-Don't have computers
I know a lot of the older folks here where I work and in my family cannot stand computers. My grandfather is a WW and a couple years ago I tried to get him involved with computers but he thought the mouse was to complicated to use. The fact is that there are a lot of people who just can't stand computers and don't like change. What I was trying to get at above is that if Festool decides what to do based only on this thread then I think they are going to miss the boat because a lot of people can't give feedback. I would suggest asking dealers to ask for feedback whenever a new purchase is made so this feedback request gets out to everyone.
I really think Festool needs to look at offering classes and putting together webinars and videos. Some people argue that "You can go back and look at the video for reference anytime you want" or "you will only remember 25% of the information provided". Well that?s why they invented paper and pencils. Take notes. That will also allow you to refer back to the same information. A good example is that if you do a training class in person, you can ask the trainer exactly what he meant and write it down. Videos do not allow you to do that so your interpretation of what?s going on may not be correct.
Although there are countless benefits of videos and webinars, I think in person training needs to offered as well as videos and such. The problem with both is that it may get expensive for Festool themselves and also take up a lot of time.
-Dave
CharlesWilson
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Just a thought:
If the videos are also made available on DVD, the computer-phobes will be able to benefit from the information.
If the videos are also made available on DVD, the computer-phobes will be able to benefit from the information.
As an IT guy by trade I hate to dis the CBT, DVD and Web options, but come on guys. These are tools for woodworking! What good is it if you can't hold them, touch them and use them?
Seriously though, I would probably take advantage of the multi-media options if I could not go to a real hands on class and I might even use (or buy) them as a follow up to a hands on class, but my first choice would definitely be hands on. You gotta get a little saw dust on you.
Well it's Festool, so just a very very very little ;D
JB
Seriously though, I would probably take advantage of the multi-media options if I could not go to a real hands on class and I might even use (or buy) them as a follow up to a hands on class, but my first choice would definitely be hands on. You gotta get a little saw dust on you.
Well it's Festool, so just a very very very little ;D
JB
Wonderwino
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Mike B said:Indeed. Perhaps Festool could finally convince Norm to abandon PorterCable as well.... or Give Tom Silva his own show.
Great idea! I'm a big HGTV/DIY channel fan. Perhaps having a half hour show devoted to projects completed with Festools, showing how they were uniquely utilized would have broad appeal. The show could visit known Festool craftsmen (and women) like Brice Burrell, Michael Kellough, Chris Mercado, Jerry Work, Eiji Fuller, the Swensons and others who work with our tools every day.
There is nothing like a variety of projects (furniture, cabinets, trim) to demonstrate the versatility and efficiency of the Festool system. I think it would not only educate current "users," but expand the number of devotees (more sales).
Many times, as I watch some of my favorite shows on HGTV/DIY, I'm thinking: "if they were only using Festools, they would do a much better job and it would be so much easier."
hi christian, i would like to say thank you for asking this question. as you can see from my profile, i am located in australia.
i use youtube every week searching for new videos about festool products. i have bought thousands of dollars of festool equipment based on how i could see someone using the tools on youtube.
when i am researching a tool, youtube is the first port of call for me, then i go to the local festool dealers and get some hands on training with it.
i also think the 2 day classes are a great idea, i am confident that when these happen in the near future in the U.S. we will see dealers or festool do the same in australia. there are no other tool companies even thinking about this here and i know it would boost sales dramatically. a lot of tradesmen/ builders have not heard of festool and these classes would certainly boost brand awareness.
regards, justin
i use youtube every week searching for new videos about festool products. i have bought thousands of dollars of festool equipment based on how i could see someone using the tools on youtube.
when i am researching a tool, youtube is the first port of call for me, then i go to the local festool dealers and get some hands on training with it.
i also think the 2 day classes are a great idea, i am confident that when these happen in the near future in the U.S. we will see dealers or festool do the same in australia. there are no other tool companies even thinking about this here and i know it would boost sales dramatically. a lot of tradesmen/ builders have not heard of festool and these classes would certainly boost brand awareness.
regards, justin
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