Loaner Program??

[bkharman]

Hello all,

New to the forum and fairly new to Festool.  Have been a DIY/Hobbyist for many many years and finally made the plunge (pun intended and probably overused here!) last year to the Fespool...

I started with the OF 1400 and CT 26, added the MFT3 and a number of accessories there... about a month ago I made the decision to get some more tracks and the TS 55 REQ.  Unfortunately, I made that decision the week that the recall started and have been stuck on making a decision ever since.

I really like the features of the saw so I don't want to deviate from it (and will gladly wait for the kinks to be worked out and go on sale again) to migrate to say a TS 75 or the former TS 55 EQ.  I am though in a bit of a spot as I need to start working on some builtins and small kitchen cabinets. 

Is there some sort of "loaner" program or rental program that anyone is aware of?  Either through a dealer or Festool itself?  I would gladly rent one if need but don't want to go for the big momma or the old daddy...

I really would prefer to abandon my old table saw as it is very out of shape and wouldn't trust it to cut my firewood.  I also dont want to buy a temporary tracksaw knowing full well that as soon as the REQs are back on sale, I will be getting one.

Thanks in advance to all and I am very happy to start my journey into the deep end of the Fespool.  [wink]

Cheers,

Bryan in Cincinnati

 

[Alan m]

welcome to the fog.
its a tricky situation. you need the saw but cant use it.

i would talk to your dealer. maybe they can let you 'test' the display model ts55
or buy a ts55 and return it within the 30 days

 

[ccarrolladams]

[welcome] to The FOG,

Before the TS55REQ was introduced in North America, Festool discontinued the TS55 EQ, although spare parts will be available for at least 7 more years.

The second the TS55REQ recall was announced, the value of used TS55 shot through the roof. Good luck finding any still new in dealer stock.

Similarly good luck finding any Festool dealers loaning demo tools.

The TS75 certainly can be used as a replacement for a TS55. I own 2 of those and 12 TS55. If you were to use a saw to cut 3/4" or thinner sheet material all day long I suspect you would agree with me the easier handling of the TS55 makes it a more appropriate choice. However, you say you are DIY. I have many good friends who do not earn their living woodworking you selected the TS75 for its increased cut capacity and power. When they need to cut sheet material they are very happy with the quality of the cuts.

Remember, because the base plate of the TS75 is longer, you need a 75" (1900mm) rail to cross cut a 4x8' sheet, and such a rail is part of the TS75 package. A TS55xx can cross-cut 4' with the 55" (1400mm) guide rails.

 

[copcarcollector]

I too ordered the REQ saw the week it was recalled - oops!

In the mean time, if you do want the older 55 saw, Bob Marino and CPO Outlets  list it as in stock. You could always sell it later, that was my plan anyhow!

 

[K119Phil]

Hey welcome to the FOG!

With a little established rapport, we gladly provide loaner tools to our Festool clients.  It's one of the trump cards we brick-n-mortar dealers have over exclusively online stores -- being able to take care of clients, here and now.  Granted, I've heard rumors of online stores next-day-air'ing a loaner Kapex to a client before... hat tip to them.

carrolladams and copcarcollector are both right in terms of dealer and Festool stock levels of TS55EQ and TS75EQ, post-REQ recall.  I think even I'm only left with one or two of each last I checked.  Granted the TS55REQ is 'newer', let's not forget that the TS55EQ was the centerpiece of Festool for years and years prior.  Truthfully, the only real absolute NEW feature of the TS55REQ (that the EQ could not do) is the ability to do beveled cuts with outside splinterguard attached.  All other aspects are "improvements" on previous features. 

A little redundant, but I'd suggest the same as the gents above -- trying around your local Festool dealers to see if any are willing to loan, and if not, finding a dealer with stock of 55 or 75, purchase, then sell later if you'd like to switch back to the REQ.  To my knowledge, Festool is waiting on Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for an official course of action regarding the recall/TS55REQ design modification, which at least to me, as a Federal commission, would take a good bit of time.   

A supplemental / trivial note would be that I've noted quite a few reviews now on the FOG of 55REQ'ers who've swapped for the 75, and are truly surprised/delighted.  The primary note / concern was always regarding the 75's bulkiness and weight -- addressed by the simple after-use realization that while in operation, that the weight of the saw simply rides on the rail.  Only time when weight/bulkiness becomes hindering would be during transport. 

Hope this helps! 

 

[semenza]

Hi Bryan,

Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

Seth

 

[bkharman]

Hey welcome to the FOG!

With a little established rapport, we gladly provide loaner tools to our Festool clients.  It's one of the trump cards we brick-n-mortar dealers have over exclusively online stores -- being able to take care of clients, here and now.  Granted, I've heard rumors of online stores next-day-air'ing a loaner Kapex to a client before... hat tip to them.

carrolladams and copcarcollector are both right in terms of dealer and Festool stock levels of TS55EQ and TS75EQ, post-REQ recall.  I think even I'm only left with one or two of each last I checked.  Granted the TS55REQ is 'newer', let's not forget that the TS55EQ was the centerpiece of Festool for years and years prior.  Truthfully, the only real absolute NEW feature of the TS55REQ (that the EQ could not do) is the ability to do beveled cuts with outside splinterguard attached.  All other aspects are "improvements" on previous features.  

A little redundant, but I'd suggest the same as the gents above -- trying around your local Festool dealers to see if any are willing to loan, and if not, finding a dealer with stock of 55 or 75, purchase, then sell later if you'd like to switch back to the REQ.  To my knowledge, Festool is waiting on Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for an official course of action regarding the recall/TS55REQ design modification, which at least to me, as a Federal commission, would take a good bit of time.    

A supplemental / trivial note would be that I've noted quite a few reviews now on the FOG of 55REQ'ers who've swapped for the 75, and are truly surprised/delighted.  The primary note / concern was always regarding the 75's bulkiness and weight -- addressed by the simple after-use realization that while in operation, that the weight of the saw simply rides on the rail.  Only time when weight/bulkiness becomes hindering would be during transport.  

Hope this helps!  

Thanks (to everyone!) for the replies.  I have given a lot of thought to the TS75 as well.  I know it will be a kick (edit: Butt) saw but I was really heart-set on the 55 R...  Not that the extra $110.00 out of my pocket makes that much of a difference, but it is part of the overall.

I may check with the local reps here in Cincy, see if I can leave them with my CC# on a loaner.  I am not the kind to "buy" it for 29 days and "return" it, so that isn't an option for me either.  I got an offer from a mate of mine that said i can borrow his DeWart TS for a while, so i have that option as well.

Again, thanks for all of the replies!  I am glad to be making my way into the mix here.  In the process of setting up my workshop and will post pictures as it progresses but in the meantime, I will enjoy my  CT 26, OF 1400, MFT3, RO 90 and all of the accessories I have gobbled up!  My work life keeps getting in the way of my shop life!!

Cheers all.