Metric Depth Scale Conversion (Imperial to Metric) - Possible?

[TinyShop]

I've read anecdotal evidence on this forum that Festool USA will either sell or provide for free a replacement metric depth scale for the imperial version of the OF 1400. In seeking to confirm this, I've searched all over to no avail.

So, what's the latest word on a) whether metric scales are in available (according to EKAT the scale on its own is not something that is available for purchase) and, if so, b) whether there is a cost involved with acquiring a metric scale to replace (or cover-over?) the imperial scale and, if so, what's the charge? I seem to recall reading something about a $75 charge but can't locate that reference.

I need to know because I came across a deal on the imperial version earlier today but am hesitant to pull the trigger if there's a cost involved with getting ahold of a metric replacement scale. If there is and if it's cost prohibitive, I'll continue to wait for a used metric version.

FWIW it looks like there is some detail about this on the Festool USA blog but when I try to access the relevant post, the server times out. I've never visited the blog before so not sure if it's even still in service or it's perhaps another casualty of the problems with the new website. Either way I can't see whatever it is that Festool posted re: this issue.

Does anyone know?

Thanks.

 

[ben_r_]

Have you tried just calling Festool and asking them?!

 

[TinyShop]

[member=58821]ben_r_[/member] - I guess I didn't make it clear, but the deal I found expires at midnight tonight and, therefore, calling Festool is not a possibility - it's the weekend and they are not open. Hence, my reaching out to folks on the forum.

 

[dlu]

I'm in a similar position (no time pressure, but prodded by the metric scales on my other tools to bite the bullet and work in metric, I'm very reluctant to buy new tools if they can't be converted to metric at a reasonable price) and I called Festool. They (Brad, I think) told me that for the 1400 and 2200 a metric scale sticker is available at no cost. For the 1010 there is a replacement scale.

 

[TinyShop]

[member=31317]Douglas Urner[/member] - This is exactly the information I needed. Good to know and thanks so much!

 

[Svar]

There are dozens of self adhesive tapes on the market with metric, imperial, and combined scales.http://www.ebay.com/itm/45-90cm-Sel...easure-/401361334520?var=&hash=item5d72fff0f8:m:mrAVm-Cr9Kki5gaPQ76cTqA

 

[ronaldhsmith]

I use a construction calculator...very helpful in my view.

 

[TinyShop]

Just realized that I never followed up on my experience. Festool USA was happy to provide me with the replacement metric scale. There was no charge and it took about a week for the package to arrive. Very pleased!  

 

[sancho57]

Though it doesnt matter to me, Im used to the metric but I thinks its great that FT would do that [thumbs up]

 

[SS Teach]

When you couldn’t get imperial scale routers people complained you couldn’t get them. Festool announced; we will sell imperial scale routers, people were happy.  Now that you can’t get metric scaled routers people want them and complain you can’t get them. Is there a happy medium somewhere?

 

[oakhilltop]

When you couldn’t get imperial scale routers people complained you couldn’t get them. Festool announced; we will sell imperial scale routers, people were happy.  Now that you can’t get metric scaled routers people want them and complain you can’t get them. Is there a happy medium somewhere?

Yes, the US switches to metric finally!  Just kiddin, just kiddin ........ kind of.  [smile]

This dual system is a PIA. I have a JD tractor, made in Japan. Some things are metric and others imperial. Ugh.

 

[Mario Turcot]

I contacted Festool today about the metric sticker and they were quick to reply. They basically said to look at my local dealer that they can sells them. At least they gave me the item #462622

 

[Michael Kellough]

When you couldn’t get imperial scale routers people complained you couldn’t get them. Festool announced; we will sell imperial scale routers, people were happy.  Now that you can’t get metric scaled routers people want them and complain you can’t get them. Is there a happy medium somewhere?

If it was a truly imperial router... it wouldn't still have a metric threaded depth adjustment post. It's the stupid mix of systems that irks...

 

[Cheese]

If it was a truly imperial router... it wouldn't still have a metric threaded depth adjustment post. It's the stupid mix of systems that irks...

Amen...

 

[peter halle]

When the decision was announced about the imperial or semi-imperial conversion I was upset.  I was vocal here against Festool which I would suggest to be odder than naught as a Moderator.  I totally still agree with my feelings of "really why?" and "why not go all the way then?".

But after using my all metric tools since then and the few other manufacturers' tools I own and reading about others' experiences both before and after the change, I have come to my own personal observation - I frankly don't give a rat's butt about cutting depth scales on the TS-55 or the routers anymore. I gauge based on the thickness of the wood, use the Fast-fix for most of my cuts on 3/4" material.  Insetting hinges or doing precise grooves or dados utilize setup blocks.  Micro-adjust is great but I have never used in 8 plus years - IN MY SETTING.  Micro-adjust on the saws or routers would do what whatever I could imagine doing  if I decided to use it.

I have decided to personally stop looking in my rear view mirror on the depth scales on tools.

I am glad that the Parallel Guides are available in both systems of measurement.

Peter