MY list (and first post)

[Cougar]

I've lurked long enough so I guess a good place to start is on the wish list.  Things I would like to see:

Updated and expanded orbital sanders like like the RS 200 EQ-Plus & RS 100 Q .  Yes I know 1/2 sheet sanders aren't super popular in the US anymore but they are still excellent sanders for those in the know.  I love my RS2E.

A 1/4 true sheet sander that has the option to take cut down full sheets like the RS2E takes either a 1/2 sheet or stickfix sheets.

Training like is available in Germany for users, either pro or hobbyists.  Another option would be to come out with computer based training modules online or by DVD.  This would go a long way to demonstrate some of the features and tricks when using Festool products.  Another idea would be to give a users disk with each tool to demonstrate features.  A prime example of needing more information is the MFS. It doesn't have much with it to explain it's capabilities.  I'm an instructor by trade and I've developed a lot of CBT modules.  Done right they can be very effective.

Kapex - of course! ;D

General things I like are the metric scales.  They have forced me to use a system that we should have seriously adopted long ago.  It's MUCH easier to use.  Having Festool and other European tools in the US hopefully will hasten the old imperial systems demise.

OK I give for now.

 

[mysterium]

Hi & Welcome!!!

Cougar you make many good points.  I agree that the 1/2 sheeters are great sanders.  I'd be happy just to get a Plug-it pigtail for my RS2E...

Training would be good & most of "us" are visual.  Jerry Work & Rick Christopher's manuals have been very helpful but your right a good advanced training DVD would be helpful.  High end & trick's of the trade would be great.  However it would probably be stuck either at UL for "approval"  or in the the legal department...

jim

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Cougar,
Welcome to the forum, and good points about Festool!

It's interesting you mention the idea of instructional materials.  This forum has an advanced gallery feature, and I'm hoping members will upload photos and video materials there (Click here).

We also have numerous excellent instructional posts here in the forum, as well as posts illustrating a unique usage for a tool or accessory (just look at the Domino posts and you'll see what I mean).

And we have some stellar user manuals developed by Rick Christopherson.

One of my goals for this forum is to collect "the best of" for each type of instructional piece mentioned above and create a kind of "Festool User's Guide" that would be better than any other on the market (like the tools themselves).  This guide could come with a CD, and be illustrated with lots of useful descriptions of the tools and accessories.  Not only would a guide like this be terrific to use, but it would also have the added benefit of coming from the forum (from fellow customers), and I am positive it would lead to more sales for Festool.

So, I guess one item on your wish list for Festool is also on my wish list for the Forum.

Again, welcome to the forum!

Stay in touch,
Matthew Schenker

 

[Dave Rudy]

Cougar,

Some great thoughts.  Welcome to the forum.  The DVD idea is great.  Shorter length instructional videos could also be done and uploaded as video podcasts.  There are several now like Wood Whisperer and Woodworking online which are free through the Ipod store.  We've also had great video assistance from Bill E and Brice Burrell, and photo documentation and instruction from John Lucas at Woodshop Demos.

But a professionally done, high quality instructional video could be distributed online with low overhead and a reasonable charge made for the work to put it together. Best of all, it wouldnt have to be done by Festool.  Someone thoroughly familiar with the tool and its uses could do so.

Maybe some stuff here to think about . . .