New Festool USA catalog - Feedback requested
- Thread starter Christian93117
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Christian O. said:
Hi Christian,
I think the new catalog is much improved from a use-ability standpoint. I also like the tips and dialog.
However, IMHO you have done yourselves an injustice by going with a lesser quality paper, cover and print.
Quality is what Festool is all about. Your catalog may be your first opportunity to show that quality is important to Festool to a potential new customer. I understand that catalogs are a huge expense as well as a tremendous amount of work (I do four a year for my company). But as the saying goes "you only get one chance to make a good first impression"
Just my 2 cents.
Scott W.
Frank Pellow
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I very much agree with Ned's suggestion. Thanks Ned! This extra "clutter" was also in the 2007 catalogue and I was confused by it more than once. By the way this applies to moire than just routers.Ned Young said:
Significant errors on Page 95.
The Duro-Form bits shown on page 95 are identified as being 1/2" shank, but their part numbers are those of Duro-Form bits with 8mm shanks. I believe the 1/2" shank claim is in error.
This is a big problem, since it will lead to mistaken ordering, disappointment, and restocking expense.
Another problem: In the Replacement Cutters table, the No. column is missing values which tie the replacement cutters to the bits. See 2007 print catalog.
A carryover from the 2007 catalog: The replacement cutter (491 085) for the rabetting bit (491 085) is the same as is used in the edge trimming bit (491 084), but this information is concealed by the layout of the page.
Ned
The Duro-Form bits shown on page 95 are identified as being 1/2" shank, but their part numbers are those of Duro-Form bits with 8mm shanks. I believe the 1/2" shank claim is in error.
This is a big problem, since it will lead to mistaken ordering, disappointment, and restocking expense.
Another problem: In the Replacement Cutters table, the No. column is missing values which tie the replacement cutters to the bits. See 2007 print catalog.
A carryover from the 2007 catalog: The replacement cutter (491 085) for the rabetting bit (491 085) is the same as is used in the edge trimming bit (491 084), but this information is concealed by the layout of the page.
Ned
Michael Kellough
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Ned Young said:
You've really got the eagle eyes Ned!
I think a reward is in order
dltflt
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Christian,
Are they going to a MFT w/o guide rail? Or long rails to make a large MFT? I did not find anything in the catalogue. The catalogue has improved 100% since last year, keep up the good work. I do agree with Ned's Idea on the accessories, it would make it much easier to navigate and decide what your needs really are.
Are they going to a MFT w/o guide rail? Or long rails to make a large MFT? I did not find anything in the catalogue. The catalogue has improved 100% since last year, keep up the good work. I do agree with Ned's Idea on the accessories, it would make it much easier to navigate and decide what your needs really are.
Christian93117
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Don T,
Yes, we will get the MFT without guide rail later this year.
Regards,
Christian
Yes, we will get the MFT without guide rail later this year.
Regards,
Christian
A number of people have commented on the catalog's quality. I was prepared to argue that it was simply a difference in the paper stock, and that, while different, it wasn't a big deal. I've been reading the PDF, not the physical catalog which just arrived. Now I have looked more closely at the catalog, and have asked my wife to look at it as well.
She commented that the 2007 would be more attractive to her, knowing nothing about the tools. She liked the pictures showing the tools in use, rather than simply showing the tool. The gloss of the body paper makes the images seem sharper. She admits that that point of view may not be held by guys.
The 2008 cover stock will stay fresh looking than the higher gloss 2007 stuff.
I'm OK with the text paper, but I think there are real problems with some of the prepress decisions, revolving around Festool Green. First, the green band at the top of every page is not Festool Green. Second, the headings ("TS 75 EQ--power and precision...") are not Festool Green, though they were in the 2007 catalog.
Look at pages 84 and 85. The illustrations of the OF 1400 on page 85 show the correct Festool Green, but the OF 1010 on the facing page is way off color.
The angle arm on page 88 is wrong, but the schnappers on the LR 32 set on page 89 are correct. Then on page 90, #27 is wrong.
This list is not exhaustive, but it should be enough to illustrate the problem.
Ned
She commented that the 2007 would be more attractive to her, knowing nothing about the tools. She liked the pictures showing the tools in use, rather than simply showing the tool. The gloss of the body paper makes the images seem sharper. She admits that that point of view may not be held by guys.
The 2008 cover stock will stay fresh looking than the higher gloss 2007 stuff.
I'm OK with the text paper, but I think there are real problems with some of the prepress decisions, revolving around Festool Green. First, the green band at the top of every page is not Festool Green. Second, the headings ("TS 75 EQ--power and precision...") are not Festool Green, though they were in the 2007 catalog.
Look at pages 84 and 85. The illustrations of the OF 1400 on page 85 show the correct Festool Green, but the OF 1010 on the facing page is way off color.
The angle arm on page 88 is wrong, but the schnappers on the LR 32 set on page 89 are correct. Then on page 90, #27 is wrong.
This list is not exhaustive, but it should be enough to illustrate the problem.
Ned
Hi,
I have noticed that many of the accessory photos are "generic". EX. - p. 90 #29 Edge Guide. Only the edge guide for one router is shown. This is a case were the guides for the different routers have some significant differences. I think it would be very helpful to potential buyers if the actual item was shown for each tool. I know this eats up space but in the edge guide example, the guide for the OF1400 has differing capabilities than the one shown. This could be important to the buyers end use.
Another example but of less importants is p.111 #17. The hose pictured is a D27 not a D36 as listed.
Overall I like the new catalog. I did not perceive the change from glossy to matte to be a quality change , rather a style change. I think it looks good.
Seth
I have noticed that many of the accessory photos are "generic". EX. - p. 90 #29 Edge Guide. Only the edge guide for one router is shown. This is a case were the guides for the different routers have some significant differences. I think it would be very helpful to potential buyers if the actual item was shown for each tool. I know this eats up space but in the edge guide example, the guide for the OF1400 has differing capabilities than the one shown. This could be important to the buyers end use.
Another example but of less importants is p.111 #17. The hose pictured is a D27 not a D36 as listed.
Overall I like the new catalog. I did not perceive the change from glossy to matte to be a quality change , rather a style change. I think it looks good.
Seth
stvrowe
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Christian,
Thank you for asking for feedback. I really think you guys did a great job on the new catalog and it is much improved over the previous version. I particularly like the tips and would love to see more in the future. There are some accessories whose function or use is not what I would call intuitively obvious. More pictures and tips for accessories and their uses would be most helpful.
I like the tables for accessories and parts that clearly show what parts work with the various models.
As far as areas for improvement I suggest:
1) Descriptive captions for the pictures. This could be integrated with the request for more tips or even the Festool facts.
2) On the locator tabs, use a color darker than light gray. For tabs that have only a few pages, they are not nearly as visible.
And - Justone two three questions:
What is the work holding device shown in the upper left photo on page 15? Is this a Festool product? If so, when will it be available in North America?
Thanks,
Steve
Thank you for asking for feedback. I really think you guys did a great job on the new catalog and it is much improved over the previous version. I particularly like the tips and would love to see more in the future. There are some accessories whose function or use is not what I would call intuitively obvious. More pictures and tips for accessories and their uses would be most helpful.
I like the tables for accessories and parts that clearly show what parts work with the various models.
As far as areas for improvement I suggest:
1) Descriptive captions for the pictures. This could be integrated with the request for more tips or even the Festool facts.
2) On the locator tabs, use a color darker than light gray. For tabs that have only a few pages, they are not nearly as visible.
And - Just
What is the work holding device shown in the upper left photo on page 15? Is this a Festool product? If so, when will it be available in North America?
Thanks,
Steve
Christian93117
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Nickao,
Regarding your questions about the longer rails: I didn't get an answer yet. I will post something as soon as I hear back from Germany.
Christian
Regarding your questions about the longer rails: I didn't get an answer yet. I will post something as soon as I hear back from Germany.
Christian
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Just got my catalog today (yeah, things move slowly here in South Georgia).
Page 68 states some jigsaw blades are designed for various types of cuts. But the chart on page 69 doesn't list which types of cuts for the blades. I don't know if you run out of room to include it but that was very helpful to me in the past. I do have the older pamphlet on the blades that I can refer to but it will be missed in the new catalog.
Overall I like the new catalog. Keep up the good work!
Page 68 states some jigsaw blades are designed for various types of cuts. But the chart on page 69 doesn't list which types of cuts for the blades. I don't know if you run out of room to include it but that was very helpful to me in the past. I do have the older pamphlet on the blades that I can refer to but it will be missed in the new catalog.
Overall I like the new catalog. Keep up the good work!
Christian93117
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Nickao,
The longer rails will not be offered as a standard catalog item, since we hardly sold any in the past.
They can be special ordered though, waiting time 8-10 week.
Regards,
Christian
The longer rails will not be offered as a standard catalog item, since we hardly sold any in the past.
They can be special ordered though, waiting time 8-10 week.
Regards,
Christian
turbogeezer
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I'll quote Steve Rowe, above, as he said just what I was thinking:
"Thank you for asking for feedback. I really think you guys did a great job on the new catalog and it is much improved over the previous version. I particularly like the tips and would love to see more in the future. There are some accessories whose function or use is not what I would call intuitively obvious. More pictures and tips for accessories and their uses would be most helpful."
So here's my Catalog Comment #1
I'm late to the party here, but I'd like to add that there is yet one more way that Festool identifies their tools (and accessories) that seems to be left out of the catalog. For example, the famous 491 588 not only has an official name - the Angle Unit - but it's also the FS-KS, printed right on the unit.
I was looking at Brice Burrell's page - www.burrellcustomcarpentry.com/subpage44.html - discussing the OF-FH "Routing Aid" . He says "This is one of my new favorite accessories."
I went to find it in the catalog. I know it's the OF-FH because it's labeled on the unit in Brice's photos. I assume that what he's talking about is the 495 246 - what Festool calls the Plexiglas Template.
So, besides the VERY WELCOME cross-ref of numbers at the back of the catalog, maybe also a cross-ref chart of these alpha descriptions. PLUS, these alpha descriptions also need to be in the description area on the catalog page.
I love having the catalog both PDF and printed.
"Thank you for asking for feedback. I really think you guys did a great job on the new catalog and it is much improved over the previous version. I particularly like the tips and would love to see more in the future. There are some accessories whose function or use is not what I would call intuitively obvious. More pictures and tips for accessories and their uses would be most helpful."
So here's my Catalog Comment #1
I'm late to the party here, but I'd like to add that there is yet one more way that Festool identifies their tools (and accessories) that seems to be left out of the catalog. For example, the famous 491 588 not only has an official name - the Angle Unit - but it's also the FS-KS, printed right on the unit.
I was looking at Brice Burrell's page - www.burrellcustomcarpentry.com/subpage44.html - discussing the OF-FH "Routing Aid" . He says "This is one of my new favorite accessories."
I went to find it in the catalog. I know it's the OF-FH because it's labeled on the unit in Brice's photos. I assume that what he's talking about is the 495 246 - what Festool calls the Plexiglas Template.
So, besides the VERY WELCOME cross-ref of numbers at the back of the catalog, maybe also a cross-ref chart of these alpha descriptions. PLUS, these alpha descriptions also need to be in the description area on the catalog page.
I love having the catalog both PDF and printed.
turbogeezer
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Catalog comment #2
While I'm on a roll - something that strikes me as odd is the Guide Rail connectors. You always need 2, but Festool packages and sells them as ones. Same goes for the MFT/3 table connectors. Basically - any time you have to put "2 are needed" in the catalog because you're selling them singly - something's wrong. If you go shoe shopping, there's no note that says "2 are needed".
While I'm on a roll - something that strikes me as odd is the Guide Rail connectors. You always need 2, but Festool packages and sells them as ones. Same goes for the MFT/3 table connectors. Basically - any time you have to put "2 are needed" in the catalog because you're selling them singly - something's wrong. If you go shoe shopping, there's no note that says "2 are needed".
turbogeezer
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Catalog comment #3
And then there's that thing about the MFS - apparently, if you want to make full use of this amazingly expensive template/guide system, you need to order some extra nuts/bolts/connector things that you can only get as replacement parts... can't go through the regular channels... etc.
Quotes:
Jerry Work -- "Festool offers a small bag of V nuts and set screws as part number 493235."
Brice Burrell -- "Also offered, as spare parts, are a set of 4 MFS "Joiners" (part # 493235) that fit into the V slots to connect profiles length-wise. You'll need to call Festool's service department to order the joiners. "
Ned Young -- "And you'll need some things not in the catalog... As soon as you have more than 4 MFS profiles, you need to get a set of 4 MFS "joiners" (493235, a spare part, ~25USD). Two joiners are used to link the profiles end-to-end. If you have both MFS 400 and MFS 700 sets, you can join the pairs of 400mm profiles to make two 800mm units."
Why not just list these in the catalog and make them easily available to dealers - or here's an idea - with a $250 MFS400 or a $380 MFS700, just toss that little bag-o'-parts in the box at the factory.
And then there's that thing about the MFS - apparently, if you want to make full use of this amazingly expensive template/guide system, you need to order some extra nuts/bolts/connector things that you can only get as replacement parts... can't go through the regular channels... etc.
Quotes:
Jerry Work -- "Festool offers a small bag of V nuts and set screws as part number 493235."
Brice Burrell -- "Also offered, as spare parts, are a set of 4 MFS "Joiners" (part # 493235) that fit into the V slots to connect profiles length-wise. You'll need to call Festool's service department to order the joiners. "
Ned Young -- "And you'll need some things not in the catalog... As soon as you have more than 4 MFS profiles, you need to get a set of 4 MFS "joiners" (493235, a spare part, ~25USD). Two joiners are used to link the profiles end-to-end. If you have both MFS 400 and MFS 700 sets, you can join the pairs of 400mm profiles to make two 800mm units."
Why not just list these in the catalog and make them easily available to dealers - or here's an idea - with a $250 MFS400 or a $380 MFS700, just toss that little bag-o'-parts in the box at the factory.
I've now had the time to take a realtime but brief romp through the new catalog -- I like it. Not to take anything away from a number of very precise comments and suggestions here, which are thoughtful and probably more what you wanted in this thread. From a "quick tour" perspective, it's a solid hit!
Dave
Dave
Brice Burrell
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turbogeezer said:
Turbo, yes the OF-FH "routing aid" is now called the "Plexiglas Template". I'll update my site.
