For a long time I was looking for a model CDD Festool drill. Couldn't locate on eBay and, after that model was replaced by the C12, Festool had none in stock. So, since I worked for FedEx and flew regularly to Europe I sought out used equipment over there. Plenty of used Festool on eBay Germany and eBay Uk.
Here's the big problem. Electrical power in Europe is 220v 50 cycle. So, even though you could plug in a Domino or a TS75 to your 220 outlet in the garage, the cutters would run at 20% overspeed because of the difference in the current. We have 60 cycles, the machine motors are made for 50 cycles.. Battery powered stuff wouldn't be a problem. But gasoline is currently selling for $13.50 a gallon in London. Which means, the US dollar is doesn't buy squat. The sales channels in Europe are quite odd, by our standards. There are specialized tool "agents/sales guys" who cater to the trades. As part of the Euro safety requirements, you go to the small shop of one of these guys and he gives you instructions and safety demo on each Festool machine you want. Then he sells it to you.
Mail order and such are quite restricted. Australia has Festool mail order outlets, but there again you run into the voltage/current dilemma. 220v, 50 cycle. Shipping would be quite high, and the warranty on Festools from other countries is void in the US because of contract agreements. So I would say for the battery tools, eBay UK or eBay .de might be ok. Nix on anything with a plug.
Oh, and after 17 months of looking on eBay I finally got my drill on Craigslist in Phoenix. Half price for a machine used only on one cabinet install job. The guy had 4 for sale. This information I am giving you here was confirmed to me by the Festool sales/repair facility in Santa Barbara California. (Goleta, actually)
Good hunting.
Gary Curtis
Northern California
Gary Curtis
Northern California