RAS alternative?

[Crazyraceguy]

When they first hit the stores around here, it was only woodworking retailers. The big box places didn't carry them, so consumables were not readily available.

Sorry... [off topic]

That's been the bane of the baby PC from it's birth...consumables were never consistently available even from Porter Cable. That and the heat it produces when you use it continuously for 10-15 minutes were the beginning of the death knell. Super convenient and it had nice ergonomics, light weight and was easy to handle but the factory support for it was nil.  [sad]

Exactly right. That little bugger would get quite hot if you ran it too long. I would often set it on the concrete floor, after a while, to hopefully pull some heat away from it. To some degree, I get that, it should not really be a big job thing. Get the bigger (proper) tool.
Right also about support. Why did they just throw it out there and then seemingly ignore it? They promoted the heck out of them in the beginning. There was often a full sized picture of one on the back cover of woodworking magazines for months before they became available. I asked about them in my local Woodcraft store long before they could get them, which is why I got the first one they could get. The Klingspor guy is probably what made it viable for me, but I used the heck out of that thing for years in a commercial/industrial environment.
It filled a niche, but apparently didn't sell enough? Maybe because of their own sabotage in the consumables? I liked it and would buy another one today, if I could.

The RAS115 is great too, I just wish it had the Plug-it cable.

 

[jimbo51]

I saw a RAS 115 on the display rack at Woodcraft in Downingtown PA.

 

[Cheese]

I saw a RAS 115 on the display rack at Woodcraft in Downingtown PA.

 

[Sparktrician]

I saw a RAS 115 on the display rack at Woodcraft in Downingtown PA.

I saw one in the stack of Systainers in my shop...  [big grin]  BA-HAHAHAHA!!!!  [big grin]

 

[DynaGlide]

I saw a RAS 115 on the display rack at Woodcraft in Downingtown PA.

I saw one in the stack of Systainers in my shop...  [big grin]  BA-HAHAHAHA!!!!  [big grin]

Dibs  [big grin]

 

[Cheese]

I saw one in the stack of Systainers in my shop...  [big grin]  BA-HAHAHAHA!!!!  [big grin]

BA-HAHAHAHA!!!! and I'll raise you a BA-HAHAHAHA!!!!  [big grin]

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I saw one in the stack of Systainers in my shop...  [big grin]  BA-HAHAHAHA!!!!  [big grin]

BA-HAHAHAHA!!!! and I'll raise you a BA-HAHAHAHA!!!!  [big grin]

I am glad I was not taking a sip of water when I read it...thanks for the chuckle! If I have two in my stacks, does that count for two BA- HAHAHAHA's?  [blink] ;D

 

[jcrowe1950]

I saw one in the stack of Systainers in my shop...  [big grin]  BA-HAHAHAHA!!!!  [big grin]

BA-HAHAHAHA!!!! and I'll raise you a BA-HAHAHAHA!!!!  [big grin]

I am glad I was not taking a sip of water when I read it...thanks for the chuckle! If I have two in my stacks, does that count for two BA- HAHAHAHA's?  [blink] ;D

    I managed to score one right after they were discontinued. So, Bwah Ha Ha on that. The thing is, I have used it sparingly...mostly for sculpting wood. I need to score a replacement "dust fringe" because mine broke into pieces a while back....interesting tool though.....I can check for availability when I return to work on Wednesday in the Woodcraft system if anybody is interested.... [eek]

 

[Mike Goetzke]

I realize this is an older thread but when the RAS115e went on clearance it was perfect timing for this serious hobbyist. I was building several Adirondack chairs for our front porch. I purchased this "brown" treated lumber from my local Menards. The look was not very consistent so I needed to sand the surface a bit. The 115e was the perfect tool! Made quick work of the task and DC was pretty good. 

 

[Alanbach]

[member=39505]jcrowe1950[/member] - the metal bristled brush is Festool 484728 and the plastic bristled brush is 484727. So far Festool continues to make most of the accesories for the RAS 115 available in NA.

 

[DynaGlide]

A new one on eBay just went for $520 + S&H [eek] Over 52 watchers last time I checked.

I guess for those wanting one you'll either have to get lucky on the FOG or the local classifieds.

 

[Bob D.]

A new one on eBay just went for $520 + S&H [eek] Over 52 watchers last time I checked.

I guess for those wanting one you'll either have to get lucky on the FOG or the local classifieds.

I could almost double my money at those prices. Bought one when they closed them out
and still haven't even opened the Systainer other than to verify everything was there.

 

[Cheese]

A new one on eBay just went for $520 + S&H [eek] Over 52 watchers last time I checked.

I really hope this doesn't turn into the luxury watch market dilemma.  [crying] 

Over the last 5-10 years stainless steel sport watches from Rolex, Patek & AP have been in so much demand that if a person is actually able to purchase one at suggested list price, they can walk out of the jewelry store with it on their arm, contact a grey market seller who will offer them 150% what they paid and then the grey market seller will offer the same watch for 200% or more of suggested list price. This all can happen within days including selling the watch with a 200%+ markup. The demand is so strong that people are literally just throwing money at these items to own them.

 

[DynaGlide]

A new one on eBay just went for $520 + S&H [eek] Over 52 watchers last time I checked.

I really hope this doesn't turn into the luxury watch market dilemma.  [crying] 

Over the last 5-10 years stainless steel sport watches from Rolex, Patek & AP have been in so much demand that if a person is actually able to purchase one at suggested list price, they can walk out of the jewelry store with it on their arm, contact a grey market seller who will offer them 150% what they paid and then the grey market seller will offer the same watch for 200% or more of suggested list price. This all can happen within days including selling the watch with a 200%+ markup. The demand is so strong that people are literally just throwing money at these items to own them.

It's just supply and demand [member=44099]Cheese[/member]. Happens everywhere. Gaming consoles are a prime example as are popular childrens toys. It's a bit unusual for a discontinued tool however to be marked up so much.

 

[Bob D.]

Hmm, maybe my Citizen Hyper Aqualand can buy me some more Festools.

 

[DynaGlide]

Since I think this thread started a bit of hype for the RAS, there's one going to be listed on Festoolrecon.com today for $270. Good luck.

 

[squall_line]

Since I think this thread started a bit of hype for the RAS, there's one going to be listed on Festoolrecon.com today for $270. Good luck.

This and the TS75 are both high on hype and speculation and are reselling for insane prices right now.

I just hope whoever gets those tools from Recon is someone who needs them and will use them rather than flip them.