To revisit the earlier topic I had posted regarding this particular sander, I believe that if this sander had a 5/8-11 spindle it would vastly improve the versatility of this sander because it would allow you to use commonly available accessories. The Festool accessories would accomplish most tasks, but we all come across an occasional task that may require a specific pad or wheel not readily available in metric sizes. I'm not talking about metal or concrete work as there are plenty of readily available tools for that purpose.
RAS115 sander
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AlexThePalex
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SteveM said:
And if America used M14 accessories like the rest of the world you wouldn't have a problem. [wink]
If Festool would redesign the RAS to have a 5/8-11 spindle they would also need to redesign all their standard accessories for it and fabricate and market a completely seperate line for America only. Costly.
SteveM said:
Congress does not prohibit metric stuff. People actively refusing to use it.
President Eisenhower visited Europe in 40-s (as US army general), and noticed that German autobahns are good, really good, then in 50s (as a president) he started USA's highway program. Do you like it now? It's much better than traditional country roads.
Edison tried to protect "traditional" DC current, Westinghouse with his AC current won. Do you need other examples?
There is no need to start another World War for USA metrication. Sometimes I feel like USA is island, very isolated island.....
AlexThePalex
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VictorL said:
Same here, I sometimes get the feeling America is too much looking inward only.
But regarding M14 accessories, you'll probably not gonna find them at most local stores, but shouldn't you be able to find them somewhere in America? They must be sold somewhere. Like, I live in metric country, but I'm able to get imperial stuff too if I should need it. Not that hard to find over here actually.
ApgarConstruction
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Just stock up on items online and not have to worry about buying them in a store for the sander.
the RAS is on my list of next to buy, I'm struggling whether to buy the RO90 or the RAS first. the kapex just left a huge dent in the tools budget.
the RAS is on my list of next to buy, I'm struggling whether to buy the RO90 or the RAS first. the kapex just left a huge dent in the tools budget.
the RAS is on my list of next to buy, I'm struggling whether to buy the RO90 or the RAS first. the kapex just left a huge dent in the tools budget.
Depend on what is your next project. I have both and think that they are both great but different type of sanders for different type of work.
Bruce
[/quote]
Depend on what is your next project. I have both and think that they are both great but different type of sanders for different type of work.
Bruce
[/quote]
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SteveM said:
I'm having a hard time coming up with any other former British Colony that still embraces the Royal stupidity of measuring based on the length of various aspects of the Regals.
The recent "Give Away a Colony Day" celebrations (on July 4) made me wonder even more why we continue to embrace such servitude.
Tom
GaryLaroff
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Tom Bellemare said:
Tom, the three high-technology large Festool-market countries that officially use the English system of measurements today are the USA, Myanmar (Burma) and Liberia.
More to the point, since I haven't purchased the RAS yet, are there M14 grinding wheels and the like available in the U.S. and if so, from whom?
Gary
SteveM said:
USA does not produce power tools anymore (almost) , so it's just a matter of time when manufacturers will switch to metric spindles.
After WWII Europe's industry was almost dead, so USA sold to Europe and Japan a lot of machinery. For USA it was "native", but for Europe it were really hard to produce Imperial spare parts, so they must to purchase them from the USA. It was good protection mechanism for American industry 50-100 years ago, but not now.
65 years later situation changed. Nobody wants American goods anymore.
Ford, GM and Chrysler didn't want to change. Where they are now? Ford brings European models into US soil, not opposite. Ford Escort, Ford Transit and Ford Fiesta were designed in Europe among with many others "European Only" Fords. GM said that they trucks are ultimate, but if you see any photos around the world, most trucks are Toyota....
Ford is in better shape because started to change earlier.
GaryLaroff said:
Festool has presence in the USA only, but not in Myanmar (Burma) and Liberia.
Myanmar (Burma) and Liberia DOES NOT have industry.
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I'm kind of tired now, Gary, but I'll look into it tomorrow. I think sourcing worldly goods in the US should not be difficult but I could easily be wrong.
I would like for everyone in the world to use similar standards but I know it won't be happening soon. The biggest reason why it hasn't happened to date is as was mentioned a couple of posts previously, interests that thought they were better served by making something different or exclusive. Those interests in this country have apparently won the standards war here.
I can perform complex math (using fractions) in my head but not many people can. However, allmost everyone I've met can Count Change.
Is it superior to cling to a system that pays homage to Royalty across the Pond or adopt a simple system that is like everyone's toes? That assumes that they didn't stick them in the lawnmower...
Tom
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