Recomend an Internet Dealer based in Arizona or Nevada?

[John H]

Greetings

I am considering purchasing a Festool dust extractor/sander although I am not quite sure of which dust extractor would work best for me.  (I have narrowed it down to the MIDI or the 26 so far and I don't really have a dealer nearby where I can go and look at them)

I like the idea of being able to return the item within 30 days - but I would imagine I would have to pay the return shipping and on a box the size of a dust extractor shipped to the East Coast - well I am sure it would get expensive!

I have read good things about Bob Marino - but he is clear across the country from me  (I am on the West Coast near Los Angeles).  So, I am trying to find a reputable dealer based outside of (BUT CLOSE TO) California  (because not having to pay sales tax leaves me more money for more tools!)

Ant recommendations?

 

[Paul G]

If they are online and the shipping is no or low cost, I'm curious what difference it makes if they are in AZ or NV vs NY or FL?

BTW, in case you didn't know, you still have to pay the sales tax in CA, you are supposed to send it via your tax forms by April 15.

 

[John H]

If they are online and the shipping is no or low cost, I'm curious what difference it makes if they are in AZ or NV vs NY or FL?.

Because if I am paying for the return shipping, it would costs me more to ship a large item to New York (2,500 miles)  versus somewhere close by but out of state like Phoenix (350 miles)

 

[Bob Marino]

If they are online and the shipping is no or low cost, I'm curious what difference it makes if they are in AZ or NV vs NY or FL?.

Because if I am paying for the return shipping, it would costs me more to ship a large item to New York (2,500 miles)  versus somewhere close by but out of state like Phoenix (350 miles)

John,

Thanks for the kind words. Actually, I'm from New York (more specifically, Brooklyn ) live in NJ and ship from Ohio.
Regarding the CT 26 vs the MIDI, even though they have the same  suction, I think that  you should ask yourself, will you be using the vac as a main shop vac and be more stationary or will you be using the vac at the jobsite or moving it around the house, carrying up and down the stairs. In other words, if you want to avail yourself of the MINI/MIDI's main advantages (other than price) over the 26, which is lighter weight, smaller size, ease of transport, go for it. If you want to avail yourself of the 26 main advantages over the MINI/MIDI, which are larger capacity, more ergonomic ease of using larger hoses, get the 26. Answer those questions/check the FOG and you should be very confident in your choice. I've been selling Festool tools for over 12 years now and can count on one hand (and probably have fingers left over) on the number of vacs that have been returned or exchanged.

Bob

 

[MRP]

I live near the LA area as well and if you ever want to check out Festool products in person, visit Ganhal Lumber in Pasadena or Anaheim.  They both have a bunch in stock.  The Anaheim location has a slightly larger selection of Festool products including almost all the extractors.  I know the Pasadena location, you can demo some of the sanders.  Hopefully that will help you decide and can buy from any online dealer.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

If you haven't already done so, check out Eagle Tools in LA.  They have just about everything Festool makes and all the accessories and consumables to go with them and encourage you to try them hands-on.

Looks like we will all have to pay taxes on internet purchases soon anyhow...

 

[jacko9]

John,

I'm in Northern Ca. and I have been purchasing from Tom Bellemare in Texas and have been very happy with his service.

Jack

 

[Bob Marino]

If you haven't already done so, check out Eagle Tools in LA.  They have just about everything Festool makes and all the accessories and consumables to go with them and encourage you to try them hands-on.

Looks like we will all have to pay taxes on internet purchases soon anyhow...

Agree Jesse,

I have bought my bandsaw from Jesse at Eagle Tools many moons ago
And would recommend them also. Quality operation.

Bob

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Online I have bought from Bob and Tom and both are excellent to deal with.  Anderson Plywood is a great local dealer near you as is Eagle Tools.  I also like Austin Hardwoods in OC and my local OC Woodcraft.  All have given great service and have a selection of everything Festool makes.

Scot

 

[Vindingo]

I have purchased things from a bunch of the online dealers here. They are all good. 

Don't go check something out in person and then go home and order it online from someone else.  That's lame.     

 

[John H]

I believe they call that "showrooming" and I agree.

I am just looking for place on line, thanks

 

[ccarrolladams]

John, my custom cabinet shop is in Burbank. Jesse Barragán has been selling me power tools and fixed shop tools for longer than either of us like to admit. He had just moved his Eagle Tools of Los Angeles to its current location when I bought my first Festools from him in 2006. Eagle Tools remains my primary Festools dealer, but I also do business with Anderson Plywood Supply and Austin, as well as Tool Time in Burbank.

None of those are really into on-line sales. For a California on-line Festool dealer I recommend my pals at In-Touch Tools of Palm Desert, CA Talk to Aldo at 888-705-6510.

The only Festool dealer I have purchased from in Nevada is Wood Workers Emporium in Las Vegas. However, I an mot sure if they do on-line orders, By the way, the Festool Training Center in Henderson, NV originally was a second branch of Wood Workers Emporium. If you look closely at the building going North on Gibson you can still see that name in the faded paint.

I also agree that very soon all on-line dealers will be required to collect sales tax, so such a dealer outside California would no longer have a price advantage.

 

[sancho57]

I 2nd  the recommendation Bob and Tom and since you are in So. Cal Austin Hardwoods in Santa Ana, Woodcraft in Stanton and Ive heard good things about In Touch Tools in Palm Springs. I dont think you can go wrong with any of the dealers mentioned.

 

[ccarrolladams]

I 2nd  the recommendation Bob and Tom and since you are in So. Cal Austin Hardwoods in Santa Ana, Woodcraft in Stanton and Ive heard good things about In Touch Tools in Palm Springs. I dont think you can go wrong with any of the dealers mentioned.

Actually, In-Touch International Tools is in Palm Desert, CA.

I have been told in that part of the desert they take the difference between Palm springs and Palm Desert very seriously. On the I-10 the Cook Street exit is about 15 minutes east of Palm Springs.

 

[sancho57]

Its all sand to me

 

[John H]

Well thanks for the suggestions.

I am looking to spend around $2k or so and the $180 I would spend on sales tax if I purchased from a local dealer would buy a bunch of sandpaper or other things

 

[copcarcollector]

I would suggest the CT26 over the Midi, just based on the fact that you can add the boom arm and/or the work center to the larger vac in the future. If that's not a requirement for you (now or in the future) then never mind! I have both vacs, though my CT26 and boom are still in their boxes.

I have bought from Bob Marino with no hassles. The shipping was quick and safe, and my questions were answered by Bob very quickly. I am in N Nevada and don't have a close retailer to see things at either.

 

[ridgenj]

John,

I spent in the past 8 weeks significant amount of dollars in Festool equipment.
I distributed my orders among the many vendors affiliated with big Internet retailer.

My experience is very positive and almost every FS dealer selling in the Internet are excellent. Some have storefronts that have been under the same family over decades. You will get your goods within 3 to 4 days doesn't matter where you are located.
No questions ask are apr of the policy as much as all question answered.

People like Bob Marino are willing to take back goods that were not purchase from him. Rob Lee from Lee Valley, Peter James from Toolnuts are always willing to help and go the extra mile too.

Shane H. and Peter H. are always around here in FOG and willing to support you.

IMHO you can't go wrong with Festool and their dealers.

Cheers
Luis

 

[PaulMarcel]

I'll second the recommendation for Eagle Tools.  You'll get an education talking to Jesse about the tools plus it is the most extensive display I've ever seen.  Then buy it there; showrooming is kinda slimy (and not implying you would after spending time with a dealer).

Besides, you'll someday need more tools and though his Festool display is huge and has nearly every AINA product, it is a tiny portion of his tool floor.

At WIA'12-Pasadena, Chris Wong and I went there before leaving for Phoenix.  It was worth a browsing video; here's the part with the Festool room (well actually the embed stuff for this forum seems to strip off the start time so click this if you want to go to 6m44s into it)

 

[sancho57]

Well thanks for the suggestions.

I am looking to spend around $2k or so and the $180 I would spend on sales tax if I purchased from a local dealer would buy a bunch of sandpaper or other things

You'll pay sales tax anyway. With the Amazon tax that became effective Jan 1. Anything you buy on line you'll pay the same tax as if you went to a brick and mortar.

Only difference is you'll be able to walk out the store with the item right away and not have to wait for the shipping.