Returning/Selling All Festools!

[Rockne]

Admins - this is about solutions to problems with tools, so I believe it is in the right spot.  The Problems are listed at the end, the solution is discussed at the beginning:

In the last month, I have purchased a Domino, my second MFT/3, a SysVac (already had a CT26), a Rotex90 Sander, an MFS700 (to go with the 400), a 30 meter sheathed vac hose, and the 3000 rail.  Guess what - It's all going back to Festool (only the 3000 rail and the MFT have been used)!

I also own the following (but for more than 30 days, unfortunately):  Kapex, TS55, OF1400 (with LR32) system, EFS150 (3mm), MFS400, MFT/3, CT26, 2 clamping elements, 4 quick clamps, 2 1500 rails, rail connectors, extra systainers, extra mini-systainers and I'm forgetting something I just know it.  All of it has been very gently used, especially the Router and sander.  Total use of each has to be less than 25 minutes.  Guess what!  Except for the Track Saw (because it's going back for warranty), the MFT and the CT26, IT'S ALL GOING UP FOR SALE!

Here's why:  Festool has lost my confidence.  First there was the Track Saw recall:  I had a perfectly fine track saw before the recall (perfectly fine means:  best power tool I've ever had, no question), chose to have it replaced, and got a perfectly crappy track saw in exchange.  It didn't last 100 cuts (all 3/4 baltic birch ply) before it started tripping my circuit.  I couldn't figure out why, but eventually swapped the blade after it started spewing lube everywhere.  Replacing the immediately fixed the problem (but who knows what kind of damage was done to the saw that caused spewing lube).  In other words, I got a trashed blade with my "new" saw.  Strike 1.

Strike 2:  Excessively hot Domino.  Detailed elsewhere.  Replacement Domino was received, but never used.

Strike 3:  The second MFT/3 I ordered came dented (so maybe that was STRIKE 1?).  It took me two tries to get the first MFT/3 due to the same problem (SO STRIKE 4).  Festool requested that I send them a photo and said they'd probably just send me another profile, which was fine with me.  But, when I sent them the picture, they said that I'd have to ship it back to the dealer.  What a Cluster.  The only person who wins in this scenario is UPS.  I don't get it, but I have better things to do with my time than to coordinate with the dealer to take back a product that they had no hand in damaging.  So this is the proverbial straw. 

Strike 3.5.  Have you all seen how many Kapex's are failing?  Good gosh, y'all!  Mine has been fine, but I'm just a wannabe hobbyist (not even a hobbyist, just a wannabe hobbyist).  I asked Festool about this when discussing the Domino, and they said that they get more sanders back than Kapex's, but that doesn't mean they get a higher percentage of units sold.  Maybe they do, but I don't see too many people griping about their sanders burning out. 

I admit it:  I'm one of those people who has no problem spending the money for a better "thing."  Tools, cars, guitars, etc., etc., I'll spend the money if it's better.  I really like the phrase, "I'm not so rich a man that I can afford to buy cheap tools."  While my livelihood doesn't depend on my tools, for me it's a cost/hassle analysis.  If the tools are better, save me time, work and are better, then I'll buy them.  But they had darn well better be better. 

My conclusion:  Festools could be but aren't better.  I'm objective about this and as mentioned above, firmly believe that the TS-55 could be the best tool I've ever used (I've not compared to competitors track saws).  The designs are innovative, but their quality and their customer service are absolutely atrocious. 

I'm also a person who votes with my feet.  I'm a free-market guy (though not much of an efficient market "hypothesist"), so I think I should do my part to demonstrate to Festool that their products are unsatisfactory by finding what is better and purchasing that.  I've been down this road before in woodworking:  I first bought a Powermatic jointer.  When I received it, the paint was flaking everywhere, leaving more opportunities for rust.  I immediately returned it, and ended up with a Hammer A3-31.  The Hammer is 100 times better (though, I do wish it had a polished table regardless of what the Felder guys say).  Festool may have clever approaches to (non-engineering) design, but either their engineering and/or manufacturing processes have caused me to bid adieu. 

The Green Kool-Aid is now green vomit. 

 

[bobfog]

Cool story bro!

 

[Holzhacker]

Sorry to hear about the multiple issues. I don't blame you for calling it quits. When I've had enough I've had enough as well.
I'm very fortunate living in a large City there are very few things I need to order and rarely do. I like going to the store and buying what I need.
I obviously don't know if some of your tool issues are about you or about festool. However, I have to admit that in the last couple years reading a number of the complaint issues on the FOG there have been times when I thought I was glad to be an early adopter of festool. I've been a contractor essentially my whole life and use my tools as such. I just don't have the issues that a lot of guys complain about. It does make me wonder if earlier tools weren't better than later tools. I've seen tweaks like that in the past screw things up for businesses. All speculation in this case of course.
Good luck

 

[Rockne]

Thank you, sir. 

 

[Kev]

Good move. Festool is obviously not for you.

BYE.

 

[peter halle]

What can say other than I hope this works out the best for you.

Godspeed and good luck.

Peter

 

[Purdog]

Where at you located. I'll buy some of your crappy tools.

 

[semenza]

Please do buying and selling through the Classified board.

Seth

 

[Holmz]

The router and the MFT may be pretty good.
The marketing is also first rate, and driven by emotion.
After that each tool needs to be evaluated on its own merits. It is easier to be object when the first tool is crap, then when the first tool work perfectly.

Sounds like the OP woke up to the fact that he was to an extent sucked in... And I somewhat share that view. However some of the tools are actually top of class, and others are pretty darn good.

Anyhow believing that they are all crap or all good is not being at all objective. Green or red is not black-n-White. If you are sick now, just wait until election time.

Personally and objectively I would keep the clamps and MFT and the CT vacuum. Mainly I have the same stuff, just with a different saw on it and it works, and you already have it so you do not need to replace it at a loss. But there are better track saws and rails systems.

 

[Wooden Skye]

To the OP, just be aware that some of the items you plan on returning may not be taken back, so you may need to sell.

 

[Kev]

The router and the MFT may be pretty good.
The marketing is also first rate, and driven by emotion.
After that each tool needs to be evaluated on its own merits. It is easier to be object when the first tool is crap, then when the first tool work perfectly.

Sounds like the OP woke up to the fact that he was to an extent sucked in... And I somewhat share that view. However some of the tools are actually top of class, and others are pretty darn good.

Anyhow believing that they are all crap or all good is not being at all objective. Green or red is not black-n-White. If you are sick now, just wait until election time.

Personally and objectively I would keep the clamps and MFT and the CT vacuum. Mainly I have the same stuff, just with a different saw on it and it works, and you already have it so you do not need to replace it at a loss. But there are better track saws and rails systems.

[member=40772]Holmz[/member] I don't think the point is to be objective - the OP believes he's "teaching Festool a lesson". Who knows what's really going on under the surface here ... [scratch chin]

 

[peter halle]

let's just leave the poster alone.  He has made his mind up and is moving on.

Peter

 

[mrboult]

Thanks for the informative post. Thats a lot of tools to return for aprox' 2 and a half problems.

 

[mouppe]

In conclusion, you bought a load of tools, barely used most of them, never used the rest, had a dodgy saw blade replaced and a dent in a corner of a worktable, got a replacement domino because the first one ran hot, and you're worried that something may happen to your Kapex (even though yours has been fine so far).

So you're sending it all back.

Personally none of the problems you mentioned would drive me to get rid of all my Festools, but I suppose everybody has a different level of expectation.

 

[Cheese]

Great idea...times change...people change. I'll just hang out and try to snag one of these POS pieces of tools for a song. As much as you like the TS 55, I'd suggest you ditch that loser also as you can now purchase a new Mafell 55 from the Tool Nut for only $1000. I say rid yourself of that green vomit and go forth and with new tools, become a better craftsman. That's what this journey is all about.

 

[Flatsawn]

To the OP, just be aware that some of the items you plan on returning may not be taken back, so you may need to sell.

To the OP, just be aware that some of the items you plan on returning may not be taken back, so you may need to sell.

The router and the MFT may be pretty good.
The marketing is also first rate, and driven by emotion.
After that each tool needs to be evaluated on its own merits. It is easier to be object when the first tool is crap, then when the first tool work perfectly.

Sounds like the OP woke up to the fact that he was to an extent sucked in... And I somewhat share that view. However some of the tools are actually top of class, and others are pretty darn good.

Anyhow believing that they are all crap or all good is not being at all objective. Green or red is not black-n-White. If you are sick now, just wait until election time.

Personally and objectively I would keep the clamps and MFT and the CT vacuum. Mainly I have the same stuff, just with a different saw on it and it works, and you already have it so you do not need to replace it at a loss. But there are better track saws and rails systems.

[member=40772]Holmz[/member] I don't think the point is to be objective - the OP believes he's "teaching Festool a lesson". Who knows what's really going on under the surface here ... [scratch chin]

I already taught Festool a lesson. When they had the discount going on I purchased a 3rd MFT and a TS75. If that didn't teach 'em nothing will!

 

[semenza]

let's just leave the poster alone.  He has made his mind up and is moving on.

Peter

It hasn't worked out for the OP. He has clearly stated why.

Not much more to say.

Probably a good place to leave it.

Seth

 

[TomE]

Chuckle, guess the collection of barely used woodworking bling didn't pass muster.

 

[Ajax]

Please post all of the tools you hate on the classified boards.  It will go quick.