Review of Writex HB2 Linear Marking and Identification tool (parody)

Wood_Junkie

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Dec 2, 2009
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This is one of my most used Festool accessories.  I thought I was pretty clever when I pocketed one at the Cabinet making class.  But then Sedge ruined the victory by saying we could all just have them.
As you will see, it is a variable speed, variable length marking instrument, with an innovative “Undo” function.  An accessory well worth the cost and/or effort.   [big grin]

Specifications:
It is solidly built of four high quality components:
 > Wood  (Protective body enclosure)
 > Graphite  (primary marking mechansim
 > Metal band  (undo-system retention and guide)
 > White rubber eraser  (undo system)

Standard length is 190 mm, though this can be varied according to user preferences and (lack of) skill with a sharpener.  
The main body of this tool is a wonder of coplanar cylindrical manufacturing.  Its deflection was less than 0.001m.

The fit and finish is fantastic, and it is well balanced at any length.  The Festool blue and green let everyone know you mean business, and you mean to write it down!

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Ambidextrous:
Keeping with modern Festool design, it is usable by both right and left handed people, without any special equipment or modifications.

Usage:
The Writex HB2 can be used with a variety of Festool and non-Festool tools and accessories.

Here is it used in conjunction with the Festool 3m tape measure

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Here it is being used with the Incra 150mm T-rule.

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Here it is used free-hand to mark an edge offset.  This is advanced use, and you should normally make sure safety equipment is worn!!

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Here it is creating scaled designs for a child’s table.

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And finally, here it is doing overly complicated math.

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Special Features:
The variable speed option of the Writex HB2 is really a sweet feature.  It caters to both newbies, and those with years of experience (clearly, not me).

Here you can see the results when the Writex is used in its slowest speed.

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Here you can see the results when the Writex is used at the middle speed.

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And here you can see that the fastest speed can be difficult to master.  Practice, and a focus on elementary education skills would have helped me here.

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One should also be cautioned about attempting ambidextrous use, without proper training and practice.

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When used incorrectly, you can employ the amazing Undo feature.  This function operates similar to the Domino, with an oscillating-head motion.  The CT dust collection units really shine here, too.   (It’s a system!)

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It is worth noting that by acquiring multiple HB2s, you can utilize the precision and speed of the Domino itself.

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The Writex is one of the few accessories that does not have a specifically engineered “home” in the Festool system.  This exemplifies the comedic genius of Festool's engineer.  As is so often asked about the OF guide rail adapters "Where the heck does this thing go!??"

Creative locales developed by the user community include:  Classic Systainer handles; behind the ear; shirt pocket, back pocket, apron pocket, sleeve pocket, on tabletop, on floor behind very large machines, and gritted between the teeth.  This last is especially conducive to any work involving a tall ladder.

This accessory it is not covered under the 30-day guarantee.  However, 1+2 warranty applies* (assuming you can keep track of it!)

*Just kidding!

 
Now THAT was funny!  Thanks for posting it.  I couldda used that Domino-eraser combo back in grade-school.  I always lost my erasers playing eraser-hockey during recess.  Canadian thing.
 
 > Pink rubber eraser  (undo system)

Darn my color blindness must be kicking in again.  [poke]

Great review BTW!  [thumbs up]
 
Awesome!! ;D ;D

BTW -- they fit in a school box just like the Festool Mini...

Scot
 
Fantastic!!!

I notice you have reviewed the cordless model, are you going to do a follow up on the corded HB2? ;D ;D
 
Very funny [big grin] [big grin]

Now i have a number of these but alas 2 of them stopped working...any suggestion how to get them going again?  [unsure]Thanks
 
i would try swapping out the plug-it chord first, maybe its just that. if not, im sure festool service will be glad to sharpen the pencil - eh sorry, recalibrate the writex for you.
 
Tim Morris said:
 > Pink rubber eraser  (undo system)

Darn my color blindness must be kicking in again.  [poke]

Great review BTW!  [thumbs up]

Doh!  Corrected to reflect the proper description.  Dunno why my mind or eyes were thinking or seeing!

Thanks guys.  Day-job hours have been crazy lately, and I haven't found time to do any real reviews for the contest.  But I had a burst of inspiration for something silly. 

 
Great review!  Shouldn't the 'undo system' be green as it truly is 'Fast Fix'?

Wonder if there are any plans for an imperial version here in the US?
 
Jesse Cloud said:
Great review!  Shouldn't the 'undo system' be green as it truly is 'Fast Fix'?

Wonder if there are any plans for an imperial version here in the US?

Mr. Wood_Junkie, I really like this review.

Jesse, Lee Valley does sell an Imperial verion of the Writex HB2.  I am attaching a photo:

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It`s made in Great Brtiian and you can`t get any more Imperial than that.  And the Imperial Writex HB2 works will with the pad shown that is made in one of the Imperial colonies.
 
Some where I missed this great review. With out this tool nothing else would be possible.
 
I have yet to get my hands on one of these...I thought for sure this was a NAINA product. As a retailer I feel a little slighted.

Sean..what's up?!
 
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