RO 90 Review in JLC

[Kev]

This may sound like semantics, but I wouldn't pay a cent to learn how to use a specific tool from any manufacturer. I would consider attending a course on how to achieve a particular end result.

I believe this situation is different for resellers - they require expertise to demonstrate and support (but training costs need to be part of the commercial relationship).

So ....

Learn to use your Festool Domino ... This should be covered with free material.

Learn to make a chair with your Festool Domino ... I'd pay for that, expecting to take a chair home!

Further, I wouldn't expect either Festool or a reseller to teach me basic skills - maybe just some pointers on how ad where to develop them.

 

[tbellemare]

Kev:

I don't teach basic skills because the people, to whom I sell Festool tools, already have them.

I do, however, address how best to use the myriad of Festool offerings to achieve the magic, "Faster, Easier, Smarter". It isn't always obvious. Just as in coding, it isn't always obvious to write terse, more effective code with proper "hooks" until you've done or seen it before.

I have taught a lot of people on 3 continents how to do their jobs more efficiently/effectively and have learned something from most of them in the process. I have also struggled in silence when I knew the person 20 feet away could help me figure something out. I struggled mostly because of pride but also because of insecurity. Insecurity that I would be exposed...

A position that I adopted a couple of decades ago is that I am proud of what I know and can figure out and I am prouder when I can get those around me to help complete my knowledge with theirs.

Tom

 

[mlfaber]

Further, I wouldn't expect either Festool or a reseller to teach me basic skills - maybe just some pointers on how ad where to develop them.

Actually, like in my business, I am an Account Manager for a large corporation.  I often host and teach continuing ed for my customers.  For two reasons, I am more valuable to them and provide them and their staff with something tangible they can pass on to their customers...education.

My Festool dealer constantly has the Festool rep in to host classes or demo days.  They are a bit more involved than, hello my name is and this is a sander.  I have learned a lot about the tools and how to usefully apply them to different applications.  I value this and it is a big part as to why I buy from him and buy Festools.  The tools are pricey but I value a lot of the free continuing classes I have received.  However, I would not pay $$ to fly somewhere and take a class on power tools.  That being said, this is a hobby for me.

 

[Kev]

Kev:

I don't teach basic skills because the people, to whom I sell Festool tools, already have them.

I do, however, address how best to use the myriad of Festool offerings to achieve the magic, "Faster, Easier, Smarter". It isn't always obvious. Just as in coding, it isn't always obvious to write terse, more effective code with proper "hooks" until you've done or seen it before.

I have taught a lot of people on 3 continents how to do their jobs more efficiently/effectively and have learned something from most of them in the process. I have also struggled in silence when I knew the person 20 feet away could help me figure something out. I struggled mostly because of pride but also because of insecurity. Insecurity that I would be exposed...

A position that I adopted a couple of decades ago is that I am proud of what I know and can figure out and I am prouder when I can get those around me to help complete my knowledge with theirs.

Tom

That's exactly how I expect a professional Festool reseller to act.

This is the right tennis racquet for you ... it's you size, excellent for top spin, etc ... Not "this is how you play tennis". Those are the lessons you pay for!

Kev

 

[Sparktrician]

I have taught a lot of people on 3 continents how to do their jobs more efficiently/effectively and have learned something from most of them in the process. I have also struggled in silence when I knew the person 20 feet away could help me figure something out. I struggled mostly because of pride but also because of insecurity. Insecurity that I would be exposed...

A position that I adopted a couple of decades ago is that I am proud of what I know and can figure out and I am prouder when I can get those around me to help complete my knowledge with theirs.

An admirable position, Tom.  Like you, I learned a long time ago to look for better ways to do things, and to be open to helping others do things better; even competitors.  One day they might be partners and remember that I helped them along, and return the favor.  I also remember how I felt when being denied knowledge by others that were trusted to help me to grow up.  Eventually, I began to suspect that they didn't have the knowledge to respond appropriately to my questions. 

As for the Festool training, I have never minded taking a couple of days off and driving to Lebanon (or flying to Henderson) to be educated on far better ways to do things.  Every time I've had the privilege of attending one of the classes, I've come away with a far better understanding of how to use a Festool product to my advantage.  While Sedge and Steve are the best instructors on the planet, I've also learned tons from other attendees. 

 

[Tinker]

Kev:

I don't teach basic skills because the people, to whom I sell Festool tools, already have them.

I do, however, address how best to use the myriad of Festool offerings to achieve the magic, "Faster, Easier, Smarter". It isn't always obvious. Just as in coding, it isn't always obvious to write terse, more effective code with proper "hooks" until you've done or seen it before.

I have taught a lot of people on 3 continents how to do their jobs more efficiently/effectively and have learned something from most of them in the process. I have also struggled in silence when I knew the person 20 feet away could help me figure something out. I struggled mostly because of pride but also because of insecurity. Insecurity that I would be exposed...

A position that I adopted a couple of decades ago is that I am proud of what I know and can figure out and I am prouder when I can get those around me to help complete my knowledge with theirs.

Tom

When I started my landscaping business, i decided to use natural organic methods.  Almost nobody else in my immediate area was doing that.  I was doing a lot of things much differently than any of my competitors.  As time went on, several of those competitors realized what I was doing (word of mouth advertising only/I don't even have a sign on my trucks) and started asking questions about my methods.  I was always very willing to take time to explain and as far as I was concerned, teach. My wife, at first, thought I should not show my competitors, but eventually, she realized that "what goes around, comes around"  those guys will help me when i need a hand or advise about occasions when i need to do things their ways.
Tinker

 

[sancho57]

I continually endeavor to upgrade my skills. I take finishing classes, I take business classes all about running my business more efficiently and providing the best product for my customers.

When I took the festtool classes it was thie same thing. Steve said at the very beginning of the class that most people only use about 50% of a tools potential.

When I finished the class I learned he was correct.

No he didnt each everything about a tools capability. But he gave me the tools to be able to expand the application of each tool.

I found them very helpful and insight full.

In the area of basic cabinent making it was a good refresher course.

I feel it was money well spent.