Roadshow 2019

[jaguar36]

I just got back from the Media, PA roadshow, and I will say I was pretty disappointed.  Two of the tools I was interested in seeing they didn't have (the Planex LHS 225 and the Sys Lite Duo).  They did have the Planex Easy, but I was really hoping to be able to compare the Easy and the LHS 225.  There also didn't seem to be enough staff for the number of visitors that were there.  I spent quite awhile waiting just to ask about the Planex.

In general I've had a much better experience at a good Festool dealer (Woodcraft in DE) than I did at the roadshow.

No swag either.

 

[Cheese]

As well, two staff from Shaper Origin/Shaper Tools -
(Recently acquired by TTS Tooltechnic Systems/Festool) -
Were there, demonstrating the Shaper Origin -
With an opportunity for us to try using the tool “hands-on”.

Three of the staff admitted that Festool understood the problem -
And told me that a solution was forthcoming.
Four of the the staff pointedly told me virtually the same thing:
That the Kapex wasn’t the problem. The failures were caused by users -
Who didn’t know how to use the Kapex - And/or abused the tool.
Two of the staff told me that the armature failure problem - Had been fixed months ago.

Nice write-up Joe  [smile] Very informative.

I like the opportunity of a hands-on demo for the Shaper.

Can't help but notice the MAJOR disconnect with the Kapex issue. I can understand claiming operator error for the Kapex failures.

However, either it's been fixed or a fix is in the works...it can't be both.  [mad]  Bad answer...

 

[tjbnwi]

Joe,

They had food, closed it up about 1PM.

Did you get a chance to tour the MILL? Nice setup they have there.

Tom

 

[Jim_in_PA]

I did stop by the Media PA event on Thursday. While it was certainly a "compact" setup and most things were already familiar, I truly appreciated being able to spend time with Allen learning about the 8mm connector solution which is really slick. I already used the 14mm version for a recent commission and was pleased with it...so was my client. I wasn't there for a long time, but that one thing made the trip worth it for me.

 

[LostInTheWood]

I was there too (Media) and would have to agree with the rest of you, not quite the best roadshow visit as others I've gone to in the past.  No swag, giveaways or hot dogs, but I did grab a few of those TLoc stickers.  Anyway, still good to go just to see.  For me it was the new work center.  I also wanted to see the new Mini vacs, but totally forgot and not sure they had them anyway (somebody tell me if they did).  Was also impressed by the 8mm connector for knockdown assemblies. 

Hey Jaguar,    I have the original planex and it's amazing.  I saw the easy model stuffed in the corner next to the conturo.  Pretty much zero interest in it when I was there, 9am.  I didn't even look at it myself, so I can't compare, but if you still have questions about the LHS 225 let me know. 

 

[Jim_in_PA]

For me it was the new work center. 

Yea, that's a nice setup. While I probably wouldn't benefit from the whole thing because I don't really do much on-site stuff, the extension table caught my eye...I just have to come up with a method to get it to work with my "old-old" MFT1080 which while already raised to 900mm, doesn't have the correct extrusions for the extension.

 

[Michael Kellough]

You can make an adapter to support the new table. Someoposted a picture of a solid wood version of the profile recently.

 

[jaguar36]

I was unimpressed with the new mobile work center thing.  It was pretty rickety, not nearly as stable as I would have liked for that price.

 

[Chinski]

Booked for a UK date in June in zWeston - can’t wait to see the sawstop tech in action.
Anyone else here from the UK planning a trip?