I've attached an image of the various tools I am addressing here. I guess because I use these tools so much and respect their general level of quality that I have found myself returning again and again to some "ergonomic" changes these tools could benefit from. To some this will sound like minor stuff but the interface where we actually come in contact with the tool itself is hugely important. I also have to say after reading that article last year about how Festool only has 2 in house designers, one very young and one very seasoned, that I worry the ergonomics on some of these tools are still lacking. Sometimes I see an "engineer's mind" at work more than a user-friendly industrial design based approach.
So, here, is some constructive feedback which I am sure most of you have already commented on.
> In all of the tools included here I have placed a superficial piece of "grip material" where I continually find a need and have yet to figure out why the "primary or secondary handles" on these units are smooth and not textured. For example, the Carvex Jigsaw has the textured grip on the barrel but is lacking on the "D Handle" where one obviously places their hand as well. The same for the TS 55 Tracksaw "plunging handle" which aside from being used to make cuts one also tends to lift the unit off the work surface here at this location. Dirty, sweaty or hasty hands make this task a little cumbersome.
> The barrel diameter of the Rotex 125 is of a diameter that after many hours results in a very uncomfortable grip. My hands are of average size.
> The lack of a light on both the Domino 500 and Router 1400 is continually frustrating, especially, in less than ideal work environments. I would love to see the "center mark" on the Domino illuminated and the router bit illuminated as well.
> The levers on the Domino 500 for the fence could be upgraded to a machined cam. I don't particularly like the feel of how they tighten and the build quality isn't great.
> The barrel grip on the Domino 500 is such that with average sized hands my knuckles normally come into contact with the exhaust port during plunging, so, I find myself holding the unit farther back near the exhaust vents.
> The continuous smooth power setting dials are great but like on the 1400 Router and other units a "slight indent or click" is still useful for preventing the dial to move on its own or for better control while moving the dial. The dial on the 1400 Router is so flush with the handle on the unit that it is difficult to know where it is set exactly.
> Lastly, unlike in other industries (sports? medicine?) where customized products have become more the norm I often wonder why we don't have more "ergonomic adjustment" with power tools. For instance, the ability to swap out handle shapes and diameters or more modular designs where monolithic enclosures are replaced with "modular components" that can be easily swapped out and replaced etc.
So, here, is some constructive feedback which I am sure most of you have already commented on.
> In all of the tools included here I have placed a superficial piece of "grip material" where I continually find a need and have yet to figure out why the "primary or secondary handles" on these units are smooth and not textured. For example, the Carvex Jigsaw has the textured grip on the barrel but is lacking on the "D Handle" where one obviously places their hand as well. The same for the TS 55 Tracksaw "plunging handle" which aside from being used to make cuts one also tends to lift the unit off the work surface here at this location. Dirty, sweaty or hasty hands make this task a little cumbersome.
> The barrel diameter of the Rotex 125 is of a diameter that after many hours results in a very uncomfortable grip. My hands are of average size.
> The lack of a light on both the Domino 500 and Router 1400 is continually frustrating, especially, in less than ideal work environments. I would love to see the "center mark" on the Domino illuminated and the router bit illuminated as well.
> The levers on the Domino 500 for the fence could be upgraded to a machined cam. I don't particularly like the feel of how they tighten and the build quality isn't great.
> The barrel grip on the Domino 500 is such that with average sized hands my knuckles normally come into contact with the exhaust port during plunging, so, I find myself holding the unit farther back near the exhaust vents.
> The continuous smooth power setting dials are great but like on the 1400 Router and other units a "slight indent or click" is still useful for preventing the dial to move on its own or for better control while moving the dial. The dial on the 1400 Router is so flush with the handle on the unit that it is difficult to know where it is set exactly.
> Lastly, unlike in other industries (sports? medicine?) where customized products have become more the norm I often wonder why we don't have more "ergonomic adjustment" with power tools. For instance, the ability to swap out handle shapes and diameters or more modular designs where monolithic enclosures are replaced with "modular components" that can be easily swapped out and replaced etc.
