Sometimes I feel like a real idiot ...

bigarm

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and other times I know I am!  I learned something new yesterday.  I was using both my track saw and my Domino for a project.  Being somewhat lazy I just took out the cord for the Domino.  When I went to use the track saw I fumbled and fumbled with putting the cord in.  Finally I just gave up and got the one for it and it went right in.  Later I was looking at the two cords and found out they are different.  I had no idea.  From a cursory look, they look the same.  Learn something new everyday, I guess.
 
This has been an annoyance we've complained about for a long time here.  The issue is that some tools (TS saws, routers, and so on) come with a heavier gauge cord.  The lighter gauge cords are keyed so they can't be used with the tools that require the heavier cord.  It would be great if Festool would do away with the light gauge cord...
 
You can, however, use the heavier gauge cord on the lighter gauge tools.  I have a heavy gauge tied in to my hose as my default cord for all tools.
 
You're not an idiot.... [wink]. Only if you now pack the lighter cord with a tool that requires the heavier 16 ga one and take it the tool/sustainer somewhere on a job site...Then we can make fun of you... [wink]
The new long covered hoses from Festool have the 16 ga cord inside the sleeve so you have a more universal package with it. Not sure if they did the same with the shorter hose, but probably did to save grief as Brice noted about the lighter cords.
 
Hey, if you can only have one cord use the one for the TS-55 or OF-1400  [big grin].  You aren't the only one who has gone thru this.

Peter
 
It's good to know I can use the heavier gauge cord with the other tools.  I will probably just leave the TS saw hose out and use it for both.
 
leakyroof said:
You're not an idiot.... [wink]. Only if you now pack the lighter cord with a tool that requires the heavier 16 ga one and take it the tool/Systainer somewhere on a job site...Then we can make fun of you... [wink]
...

Way to call it like you see it, Leaky!  [smile]
 
You mean I'm not the only one that learned this the hard way?

Don't ask how those kerf marks got into my MFT fence
 
Brice Burrell said:
It would be great if Festool would do away with the light gauge cord...

Think about how much more maneuverable the sanders are w/ the lighter gauge cord though!  [tongue]
 
Thanks for sharing, I have never run across this potential problem.
Must be luck that I have always used the heavier cable, I switch cables more than underwear  [big grin]
 
I guess that the different cable stuff is only a  '110 volt country" problem. I've no such problem with all of my 230 volt Festool gear.
 
KrisB said:
I guess that the different cable stuff is only a  '110 volt country" problem. I've no such problem with all of my 230 volt Festool gear.
[member=27355]NL-mikkla[/member]
That's right, it's only a N. America issue.
 
sae said:
Brice Burrell said:
It would be great if Festool would do away with the light gauge cord...

Think about how much more maneuverable the sanders are w/ the lighter gauge cord though!  [tongue]

Be careful, you might upset you know who with that one..... [big grin]
 
[size=13pt]We have light and heavy gauge down here too.

I have the Green Pur in the Untidy Shop. However do not dispare NAmericans that it is NAINA. It has less flex than the black cable, which is a problem when sanding. One day I will replace it.

http://www.festool.com.au/epages/tooltechnic.sf/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/tooltechnic/Categories/accessories-consumables/Plug_It_System

As for being an idiot, recently when using my RO150 with the hard pad I wondered what all that black stuff was lying on the work piece!  [eek]

$75Aust for the replacement.  [crying] [embarassed]
 
leakyroof said:
Not sure if they did the same with the shorter hose, but probably did to save grief as Brice noted about the lighter cords.

If you're talking about the 3.5 meter version (500276), then yes, the larger gauge cord is standard with the hose & cover.
 
Corwin said:
leakyroof said:
You're not an idiot.... [wink]. Only if you now pack the lighter cord with a tool that requires the heavier 16 ga one and take it the tool/Systainer somewhere on a job site...Then we can make fun of you... [wink]
...

Way to call it like you see it, Leaky!  [smile]
Hah Hah... [oops]   
 
This issue with cords is a huge failing with "Festool is a system"

The differences between the two is almost insignificant.

Everything should ship with the heavier cords and have the lighter cords available for those who want it.
 
jamanjeval said:
This issue with cords is a huge failing with "Festool is a system"

The differences between the two is almost insignificant.

Everything should ship with the heavier cords and have the lighter cords available for those who want it.

Yes, I just assumed since it was a "system" they were the same.
 
Don't know if it's a failing or not. However, there are many others who didn't know, including me, until I tried to plug one of the heavier tools into the lighter weight cord. Since it is a system with a "plug-it" feature, it certainly wouldn't be obvious that some tools require a different cord.
 
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