STM 1800 mobile saw table - Limited time or permanent ?

[ScoFF]

I've been thinking of getting the STM 1800 mobile saw table for a while now.  Originally it was a limited run.  I don't want to wait long before it's unavailable or discontinued but I'd like to wait a little if possible before pulling the trigger.

Does anyone know if they'll be making them for a bit, or they're done?

 

[Coen]

The unpredictability of future availability is a recurring problem with more Festool items. On the STM; no idea honestly. Call Festool?

 

[squall_line]

The STM 1800 was a limited-ship item to the US shores in 2020.  Festool shipped another container (give or take) to the US in 2021 due to ongoing high demand, possibly driven by FOMO.

I believe that as long as it remains in production for our European brethren, there's still the possibility that they will ship another container once the existing stock sells through.  I don't foresee it ever becoming a general stock item, especially due to the size it takes to display/promote in retailers.

 

[Coen]

The STM 1800 was a limited-ship item to the US shores in 2020.  Festool shipped another container (give or take) to the US in 2021 due to ongoing high demand, possibly driven by FOMO.

I believe that as long as it remains in production for our European brethren, there's still the possibility that they will ship another container once the existing stock sells through.  I don't foresee it ever becoming a general stock item, especially due to the size it takes to display/promote in retailers.

Isn't that up to the retailers themselves?

I think more and more sales are shifting to 'buy online' maybe supplementen by 'try on Festool demo day'.

 

[squall_line]

The STM 1800 was a limited-ship item to the US shores in 2020.  Festool shipped another container (give or take) to the US in 2021 due to ongoing high demand, possibly driven by FOMO.

I believe that as long as it remains in production for our European brethren, there's still the possibility that they will ship another container once the existing stock sells through.  I don't foresee it ever becoming a general stock item, especially due to the size it takes to display/promote in retailers.

Isn't that up to the retailers themselves?

I think more and more sales are shifting to 'buy online' maybe supplementen by 'try on Festool demo day'.

When I say "general stock item", I mean as opposed to a "limited quantity item", which is what the STM1800 is at this point in time in the US.

I'm not a retailer, so I don't know how the relationship with FUSA works on things like this, but I don't think there is anything the retailers can do to change that without raising a major stink with FUSA.  And based on the poor sell-through at stores without any display room, I can't imagine that they're all of one voice on that.

 

[FestitaMakool]

Based on the fact that Festool is foremost a power tool manufacturer.
A manufacturer that, thankfully, dare to think outside the box every now and then.

They have a history of making tools that probably no other competitors would even consider thinking of. That be tools without a motor, but tools that are made for a better workflow.

The STM 1800 is just such a tool, and I imagine Festool did not have an easy task to forecast the sales of a new invention such as this. Bearing in mind that it also costs a fair bit of money.
This was probably also FUSA’s headache too - how many do we believe we sell?

Most likely it seems to be a product that may be in Festool’s line up for a while. For the US it’s likely to be shipped in bulk due to size and weight - and this will demand production planning ahead.

I’m happy to see that Festool dare to bring such tools to life. And I hope we see more of similar products from them too.

 

[ScotF]

Personally I would buy it if there is a need as I would rather not risk it being available in the future, but that is just me.

 

[peter halle]

Festool doesn't speak out in public about their marketing strategies.  So none of us will know if in NA it will come back as permanent.

I admit that I bought mine because it was a limited time offering.  But most importantly I bought it based on the fact that I truly anticipated using it.

My advice to all, based on a ton of years, is to buy a tool when you need it - not anticipating a future use.

I broke my own rule but I don't regret an exception to the rule every now or then.

Peter

 

[mcooley]

The table has been a huge plus for our shop and some on site work. I like the build quality and it also works for a pretty good assembly table for furniture, especially, since the height of the table can be adjusted and when folded up it even fits in a Honda Fit with the rear seats folded up not down!

 

[sancho57]

I like my STM well worth the money, use it for everything especially after buying a few extra brackets and added a MDF top. Makes a great shop cart, assembly table, cutting table, its indespensible for me

 

[ScoFF]

Where did you place the extra brackets?

 

[ScoFF]

*Update*  I'm in Ottawa Canada and wanted this table in my shop before it left production.  Expensive but I should have it forever.  Being made of all metal with shop replaceable wood supports meant It'd last my lifetime.
I called many places and only one tool supplier had one, 4 hours away which meant $125 in extra shipping.
I called Lee Valley just 10 minutes down the road who has it as "out of stock".  When I talked to them, they said they had some at their warehouse here and transferred one over for me to pick up.  Zero shipping costs.

I'm amazed at how compact it is, the castors move around like butter.
I have a very small garage shop now, and I plan to wheel it in the driveway to process sheet goods, so I'm waiting for a larger shop soon so I can hopefully more room for it inside.

 

[krudawg]

I've been thinking of getting the STM 1800 mobile saw table for a while now.  Originally it was a limited run.  I don't want to wait long before it's unavailable or discontinued but I'd like to wait a little if possible before pulling the trigger.

Does anyone know if they'll be making them for a bit, or they're done?

I bought mine right away after it was announced.  I love the darn thing.  I cut down sheet goods or cover it with a drop cloth and spray finish some of my projects.  I would not be without it

 

[batmanimal]

I just ripped 4 sheets of plywood on it today. It’s now being used as a staging and assembly table in the garage while I install new floors. Last week I used it to keep a wall full of shelving off the ground.

I find new uses for this thing all the time. I’ve had it for maybe a month and can’t imagine being without it. I got mine from Tool Nirvana. I think they still have them on their site.

Be careful rolling it around when it is fully collapsed- it’s tippy

Other than that I have no complaints.

Lucky for you that it was available locally! Glad you got one - you will find a million uses for it too I’m sure.

 

[squall_line]

Be careful rolling it around when it is fully collapsed- it’s tippy

Depending on your space needs while rolling, stability is greatly improved by unlatching one of the cross-ties and opening the table into a slight V shape until you get to a doorway or to its destination.