Thinking about selling some of my Festools

[Runhard]

I have a decent collection of Festools that are collecting dust. Some of them have never been used, some have been used for 5-10 minutes just to try them out, and others just a few hours, maybe. I have a CT26 that is 2 yrs old and still have not filled one bag with sawdust. It's the same for my 1-1/2 yr old Midi. I originally started buying Festools 2yrs ago to build 5 wood storm windows for my house. Soon after I discovered Festool I started a new job that has me working anywhere from 50 to 80 hours a week. Since I started my new job I have bought a lot of tools but have only built 1 bathroom mirror and a Moxon vise! I just do not have the time to work on anything and if I have a day off I just want to rest. I have also been purchasing high quality hand tools that have never been used. I would love to do woodworking for a hobby and build furniture for myself, but I do not know when I will ever have the time. Unfortunatly it does not look like I will have the time with my current job. There is always a slight possibilty that I can find a different job on campus in the future or move up in my department in the next 3-5yrs. In the meantime I may sell some of my Festools. My hand tools will be just as good in 5, 10, 30yrs but the power tools will be outdated for the most part. You can see in my signature the Festools that I own. I might list some of them in the classifieds soon. Tools that have never been used: T18 set, metric Zobos, imperial Zobos, MFS400, LR32 set, LR32 55" guide rail, 118" guide rail, and DTS 400. Used for 5-10min: RO150, ETS 150/3, RAS115, TRION PS. Used for about 30-45min: OF1400, RO90, CSX and Kapex. Used for about 1-2hrs: Domino 500, TS75 and Midi. Used for a day or two: CT26. My MFT/3 does not have any cuts in it, MFT/kapex is spotless, UG extensions have almost no use other than setting things on them. Centrotec Installers kit has mostly been untouched. I have tons of abrasives and have not even been through 1 sheet. After typing this, it seems a little embarasing to have bought all this stuff and never use it  [embarassed] Anyway, I might decide to sell some of my tools in the future. I live in northern Indiana, 46615.

Daniel

 

[Deadskins]

Check out eBay.  People have been paying outrageous prices for used Festool.

 

[mouppe]

Daniel,

I think you are doing the right thing, and the good news is that you will recoup most of your outlay on your Festools. I usually replace my tools every few years anyway, and it hardly costs me anything. The used Festool market is much healthier here than in Europe for example.

I would keep a few handy tools such as the jigsaw, CSX, centrotec set, maybe the MFT as it makes a good workbench at home and can be collapsed, a sander and the vac. I often use these tools around the house as well as the workshop.

Sell the kapex, TS, router, guide rails etc.

I'd also keep the hand tools, but perhaps store them properly to avoid them rusting.

Good luck
Richard.

 

[rljatl]

Please let me know how much you want for the LR 32 set.  PM sent.  Thanks.

 

[wow]

If you decide to sell anything, will you give the FOG first crack at 'em?

 

[Runhard]

If you decide to sell anything, will you give the FOG first crack at 'em?

Yes, once I decide what I want to keep, I will post the other iteams in the classifieds section.

Daniel

 

[tjbnwi]

Dan,

I see about 10 things I'll purchase from you if not all of it. Let me know. We can arrange this the same way we did for the Work Station.

I'll be passing by that way this weekend then the return trip mid next week. I'll be out to work at my daughters in about a month.

Tom

 

[Kev]

My Festools don't see the amount of use they deserve ... I could decide a similar path, but that to me is like giving up a little bit of passion.

Half the reason I decided on buying Festool is the lack of time spent cleaning up. I'm time poor too, but if I can just find a couple of hours on the odd weekend it's worth it.

 

[RKA]

My Festools don't see the amount of use they deserve ... I could decide a similar path, but that to me is like giving up a little bit of passion.

Half the reason I decided on buying Festool is the lack of time spent cleaning up. I'm time poor too, but if I can just find a couple of hours on the odd weekend it's worth it.

That's pretty much how I look at it as well.  If knew they wouldn't be touched for several years, I'd probably keep the stuff that could be used around the house and unload the rest.  Otherwise, it's nice to be able to get away when the opportunity presents.  Good luck Daniel!

 

[Runhard]

I told my wife last night that I might sell some of my tools because I never use them. She actually wants me to keep everything because she knows how much I like Festool. Part of my thinking is that I may have a different work situation in the next 3-5yrs that would allow more time for woodwork and by then there will probably be new Festools to buy. I agree with Kev and RKA that the tools are nice to have when we do have a chance to use them. I never intended selling all of them but there are some that I may part with. I have a few PM's that have asked about some of the items and I will post the other items in the classifieds later. The tools, all T-locs and 1/2-2yrs old,  that I know I want to sell are the T18 set and RAS115. The T18 is unused, but with the new battery and charger that is available, I do not know how much money I will lose on it. The LR32 set and rail have never been used and I do not know when I would use it, but at the same time if I sell it and lose money then later want to build cabinets, I'm not sure that I would want to buy it agian. I really need to think about this more. The tools are not costing me anything, they are just getting old and unused. I'm sure this is sounding pretty pathetic to those who actually use their tools to make money. What really wouldn't make too much sence is if I sell my Domino500 and a few other things, I would use that money to buy the Domino700  and maybe the OF2200 [doh]  I need more hobby time or a cure from my addiction [mad]

Daniel

 

[Julian Tracy]

I own and use a lot of Festool's professionally as a builder/remodeler, as well as use them for hobby-type woodworking.  I do however very often sell off many of them if they are so specific in use that they don't see enough use.  Imo, they're too darn expensive to sit unused.

Of course, the fact that most of my tools were bought used makes the selling of them a no-loss and usually profitable situation.  Buying used means there's no reason to hold onto tools as they can always be sold for exactly what they were bought for or more; and - can always be re-bought if the need arises.

On that note, I've had, used and sold a few MFK700's, OF1400's, MFT's and a few others.  I've long since given up on accumulating stuff just because it's shiny and cool.  These days, I require a bit more practicality out of each of my purchases.

Some of them are very much game changers (and keepers), such as the Domino, track saws, OF1010, etc.  But others,  though uber high-quality and in many cases the best in class, are simply too spendy to justify buying depending on your use.  Case in point - MFT/3 bought to be used as a workbench??  It's a great cross-cut setup with workbench value added features, but to buy unless you actually need the cross-cutting ability - not a great value in my book.  This viewpoint of course will differ with 95% of the viewing audience here.... 

JT

 

[dltflt]

I'm pretty sure there are many hobbiest that don't use their tools very often. I tell my wife all the time that it was a good that I had the correct tool for the job at hand.  I definitely would have a hard time selling my tools. In 4 years we are selling our house and most everything in it to travel overseas for a year or so and I told her I was not selling my tools, they would have to go into storage.

 

[leer]

[...]

On that note, I've had, used and sold a few MFK700's, OF1400's, MFT's and a few others.  I've long since given up on accumulating stuff just because it's shiny and cool.  These days, I require a bit more practicality out of each of my purchases.

JT

I didn't think this kind of behavior was allowed around here ...  and it threatens to make me actually use some rationale when considering a new purchase.  I feel kind of depressed right now ...

When I feel depressed I like to shop for new tools.

Gotta run...

 

[Kev]

I wouldn't feel too suicidal about letting the T18 go ... you'll have the PDC over there soon!

The RAS has a lot of utility when you put wire brushes, etc on it ... a keeper in my books.

...

Another way of looking at the next 3 years is "it's an opportunity to fill the gaps in your tool collection". A bit of research and the odd purchase can be very satisfying [wink]

 

[sheeschen]

I can sympathize.  I was in a similar boat years ago - took a woodworking class, got all excited, purchased some tools and then they sat around in the garage while my job grew to consume almost all of my time.  It's a mixed bag - on one hand, when I finally got more time, the tools were there, and since most of them were high quality, it was immediately enjoyable again.  On the other hand, until I got to that point, the tools were this constant reminder of things I felt I'd never get to.

It's great that your wife is encouraging, and it doesn't sound like you *need* to sell the tools. Fortunately, Festool doesn't feel the need to come out with new models every year, so the tools you keep will remain mostly current and retain value.  Between when I bought my first tools and when I started using them again, Plug-it cords and T-locs had come out.  After getting the first new tool after those changes, I really wanted those upgrades on my older stuff.  I didn't upgrade everything, but it seemed like it took a while to sell the ATF and I had to drop the price more than I expected.  I think the tools retain their value for a few months after a new model gets released, and then it declines more rapidly once used versions of the newer tool appear on eBay/craigslist/classifieds.  Something to keep in mind if you expect it to be a long while before you get back into woodworking.

 

[Runhard]

This is all really good information and  I will wait a little longer before I make any rash decisions that I will regret latter. For now I am only going to sell my unused T18 set, if I do not lose to much on it. I don't know if $550 shipped will be too much to ask. I bought it 1 yr ago from Tom at Tool Home.

Daniel

 

[Runhard]

Dan,

I see about 10 things I'll purchase from you if not all of it. Let me know. We can arrange this the same way we did for the Work Station.

I'll be passing by that way this weekend then the return trip mid next week. I'll be out to work at my daughters in about a month.

Tom

Wow, that is an incredible offer! For now I am only going to sell my unused T18 set for $550 that I bought 1yr ago from your buddy Tom at Tool Home.

Daniel

 

[Roycole]

if they are still available PM me