UK Festools for USA

[briandey]

I am not sure that this has been settled, but my searching through the postings doesn't say anything definitive.  I am going to the UK for some business in the next month, and I was interested in purchasing a Precisio CS 70 to bring back here to the States.  I have read about other FOG members doing something similar with different tools, but usually they were the 220v ones and needed a transformer.  The UK site lists a 110v version, so the voltage wouldn't be an issue, but I am curious what the difference in frequency (50hz there vs 60hz here) would mean?  Would it affect the lifetime of the tool, its power, etc?  Does anyone know what type of adapter I would need to plug it into my CT33?  Any concrete info, possibly involving members actually using these UK 110v tools like the kapex or something else here in the US would be great.  Thanks.

Brian

 

[Loren Hedahl]

Since these tools use an AC-DC motor, I wouldn't expect the power frequency difference to make much, if any, difference.  This would not be the case with a synchronous or squirrel-cage motor.

You would have to cut off the European style plug and install an American style.  All the Festool power tools I have are of the double insulated design, so just use a two-pronged plug.  Therefore, grounding shouldn't be an issue.

Guess you wouldn't get the 30 day return policy.  Any warranty work needed would certainly be a hassle.  I say, "Why not?"

What's it going to cost over there in American dollar equivalent?

 

[festool_SWFL]

I did some calculations and the Centrotec is about 324.00 with shipping.  The dollar is pretty good against the pound these days.  As far as Electrical, you can get 110V options, however not sure on the frequency, for some reason thought it was 60 as well.  I could also purchase from any other country presumably, but shipping could be considerably more.  Was considering AU as I think they are 100V 60 hertz.

Thanks,

William

 

[Frank-Jan]

...  Was considering AU as I think they are 100V 60 hertz.

As far as I know they 've got 220V down under.

 

[Ken Milhinch]

It's 240 volt 50 Herz down here

 

[Dan Clermont]

I had a conversation with someone about using North American tools in New Zealand which runs on 50 Hz. I was curious and called Festool Tech support and was told the motors are universal and therefore will run on 50 hz as well as 60hz. The saws will sound different when first fired up and will run at a slightly different speed.

So you should be fine. Might want to call tech support and just make sure for your own sake as I'd hate to hear the CS 70 wsa designed differently

Cheers
Dan Clermont

 

[Frank-Jan]

I think it would be ok, mine says it's rated 230-240V~50-60Hz. If someone with a 110V version could check,  the rating is located in the the top left corner, above the bevel guage if you slide the saw forward.

Just curious about this... I thought the CS saws weren't for sale in the US due to not passing the UL thingy... Then why is it the Mafell erica saws ARE for sale in the US? Or is the UL thing voluntary and did Mafell choose not to care about it?

/edit, downloaded the manual, in the technical data the voltage isn't mentioned.

 

[vkumar]

I think it would be ok, mine says it's rated 230-240V~50-60Hz. If someone with a 110V version could check,  the rating is located in the the top left corner, above the bevel guage if you slide the saw forward.

Just curious about this... I thought the CS saws weren't for sale in the US due to not passing the UL thingy... Then why is it the Mafell erica saws ARE for sale in the US? Or is the UL thing voluntary and did Mafell choose not to care about it?

/edit, downloaded the manual, in the technical data the voltage isn't mentioned.

No the UL thing is voluntary, unless you live in certain cities (Chicago comes to mind) or certain jurisidictions, where such a thing cannot be sold with the UL label.  However for most areas it is not mandatory--except most insurers will probably not insure you against liability unless UL (or similar organization) says that it is safe.  However rating is strictly voluntary--there is no Federal law on this.

Which brings us to the original reason why UL exists.  UL (Underwriters Labs) was formed as a result of fires caused by unsafe electrical devices during the early part of the 20th century and the insurance companies (underwriters) desire to have safer devices, so that they didnt have to keep paying money to settle claims.

Even today the primary purpose for a UL requirement is fire and electrical safety. (though other safety may be considered depending on the type of device).  Getting a UL sticker is fairly routine and easily predictable since there are written rules on contact spacing (voltage dependent), plastic flammability ratings etc.

Hence it is not difficult to get UL approval--- a little bit time consuming and some money (not a budget breaker for most businesses).  Anyone that tells you otherwise is plain wrong.  As to why Festool does not have the range of tools in the US may simply have to do as to how they view this market and what tools can sell at what price. The US is a very competitive market and Festool probably treads cautiously.

Vijay

 

[Frank-Jan]

Thanks for clearing that up, Vijay.

I always thought the pullsaw funcionality was the part that was regarded unsafe; and that it was also the reason that other manufacturers like makita,  dewalt and metabo do not sell their flipsaws in the US. (Allthough I have read that there's a small felicati mitre/table saw on the market and the scandinavian upcut saw (norsaw or something like that)

 

[thudchkr]

If you are able to get one rated for 110 and 50hz, you should have no problems using it in the US once you're able to plug it in.  The tools that are built for 50 hz are built heavier than those for 60 hz.  So while we here in NA can use 50 hz tools surrering only a change in speed, those in Europe are unable to use tools built for 60 hz, because the tools will eventually burn up, unable to handle the lower frequency.

Clint

 

[DANIELKARL]

Brian what happened? Are you the proud owner of a Precisio 70? If so  tell us all about it. If not tell us all about that.
Thanks Dan

 

[icdb]

also curious to hear any follow-up on this—or any precisio cs 50 or 70 use/availability in usa.

thanks,
chris

Brian what happened? Are you the proud owner of a Precisio 70? If so  tell us all about it. If not tell us all about that.
Thanks Dan

 

[Mdr6407]

I have a CS70E 110volt I bought online from the UK. I've had no problems with it.

 

[sancho57]

If you are able to get one rated for 110 and 50hz, you should have no problems using it in the US once you're able to plug it in.  The tools that are built for 50 hz are built heavier than those for 60 hz.  So while we here in NA can use 50 hz tools surrering only a change in speed, those in Europe are unable to use tools built for 60 hz, because the tools will eventually burn up, unable to handle the lower frequency.

Clint

Ive used my American festools here in the UK with a 3.3 tranny for over 3 years. No issues what so ever.  Though Im a DIY and havent pushed them real hard for. as I done mainly small projects , but I have built a lot of stuff here.

I wonder if the tools will get used to running back on 60hz when they get home in a few months.

 

[thudchkr]

If you are able to get one rated for 110 and 50hz, you should have no problems using it in the US once you're able to plug it in.  The tools that are built for 50 hz are built heavier than those for 60 hz.  So while we here in NA can use 50 hz tools surrering only a change in speed, those in Europe are unable to use tools built for 60 hz, because the tools will eventually burn up, unable to handle the lower frequency.

Clint

Ive used my American festools here in the UK with a 3.3 tranny for over 3 years. No issues what so ever.  Though Im a DIY and havent pushed them real hard for. as I done mainly small projects , but I have built a lot of stuff here.

I wonder if the tools will get used to running back on 60hz when they get home in a few months.

It may be that us hobbyists may never have a problem with the lower frequency, but tools that are rated/built for 50hz power supposedly are built heavier, (windings, plates, etc.) Maybe the industrial user might have an issue using a motor built only for 60 ha, if they used it all day, every day.  I believe that many, if not most, are built for both 50 & 60 hz, and should therefore never suffer when used in the 50hz environment.

I wouldn't feel as comfortable using a Harbor Freight or Black and Decker power tool on 50hz power, as I doubt they'd stand up to it as well as a higher quality industrial tool. YMMV.

 

[Woodchippie]

One thing I would recommend Brian is to check availablity. Might be worth enquiring before you arrive in the UK.
I wanted the CS50 a week or so before Christmas, but nobody had it in stock. I ordered it from Nuts & Bolts and it came direct from Germany. It'll be ok if you in the UK for a couple of week or so.

You may be lucky and find which everyone you require from a UK stockist.

just a thought!

 

[Holmz]

...
... I believe that many, if not most, are built for both 50 & 60 hz, and should therefore never suffer when used in the 50hz environment.

I wouldn't feel as comfortable using a Harbor Freight or Black and Decker power tool on 50hz power, as I doubt they'd stand up to it as well as a higher quality industrial tool. YMMV.

Believe they will work at 50/60 Hz?.
Are they advertised as "Universal" or where does your belief come from?

Higher quality industrial tool... Like a Kapex?

 

[icdb]

great! what uk retailer or retailers recommended please? i'm interested in the cs 50 model with as many accessries as make sense. about the plug: aren't there standard adapters to insert between uk-style plug and us-style outlet?--so i wouldn't need to do plug-end surgical replacement. talking 110v version.

thanks.

I have a CS70E 110volt I bought online from the UK. I've had no problems with it.

 

[thudchkr]

...
... I believe that many, if not most, are built for both 50 & 60 hz, and should therefore never suffer when used in the 50hz environment.

I wouldn't feel as comfortable using a Harbor Freight or Black and Decker power tool on 50hz power, as I doubt they'd stand up to it as well as a higher quality industrial tool. YMMV.

Believe they will work at 50/60 Hz?.
Are they advertised as "Universal" or where does your belief come from?

Data plate on the motor indicates designed for 50 or 60hz.

Higher quality industrial tool... Like a Kapex?

Lol. I've never had problems with mine. But I'm using it only on 60hz.
Actually, I was thinking of my Bosch and Milwaukee portable power tools.

 

[Holmz]

Yeah [member=2575]thudchkr[/member] it is difficult. The Mafell Cuprix is marketed as "Universal", and I am not sure about the Mirka, but I think they are DC, so by definition they are universal.
For the rest it can get complicated, and without specs or "Universal" or 50/60 Hz labeled I am not sure how we know.