UK FOG members?

[Mac]

Hi,

I've been wondering if there's any way to get together a list of UK based FOG members.  Reading about the training opportunities and meet ups that go on over in the US I though it might be good to get more of a feel for how many of us there are over here and if there's any scope for similar things to happen. Just thinking out loud, really, but any thoughts would be welcome.

Mac

 

[jonny round boy]

There are quite a few of us in the UK, but we're in the minority.

As for Festool UK, they are not represented on the forum, and I don't think anyone even checks in from time to time. One of the more senior people (I won't say who) reacted very negatively when I mentioned the FOG. That was a couple of years ago, though, so things may have changed.

As great as it would be, I doubt we'll ever see the level of interaction/support from Festool UK as there is from Festool USA.

If you're looking for training on Festool, then the best bet would be to get in touch with your dealer, and see if they have any open days coming up. Alternatively, check THIS PAGE regularly & see what's in your area.

 

[Mac]

Thanks, Jonny. It's a shame that Festool UK isn't represented on here. Seems insane, really, when you think about it.  I'm also disappointed that there don't seem to be any UK dealers on here either. Still, maybe one day, huh?

Will keep my eyes open for a festool open day in my neck of the woods. Thanks for the heads up.

Cheers
Mac 

 

[SteveW]

Hi

There were a few UK dealers here, I asked earlier this year whether their location could be flagged in the dealer list rather than checking each of the profiles hopefully would encourage others to joint.  Could also include a map? 

Perhaps we could meet up at the woodworker show next year.

Steve

 

[Mac]

Hi Steve, 

I like your ideas, both about location details and meeting up, that'd be good. Would be great to build some real relationships out in the real world as well as on here!

Cheers,
Rick

 

[Peter Hamilton-Scott]

Hi Steve, 

I like your ideas, both about location details and meeting up, that'd be good. Would be great to build some real relationships out in the real world as well as on here!

Cheers,
Rick

There's the rub. I don't actually know what that show is but as a hobbyist woodworker it's not likely to register on my proverbial radar. It would be nice to see more FOG activity here in the UK. I know two good dealers and have a semblance of a good relationship with them. They should know me by name as I've put a lot of business, in relative terms, their way over the years. I keep most of my tools in the loft and I did a quick head count the other day and I have about 25 different types but only three are Festoolian qualified. Still, if there is a major trade show I'd be happy to try and get to one if it's in the south-east region where I live. I'm in spitting distance of the M23/M25 but the thought of getting log-jammed on the world's biggest parking lot is something that fills me with dread.

 

[richard.selwyn]

I'm a Brit but work in France.  Just been over yesterday and made a detour to Nuneaton to check out Axminster's new shop.  I remember some mention of it somewhere on the FOG and questions about it being the biggest showroom etc.  They (Axminster) certainly seem to think it is the biggest showroom in Europe.  They have a great range of stuff on display / available and although all I bought was a new strip for the 1400 rail (I haven't got organized with Axminster to buy things exvat for export yet) I was glad I made the detour.  There were some things I would liked to have seen tha were not there, but I was please to get a close up look at the air sanders.  Very tempting.

 

[Paul Franklin]

I am a Limey living in Seattle, the best display of Festool I have seen in the UK is Toucan Tools in Leyton, London.

It would be great for you guys to have the same training as over here, but Festool Uk does not have someone like Christian O over there.

But then you do have the full line of Festool and Protool that we can not get, so I guess you can't have everything  [big grin]

Paul

 

[johnsonri]

As for Festool UK, they are not represented on the forum, and I don't think anyone even checks in from time to time. One of the more senior people (I won't say who) reacted very negatively when I mentioned the FOG. That was a couple of years ago, though, so things may have changed.

As great as it would be, I doubt we'll ever see the level of interaction/support from Festool UK as there is from Festool USA.

The Festool UK catalog of products and parts seems much larger than the Festool US catalog of products and parts...so, I guess it all balances out
                                                                                        [attachimg=#]  [attachimg=#]

 

[Forrest Anderson]

I am a Limey living in Seattle, the best display of Festool I have seen in the UK is Toucan Tools in Leyton, London.

It would be great for you guys to have the same training as over here, but Festool Uk does not have someone like Christian O over there.

But then you do have the full line of Festool and Protool that we can not get, so I guess you can't have everything  [big grin]

Unfortunately, Protool isn't marketed in the UK.

Forrest

 

[Peter Hamilton-Scott]

Protool is an odd name and does not seem to fit comfortably with the Festool moniker. When I first heard of Protool what came to mind was that awful range of tools sold by B&Q called Pro, the type of things made in the far east for a pound or two and sold for not much more. I think they'be been rebadged to something else now but Protool just doesn't conjure up the same quality you instantly associate with Festool. Perhaps it's a marketing issue? [unsure]

 

[justinmcf]

i can personally vouch for the protool range of tools. i use them every day. they are just as good as festool and you know when you pick up a protool power tool that it comes from the same  TTS family.

the new univers ssp 200 chainsaw which runs on the festool guide rails will be my next purchase. it will save me so much time cutting 200mm x 200mm harwood posts. this process takes 6 - 8 hours per house. the protool will do the same job in an hour.

i am very surprised the protool range is not available in the uk. it is very popular here in australia.

regards, justin.

 

[windmill man]

Hi,
    Festool Uk (TTS) is trying to get some dealers to set up dedicated Festool Demo Shops. Or so I m told. Festool Uk is not very suportive of its dealer and is lazy promoting its brand in my opinion. Protool is avaliable in the UK via Festool !

 

[Forrest Anderson]

Protool is avaliable in the UK via Festool !

Could you elaborate on that please?

Forrest

 

[windmill man]

  Hi Forrest

On my last visit to my dealers , we got chatting and I mentioned the Protool range and was told that they can get the range.

Regards John

 

[Forrest Anderson]

On my last visit to my dealers , we got chatting and I mentioned the Protool range and was told that they can get the range.

That's interesting! Rather like wartime rationing - "Psst - if you want a couple of bags of sugar, come in next Thursday at 2pm, and I'll have them under the counter for you...  Don't tell anyone though!"

Time for me to mosey along to my Festool dealer...

...who will probably say "Protool? Never heard of them!"

Thanks for the info. Anyone else heard this about Protool in the UK?

Forrest

 

[windmill man]

Hi Forrest,

It was a bit cloak and dagger. If your dealer cant help you let me know and i will give you a contact.

Ask your dealer about Festool end user training and seminars, i would be interested to know his reply.

Regards John

 

[richard.selwyn]

I've never come across Protool in the UK, but have here in France.  I've only got their li-ion drill, but its every bit a member of the TTS family. It will use the centrotec and regular chuck, tho' sadly not the angle or eccentric ones. I am interested in getting their chain morticer - its just that its like Festool stuff: ???$$$  Has anyone any experience with it?

 

[Peter Hamilton-Scott]

I asked ony of my local dealers if they'd seen Protool. He told me they've heard of it but not seen any.