What would be cool from the EU?

Urban Redneck · Mar 2, 2012

Hi,
I've been following the group for well over 6 months. Since this is my first post, I guess I'm no longer the perverted voyeur peeping in the window. Amazing bunch of people and great info. I'm a GC but recently acquired some Festools. I'm researching / learning the cost efficiencies of the systems to maximize my P&L reports. I'm expolring if it makes sense to outfit my trim / finish carpenters, painters and plaster subs with Festool systems. My subs have been with me for years and I don't have a problem supplying equipment if it means better efficiency and profit. Anyway, that's a quick overview of my situation and now on to my question..... I have amazing friends that live and travel to the EU frequently. What would be nice to have domestically that is currently unavailable? I'm interested in the CMS for the routers but would love any input on how much suitcase or checked baggage space my friends would require. Here is a quick overview of what's in my new Festool stable:

- Kapex with UG / extensions
- TS 75
- TS 55
- OF2200
- OF1010
- HL 850
- RO90
- CT26
- MTF/3
- (holding out for the XL Domino)

Thanks for the help.
Cheers!

AlexThePalex · Mar 2, 2012

If you look at what is offered by Festool in Europe then there are just a few items that could add something to what is offered in America.

The CMS is obvious of course, and since you mention it I guess you know already something about it. But if you plan to let people who work for you work with it, then I'd keep in mind it's not UL approved which could be a liability for you if something goes wrong.

Another thing that's a cool toy is the vacuum clamping system VAC-SYS. Not available in the USA.

And perhaps a Festool belt sander. With both tools I mentioned you'll need a transformer to convert the voltage though.

That's most of what I could think up in the Festool line. What might be more interesting for you as a GC might be Festool's sister company, Protool. They offer tools that are on many parts compatible with the Festool system and of comparable quality.

Links below are from the Dutch website, there is no English site for them.

What I think is the absolute world top in drills is their PDC 18-4 TEC LI drill. You'll won't find a better drill than this one. You can use an American Festool charger to charge its batteries.

Their cordless impact wrench/driver IWC 18-2 TEC LI might also be interesting for a GC. Very heavy but very powerfull.

Their cordless drywall screw gun DuraDrive DWP 4000 DEC Set in 10.8v and 18v versions.

Or perhaps their diamond grinder system to cut tiles on a rail. You can only buy the hood and attach it to an American grinder and use a Festool rail.

Just some suggestions. [smile]

meatman · Mar 2, 2012

I think you will need quite a big suit case and lots of KG allowance.
The CMS is well worth it though.

Urban Redneck · Mar 2, 2012

Yeah - Meatman. That's what I'm trying to figure out. Box size. I have a friend leaving on Monday for 3 weeks of travel. I'm trying to figure out if he can just tag the box as a bag piece. Also, I'm really only interested in the router set up. I'm trying to understand my options. eg. buying the clamping unit or whole table and leg system.

ccarrolladams · Mar 2, 2012

[welcome] to The Fog, Urban!

Like you I employ a whole lot of people in California.

Liability issues could be a problem for you when you provide European-style tools to be used by employees.

Urban Redneck · Mar 2, 2012

Ok. I get an EF for the confusing first post. Sorry. Totally can see how I didn't post my question clearly. I'm NOT looking to outfit my subs with EU products. I've been a contractor in California for years and CA is extremely sensitive to insurance laws. I'm not looking to outfit my crews with EU Festool. So, I guess this should have been a two part question post. I'm interested in the CMS system for my personal shop use. So, let's try again.

1 - What cool gadgets would be nice from the EU to have for my personal shop and not my subcontractors? I'm very aware of the 220 issue and really don't want 220 tools. I'm mostly speaking about other products.
2 - Any tips for making the domestic Festool systems work efficiently for a contractor and his crews.

Thanks and sorry for the confusing post.

Kev · Mar 2, 2012

agehall · Mar 2, 2012

If I were you, I'd get a CMS system and ship it home. Possibly with both the TS insert and the OF insert so you can use it both as a router table and as a table saw.

If you are looking for cool gadgets, I don't think anything beats the VAC-SYS. But it is a pretty big thing to ship. The pump comes in a SYS-3 and the clamps comes in SYS-4. You can make do with one clamp, but two makes it a lot more fun... Not sure if there is a pump for 110v, but if you have a 3-phase connection in your workshop, you should be able to sort things out anyhow...

bijeshj · Mar 2, 2012

I picked up the ratcheting set, Syslite and the router bit set during my last trip - those seemed to be cool festools that are not available here.

semenza · Mar 2, 2012

Hi, Urban

Welcome to the FOG! [smile]

Tell your friends they will need a shipping container [big grin]

Seth

mouppe · Mar 2, 2012

The CMS router module comes in a big box, very well packaged. I disassembled it and brought it back to Canada. The largest parts are the base plate, and the fence components. It is very heavy and takes up a lot of room. Think big suitcase. I put some parts in my suitcase and some in my carry-on to spread the weight.

I did not bring the CMS table over. That would be a whole other problem.

Urban Redneck · Mar 2, 2012

Hmmm. This is good info. You guys are very knowledgable. Case in point: I got excited about the ratchet set. Did a quick search on this blog. Found out that Wera makes them and are branded Festool. I already have Wera sets in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" metric and imperial. However, the cases are not the cool green labled systainers. Errrrrrrr. Regarding the CMS, the Festool UK site shows an option to buy the stand with a 110 volt on/off switch. What's up with that?

Peter Fish · Mar 3, 2012

Just in case you are interested I spotted a CMS with TS 55 insert (no saw) on US EBay item number 320854849645 seller in New York
Might be just what you are looking for Auction ends in 12 hours I think !
Cheers Fishy

Ken Nagrod · Mar 3, 2012

Festool Fishy said:
Just in case you are interested I spotted a CMS with TS 55 insert (no saw) on US EBay item number 320854849645 seller in New York
Might be just what you are looking for Auction ends in 12 hours I think !
Cheers Fishy

You crazy Americans! 60 bids and up to $2,850 right now.

ajones · Mar 3, 2012

Urban Redneck said:
Hmmm. This is good info. You guys are very knowledgable. Case in point: I got excited about the ratchet set. Did a quick search on this blog. Found out that Wera makes them and are branded Festool. I already have Wera sets in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" metric and imperial. However, the cases are not the cool green labled systainers. Errrrrrrr. Regarding the CMS, the Festool UK site shows an option to buy the stand with a 110 volt on/off switch. What's up with that?

We use 110v tools on Uk construction sites its all about h&s

peter halle · Mar 3, 2012

Ken,

What is your maximum bid? [poke]

Memphis Larry · Mar 3, 2012

For the sake of us NAINA deprived guys, I think we should explore the US joining the Euro Zone so that we can quit lusting after other the rest of the Festool offerings and quite bidding obscene prices on Ebay. [wink]

Urban Redneck · Mar 3, 2012

Holy Cow!!! The selling price is just insane. I guess I'm not that much of a green addict. Although, after viewing Alex's link to Protool, I'm already getting the shakes. Man, I could see myself overdosing on the orange products in a heartbeat. My friends abroad, please don't tell me some come in the 110 volt version. If they do... please just lie to me and say no.

dltflt · Mar 3, 2012

I saw that $2800 bid last night and thought someone could fly over the pond pick up a few of these things ship them back and probably make enough money to pay for trip.

Ken Nagrod · Mar 3, 2012

$2,950.99 and 61 bids for a winner!

What would be cool from the EU?

Urban Redneck

AlexThePalex

meatman

Urban Redneck

ccarrolladams

Urban Redneck

Kev

agehall

bijeshj

semenza

Festool Moderator

mouppe

Urban Redneck

Peter Fish

Ken Nagrod

ajones

peter halle

Festool Moderator

Memphis Larry

Urban Redneck

dltflt

Ken Nagrod

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