Why is the Spark Arrestor Discontinued?

[MrToolJunkie]

I have lots of steel to grind, sand, cut, etc... and was disappointed that the spark arrestor is no longer available. Why, might I ask, since it is a safety device for this application? Is it really not deemed that important?

Any dealers still have one available?

Thanks!

 

[Stephen B]

Obviously I do not represent Festool USA, but I note it is still promoted on their website -
http://www.festoolusa.com/power-too...xtractors/other-accessories/spark-trap-484733

[member=6605]ScotF[/member]

 

[AlexThePalex]

And to add to the post above, a quick google search lists plenty of dealers who offer it.
http://www.toolbarn.com/festool-484733.html
http://www.tooldepot247.com/festool-spark-trap-for-dust-extractor-484733
http://eaglepaintandwallpaper.com/s...age=product_info&cPath=62_79&products_id=1780

 

[Locks14]

I recall a thread recently stating it was discontinued.

My guess is it was wildly expensive for what it actually is and probably not effecfive enough to completely "arrest" all sparks.

Festool probably had a few unhappy campers whose CT's caught fire despite shelling out $150 for the arrestor and Festool probably thought that the cost of having to replace people's CT's outweighed the profit made from selling the arrestor. More profitable not to sell it and not be liable for the ones that catch on fire from sparks, and be able to sell more rather than replace CT's.

 

[GarryMartin]

I have lots of steel to grind, sand, cut, etc... and was disappointed that the spark arrestor is no longer available. Why, might I ask, since it is a safety device for this application?

In the UK, we have the following specifications attached to it that specifically mention that it's not designed for things like grinding, so perhaps in your case a different solution is required anyway?

Main applications
•For additional safety, for example, if wood in which there are nails is sanded
•Suitable for extracting occasional sparks (not suitable for extracting large quantities of sparks generated when grinding metal, for example)

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Thanks. Keeping it on for the odd nail you might hit in wood seems extreme. Cutting steel,though, seems like a good idea or grinding.

Alex - thanks for the links. Not sure if they have them available or not. Some sites here say something is in stock but the fine print says it gets shipped from the manufacturer. I have ordered from Tool Barn and might give them a call.

Yes - Festool USA still has it on its website, but most every dealer states it is a discontinued item. I have a local dealer I can try, but he is closed for the next several days for inventory.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I can't find it anymore on the European websites, so it is probably true that it is discontinued.

As Gary said, the spark trap is not meant for serious metal work anyway, you need to have more specialist equipment if you really want to do that. The spark trap is meant for occasional sparks that can occur when sanding metal, but not for a steady stream of sparks that come from grinding.

 

[Shane Holland]

Just to confirm, it was discontinued in the U.S.

I can only speculate that slow sales and the rare use of CTs in the U.S. with metalworking lead to its demise.

 

[Phil Beckley]

Just to confirm, it was discontinued in the U.S.

I can only speculate that slow sales and the rare use of CTs in the U.S. with metalworking lead to its demise.

.....also withdrawn from the U.K. No idea why.
rg
Phil

 

[Shane Holland]

Could also be a product liability thing...

 

[Phil Beckley]

Could also be a product liability thing...

When back in the New Year I will email the P.M to find out why.
rg
Phil

 

[rvieceli]

I'm thinking that Festool doesn't actually make this thing, but rebadged a Nilfisk-Alto part.
https://www.nilfisk.com/en/products/Pages/product.aspx?pid=34591

 

[AlexThePalex]

I'm thinking that Festool doesn't actually make this thing, but rebadged a Nilfisk-Alto part.
https://www.nilfisk.com/en/products/Pages/product.aspx?pid=34591

You're right. Most of Festool's vac accessories come from Nilfisk Alto.

 

[TylerC]

The spark trap has been discontinued in North America. I'm not entirely sure why for this particular item, but it was likely due to a lack of sales. As others have pointed out, it is still available with certain dealers.

 

[Mort]

I saw one at a dealer not too long ago. It had some dust on it for sure.