Anyone have any experience with the Festool Line. My tool supplier is trying to sell me. Have never tried one. Any help appreiciated. Thanks
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Expensive but topnotch. You get what you pay for. I haven't used everything in their lineup but, from what I hear, there are no weak links.
I've been accused of bleeding black and green. I agree. There's no cheap about it, any way you want to use the terminology. Most of their wares are so different in your hand than anything else you've tried you'll initially have a hard time believing it's the same kind of tool. A jigsaw that makes glass smooth cuts? Whoever heard of such a thing? I wouldn't for anything recommend it to average Joe. You have to be earning your keep with your workmanship to justify spending that kind of dollar on tools. And accessories. Oh yes, like everyone else, it's pretty proprietary. Not too many outlets for 6" 9 hole sandpaper.
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
Saw the Festool video and really liked the plunge saw and guide . I think it would be great for trimming kitchen cabinets. Also the router looks great.
RW
Did you say(type) that you used the jig saw? And if so have you used the Bosch? and I'd be curious how you compare the two. Also what blades does it take, got a lot of money wrapped up in those things, maybe more then the jigsaw cost.
I have the Bosch and in my opinion it's no better then the old Skil that it replaced. Been disappointed with it from day one but couldn't convince myself that it needs to go until just recently.
I'm looking to drop it off a cliff and want to get something much better! Have thought about the Matabo but haven't had any opinions regarding it either.
Some concern about cost but that's not going to stop me from buying it if its that much better.
Thanks
Doug
Edited 10/8/2005 6:44 pm ET by DougU
Not trying to hi-jack the thread, but I agree with you about being disappointed with my new Bosch jigsaw. I say new, even though I've had it for almost a year, what I mean is the newer model. I can't say it's any better than the PC it replaced. Only difference is that the PC was an engineering marvel in that it would blow every last morsel of dust directly into your left eye. So I guess it is an improvement.
the PC was an engineering marvel in that it would blow every last morsel of dust directly into your left eye.
Supposed to cover your one good eye!!!
I'm starting a big kitchen job and I'm treating myself to a few new tools, the Bosch jig saw is the first to go!
Doug
Now that BoSox are history, root root root for the Cardinals!
Good on ya. You deserve it. Life's too short and the job is difficult enough without wasting time on crappy tools.
Yes, I have the Trion, and 2 Boschs. One of the Bosch is the older smaller version and I keep a coping foot on it. One is the newer version and for sale. The Trion is awesome. It uses the same blades (or can) as Bosch. Festool blades are on par for cost. I've bought the little multi packs for about $40 and there's maybe 20 blades in there. The silver ones with teeth raking in will cut hardwoods to a polish with a steady hand. While you can actually make the blade walk in a cut, you almost have to work at it. I read / saw the "straight cut" claim and have tested that out. It really does cut pretty durn straight if you just let the saw do it's thing. If theres anything at all that I can say down on it, when you put the faceplate on (so you can use the vac) it makes it harder to see the blade. I know, big deal. If you use a straightedge you don't need to see the blade as well.
I just hired a guy for the first time. He started last week. He's been a little overwhelmed with the tool assortment. He's used to a toolbelt and chopsaw setup. He keeps saying lightheartedly, "I just don't know if I can work in these conditions!" Or maybe it was the homeowner bringing us warm chocolate chip cookies and milk in the afternoon. Hmmm."If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
I will second RW's comments on the Festool jig saw. I don't have the newest Bosch saw, but I have run the older model for 10 or so years, and it is a fine saw. The Festool runs smoothly with virtually no vibration, but its guide system is what makes the saw worth an extra $100. That is, the saw cuts with virtually no blade wander, so even in 2X material, the cut is virtually 90 degrees with the surface -- which is not the case with the Bosch. Also, if you ever have need for dust collection with your jig saw, there is no comparison.Otherwise, you might say its like the difference between a Ford and Mercedes.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
We use the Jigsaw in our shop, and the thing is unstoppable. It is so powerful, and easy to control. My bosses are German, and they are all about European Machines. This one is over 12 years old and shows no sign of stopping. It hasn't changed much in that time period.-------------------------------
People are entitled to their own opinions; People are not entitled to their own truth.Jacob
To all you guys knocking the older model Bosch jigsaw....shame on you! When it first came out, it was pretty much the best on the market....no more using an allen wrench to tighten up the blade...orbital action to help make smoother radius cuts...various settings for blowing the dust away from your work.
Was the Bosch perfect?....no...but was it a dog? No way.
I paid $157 approx 8 years ago...I still use this saw everyday. It sure beats the Craftsman I first owned and the Quantum I got as a birthday gift.
Now you all gloat about Festool...yeah, they make excellent tools...but at what price?
What exactly is the price for a Festool jigsaw?...I'd like to know.
You all mention blade wandering...well, if you take a little extra time and finesse...the blade doesn't wander...and even if if does...you mean to tell me you don't know how to correct it?...Of course you do.
Festool makes a great looking circular saw with blade guide... but it's way too pricey for me, so....
I ripped a piece of luan, glued a 3/8 ply fence to it, and call it a shooting board. I clamp this to anything I need to rip and presto...with my old Porter Cable circular saw and shooting board...equipped with a nice carbide blade, and I can rip any board..or for that matter, trim off any door...without so much as a hint of tear-out. Moral to this story.... there is always more than one way to get the same job done...and although large sums of cash is a great thing to have, it is not necessary to spend it in order to achieve the same results. Oh yeah...my Porter Cable circular saw cost me $100, and the luan and 3/8 plywood scraps were free. What's the cost of the Festool?
Davo
Blasphemer!!!"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
Yeah, I just put a coping foot on my Bosch 1587 and thought to myself, "Well now, looks like I need another corded jigsaw. Festool, here I come!" Ah, the joys of tool justification.Bill
Hey Davo...
You finished yet?
Wasn't knocking the old Bosch. Was knocking the new Bosch. Just wasn't all it way hyped up to be upon release. It's a nice jigsaw. Pretty mainstream and not much else. In fact the old Bosch is as good and maybe better in my opinion.
Man... some of you guys defend your tool choices like they came out of your womb or something.
The Festool is about $260
worth every penny, IMO
<You all mention blade wandering...well, if you take a little extra time and finesse...the blade doesn't wander...and even if if does...you mean to tell me you don't know how to correct it?...Of course you do.>Hey Davo, Man, I hope you can tell me how to correct Bosch blade wanderlust. I've got one old Bosch, one newer (not the new ,big heavy one), and one cordless. I'm doing a trim job right now, lot of 5/4 hard maple. Have to fix a lot of "wander. I'd usually rather spend some money at work than time. "what's in a name?" d'oh!
A jigsaw that makes glass smooth cuts? Whoever heard of such a thing? I wouldn't for anything recommend it to average Joe. You have to be earning your keep with your workmanship to justify spending that kind of dollar on tools. And accessories
I have to disagree. As an "average joe" I would much rather buy a very good tool and know it will probably service my needs for a lifetime for no more than I use it.
An extra $100 - $150 will mean nothing to me a year (or less) from now but that tool will be a pleasure for years to come.
I use a jigsaw a lot. I may just have to get a Trion. I don't have much trouble with the Bosch splintering, do you use the Festool anti-splinter inserts?Blades, I see they make about a million. Are they better than Bosch blades? Do you know what's comparable to the Bosch 101B? Thanks. "what's in a name?" d'oh!
someone mentioned it briefly , there is a dvd/cd-rom that is gratis that festool hands out . being that it rainy as he** here today was the that i popped it in. and it's basic product propoganda . but , give you reasonable run down of individual tools and there capability. i'm vasilating back and forth w/the R.O. sander ( 300.00), the thing is an animal and has agood hi and low setting. and was able to to taste run it and was dually impressed. the only problem i have and i could be accussed of being picky is that you by the tool (at least at the dealership here) is purchase it then you have to wait for the delivery to your door. there is a bosch equivalent that i can by and walk out with. festool will call up a short time later to make sure you are completely happy with there product. they will send one immediately if your not, with a box for the one you have . there very efficient , but they seem to have control over the process. the saw is amazing piece of engineering, and i've used the hand planer both on a library job year and half ago. both a pleasure just to have the sled sit there without needing to being clamped down is pretty cool. the saw/blade cuts real smooth, but again..... not cheap. the penultamet in german engineering use to be bosch it's now festool the way figure. like every thing else you have to pay for it. slainte'
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" Feed the good wolf....."
Edited 10/8/2005 7:51 pm ET by alias
The sanders are the heat! (that means -good!) I got a settlement from insurance after robbed jobsite and figured it was time to get the stuff I was drooling over at last!I have the 125 palm sander, the angled triangle pad sander, the RO 150 dual mode sander, and the mid size vacuum. thats my sanding setup, I have some other festool stuff too.I am sold completely or their sanding stuff, the lack of dust is greatI cut the board twice and its still too short ! ! !
I agree about the sanders. I have the 150/3 and it's the best sander I have ever used. The only downside is they use proprietary sanding disks.
I LOVE the circ saw. I actually saw Tom Silva use it on TOH, but the logos were taped over. At the home show in Vegas I was walking somewhere and there he was. We were walking in the same direction, so I asked him about it. Man ....he's is happy to talk tools! Nice guy...couldn't crack him though, he's a Festool supporter big time!
He mada a lot of sense. I knew deep down that the circ saw made financial sense, but I felt guilty about the $ and the niceness. But when I got it home, I ripped some doors. MAN what a machine..it is SO easy to set up, and the attention to detail is superb. For example you don't need to change the fences relative poition when cutting a 45 deg bevel, as they designed the axis to fall on the inside edge of the blade at the plate level.
It cuts veneer if you need it to, LOL.
But it's not the kind of tool you just run out to get. Research and wait until they have a sale, then you will have to wait a few more days for shipping, but it's worth it.
Jake Gulick
[email protected]
CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT
I used it just today to rip some windows to mull them,....
it is the BMW of circ saws..
(not the mercedes..they are too stodgy, LOL...well, most at least!)Jake Gulick
[email protected]
CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT