the Festool Introduction Brochure

Product no. 59454
Modifications and errors excepted. All images are non-binding. Created for TTS Tooltechnic Systems AG & Co. KG, 73240 Wendlingen, Germany, 07/2008
TTS Tooltechnic Systems GB Ltd
Saxham Business Park
Saxham
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk, IP28 6RX
GREAT BRITAIN
Phone: +44 (0) 1284 760 791
Fax: +44 (0) 1284 702 156
[email protected]
www.festool.co.uk
Our bad
attributes
“On”
Nice to meet you. We are Festool – a mid-sized manufacturer of
power tools based in Wendlingen, Germany. To be honest, we make
really great tools. And speaking of honesty, we want to do it the
same way that we do everything else – in other words, properly.
That’s why we would now like to invite you to get to know our bad
side. Of course, with all this honesty, our marketing department
is starting to get grey hair. But the way we see it, if you read this
brochure and still like us, that means much more to us than any
carefully polished image.
Dissatisfaction
As long as we can remember, we’ve always been dissatisfied. And we’ll always be that way. Even
though everyone says that we should be proud of what we’ve achieved. But we’d rather decide
for ourselves when we’re satisfied with ourselves and when we’re not. That’s why it can take
quite a while until a tool finally comes up to our standards. And even then, we keep wondering
how we can make it better.
Pendulum jigsaw PS 300
“¡Fantástico!” “Awesome!” “Magnifique!”
It’s always said that excitement knows no
bounds, but with us, it sounds more like this:
“well, it’s OK!” Then out comes the red pen
and it’s back to optimising and improving.
That’s just how it is in Germany and here in
Wendlingen, we’re the worst of all.
years before we’re satisfied, but the result
is that everything which leaves our factory
is really something. The reliability and durability of Festool tools are far above the industry
average. And it’s no wonder, because if there’s
something that we can’t do better than everyone
else, we simply don’t do it.
Not bad at all.
We founded our mid-sized, family-run business in the heart of Swabia over 80 years ago.
And we’re still here today. Sounds a little
unexciting? Well, it is. It’s not exactly Party
City – but that allows us to devote ourselves
fully to one sole passion: creating the perfect
power tool.
Made in Wendlingen.
If you want something done right, do it yourself.
This is also our motto when it comes to manufacturing power tools. That’s why we make the
most important components ourselves. We
value high quality above all, in every component, every screw and every cable. Because
they all have to earn the accolade “Made in
Germany” – or, to be exact, “Made in Wendlingen”. That’s our guarantee. At Festool, it takes
The Festool company enjoys a high reputation
internationally. At least, that’s what everyone
else tells us. Because they really believe it.
Our production facility has twice been voted
Factory of the Year in the categories “Outstanding Production Processes” (2002) and
“Best Assembly” (2005). Since 2006, Festool
has been declared one of Germany’s top 100
most innovative mid-sized companies, and we
were also awarded first place in the category
“Innovation Marketing”. As for our product
awards, if we listed them all here, this brochure would turn into a book. But what is
most important to us and almost gives us
satisfaction is that over 90 % of German joiners use our tools. But you can be sure that
by the time you read this, we’ll have found
something to be dissatisfied about again.
Cordless drill C 12
Gear-drive eccentric
sander ROTEX RO125
1925
Stubbornness
For over 80 years, our goal has been to create perfect tools. Many
other tool manufacturers have simply disappeared during this time.
Maybe that’s because continually re-inventing yourself is not as important as continually re-inventing your tools. This is our goal. And
once we’ve set ourselves a goal, we do everything in our power to
achieve it and never give up. Pretty stubborn.
1938
1939
Now, we don’t want to bore you with a long account of our company’s
history. In any case, there’s not much to tell. We’ve pretty much just
always built tools.
1952
1960
Ever since 1925, to be exact. That was when
Gottlieb Stoll and his partner Albert Fezer founded “Fezer + Stoll” at Number 5, Olgastrasse
in Esslingen, Germany. Eight years later, Gottlieb Stoll took over the company and continued
it under the name “Festo”. The name was
changed to Festool in 2000. That’s all.
Wait, one more thing. In 1938 we moved to
Ulmerstrasse. The old factory was getting
too small.
Oh, and there was something else in 1939.
That’s when we created the world’s first
single-operator mobile chainsaw. This meant
that wood could be chopped into smaller
pieces right there in the middle of the forest.
And we also brought out the disc sander –
the first sander with a patented built-in
vacuum function.
1952: factory too small, again. Move to
Neidlingen.
1970
1975
1979
1985
1976
1980
1982
1984
1993
1999
2004
2006
Still in 1952: the random orbital sander
Rutscher came onto the market. Painters
were so excited about it that they stormed our
factory and paid cash in advance, straight away.
What a success. Well, after all, it did enable
them to work up to three times faster than the
usual manual sanding blocks.
When did the famous saw hit the market? Must
have been the start of the 1960s. The first
manual circular saw with a guide rail was the
foundation of our reputation as saw specialists.
1970: company trip to Schaffhausen (boring –
not a single tool in sight).
2000
2005
2007
2008
1975: that’s when we began to realise that we
are best at manufacturing electronic and compressed-air tools. So we decided to concentrate
on these and went full steam ahead to create
the “blue range”.
Oh, and then we introduced the first eccentric
sander. That was in 1976.
End of the 1970s: the first manual circular saw
was still selling like hot cakes. That reminds
us: the “blue range” has been on the go since the
start of the 1980s. The development of new synthetic technologies enabled 30% cost savings
while the new electronically-powered high-performance motors delivered serious extra power.
1982: the ROTEX hits the market – the first allin-one sander for rough sanding, fine sanding
and polishing.
1984: it’s all plain sailing from now on. The jigsaw with three-way saw blade guide comes out.
1985: the “blue range” was so successful that a
new assembly hall had to be built in Neidlingen.
Was there something else? Oh yes: 1993. We
actually found something about our tools that
needed perfecting – the packaging. So we decided to look outside the box and invented the
SYSTAINER.
By the way, the CT mobile dust extractor came
out in 1999.
2000: we celebrated our 75th anniversary in our
new premises in Wendlingen (the old place had
got too small, again).
2004: yet another innovation – the new FastFix
and CENTROTEC system turned changing drill
bits into child’s play.
2005: the birth of the first cordless drill with
EC-TEC technology.
2006: because it was such fun the last time,
we brought out another world first: the new
DOMINO jointing machine revolutionised
Lamello joining technology.
2007: the new chop saw. With a double laser
and detailed settings for precise swivel angles.
Oh, and we mustn’t forget the new PLANEX.
With it, painters could now work on high walls
without the need for scaffolding.
2008: the new VAC SYS vacuum clamping
system. Right, that’s all – for now.
420.0 mm
14.7 mm
44.0 mm
11.24 mm
Intolerance
Font size 42 pt
29.3 mm
10.0 mm
38.9 mm
When it comes to errors and even the tiniest deviation from accuracy, we
have to admit that we’re totally intolerant. With us, there’s no “Oh, it’s only a
little bit” and certainly no “Nobody will ever notice”. We have absolutely
zero tolerance – that’s 0.0 in round figures. And we don’t budge an inch, in
fact, not even a millimetre. The only thing more intolerant than us is our tools.
38.0 mm
38.4 mm
Typisch deutsch,
für alles einerule
standardisierte
Regel.
Typically
German –hier
we gibt
havees
a standardised
for everything.
This
Zum Beispiel
ist diese
Seite 420
exakt
420 millimetres.
x 297 Millimeter
groß.
Das
page,
for example,
is exactly
x 297
That’s
the size
schreibt
so vor. Die
in Deutschland
erfunden
laid
downdie
byDIN-Norm
the DIN standard
thatwurde
was invented
in Germany
and,
undyou
ist might
unerbittlich.
ist sie bloß
Basiswissen
fürisunsere
as
expect,Trotzdem
is pretty ruthless.
However,
the DIN
only a
Ingenieure. Denn
preliminary
piece die
of knowledge
müssen esfor
noch
ourgenauer
engineers.
nehmen.
Because
Zumthey
Beispiel
have
beim
to
be Anker,
even more
einem
accurate.
elementaren
For example,
Bauteil im
take
Motor
the von
rotor,
Schleifmaschinen.
a fundamental
Bei so wichtigen
component
in theKomponenten
motor of our sander.
sind wirNeedless
natürlichtobesonders
say, we are
intoleesperant. Nur
cially
intolerant
0,005 Millimeter
with an important
beträgt component
hier unserelike
Fertigungstoleranz.
this. Our producOdertolerance
tion
anders gesagt,
for thisein
component
Zehntel der
is just
Breite
0.005
eines
millimetres.
Haares. Nur
Or to
soput
it
another
a tenth
a hair’s
breadth.
This is the only way
can
können
wirway,
sicher
sein,ofdass
Funktion,
Vibrationsverhalten
undwe
Laufruhe
derthat
Maschine
unserenvibrational
hohen Ansprüchen
gerechtand
werden.
Und
be
sure
the function,
characteristics
the quiet
zwar lange
über
die Garantiezeit
hinaus.
running
of the
motor
meet our high
standards. And that they stay that
way, long after the guarantee expires.
Qualität vom Fließband gibt es nicht.
There’s no such thing as production-line quality.
Einer fertigt Teil A, einer schraubt Teil B an und ein anderer setzt
Teil C
obendrauf.
Undpart
wenn
irgendetwas
passt,
sind
One
person
produces
A, dann
another
screws onnicht
part B,
yet another
immer die
anderen
So läuft
daswrong,
bei unsthe
nicht.
attaches
part
C. Andschuld.
if something
goes
other person is
Auf unseren
Montage-Inseln
fertigen
ein bis
Mitarbeiter
das
always
to blame.
That’s not how
it happens
withzwei
us. On
our assembly
komplette Werkzeug.
platforms,
the entire Von
tool der
is produced
ersten bisbyzur
either
letzten
oneSchraube.
or two workers.
Denn
sie kennen
sich
bis ins
perfekt
mit demknow
Gerätour
austools
und
From
the first
screw
to kleinste
the last. Detail
Because
our workers
übernehmen
inside-out
and
die
take
komplette
full responsibility
Verantwortung
for the
fürproduction
die Produktion.
process.
Sie
They
stake
professional
on theSo
results.
bürgen
alsotheir
mit ihrem
Namenreputations
für das Ergebnis.
stellenThis
wir allows
sicher,
dass
unseren Geräten
eins steckt:
Qualität.
us
toin
guarantee
the onlynur
inflexible
thing
about our tools: quality.
11.24 mm
248.5 mm
297.0 mm
71.7 mm
mSt.
kg = V dm3 × kg/dm3
maple = 0.6 0.9 kg/dm3
larch = 0.5 0.8 kg/dm3
oak = 0.7 1.0 kg/dm3
birch = 0.5 0.8 kg/dm3
charcoal = 0.3 0.5 kg/dm3
102.2 mm
Wirtake
We
nehmen
it allalles
back.zurück.
79.2 mm
84.2 mm
75.7 mm
91.6 mm
83 mm
Umimprove
To
die Regeln
the zu
rules,
verbessern,
you’ve got
muss
to know
man them
die Regeln
first. kennen.
10.0 mm
We have
Wir
habena sogar
wholefür
setunsere
of regulations
Intoleranztoein
manage
ganzesour
Regelwerk.
intolerance.
Die
DINcalled
It’s
EN ISODIN
9001.
ENDas
ISOist9001,
eine der
onestrengsten
of the strictest
Qualitätsmanagementquality management
standards.
even
is nicht
not quite
strict
enough
Richtlinien.
Aber However,
auch die ist
unsthat
noch
streng
genug,
wir for
us
– we choose
to be
even
more exacting.
Germanin
law
states that
nehmen’s
freiwillig
viel
genauer.
Der Gesetzgeber
Deutschland
schreibt
no
more vor,
thandass
onehöchstens
out of every
eines
100von
products
Hundert
sold
verkauften
can be defective.
Geräten
defekt
darf.we
Aber
Festool
sindintolerant
zehnmal than
intoleranter
But
at sein
Festool,
likewir
to von
be even
more
the law.als
If
das Gesetz.
Selbst,
wenn
nur eines
Tausend
even
one out
of every
1,000
of ourvon
tools
is notWerkzeugen
functioningnicht
perfectly,
we take
everything
back.
Not just
faulty
tool,
but nur
the
einwandfrei
funktionieren
sollte,
nehmen
wirthe
alles
zurück.
Nicht
whole
batch. We
thensondern
reworkdie
theganze
entire
tool untilDann
it’s perfect.
das betreffende
Gerät,
Produktion.
wird das
Theoretically,
at least,
because this
has
never
actually
komplette
Werkzeug
überarbeitet,
bissituation
es perfekt
ist.
Theoretisch
happened.Vorgekommen
Needless to say,
wewas
put nämlich
our most
intolerant
workers
jedenfalls.
ist so
noch
nie. Denn
unsere
intolerantesten
in
the final inspection
Mitarbeiter
department.
haben wir natürlich
And they
in der
miss
Endkontrolle
nothing –
eingesetzt. Die
lassen nichts, aber auch rein gar nichts durchgehen.
absolutely
nothing.
10.0 mm
218.2 mm
27.7 mm
46.4 mm
210.0 mm
210.0 mm
39.2 mm
Font size 10.5 pt
Line spacing 14 pt
Grey scale
10% cyan
90 % black
Corner radius
3 mm
The know-it-all
for improvement as far as the grip angle is concerned.
Seven degrees to the guide grip.
KARL: [proudly] Seven point five degrees, to be precise.
Yes, we really do know better. About everything. Perhaps that
sounds a little tedious at first, but our customers take it even
more seriously. After all, they know best. That’s why we consult
them and include them in the development of our new tools right
from the beginning. We couldn’t do better than that. Who says
that being a know-it-all is a bad thing?
MR WOODWORM: Exactly, Karl. It is from mistakes that
we learn.
KARL: But we don’t have to make them all ourselves.
I know, boss.
MR WOODWORM: Right. Nobody wants to have to hold a
crooked grip for thirty years. And our joiners are using the
router more and more.
SCENE 1
Office of Mr Woodworm, qualified engineer. All kinds of drawings, foam models
and material samples. Time: right now.
KARL: [rushes into Mr Woodworm’s office with the test report in his hand]
I’ve got it, boss. It’s 7, exactly 7 nm!
MR WOODWORM: [sceptically] Isn’t it actually 8, Karl? The mean
value is 7, but the maximum value is 8 nm!
KARL: [slightly aggrieved] Yes, boss, the joiner fixes our new doublecolumn clamp to the router at a maximum of 8 nm.
KARL: [ flicking through his notebook] But our customers tell us that
they are working with solid surfaces more and more, too.
MR WOODWORM: I know. That’s why we provide special milling cutters for polymer-based materials. Did the prototype
pass the 30-hour endurance test in the dust chamber?
KARL: With tough Arizona sand, no less.
MR WOODWORM: In that case all we have to do is reduce
the weight a little and improve the performance.
KARL: And what’ll we do tomorrow?
MR WOODWORM: And with the palm of his left hand.
KARL: So now we finally know the ergonomic requirements for our router, and we can start creating the
next prototype.
MR WOODWORM: First things first.
Remember, the design model
showed us that there’s still room
EPILOGUE
A joinery somewhere in Great Britain. The master joiner is writing a letter.
Dear Festool, Your router is really fantastic, but
could you please come up with a special
solution for the new kitchen construction materials.
Yours sincerely, Peter Miller.
Foolishness
Building power tools that often last 20 years and longer
is actually a little foolish. Seen from a market economy
perspective, that is. But for us, it’s all about quality. Every
detail and every millimetre is thought out and manufactured with painstaking precision. Regardless of how long
it takes, our workers care about one thing only: creating
the perfect tool. On the following pages, you will find out
exactly what that means at each individual stage.
This is not a cordless drill!
Ideal for the indecisive.
The C12 is 35% lighter and much smaller than a cordless drill. It also has
55% more drilling power and its life cycle is twice as long. Unlike a cordless drill, it runs with practically no wear and tear and once fully charged,
its battery can handle 560 screws (feel free to count). And incidentally it
can do so in places where cordless drills just can’t reach. So the name
“cordless drill” doesn’t quite do the C12 justice. Of course, you can still
call it that, if you really want to.
Click in, click out – that’s how quickly you can turn a drill into
a screwdriver or a countersink and vice versa. It doesn’t just
sound easy – it is easy. The CENTROTEC tool chuck with Fast
Fix 1 is 50% smaller and 80% lighter than standard tools.
The answer is 42.
2
The C12 drives every screw perfectly into every kind of material, and not a millimetre too far. That’s the job of the electronic
torque switch-off 2 – with virtually no mechanical wear and
tear. Oh yes, and the question was: how many torque levels
does the C12 have?
3
1
Now here’s a real family heirloom.
The EC-TEC motor 3 is unique the world over and works
completely without carbon brushes. After all, they only cause
wear and tear and have to be changed on a continuous basis.
So the life cycle of the C12 is two-and-a-half times as long
as conventional cordless drills. Or if you want to be precise:
440,000 screws, or 1,320 built-in kitchens. Go wild!
4
The operating instructions are on the tool
(in all languages).
5
If you like reading, better buy yourself a nice book. Because the
operating instructions for the C12 are incredibly short: everything that has a function is green and is intuitive to use 4 .
Everything that doesn’t have a function, we’ve simply left out.
7
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Weals, cramps, repetitive strain injury – we have the ideal cure.
The C12’s slim Softgrip handle 5 and optimal centre of gravity
ensure that you can work fatigue-free in any position. Now
that’s what you call hands-on.
At last: a cordless drill with its own cleaner.
6
Drilling can be dirty work. That’s why we’ve given our batteries
6 self-cleaning spring contacts. They lengthen the life cycle
of the battery and increase its reliability.
! Where’s that
“
got to again??”
Cordless Drill C 12
5-point Torx
The C12 improves your language as well as your work. Because you’ll never need to utter sentences like the above
again. The magnetic bit holder 7 keeps everything where
you need it – directly on the tool.
The gear-drive eccentric sander ROTEX RO125
Jackpot – three tools in one!
Our gear-drive eccentric sander ROTEX RO125 really takes the
biscuit. It’s a coarse sander, fine sander and polisher in one single
tool. And because it has its very own strengths in each of these
areas, you could almost call it a split personality. That is, three
great tools in one. Much better than leaving things to chance when
sanding and polishing.
The coarse sander – resistance is useless.
It’s not enough just to want to do something,
you have to have what it takes. Like our ROTEX
RO125. Its high-performance motor with a full
500 watts of power gives free rein to your thirst
for action – no ifs and buts. Hardwood, hardened
varnish, uneven surfaces, it grinds them all
down unapologetically – three times faster
than a conventional eccentric sander. And not
only can it dish out the goods, it can also take
life’s knocks. Its long-life gears are doublesealed, all of its controls are dustproof, and
the casing is impact-resistant.
The fine sander – a feeling for wood.
It takes more than a hundred years for an
American cherry tree to turn into fine wooden
panelling. So it would be a terrific shame if
someone were to sand grooves in it. That’s why
our ROTEX massages each and every surface
with careful eccentric movements specially
designed for the wood. The MMC electronics
start the sanding disc up slowly and regulate
the speed steplessly, while the PROTECTOR
shields the edges of the material which
are especially delicate. Only a Barry White
song could be smoother – but it wouldn’t
sand so well.
The polisher – superficially does it.
The ROTEX is hugely concerned with outer
appearances. In fact, it is a perfectionist.
Anything that does not shine, it polishes to
a gleam. It loves details and always runs at
the right speed – otherwise the polish would
spray around the work surface, causing unpleasant marks. That’s the last thing we
want. After all, the ROTEX is accustomed
to the kind of car paint jobs that cost more
than a small car.
By the way, its compact, ergonomic design
and low weight mean the ROTEX isn’t tiring
to use. So you can keep up appearances
yourself.
Dowel jointer
DOMINO DF500
Our tools get along wonderfully with each
other. Everything fits together, into each other
and with each other. And it’s no wonder, because we not only manufacture all our own
tools, but also the complete range of accessories. The result for you means work systems
that are fully compatible with each other
across several tool generations. This compatibility actually starts with the electricity supply.
We believe in the principle of “one for all” –
which is why our plug it-cables fit every Festool
power tool. The result is neatness and no more
cable clutter on the floor of your workshop
when you change tools. The same applies when
you combine it with our Compact module system
or our guide rails to create a stationary work
bench. Festool gives you a complete workshop
from a single source – including expendables.
With our FastFix system, you can change all
drill bits, milling cutters and saw blades in
a matter of seconds. No additional tools, no
fuss. Simply click one part out, the other
part in and get on with the job. Even our mobile dust extractor fits all our tools perfectly
and keeps everything dust-free – especially
your lungs.
If you have a lot of responsibility, you need
the right container for it. That’s why even the
packaging for our tools can be optimally combined. We deliver every machine in a tailormade SYSTAINER, our patented transportation
and organiser box. Our standardised systainers fit together with a single click and are
perfect for your work requirements. They are
robust, heat-proof and dust-proof. So the tools
stay clean and protected, even on the dirtiest
building site. And all the accessories, too, of
course. Our systainers make it quick and easy
to tidy up – even if you believe the myth of the
untidy workman.
at which one or two workers assemble the device completely, from the first to the last screw. So now
we finally have our first prototypes. But then we throw them away again. That’s because they don’t usually
work quite the way we had envisaged in fulfilling the requirements of the System Specifications. So instead
of fiddling around with the prototypes and trying somehow to get them running properly, we develop the
sub-assembly again from the beginning. Our designers have to go back to the drawing board, of course – as
many times as it takes to achieve the perfect prototype. The new tool, after all, has to perform better than
its predecessor.
Allow us to present a world first!
No, we haven’t reinvented the wheel – just
the dowel. It’s flat, square and has extralarge adhesive surfaces with longitudinal
grooves. It looks a bit like a domino, so
that’s what we’ve called it. The DOMINO
dowel facilitates slab joints, frame joints and
base frame joints as well as combining all
the benefits of conventional round and flat
dowels. And all 100 % quickly, accurately and
twist-proof. The same as always: a few Swabians revolutionise the world – or at least the
wood joining system.
Once we have the prototype, we have finally developed a fully functional power tool. But that’s when
the work really begins. Our tools contain many new features for which there are not yet any production
facilities, so we have to design those as well. Not until that’s done can we build the pre-pilot series,
which are the first tools that are allowed to leave our production halls. However, they won’t be sent to
the trade outlets.
Only the best tools survive this procedure and find their way back to Wendlingen, where some real
high-tech stuff awaits them. Using thermographic cameras
and high-speed pho to graphy, oscillation recorders and
frequency analysers, we start looking at every possible
weak point.
This is where we prepare everything for the pilot series and
train our production workers in the new tool so that they
can almost build it in their sleep. We also register patents
for our inventions, design country-specific versions and
design the packaging. In fact, at this stage we could basically put the tool on the market and start making money
out of it.
But to make absolutely sure that our tools are better than
those of our rivals we wait a little, and send the pilot series to tradesmen all over the world. They
then use these tools for as long as it takes to find something wrong, something to complain about.
These practical tests show us exactly which subassemblies need to go back for review. Because
this is the last stage before series production, we don’t experiment much. Either the tool is perfect,
or it has to be revised. So basically it’s all quite simple.
Up until this point our new tool has been designed, discussed, drawn, modelled, optimised, assembled, tested, produced and checked. The time is fast approaching for the first series pilot batch.
We then examine all of the details one last time. Provided we don’t find any more ways to improve
the tool, we then release it for batch production. Which is not outsourced somewhere in the Far
East, but done here at home in Wendlingen. To enable us to produce for the whole world, we first
have to make space in our factory build ings, allot working shifts, prepare our logistics, inform
our retailers and, of course, design product train ing courses. Then, at last, we can put our tool
into production.
Oh, we almost forgot the most important thing. The final stage is of course the international market
launch. Once that’s all dealt with we actually take things quite easy. We simply do the same thing
over again for the next generation of tools. It’s all quite easy-going, in fact.
In actual fact our easy-going approach to development begins before the development itself, because we
often don’t come up with the ideas for new tools ourselves. Those ideas come from tradesmen from all
over the world. And they should know best. After all, they’ve been using our tools for years, and now and
again they even suggest ways of improving them. We then put them into practice. Sometimes even a completely new tool or feature comes out of it.
When we start building a new power tool we begin by drawing up a long list of requirements, detailing what
the new tool is supposed to be able to do, what problems it has to solve and what other special requests our
customers have made. But before our engineers really begin working they all go on a nice works outing.
Hmm, let’s see: to a building site, for instance, or a carpenter’s workshop. That’s where they see for themselves what conditions our tools are being subjected to. Our market research doesn’t begin with a multistage
cluster analysis acceptance test; it’s based on a much simpler principle: “If you don’t ask, you’ll never know”.
In long discussions with trade professionals, we learn all about how our tools could become more efficient.
And along the way we ourselves become more efficient, because
we only work on improvements that are useful.
What people want and what people imagine happening are all
well and good. But we’re technicians. German technicians, to
be exact. That’s why we prefer to work with concrete figures.
The more accurate, the better. Our System Specifications describe in meticulous detail all of the technical features and capabilities which the new tool must, should or can have – and the
ones it should not have. Then we add, on average, two hundred
and thirty-four other points. Our designers then work through
these one by one. Once they have invented a unique new component, they place a tick on the System Specifications and
simply move on to the next point. It’s as easy as that.
We send our pre-pilot tools to various test beds and to the test workshop in Sokolov in the Czech Republic.
There the equipment is tested under real working conditions, and taken to the limits – and beyond. We do
everything to finish our tools off, and that long before they are finished.
going
People actually say that we Swabians, from the south-west of Germany, obey a stringent work ethic. That’s
what they say. But at Festool we’re really quite easy-going for the most part – especially when it comes to
developing our tools. Because all we really do is what we have always done. But then again, we definitely
do it, again and again. Let’s take a quick look at the most important aspects of that – the ones we absolutely can’t do without.
Easy-
Neat freaks
Let’s tell it like it is: craftsmen absolutely love putting things together. And their inner child always
seems to come out when they’re doing it. So workshops sometimes look a little untidy. But we want
to create things, not look for things. That’s why with Festool, every machine, every attachment and
every accessory has its place. All the items in the Festool system are perfectly coordinated with
each other. After all, our customers should be pottering about with their wood, not with their tools.
Included in the scope of delivery.
Of course, we have also created the best
possible high-end accessory for our new
DOMINO dowel: the DF 500 dowel jointer. It
may look a little complicated at first glance,
but it’s actually not that intimidating. Once
set up, the milling depth, milling height,
longitudinal slot depth and milling rotation
speed are fixed for the entire job. All you
have to do is attach the component to the
cross stop, switch on the dowel jointer and
you’re done.
The cutter rotates and oscillates at the same
time, and thus cuts a clean longitudinal slot
in a single work step. And if it ever cuts anything other than a straight line, it’s only because the operator wants it that way. Because
the mitre squares can be set with a single
hand movement and snap into place with
every important dimension. Only the hole
width can be adjusted during operation if
required. Thanks to its extreme versatility
and strict accuracy, the DF 500 can be used
for a whole range of corner joints in frames,
base frames and racks.
The ease of use of the dowel jointer and the
perfect fit of the DOMINO dowels make working with them child’s play. You can take that
literally, if you like.
Everything our designers think up, they then transfer to the drawing board. Today, however, that particular
piece of equipment has 4 gigabytes of RAM and is loaded with 3D CAD software. It means every detail is
shown just as it will later appear in the tool. Take the screw housing, for example. It must have just the
right interior diameter so that the screwing torque is correct. Its installation depth must be exactly right
so that the screw head is at the right level in order that the screwdriver can be operated automatically
during assembly. It must also be attached firmly enough to the casing to absorb all of the forces that will
come its way. Yet it cannot be too bulky, otherwise its ribs will show through on the outside. Or can we do
without the screw housing altogether and clip or stick in the parts? No, better not. If it needs repairing, customer
services will have to dismantle the tool without breaking the parts. So screws it is. But perhaps they would
be better on the other side, then we can put another feature in this position, saving us a part which would
otherwise jut out at the back. Now the whole tool fits into its SYSTAINER again perfectly. Those are just
some of the most obvious considerations relating to the screw housing. For every tool there are between
123 and 234 other individual parts.
We keep thinking along these lines until we’re certain that we’ve found the best design and the best manufacturing process for each and every component. Not only must these components satisfy regulations from
a host of different countries, they also have to pass the toughest test in the world of tools: approval by
our quality inspectors. Not until that has happened do we set up an assembly island for each tool model,
at which one or two workers assemble the device completely, from the first to the last screw. So now
we finally have our first prototypes. But then we throw them away again. That’s because they don’t usually
work quite the way we had envisaged in fulfilling the requirements of the System Specifications. So instead
of fiddling around with the prototypes and trying somehow to get them running properly, we develop the
sub-assembly again from the beginning. Our designers have to go back to the drawing board, of course – as
many times as it takes to achieve the perfect prototype. The new tool, after all, has to perform better than
its predecessor.
Allow us to present a world first!
No, we haven’t reinvented the wheel – just
the dowel. It’s flat, square and has extralarge adhesive surfaces with longitudinal
grooves. It looks a bit like a domino, so
that’s what we’ve called it. The DOMINO
dowel facilitates slab joints, frame joints and
base frame joints as well as combining all
the benefits of conventional round and flat
dowels. And all 100 % quickly, accurately and
twist-proof. The same as always: a few Swabians revolutionise the world – or at least the
wood joining system.
Once we have the prototype, we have finally developed a fully functional power tool. But that’s when
the work really begins. Our tools contain many new features for which there are not yet any production
facilities, so we have to design those as well. Not until that’s done can we build the pre-pilot series,
which are the first tools that are allowed to leave our production halls. However, they won’t be sent to
the trade outlets.
Only the best tools survive this procedure and find their way back to Wendlingen, where some real
high-tech stuff awaits them. Using thermographic cameras
and high-speed pho to graphy, oscillation recorders and
frequency analysers, we start looking at every possible
weak point.
This is where we prepare everything for the pilot series and
train our production workers in the new tool so that they
can almost build it in their sleep. We also register patents
for our inventions, design country-specific versions and
design the packaging. In fact, at this stage we could basically put the tool on the market and start making money
out of it.
But to make absolutely sure that our tools are better than
those of our rivals we wait a little, and send the pilot series to tradesmen all over the world. They
then use these tools for as long as it takes to find something wrong, something to complain about.
These practical tests show us exactly which subassemblies need to go back for review. Because
this is the last stage before series production, we don’t experiment much. Either the tool is perfect,
or it has to be revised. So basically it’s all quite simple.
Up until this point our new tool has been designed, discussed, drawn, modelled, optimised, assembled, tested, produced and checked. The time is fast approaching for the first series pilot batch.
We then examine all of the details one last time. Provided we don’t find any more ways to improve
the tool, we then release it for batch production. Which is not outsourced somewhere in the Far
East, but done here at home in Wendlingen. To enable us to produce for the whole world, we first
have to make space in our factory build ings, allot working shifts, prepare our logistics, inform
our retailers and, of course, design product train ing courses. Then, at last, we can put our tool
into production.
Oh, we almost forgot the most important thing. The final stage is of course the international market
launch. Once that’s all dealt with we actually take things quite easy. We simply do the same thing
over again for the next generation of tools. It’s all quite easy-going, in fact.
In actual fact our easy-going approach to development begins before the development itself, because we
often don’t come up with the ideas for new tools ourselves. Those ideas come from tradesmen from all
over the world. And they should know best. After all, they’ve been using our tools for years, and now and
again they even suggest ways of improving them. We then put them into practice. Sometimes even a completely new tool or feature comes out of it.
When we start building a new power tool we begin by drawing up a long list of requirements, detailing what
the new tool is supposed to be able to do, what problems it has to solve and what other special requests our
customers have made. But before our engineers really begin working they all go on a nice works outing.
Hmm, let’s see: to a building site, for instance, or a carpenter’s workshop. That’s where they see for themselves what conditions our tools are being subjected to. Our market research doesn’t begin with a multistage
cluster analysis acceptance test; it’s based on a much simpler principle: “If you don’t ask, you’ll never know”.
In long discussions with trade professionals, we learn all about how our tools could become more efficient.
And along the way we ourselves become more efficient, because
we only work on improvements that are useful.
What people want and what people imagine happening are all
well and good. But we’re technicians. German technicians, to
be exact. That’s why we prefer to work with concrete figures.
The more accurate, the better. Our System Specifications describe in meticulous detail all of the technical features and capabilities which the new tool must, should or can have – and the
ones it should not have. Then we add, on average, two hundred
and thirty-four other points. Our designers then work through
these one by one. Once they have invented a unique new component, they place a tick on the System Specifications and
simply move on to the next point. It’s as easy as that.
We send our pre-pilot tools to various test beds and to the test workshop in Sokolov in the Czech Republic.
There the equipment is tested under real working conditions, and taken to the limits – and beyond. We do
everything to finish our tools off, and that long before they are finished.
going
People actually say that we Swabians, from the south-west of Germany, obey a stringent work ethic. That’s
what they say. But at Festool we’re really quite easy-going for the most part – especially when it comes to
developing our tools. Because all we really do is what we have always done. But then again, we definitely
do it, again and again. Let’s take a quick look at the most important aspects of that – the ones we absolutely can’t do without.
Easy-
Neat freaks
Let’s tell it like it is: craftsmen absolutely love putting things together. And their inner child always
seems to come out when they’re doing it. So workshops sometimes look a little untidy. But we want
to create things, not look for things. That’s why with Festool, every machine, every attachment and
every accessory has its place. All the items in the Festool system are perfectly coordinated with
each other. After all, our customers should be pottering about with their wood, not with their tools.
Included in the scope of delivery.
Of course, we have also created the best
possible high-end accessory for our new
DOMINO dowel: the DF 500 dowel jointer. It
may look a little complicated at first glance,
but it’s actually not that intimidating. Once
set up, the milling depth, milling height,
longitudinal slot depth and milling rotation
speed are fixed for the entire job. All you
have to do is attach the component to the
cross stop, switch on the dowel jointer and
you’re done.
The cutter rotates and oscillates at the same
time, and thus cuts a clean longitudinal slot
in a single work step. And if it ever cuts anything other than a straight line, it’s only because the operator wants it that way. Because
the mitre squares can be set with a single
hand movement and snap into place with
every important dimension. Only the hole
width can be adjusted during operation if
required. Thanks to its extreme versatility
and strict accuracy, the DF 500 can be used
for a whole range of corner joints in frames,
base frames and racks.
The ease of use of the dowel jointer and the
perfect fit of the DOMINO dowels make working with them child’s play. You can take that
literally, if you like.
Everything our designers think up, they then transfer to the drawing board. Today, however, that particular
piece of equipment has 4 gigabytes of RAM and is loaded with 3D CAD software. It means every detail is
shown just as it will later appear in the tool. Take the screw housing, for example. It must have just the
right interior diameter so that the screwing torque is correct. Its installation depth must be exactly right
so that the screw head is at the right level in order that the screwdriver can be operated automatically
during assembly. It must also be attached firmly enough to the casing to absorb all of the forces that will
come its way. Yet it cannot be too bulky, otherwise its ribs will show through on the outside. Or can we do
without the screw housing altogether and clip or stick in the parts? No, better not. If it needs repairing, customer
services will have to dismantle the tool without breaking the parts. So screws it is. But perhaps they would
be better on the other side, then we can put another feature in this position, saving us a part which would
otherwise jut out at the back. Now the whole tool fits into its SYSTAINER again perfectly. Those are just
some of the most obvious considerations relating to the screw housing. For every tool there are between
123 and 234 other individual parts.
We keep thinking along these lines until we’re certain that we’ve found the best design and the best manufacturing process for each and every component. Not only must these components satisfy regulations from
a host of different countries, they also have to pass the toughest test in the world of tools: approval by
our quality inspectors. Not until that has happened do we set up an assembly island for each tool model,
Dowel jointer
DOMINO DF500
Our tools get along wonderfully with each
other. Everything fits together, into each other
and with each other. And it’s no wonder, because we not only manufacture all our own
tools, but also the complete range of accessories. The result for you means work systems
that are fully compatible with each other
across several tool generations. This compatibility actually starts with the electricity supply.
We believe in the principle of “one for all” –
which is why our plug it-cables fit every Festool
power tool. The result is neatness and no more
cable clutter on the floor of your workshop
when you change tools. The same applies when
you combine it with our Compact module system
or our guide rails to create a stationary work
bench. Festool gives you a complete workshop
from a single source – including expendables.
With our FastFix system, you can change all
drill bits, milling cutters and saw blades in
a matter of seconds. No additional tools, no
fuss. Simply click one part out, the other
part in and get on with the job. Even our mobile dust extractor fits all our tools perfectly
and keeps everything dust-free – especially
your lungs.
If you have a lot of responsibility, you need
the right container for it. That’s why even the
packaging for our tools can be optimally combined. We deliver every machine in a tailormade SYSTAINER, our patented transportation
and organiser box. Our standardised systainers fit together with a single click and are
perfect for your work requirements. They are
robust, heat-proof and dust-proof. So the tools
stay clean and protected, even on the dirtiest
building site. And all the accessories, too, of
course. Our systainers make it quick and easy
to tidy up – even if you believe the myth of the
untidy workman.
Lack of humour
Compared to us, other Germans are a real barrel of laughs. Because when it comes to
safety, we just don’t see the funny side. After all, a bruised finger or repetitive strain
injury is no joke. Read on to find out just how seriously we take it.
Your safety is an issue that deserves extremely
close attention. That’s why we start identifying
risks long before anyone actually picks up our
tools. Cables, for example. When you are working with three or four devices, the workshop
can begin to look like someone knocked over
a bowl of spaghetti. The clear-headed solution
from Festool: just one cable. But one cable that
fits every tool and is simple to attach.
Yet the workshop isn’t the only place we’ve
tidied up – we’ve also been working on the tools.
Everything with an important function is green,
easy to identify and, of course, centrally positioned. The buttons are always easy and quick
to reach with no need to alter hand position.
And everything that doesn’t have a function
simply isn’t there. So everything is clearer. The
ergonomically-designed grips with soft-grip
technology don’t just make the operator feel
comfortable, but safe as well. And to ensure
that you can keep holding and using our products for long periods without any hand pain,
we have fine-tuned them to have the optimal
balance. The position of the grips is perfectly
matched to the machine’s centre of gravity
and to the typical working position. What is
more, wherever the construction method
allows, we have distributed the centre of gravity across the connecting lines of the grip
axes to protect your joints. After all, the most
dangerous tool is always a tired craftsman.
And if something still goes wrong, our quickacting safety brake system steps right in. Just
to make sure that, in future, you’ll still be able
to order five beers with one hand. And that’s
when a bit of fun is certainly allowed. Cheers!
Aggression
We love our tools – no question about that. But some of our employees
are not quite so caring. After all, it’s part of their job description. The
Festool quality assurance team shows no mercy and treats our tools
really badly. In this respect, we have to remember: no pain, no gain.
Read on to find out more – if you have the guts.
This makes the Marines training programme
look like a holiday camp.
Switch it off, throw it away, abandon it in the
desert – just some of the things people might
like to do with tools that break soon after
they are bought. To spare our customers the
bother, we simply do it for them. Take our
cordless drill, for example. We throw it away
before it ever goes into production. From a
height of two metres, to be precise. If it survives the fall and still functions perfectly, it
deserves the name Festool.
Every single part of our tools is so robust that
it lasts an incredibly long time. Starting with
the switches. On, off, on, off, on, off, on, off,
on, off, on, off, on, off, on, off, on, off, on, off,
on, off, on, off, on, off, on, off, on, off, on, off,
on, off, on, off, on, off, on, off, on, off, on, off,
on, off, on, off, on, off, on, off, on, off. (Read
that last sentence a few thousand times for
a rough idea of what our tools have to go
through.) And once they persevere through
that, the worst is yet to come.
Next, it’s off to the desert. Or to be more accurate, the desert comes to us. In our dust
product test
chambers, our tools are subjected to abuse
by specially-imported and extremely aggressive dust from Arizona. If all the bearings and
coils remain unaffected after countless hours
of unrelenting bombardment, they are allowed
to move on to the next test.
In the automotive manufacturing world, the
24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate endurance test. Our saws and sanders just laugh
at that. They have to saw and sand for two
weeks, non-stop, day and night, switching
continually between idle cycles and peak
loads. They have to handle all materials and
surfaces, from rock-hard to butter-soft. Our
circular saws perform this drill for no less
than 500 hours. The tools have to emerge
intact from all this and some other really
nasty tests, which we will not describe here
in order to spare your sensibilities. Only then
are they permitted to go into production. Or
else, it’s back to the drawing board. Then, the
name of the game is: improve, improve, improve. Come to think of it, our engineers and
designers have to be almost as resilient as
our tools.
Sentimentality
As mentioned already, we love our tools. So it’s no wonder that we feel a little sad when we
eventually have to hand them over for someone else to use. It’s true that we have long enough
to prepare ourselves for that day – but maybe you know the feeling of being simply overcome?
The engineer’s fear of start of production.
We speak to engineers from all over the world.
We spend sleepless nights poring over design
plans. We go almost crazy revising the gear
shift for the eighty-second time. We take the
prototypes and inspect them, try them out,
take them apart, discard them, let them gather
dust and improve them all over again. For
years, we have optimised the durability, safety
and performance of every detail. And, still,
the moment of truth hits us just as hard every
time: the start of production. When our loved
ones leave the workshop, our engineers just
can’t suppress those melancholy feelings.
Out of sight – but not out of mind.
Like in all good families, our tools can always
count on our support. We provide a global network of authorised specialist dealers, a threeyear manufacturer’s guarantee, a seven-year
replacement parts guarantee and a 48-hour
repair service which, if required, even includes
free collection and return. But you know how
it is – once they’ve left the factory, we usually
never see them again. They do just fine on
their own.
Tools need to be challenged, too.
We’ve instilled performance, durability and
staying power into our tools. And we want it
to stay that way. That’s why we take the time
to show our customers how to get the best
from our tools. Therefore our specialist dealers are first on the list for our training courses.
In seminars on topics such as wood, sawing
and routing, we turn our selected dealers into
real Festool specialists. But we also help
professionals to get the optimal use from our
tools. How can work flows be made more
effective? How can you organise your workshop in the optimal way? We find the best
solution, on-site, together with the people
who use our tools. And when we see what
our tools really do in everyday use, we feel a
little swell of pride. Read on and find out why …
Good work takes time.
Overtime costs money.
Let’s be honest: nobody really needs a luxury yacht. It’s expensive, inefficient, and requires lots of maintenance. And
no one sees you in the middle of the ocean anyway. Yachts
are truly superfluous – which is precisely what makes them
so desirable. They are the epitome of luxury.
This is something you notice during construction, especially
when it comes to the interior. That’s where precision craftsmanship – even in the smallest of spaces – is demanded.
The exclusive furniture and fittings are made using highquality wood types from the best cultivation regions, fitted
to high degrees of accuracy.
Take fine mahogany, for instance. Solid or as a veneer, mahogany not only looks special, it is also especially hard.
And that is something the tools notice, too. And not only the
tools, but the carpenter as well. After all, if the carpenter’s
equipment is not as perfect as the carpenter themselves,
then things usually go wrong. That already starts during
cutting to size. For example, if the saw doesn’t maintain a
constant speed, then the carpenter cannot guide it properly,
the cuts become inaccurate, burn marks appear on the
wood, and before you know it, the wood – along with your
profits – is ruined.
Luxury or not, carpentry, like other trades, understands a
simple rule: time is money. Endless refinishing and unnecessary waste are things no one can afford these days.
Working efficiently means working with the right tools for
your materials. That is why perfection cannot stop with your
tools; it has to apply to your accessories, too. Saw blades,
sandpaper and grinding heads are, after all, the very things
that come into direct contact with the precious wood. That
is why at Festool we only bring a tool onto the market if it
represents the best available solution for professional carpenters in each discipline. And it has to be a thoroughly
thought-through system that includes all of its accessories
and expendables. Sometimes that means a bit more development time – but because of it, the results are really good.
Rather like building yachts, in fact.
As you can see, you see nothing.
(And why you see nothing, you are about to see.)
Painters and decorators have a truly depressing job. No matter how good they work, you
see nothing of the results – that is, if they are masters of their trade. That’s because a wall
is not perfect until you can’t see a single mark, patch or even the tiniest drip of paint on it.
Literally just endless pure white. It’s something that’s really worth working for – or should
we say, worth preparing for.
After all, before you begin painting you first have to clean, sand down and key the surface,
dilute and stir the paint, prime the area … In other words, a lot of work before work even
begins. There’s no getting around it if you want a perfectly white wall. But then again, white
doesn’t always mean just plain white.
Nowadays there is a perfect coating for every surface. When painting outside walls, for
example, silicone resin-based paints are currently the hit, as they are highly resistant to
the force of driving rain, are generally weatherproof and also allow water vapour to permeate so that the facade can breathe. Obviously, you have to prepare the surface carefully
when using a product like that. As a painter you also have to be a decorator, materials specialist and restorer in one – things which require a lot of knowledge and experience. And,
of course, the perfect tool.
Anyone who has sanded down and primed 127 square metres of baroque oak panelling
will know exactly why a sander has to be light and ergonomically designed. Yet the
really huge challenges are in the details. Take the restoration of windows, for example.
You have to grind out tiny remnants of putty and glass splinters without damaging the
frame or the mullions, which are often weathered and need to be sanded particularly
carefully. Anyone who earns their living that way will know why sanders cannot break
down when working long-term on a glass facade.
But then again, it needn’t come to that. After all, there are inventions that protect
sanders against dust clogging and which keep the sandpaper clean. And it would be
a shame to allow such high-quality sandpaper, made as it is from heat-resistant aluminium oxide and hard-wearing polyamide velour, to degrade so easily. What used
to be just good old sandpaper is now a real high-tech product. Not that you would
know by looking at it – but that’s often the case. A professional sandpaper like that
may cost a bit more to buy, but it lasts longer and means less prepping time. In fact,
you can save a lot of time if you avoid superfluous work.
That includes, for instance, looking for a tool, changing accessories and cleaning up.
And less time taken means going home earlier. So there’s no reason to be glum if you
can’t see anything at the end of it all.
Or then again, perhaps there is.
A good polisher will even get your
eyes sparkling.
The Wiesmann GT MF4 has a V8 engine capable
of 367 horsepower, a handcrafted monocoque
and dual layer paintwork in metallic ruby black
in which light reflects softly over the characteristic curves of its bodywork. A car like this one
can take your breath away. But it can also deprive you of your sleep – especially if you have
worked long nights getting it to look like this.
That’s because unlike conventional single-colour
paints, metallic finishes should only be polished using special products. And if the vehicle
also has to look breathtaking beneath the spotlights of an exhibition stand, then you need
special equipment, too. The holographic patterns that arise especially when polishing dark
metallic paints can only be banished by means
of precise, eccentric movements. And that
doesn’t happen instantly, but only through polishing, polishing and more polishing. For hours
at a time in the same position. Without an ergonomically perfect tool to assist you, your love of
automobiles may be stretched to the limit. After
all, for really perfect results you have to apply
constant pressure and work with a constant
polishing disc speed. When a whole year’s salary
is sitting under your cloth, then you really have
to be able to rely on your tools. If you set the
polishing disc speed just a little too fast, then the
wing could end up looking like it’s been in a crash
test. And because no one knows all that like a
professional car polisher and painter, we develop
our polishing and painting machines in direct
collaboration with them. That is how we work
cooperatively to find a solution to every problem.
The result: a polishing system which is absolutely suited to the needs of professionals. Not
to mention of course, stunning looking cars.
Total swots
Wertstrasse in Wendlingen is
not exactly 5th Avenue.
Why should we deny it? Always working and
always wanting to be the best – that’s just
the way we Swabians are. Sure, a little bit of
fame is always worth striving for. It’s nice to
be recognised for one’s achievements. But
instead of celebrating, we prefer to concentrate on our work and finding ways to do it
even better. We never stop learning – like we
said, we’re just swots.
Thankfully. Instead of stretch
limousines, we’ve got 30-tonne
trucks – and the postman.
Over the years, he’s brought
us more than 50 national and
international awards for innovation, design and usability.
And our employees notice that
our good work is appreciated,
too – after all, we’ve been
voted one of Germany’s 100
best places to work. But what
makes us even happier than
the many awards are the personal letters we receive from
customers all over the world.
Especially if they contain criticism. Because then we learn
something new.
Our employees are all still
at school.
What was once a small family
business in the German countryside has since become an
internationally-successful midsized enterprise that sells its
products on five continents; but
we’re still Swabians at heart –
a hard-working country folk.
That’s why we can’t help ourselves – we still put everything
into setting new standards. That
includes for ourselves. So our
noses are at the grindstone
again – or should we say, the
school desk. After all, learning
is a lifelong process. That’s why
even our most experienced employees attend regular training
courses and learn how our development, production, tools and
service can be continually improved. Swotting is just part of
the job.
But it’s all worth it in the end.
Be they joiners, painters or car
painters, most people who use
our tools once, stay loyal for life.
Even into the second and third
generation. Because Festool
tools don’t just last an exceptionally long time – customers
like them so much that they
come back to Festool again and
again. Now that’s certainly an
achievement worth toasting.
Though not with champagne –
better make it a refreshing
glass of apple spritzer.
Utopianism
The world is not exactly short of utopias these days. Shaping the world of tomorrow seems to be all the rage at
the moment. Obviously, we don’t like to lag behind
and so we’ve developed our own Festool utopian
concept. And this one is highly practical. Because philosophising indefinitely about plans
and goals is just not our thing. Goals are there
to be achieved; plans are there to be implemented. Or to put it the Swabian way: less
talk, more action.
Someone who has visions needs to see a doctor.
Dreaming is not really us. Because great tools aren’t created by
sleeping, but by hard work. And hard work is what we have to
do, because our goal is to be the first choice for joiners,
painters and bodywork varnishers the world over. No
small task for a mid-sized, family-run company from
the German countryside. But we have a tried and
trusted formula: innovation. With revolutionary
inventions like the guide rail, the EC-TEC motor
and the DOMINO jointing system to our
credit, we always strive to stay one step
ahead of the competition. And everything
after that, we learn first-hand – from
you. Because we listen to our customers and develop our tools in consultation with you. Of course, it’s possible that our strategies may drive
some of our competitors a little
crazy. Luckily, we know a few
good doctors.
If you have goals, you need to
achieve them.
We’ve set our sights pretty high.
Another big goal of ours is to expand. To all places where people
work lovingly with wood and where
beautiful surfaces are valued. We
already have the right tools for the
job and we are well prepared. It all
starts even before the purchase.
Almost anywhere in the world, our
customers can find a Festool specialist
dealer who can give them detailed advice
and support. Not only with regards to the
tool, but also when it comes to Festool’s wide
range of accessories and expendables.
The process continues after purchase, too. With
training courses, a replacement parts guarantee and
the services provided by our customer clubs. And needless to say, all through our selected specialist partner dealers in your area. We’ve been doing successful business since
1925, and we intend to keep it that way. We plan to stay the way we
are. And that includes constantly improving. All over the world – and one
day, perhaps, beyond it. Who knows?
We dont’t build anything unless we’re sure we can build it better than others.
Cordless drill T15+3
Circular saw
TS 75
Gear-drive eccentric sander
ROTEX RO125
Cordless drill C 12
Rotary polisher RAP 80
Module-Edge router MFK 700
Sliding compound mitre saw
KAPEX KS 120
Belt sander BS 75
RUTSCHER RS100
Circular saw
TS 55
Eccentric sander ETS 125
DOMINO joining system
DF 500
Carpet remover TPE
Rotary sander RAS 115
Pendulum jigsaw
TRION PSB 300
Router OF1010
Pendulum jigsaw
TRION PS 300
Triangular sander
DELTEX DX 93
Mobile dust extractor
CTL MINI
One-handed planer
EHL 65
Router OF 2200
Special application dust
extractor SRM 45
Planer HL 850
Linear sander
DUPLEX LS130
Multifunction table MFT 3
Festool Cap
PLANEX LHS 225
at which one or two workers assemble the device completely, from the first to the last screw. So now
we finally have our first prototypes. But then we throw them away again. That’s because they don’t usually
work quite the way we had envisaged in fulfilling the requirements of the System Specifications. So instead
of fiddling around with the prototypes and trying somehow to get them running properly, we develop the
sub-assembly again from the beginning. Our designers have to go back to the drawing board, of course – as
many times as it takes to achieve the perfect prototype. The new tool, after all, has to perform better than
its predecessor.
Allow us to present a world first!
No, we haven’t reinvented the wheel – just
the dowel. It’s flat, square and has extralarge adhesive surfaces with longitudinal
grooves. It looks a bit like a domino, so
that’s what we’ve called it. The DOMINO
dowel facilitates slab joints, frame joints and
base frame joints as well as combining all
the benefits of conventional round and flat
dowels. And all 100 % quickly, accurately and
twist-proof. The same as always: a few Swabians revolutionise the world – or at least the
wood joining system.
Once we have the prototype, we have finally developed a fully functional power tool. But that’s when
the work really begins. Our tools contain many new features for which there are not yet any production
facilities, so we have to design those as well. Not until that’s done can we build the pre-pilot series,
which are the first tools that are allowed to leave our production halls. However, they won’t be sent to
the trade outlets.
Only the best tools survive this procedure and find their way back to Wendlingen, where some real
high-tech stuff awaits them. Using thermographic cameras
and high-speed pho to graphy, oscillation recorders and
frequency analysers, we start looking at every possible
weak point.
This is where we prepare everything for the pilot series and
train our production workers in the new tool so that they
can almost build it in their sleep. We also register patents
for our inventions, design country-specific versions and
design the packaging. In fact, at this stage we could basically put the tool on the market and start making money
out of it.
But to make absolutely sure that our tools are better than
those of our rivals we wait a little, and send the pilot series to tradesmen all over the world. They
then use these tools for as long as it takes to find something wrong, something to complain about.
These practical tests show us exactly which subassemblies need to go back for review. Because
this is the last stage before series production, we don’t experiment much. Either the tool is perfect,
or it has to be revised. So basically it’s all quite simple.
Up until this point our new tool has been designed, discussed, drawn, modelled, optimised, assembled, tested, produced and checked. The time is fast approaching for the first series pilot batch.
We then examine all of the details one last time. Provided we don’t find any more ways to improve
the tool, we then release it for batch production. Which is not outsourced somewhere in the Far
East, but done here at home in Wendlingen. To enable us to produce for the whole world, we first
have to make space in our factory build ings, allot working shifts, prepare our logistics, inform
our retailers and, of course, design product train ing courses. Then, at last, we can put our tool
into production.
Oh, we almost forgot the most important thing. The final stage is of course the international market
launch. Once that’s all dealt with we actually take things quite easy. We simply do the same thing
over again for the next generation of tools. It’s all quite easy-going, in fact.
In actual fact our easy-going approach to development begins before the development itself, because we
often don’t come up with the ideas for new tools ourselves. Those ideas come from tradesmen from all
over the world. And they should know best. After all, they’ve been using our tools for years, and now and
again they even suggest ways of improving them. We then put them into practice. Sometimes even a completely new tool or feature comes out of it.
When we start building a new power tool we begin by drawing up a long list of requirements, detailing what
the new tool is supposed to be able to do, what problems it has to solve and what other special requests our
customers have made. But before our engineers really begin working they all go on a nice works outing.
Hmm, let’s see: to a building site, for instance, or a carpenter’s workshop. That’s where they see for themselves what conditions our tools are being subjected to. Our market research doesn’t begin with a multistage
cluster analysis acceptance test; it’s based on a much simpler principle: “If you don’t ask, you’ll never know”.
In long discussions with trade professionals, we learn all about how our tools could become more efficient.
And along the way we ourselves become more efficient, because
we only work on improvements that are useful.
What people want and what people imagine happening are all
well and good. But we’re technicians. German technicians, to
be exact. That’s why we prefer to work with concrete figures.
The more accurate, the better. Our System Specifications describe in meticulous detail all of the technical features and capabilities which the new tool must, should or can have – and the
ones it should not have. Then we add, on average, two hundred
and thirty-four other points. Our designers then work through
these one by one. Once they have invented a unique new component, they place a tick on the System Specifications and
simply move on to the next point. It’s as easy as that.
We send our pre-pilot tools to various test beds and to the test workshop in Sokolov in the Czech Republic.
There the equipment is tested under real working conditions, and taken to the limits – and beyond. We do
everything to finish our tools off, and that long before they are finished.
going
People actually say that we Swabians, from the south-west of Germany, obey a stringent work ethic. That’s
what they say. But at Festool we’re really quite easy-going for the most part – especially when it comes to
developing our tools. Because all we really do is what we have always done. But then again, we definitely
do it, again and again. Let’s take a quick look at the most important aspects of that – the ones we absolutely can’t do without.
Easy-
Neat freaks
Let’s tell it like it is: craftsmen absolutely love putting things together. And their inner child always
seems to come out when they’re doing it. So workshops sometimes look a little untidy. But we want
to create things, not look for things. That’s why with Festool, every machine, every attachment and
every accessory has its place. All the items in the Festool system are perfectly coordinated with
each other. After all, our customers should be pottering about with their wood, not with their tools.
Included in the scope of delivery.
Of course, we have also created the best
possible high-end accessory for our new
DOMINO dowel: the DF 500 dowel jointer. It
may look a little complicated at first glance,
but it’s actually not that intimidating. Once
set up, the milling depth, milling height,
longitudinal slot depth and milling rotation
speed are fixed for the entire job. All you
have to do is attach the component to the
cross stop, switch on the dowel jointer and
you’re done.
The cutter rotates and oscillates at the same
time, and thus cuts a clean longitudinal slot
in a single work step. And if it ever cuts anything other than a straight line, it’s only because the operator wants it that way. Because
the mitre squares can be set with a single
hand movement and snap into place with
every important dimension. Only the hole
width can be adjusted during operation if
required. Thanks to its extreme versatility
and strict accuracy, the DF 500 can be used
for a whole range of corner joints in frames,
base frames and racks.
The ease of use of the dowel jointer and the
perfect fit of the DOMINO dowels make working with them child’s play. You can take that
literally, if you like.
Everything our designers think up, they then transfer to the drawing board. Today, however, that particular
piece of equipment has 4 gigabytes of RAM and is loaded with 3D CAD software. It means every detail is
shown just as it will later appear in the tool. Take the screw housing, for example. It must have just the
right interior diameter so that the screwing torque is correct. Its installation depth must be exactly right
so that the screw head is at the right level in order that the screwdriver can be operated automatically
during assembly. It must also be attached firmly enough to the casing to absorb all of the forces that will
come its way. Yet it cannot be too bulky, otherwise its ribs will show through on the outside. Or can we do
without the screw housing altogether and clip or stick in the parts? No, better not. If it needs repairing, customer
services will have to dismantle the tool without breaking the parts. So screws it is. But perhaps they would
be better on the other side, then we can put another feature in this position, saving us a part which would
otherwise jut out at the back. Now the whole tool fits into its SYSTAINER again perfectly. Those are just
some of the most obvious considerations relating to the screw housing. For every tool there are between
123 and 234 other individual parts.
We keep thinking along these lines until we’re certain that we’ve found the best design and the best manufacturing process for each and every component. Not only must these components satisfy regulations from
a host of different countries, they also have to pass the toughest test in the world of tools: approval by
our quality inspectors. Not until that has happened do we set up an assembly island for each tool model,
at which one or two workers assemble the device completely, from the first to the last screw. So now
we finally have our first prototypes. But then we throw them away again. That’s because they don’t usually
work quite the way we had envisaged in fulfilling the requirements of the System Specifications. So instead
of fiddling around with the prototypes and trying somehow to get them running properly, we develop the
sub-assembly again from the beginning. Our designers have to go back to the drawing board, of course – as
many times as it takes to achieve the perfect prototype. The new tool, after all, has to perform better than
its predecessor.
Allow us to present a world first!
No, we haven’t reinvented the wheel – just
the dowel. It’s flat, square and has extralarge adhesive surfaces with longitudinal
grooves. It looks a bit like a domino, so
that’s what we’ve called it. The DOMINO
dowel facilitates slab joints, frame joints and
base frame joints as well as combining all
the benefits of conventional round and flat
dowels. And all 100 % quickly, accurately and
twist-proof. The same as always: a few Swabians revolutionise the world – or at least the
wood joining system.
Once we have the prototype, we have finally developed a fully functional power tool. But that’s when
the work really begins. Our tools contain many new features for which there are not yet any production
facilities, so we have to design those as well. Not until that’s done can we build the pre-pilot series,
which are the first tools that are allowed to leave our production halls. However, they won’t be sent to
the trade outlets.
Only the best tools survive this procedure and find their way back to Wendlingen, where some real
high-tech stuff awaits them. Using thermographic cameras
and high-speed pho to graphy, oscillation recorders and
frequency analysers, we start looking at every possible
weak point.
This is where we prepare everything for the pilot series and
train our production workers in the new tool so that they
can almost build it in their sleep. We also register patents
for our inventions, design country-specific versions and
design the packaging. In fact, at this stage we could basically put the tool on the market and start making money
out of it.
But to make absolutely sure that our tools are better than
those of our rivals we wait a little, and send the pilot series to tradesmen all over the world. They
then use these tools for as long as it takes to find something wrong, something to complain about.
These practical tests show us exactly which subassemblies need to go back for review. Because
this is the last stage before series production, we don’t experiment much. Either the tool is perfect,
or it has to be revised. So basically it’s all quite simple.
Up until this point our new tool has been designed, discussed, drawn, modelled, optimised, assembled, tested, produced and checked. The time is fast approaching for the first series pilot batch.
We then examine all of the details one last time. Provided we don’t find any more ways to improve
the tool, we then release it for batch production. Which is not outsourced somewhere in the Far
East, but done here at home in Wendlingen. To enable us to produce for the whole world, we first
have to make space in our factory build ings, allot working shifts, prepare our logistics, inform
our retailers and, of course, design product train ing courses. Then, at last, we can put our tool
into production.
Oh, we almost forgot the most important thing. The final stage is of course the international market
launch. Once that’s all dealt with we actually take things quite easy. We simply do the same thing
over again for the next generation of tools. It’s all quite easy-going, in fact.
In actual fact our easy-going approach to development begins before the development itself, because we
often don’t come up with the ideas for new tools ourselves. Those ideas come from tradesmen from all
over the world. And they should know best. After all, they’ve been using our tools for years, and now and
again they even suggest ways of improving them. We then put them into practice. Sometimes even a completely new tool or feature comes out of it.
When we start building a new power tool we begin by drawing up a long list of requirements, detailing what
the new tool is supposed to be able to do, what problems it has to solve and what other special requests our
customers have made. But before our engineers really begin working they all go on a nice works outing.
Hmm, let’s see: to a building site, for instance, or a carpenter’s workshop. That’s where they see for themselves what conditions our tools are being subjected to. Our market research doesn’t begin with a multistage
cluster analysis acceptance test; it’s based on a much simpler principle: “If you don’t ask, you’ll never know”.
In long discussions with trade professionals, we learn all about how our tools could become more efficient.
And along the way we ourselves become more efficient, because
we only work on improvements that are useful.
What people want and what people imagine happening are all
well and good. But we’re technicians. German technicians, to
be exact. That’s why we prefer to work with concrete figures.
The more accurate, the better. Our System Specifications describe in meticulous detail all of the technical features and capabilities which the new tool must, should or can have – and the
ones it should not have. Then we add, on average, two hundred
and thirty-four other points. Our designers then work through
these one by one. Once they have invented a unique new component, they place a tick on the System Specifications and
simply move on to the next point. It’s as easy as that.
We send our pre-pilot tools to various test beds and to the test workshop in Sokolov in the Czech Republic.
There the equipment is tested under real working conditions, and taken to the limits – and beyond. We do
everything to finish our tools off, and that long before they are finished.
going
People actually say that we Swabians, from the south-west of Germany, obey a stringent work ethic. That’s
what they say. But at Festool we’re really quite easy-going for the most part – especially when it comes to
developing our tools. Because all we really do is what we have always done. But then again, we definitely
do it, again and again. Let’s take a quick look at the most important aspects of that – the ones we absolutely can’t do without.
Easy-
Neat freaks
Let’s tell it like it is: craftsmen absolutely love putting things together. And their inner child always
seems to come out when they’re doing it. So workshops sometimes look a little untidy. But we want
to create things, not look for things. That’s why with Festool, every machine, every attachment and
every accessory has its place. All the items in the Festool system are perfectly coordinated with
each other. After all, our customers should be pottering about with their wood, not with their tools.
Included in the scope of delivery.
Of course, we have also created the best
possible high-end accessory for our new
DOMINO dowel: the DF 500 dowel jointer. It
may look a little complicated at first glance,
but it’s actually not that intimidating. Once
set up, the milling depth, milling height,
longitudinal slot depth and milling rotation
speed are fixed for the entire job. All you
have to do is attach the component to the
cross stop, switch on the dowel jointer and
you’re done.
The cutter rotates and oscillates at the same
time, and thus cuts a clean longitudinal slot
in a single work step. And if it ever cuts anything other than a straight line, it’s only because the operator wants it that way. Because
the mitre squares can be set with a single
hand movement and snap into place with
every important dimension. Only the hole
width can be adjusted during operation if
required. Thanks to its extreme versatility
and strict accuracy, the DF 500 can be used
for a whole range of corner joints in frames,
base frames and racks.
The ease of use of the dowel jointer and the
perfect fit of the DOMINO dowels make working with them child’s play. You can take that
literally, if you like.
Everything our designers think up, they then transfer to the drawing board. Today, however, that particular
piece of equipment has 4 gigabytes of RAM and is loaded with 3D CAD software. It means every detail is
shown just as it will later appear in the tool. Take the screw housing, for example. It must have just the
right interior diameter so that the screwing torque is correct. Its installation depth must be exactly right
so that the screw head is at the right level in order that the screwdriver can be operated automatically
during assembly. It must also be attached firmly enough to the casing to absorb all of the forces that will
come its way. Yet it cannot be too bulky, otherwise its ribs will show through on the outside. Or can we do
without the screw housing altogether and clip or stick in the parts? No, better not. If it needs repairing, customer
services will have to dismantle the tool without breaking the parts. So screws it is. But perhaps they would
be better on the other side, then we can put another feature in this position, saving us a part which would
otherwise jut out at the back. Now the whole tool fits into its SYSTAINER again perfectly. Those are just
some of the most obvious considerations relating to the screw housing. For every tool there are between
123 and 234 other individual parts.
We keep thinking along these lines until we’re certain that we’ve found the best design and the best manufacturing process for each and every component. Not only must these components satisfy regulations from
a host of different countries, they also have to pass the toughest test in the world of tools: approval by
our quality inspectors. Not until that has happened do we set up an assembly island for each tool model,
Product no. 59454
Modifications and errors excepted. All images are non-binding. Created for TTS Tooltechnic Systems AG & Co. KG, 73240 Wendlingen, Germany, 07/2008
TTS Tooltechnic Systems GB Ltd
Saxham Business Park
Saxham
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk, IP28 6RX
GREAT BRITAIN
Phone: +44 (0) 1284 760 791
Fax: +44 (0) 1284 702 156
[email protected]
www.festool.co.uk
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