YOU'RE the guy I blame for getting ME into Festool.

I am a medical doctor and woodworker hobbyist, you are an inspiration and great teacher , also your work motivates, thanks for the educational videos

Great Story Peter: I remember Paul-Marcel at FOG well - very knowledgable and generous with his time, such a shame "half-insh shy" isn't active any more! Like yourself the Domino was the gamechanger for me; mine's from 2006, and still going strong. 👍

Great story. Thank you from Phoenix, Arizona.

"Really good tools," have certainly helped me.

Hi Peter, great video. Very happy that we helped to start your KZfaq career. The videos you produce are professional and informative, and for anyone, experienced or not, an essential tool for learning. Best regards, Warren.

Same here Peter, Paul from Half Inch Shy started me down the Festool road many years ago. Great story

The FOG started my slide down the Festool black hole. Been a member since the Matthew days, 2007! I have learned tremendously from the professionals as well as the advanced hobbyists who post there. I highly recommend the site to anyone who wishes to learn about Festool as well as other tools. And get ready to use your credit card at the Festool dealer!

Peter, interesting story. I’ve recently converted to the Festool ecosystem and couldn’t be more pleased. I enjoy your videos. Many blessings!

Saved the best advice to last! I like it! And an important thing to remember!

Great video Peter!

I'd like to echo your kind mention of Paul and to you as well. The videos you both have made have been so helpful. Thanks so much Peter. Part of the joy of woodworking and what we do are the tools we use. Festool has helped me maintain/continually improve skills & overall productivity.

You’re a lovely man Peter, thank you for sharing this!

Wonderful video Peter and thanks for sharing your story. My grandfather introduced me to woodworking when I was rather young similar to your experience with your father. I still have all these years later my grandfathers tools, unused and moreover cherished than anything else. I often pick up his Rabone chesterman folding wooden rule and smile fondly. In a way you remind me of my grandfather with your work practice. I can genuinely say without a doubt you present the most enjoyable videos on youtube. Thank you so much.

Yep. I’m another that has you to thank for starting me on my Festool journey! Another great video. Thank you for sharing your story, Peter. All the best, Jo

Damn dude. Best video I’ve seen on you tube in years. Thank you for sharing.

Always nice to hear how people were inspired to do what they do, especially using youtube vids, to describe there journey. Finding your niche in life is hard for most, and most peoples niche probably cannot give them a living. So, it must be very satisfying that you found it, and you are able to make a living out of it.

I love the ETC 150 sander it is expensive but it has made sanding a pleasure.

Thank you Peter. As usual a great and honest production. You have reminded me why I have become a Festool addict.

The Jack Hargreaves of woodwork is what I call you ,because Jack had the same way about him as you do Peter. In a world of inflated ego's your straight forward explanations and teaching method is solid, straight forward and honest. You are a rare Man Peter ,thank you for what you do very well.

Awesome video of your dealing with Festool tools. Thanks for telling us how it was done kind Sir.

Thanks for sharing your story Peter. I really enjoyed have you moved along in your wood working experience. Although I live across the pond I share very similar background and love for wood working and working with tools in general. Like one of your other fans I credit you for getting me into Festool and it’s been a very positive experience. I too have gone electric with many of my yard tools and have found Ego to be the Festool of the garden tools, at least here in the colonies. Wishing you and your family a very Merry and Blessed Christmas.

I’m sure I. Not the only thinking we are so glad you continued making them videos peter. Another first class job from you sir😊

You're a legend, Peter! Thank you for your great videos! 😊

Superb! You’re such a gent. Great to see a video again from you

Nice video! Thanks for sharing! I started buying Festool products probably around 15 years ago and the major attraction for me at the time was their attention to dust control. With the exception of the drills, I am still using the same sets I originally purchased and recently just purchased a Kapex. not only for the quality of cut (as you say in the video), but for, yes, the dust control. No more plumes of dust after cutting a board.

I’m yet another professional woodworker who has you to thank for steering me towards the Festool approach. Always balanced and informative. Thank you

Thanks Peter! For me, you are the person getting me into Festool, so its a nice circle. Haven’t regretted it for a single moment, although it did gave me the reputation of ‘buy once cry once’😄. Cheers from Holland

Another excellent video Peter! I watch numerous channels, many American, but you are still the ‘king’ of presenters! Keep it up! Regards Len (Devon🇬🇧)

Peter awesome video I don’t understand how I missed this last year? But I wanted to tell you like Paul was one of your inspirations, you were mine when it came to some Festool and UJK products!!!! I built a crude cutting station way back with it. When I got my first CNC i cut it and used it as a spoil board!!! Worked great. I also agree 100% that the Domino changed my life as well. I have built so many things for my Grand babies! I wish I could send you some pictures! And lastly the OF 1400 is my go to! I am still amazed at what I can do with it!!! Thank you Peter!!!!!!

Well Festool should thank you Peter because as a direct consequence of watching your videos I’ve since bought much of their kit and I have zero regrets and importantly zero problems with any of their tools. I’ve really enjoyed your films over the years and learnt a lot from you so a huge thank you ! 👏😀👍🍺 ps watching your Festool centric films is always a great supplement to the manuals which come with their tools! 👍

I’ll join the ‘blame Mr Parfitt’ chorus. I also add thanks, and the second leg of your observation about ‘bad workmen blaming their tools’ is accurate (good tools make the job go easier) is why I stepped off the precipice into debt valley. I now have excellent tools that make jobs easy. I can also make all my less good tools work better for me, having seen how Festool tools work, compared to cheap tools. These days, cheap tools can be good enough.

Ive always enjoyed your videos. I guess I started buying Festool about the same time as you. A number of them show a 2006 manufacturer date on them. My purchasing sequence was almost exactly as yours. While I enjoy all my Festools and wouldn’t get rid of any, the dust extraction was an absolute necessity for me since I have breathing issues. I too am retired for 14 years now and know that when I go into my shop these tools will perform as well as the day I purchased them. Thanks again for another very interesting video.

Your channel inspired me to commit myself to investing in the best tools, learn how to use them properly and push the quality of my work to the max. You will never know how much you did for a Covid depressed doctor in rural South Africa to turn a hobby into a real expression of my true passion which is of course woodworking. Thank you, thank you, thank you and God bless! Side note: if I remember correctly you are a BMW driver as well? Great taste in tools and cars 😏👌🏻

Both you and Paul Marcel got me into Festool. I began woodworking at age 50. What attracted me to Festool was less time afterwards cleaning and more time spent woodworking and learning. I bought a TS55 and CT26 in 2013 which means I have been watching your channel for at least ten years. One of your cycling tours (and my arthritis) convinced me to get an e-bike. Many thanks Peter.

Big fan Peter....you are the classiest carpenter I know....

I've had a TS 75 since 2010. Went through two regular circular saws in that time. I used and still the use the TS 75 a lot, and way more than my newest (battery enabled) circular saw. TS 75, can't be beat. I've also got the DF 700, Kapex and CT 26. They're all beasts. I started a long time ago with inexpensive tools too. Took a long time to build up my Festool kit. This video has excellent tips.

Dear Peter Thank you for this excellent video. I started similar like you but my first Festool equipment was the MW1000 and the TS55 due to lack of space. The dealer gave me a Festool catalogue and then I was "infected". Because it helped me to understand the philosopy of the system. Yes, I am a Festool fan, as you mentioned in your video, the Festool family, it is a well thought system based on integration and quality. No, I am not a paid by Festool :-) Persons like you are the best ambassadors for the company. I absolutely agree with you about the statement of demonstration instead of review. The demonstration is honest and fair and every viewer can make his own oppinion about the introduced tool or process how to deploy the tool. I would like to wish you and your family a wonderful christmas season and a happy new year. Hopefully you continue with your youtube channel. Alle the best and kind regards, Andreas

I have always been a fan of trend when it comes to routers but a few weeks ago I went to a woodwork show and added to my festool collection with the OF1400 so dedicated my large trend t10 to the router table. I have many festool tools now and find the system fantastic especially when used in conjunction with the parf guide system MKII table tops I have

Peter I got into woodworking the same way as yourself. My father had a shed with several Black & Decker power tools and I loved to be in there. Your videos have been very educational and inspiring (and expensive!) and have taught me a lot. Paul Marcel was also an excellent tutor; what I found strange was that he suddenly stopped and I think he went off to join a circus! George South Yorks

What a wonderful story and as always educational video. Thank you Peter! As many have said I blame you for my first Festool purchase 🙂. You (and few other folks on KZfaq) have done so much for Festool educating folks on their toolkit, proper usage etc. etc. - their marketing division should be paying you regular dividends.

Peter, I'm happy to report I just received the Parf Guide Mark II and Systainer kit from Axminster. My decision reflects your philosophy about buying the best tools one can afford. I'm very happy with this purchase and expect to own and use this tool for the rest of my life. Building my own custom portable MFT is going to be a fun project. Thank you for continuing to provide quality content.

Peter, It was quite enjoyable to hear about your journey! I have a number of Festool products (TS 55, CT26, Domino 500, jigsaw, Pro/5 sander) and they are an absolute joy to use. My next purchase will be a router, and I have been leaning towards the OF 1010, so I am glad to hear your endorsement of it. I watched a number of Paul Marcel videos years ago, but it appears he is no longer doing KZfaq videos. Too bad, his videos were enlightening and entertaining. Some time in the future I plan to get the UJK Parf Guide System to cut a new top for my homemade “MFT-like” workbench. I built it almost 10 years ago, and was an early adopter of your Parf dogs. In fact, I recently bought a couple of the Super Dogs. Great product. Many thanks for all you do for the Festool user community.

Probably so many similar stories here but bought my TS55r in 2011 and have collected quite a bit more since then. Still have a shopping list of several key Festool tools but you can't do everything at once! I find my CMS particularly good in addition to what was shown on your video, having a large CMS kit has allowed me to do all sorts of things I never dreamed would be possible.

Hello Peter, what a beautiful story you have, I really admire your whim, your knowledge and dedication in woodworking, an inspiration for me, festool is a dream of consumption for any professional, spectacular tools, thank you and health to all of us ❤️🙏

Great I love festool stuff , just got that Kapex…it’s a machine and a half !

Nice video Peter & lovely to hear your Story. Funny how we all ‘blame’ someone for getting us into Festool! I ‘blame’ you BTW! Seriously I have bought some lovely Festool kit & I’m sure will buy more when the time is right - so pleased with it & buy once buy right certainly holds true for Festool. Thanks Peter

Thank you for the Video. I am a very big Festool Fan. Greetings from the Meenzer Bastel Bude Germany .

Thank you very much, Peter. You’re the one who took me to Festool ! I’m living in Belgium, but looking at your video, I begun with The Domino 500, now I bought the new TS 60. Yes, as other said, You’re The guy I blame for getting me into Festool, and I’m Happy !!!

Thanks for the information, a sander will be my next festool purchase , to add to ts55 and domino 500 and of course the extractor

Good evening Peter, a very interesting story. Thank you for your advice when I bought my Festool tracksaw which I do not regret. Peter I wish also to thank on your last video comment.

Once again a very informative video, I would love some of the kit you have but at the moment all I have is the Festool tape measure that you demonstrated some time ago. ❤❤

Both Paul Marcel AND you share the "blame" for my Festool collection. I think Paul is largely done with posting videos, but I still see him posting elsewhere occasionally. I still go back to Paul's videos - and yours - for clarification on tool usage. Thanks so much!

Much enjoyed the video Peter!

Hi Peter I subscribed to your channel a good few years ago what a lovely workshop you have I myself enjoy woodworking very basic projects I own two festool power tools myself cxs cordless drill driver and the festool corded barrel shaped corded jigsaw it's right what you say have a go don't worry about making mistakes it's part of the learning process

Thank you

i miss paul and his videos. he was great. i hope he comes back to the comunity someday. last i heard he was doing trapeese and circus acrobatics and loving it.

Gosh, that's a handsome miter saw bench. Of course I've seen your build videos on it but as I listen to this video I consider it again. I've switched to Festool gear too, mostly second hand equipment through Craigslist. My only regret is that I didn't begin the switch when I first became aware of the brand.

Peter, Thank you for all your videos. I started woodworking about 6 years ago, after retiring, and like you, started watching Paul Marcel. That's what got me on to Festool and eventually The New Brit Workshop. Your videos have been so helpful to me and thank you for being gracious with your build plans. My progress is still on-going and still have a lot to learn but I am at the point where I'd rather be in my Garage (shop) building something. You have been a great mentor to all of us woodworkers. BTW, whatever happened to Paul?

I scoffed at the price of Festool for years. Finally bought the 1400 router, the DF 500, and the 6" rotex sander at an estate sale for about the price of one of them. What a score. You are correct, the DF 500 is a game changer. The only one I have bought retail is the 26 dust extractor. I am still buying them from the Widows. No one seems to sell their Festools. They are my go to tools, wish I had bought them sooner.

Oh how I miss the HalfInchShy woodworking videos. Glad you are still making content Peter.

Peter - a top notch video on Festool products. A really honest tale of getting into Festool tools and their attributes. You mentioned the accuracy of the MFT 3. You should of mentioned the Parf Guide. A truly superb and ingenious use of the Pythagorean Theorem in a piece of kit!

“Rome wasn’t built in a day”. Perhaps it would have been, were you to have been on the project with your kit Peter. 😂

I’ve been using Rhynogrip Red sanding discs and find they wear very well.

Festool is expensive, but they aren’t just tools they are an investment for your work/buisness. Great video Peter.👍🏻

Thanks.

Paul was also one of the people who is responsible for me buying Festool tools. I still on occasion check his site to see if he will ever come back to woodworking and making video's. Does not look like that will happen though. But what some great videos he put out.

Hello Peter. I would just like to start off by saying that I blame you for my Festool addiction which started around 2012. I have a similar range of tools to you and they are excellent. The only issue I am having is an dodgy on/off switch on my CTL26 extractor, I think it needs a new switch. Over the years I built your Desk and the HiFi unit and always look forward to your videos. Thanks.

Most of power tools are Festool. Recently, the on/off switch on my 1400 router failed and I contacted Festool emphasising that it was well outside warranty. I was told to place it in its systainer and it would be collected by a well known parcel delivery and collection company. The van duly arrived and the driver had a stick on label which he applied and off it went. It arrived back a few weeks later with no financial charge to me even though I emphasised it was out of warranty. I'm currently eyeing up their new battery powered table saw which is due out in February.

My first wood work was thumping 3 or 4 inch nails into the top of fence posts in the back yard at 5 or 6😂 I think Paul marcell has turned into a circus performer or something! 😂 Great guy, his videos were great, and a sort of self taught chap I think! Got a few brain cells as can be seen in his videos.

As others have said I blame you and Peter Millard (ten minute workshop) for my Festool tools. The reason I got a Kapex was frustration with non square cuts. Festool and Bosch (blue) are great because you can get spares / replacement parts. It really is buy once cry once. I am not bought into Festool battery platform Dewalt for that, drills drivers etc. Find that a hard one to swallow. Bosch track saw, you can join tracks much more accurately and the splinter guard is really good. Dominoes both size, brilliant as is Kapex. Also have 150mm Rotex, two weeks old. The pad changes, types very Festool, easy and just work brilliantly Edit: CT26 for Bluetooth with my battery tools

There are 2 chaps I "blame" for my collection of Festool stuff. One of them is certainly Paul Marcel of Half inch Shy for the very reasons you give but the other is a chap called Parfitt !

Lovely story Peter. Keep us newbie hobbyists inspired.

Great video, theme tune reminds me of Benny Hill : )

Peter, have you tried using the new 3M XTRACT sanding discs on your ETS? I would love to hear your views on this. George South Yorks

A man who obviously loves Festool. I have never owned a Festool tool. Nearly 42 years as a Carpenter but could never justify or in fact really afford anything Festool. But I have used quite a few of their tools. The track saw is a great bit of kit. Their sanders are good. Wouldn't mind a Domino. Other than that not fussed. When you use tools every day they have to feel right. And to me a lot of Festool stuff just doesn't. Same as Milwaukee gear ergonomically horrible. Festool are a bit like Citroen cars. Quirky and different. Love them or loathe them. They no doubt last well. And should do for the price. But then I have and still use a Hitachi circular saw from the mid eighties. And a Hitachi router same era. Still working. Even if I had the money to afford Festool it wouldn't be my first choice. But each to their own. Keep enjoying your woodwork and Festool experience.

Great video , I'm in Australia originally from the UK , I heard you saying you had your router fitted to router table? Could you provide a link for the correct table/ adapter as I have the same festool router thank you in advance!

Makes me want to get a tool… I have the Domino 500 and it is a great tool.

Have you tried Mirka sanders? I have several and like them a lot.

Peter I am in the process of upgrading my current router configuration to either a festool 1400 or a 1010. I noticed you had used in a earlier video a Christmas present the festool 1400 that you used on the Leigh dovetail jig. You now have this under a router table I believe. Which do you think would be the best? I have a T11 permanently under a router table and the the T5 which I am currently using on the Leigh with a few others around the workshop. Drawn to the festool for the .1mm fine adjuster. Thanks for your videos they are my Bible. Have a great new year. Daryl

Hi Peter, an interesting and illuminating story of your " journey". When I bought my first Festool sander, same one as your favourite, I bought quite a lot of Granit discs as well so I have a good stock. I recently watched an interesting video on Utube about resting a variety of sanding discs and evaluating them both for effectiveness at removing material and the cost per hour of use. Granit was pretty good 2nd in the score table) but the 3M Cubitron came out top by a mile with double the efficiency and about half or less cost. Have you tried these? As I needed another ROS elsewhere I recently bought the older version of the 400 as it was the only one I could find during the difficult Covid shutdown of the world. It is the 5mm stroke and, on reflection, I think I might have been better to by this version of the newer brushless model (which is significant,y lighter and more comfortable to use). Having just see a report of the new Festool TS60 brushless tracksaw with the thinner kerf blade and a built in kick back stop, although I have never had a kickback with my TS55s, I am toying with an upgrade. The extra cutting depth would be very helpful and it appears to be a lot quicker for ripping hardwood. I will need to replace the edge strips on my tracks to compensate for the thinner blade. I do agree with you that although Festool is expensive the tools are a joy to use and they absolutely do "what it says on the tin" Mike

Hi Peter, I think most FESTOOL owner will agree with your comments I certainly do. Never regretted my Festool journey Steve

Well I’m just joining in on blaming your for my Festool addiction. But please carry on with your enjoyable and educational content.

Peter, you must be a hoot at a cocktail party.

Where do you get the work coat from? Have you considered a partnership with Axminster to get a NewBrit work coat made abit like the woodturners smock they sell?

Any chance you can make a video that shows how one can use the domino on a piece that has a bevel & angle? I find it hard to use the flat surface as a reference surface (as non of the other sides are straight)

Hi Peter, It was very interesting to hear about some private aspects of your life and your impressions of the Festool product. A couple of questions: What do you use to cut strips of wood that are smaller than the rail? for example to make thin strips? With the saw and the rail they can be done but it is rather laborious and could also be inaccurate. Why do you prefer the ETS 150/3 to the 150/5. I ask you why opinions on the two are quite controversial, even on FOG

I’m just a weekend woodworker and I have only one Festool product, the TS55, but it is brilliant! I first had a Chinese circular saw, then a Makita, but sold both and got the TS55. That’s 11 years ago and it’s still as good as new although it has seen a lot of use. It’s a joy to use because it is so easy to get good results. With some other tool makes, you have to adjust and fine tune, do multiple runs, switch blades etc, to get what you’re after. I would get more Festools if I could justify the expense 😅

Is “kit” what we Americans call tools or equipment? I have a feeling we use the word kit differently. Great video as always!

👍👍👍

Peter I see you use the same extractor that I do, I also see that you use the larger extraction hose instead of the 27mm one supplied. To do this with all Festool tools you need an adapter between the tool and the hose. There are at least 2 adapters which seem to work but I am completely confused as to which one fits to the hose permanently and then works with all the 27mm tool extraction connections. Could you give me the part number of the one you use please ?

Hi Peter - is it worth trying to get a Festool router table second hand (although have not seen one as yet)…. Or should l be looking for an alternative. I have a Festool 1400 bw Mark

Doesn't mater if the square is off, you need to hit the line. :)

Yes, I would like to blame him also. But I can't . I blame " You Tube " during Covid. I have every Festool that I can use and I mean every except the miter saw. I started with the CT 36 and never slowed down. I am broke. I have a Bosch because I just can't face $1600 plus for that.

😎

A fine toothed blade in any saw will cut very smoothly - try it.

Paul Marcel’s monicker was Half Inch shy. He left woodworking, and joined a circus. Around 2014 from recollection. I checked his KZfaq site recently, but alas, no videos for many years. Along with you Peter, I feel I can trust Paul. Thank you both, Peter and Paul. FOG is a great resource, with many Australians as members. There is also an interesting FaceBook forum.

I have quite a few pieces of Festool kit but certainly wouldn’t have everything Festool as I think, my experience shows, that there are better manufacturers of some pieces of equipment. I understand the argument that it is good sense to stick with one manufacturer of battery operated tools but the potential then is to buy tools from that manufacturer that are not best in class. Your series of videos have been invaluable to those established and aspiring woodworkers who can afford to start and continue with Festool (or Bosch, Makita, Mafell or whatever) but I have said before of my concern that newcomers and people with limited capital, get the idea that you can’t start woodworking without spending big money. You certainly can; you may have to rein in design options; you may make something slower; you may have to revert to older methods and you will definitely have to rely more upon measuring and marking tools. If you are in that category, I think that the foundations you are learning are going to prove to be strong foundations as you expand your skill levels and equipment stock. Sharpening is a good case in point. So many conflicting methods being suggested. I’ve tired most of them in my time and just evolved into a process which suits me (Tormek for heavy grinding, scary sharp abrasives for secondary bevel, piece of leather as a strop by my side to use in between every cut) but you can achieve all of this with a good second hand oilstone and homemade jig - just takes longer an needs more care. In fact, I know a “good” joiners who can’t sharpen properly and veers away from any use of hand tools until I next sharpen those plane blades or chisels. I still believe that there are basics that should be mastered. The challenges for me now, after 45 years of woodworking as a serious hobby and sometime side income, is still to constantly improve - my own poster says “patience, precision, perfection” with the key driver being a failing body leading to pain, leading to impatience, leading to inaccuracy leading to lesser work. The other challenges revolve around design and implementation. It’s not that hard to build most things when they are rectangular; when you add simple angles and curves, you multiply the time required ten fold; introduce complex curves and it can be one hundred fold. But, for me, that is where greatest pleasure results - making something functional and yet sculptural. Young guns on YT doing this include Pedulla and Sawyer Design.

Hi Peter take a look at this video on you tube Territorial Signallers 1999 SSVC C1838 is this your first You Tube appearance? lol

@11:50 You're only regret (MFT not being accurate enough) is our benefit! Your ParfGuide system is AWESOME. It oozes quality and I couldn't be happier! Festool has nothing on quality when compared to your guide system!