RogerS wrote:Mine died recently and so it was sent off to Festool for a repair estimate. It's the armature. But their repair estimate said that the 'main girder' was deformed and needed replacing. A pricey item. Only...a couple of things...
The main girder is the bit with the plate, the height adjuster etc. But it's cast alloy and so how do you deform that without it cracking ? I can't see it.
But more importantly, it's currently sitting on the bench in my workshop so how they can tell it's deformed ??
It could be a "computer says" type of thing such you find on amazon when you buy rope they suggest a book on knots etc
Festool might consider based on experience most people who need new armatures also need a main girder and hopefully if yours is in good nick, they wont just fit it.
There is an argument for replacing commonly worn parts when ever they get a machine back so the repaired item goes on for longer service before needing attention again thus enhancing Festool reputation.
Or maybe it is just to feed customer expectation. Expensive tools need expensive repair bills.
Interestingly, the prices you published elsewhere for the armature at £50 ish does not seem much different from other brands. Sort of suggesting that the high purchase price for the new tool mainly goes towards design, support, 3 year warranty etc rather than into production costs.
Bob