I really like “window shopping” for tools online. Looking for the coolest and best tools for your shop can be quite enjoyable. If you are looking at the best tools when it comes to woodworking you’re probably looking at Festool.
If you’ve seen Festool you might have also seen their price tag. Festool price tags are hefty, to say the least, and it makes a lot of people wonder why is Festool so expensive?
Festool is an established brand that is known for high quality, precision tools. The expensive price tag Festool asks for is just as impressive as their tools. so , Why is Festool so expensive?
Why Festool Products Are So Expensive
Festool is expensive, yes, but why? Well, if you were to search around the web for reviews for Festool products, you’ll have a hard time finding negative feedback. These tools are quality through and through and trusted by many high end woodworkers.
If you’re a hobbyist looking to get into woodworking on a budget, I’d steer clean of Festool. It is expensive! You’re better off sticking with the well known trusted brands that offer competitively priced tools. Dewalt, for example, is a great choice if you’re looking for quality tools for a price tag that matches.
There’s no need to buy the best when you’re just starting out. Does that mean that Festool is overpriced? Well, that is a matter of opinion, and mine would be no. you really do get what you pay for with tools.
Festools’ cost is largely in part to where it sources its products. unlike most major power tool brands Festool doesn’t leverage cheap labor in Asia. Rather, Festool uses manufacturing in Europe and North America.
This makes the end products more expensive, yes, but also makes the quality that much better.
Where is Festool made?
Festool is one of the only major power tool manufacturing brands that doesn’t outsource their manufacturing to Asia. Historically, Festool made all of its tools in Europe. In 2017, the first manufacturing location for Festool opened in the U.S.A.
This standard of manufacturing their tools in countries known for craftsmanship and high quality products is one of the major reasons Festool has developed and maintained a brand recognized as ultra-premium.
Yes, Festool is expensive, but it also boasts products that are hard to improve upon. We’re at the upper limits of how well you can build power tools here.
Festool Made in Germany and across Europe
Festool is made primarily in Germany and in the Czech Republic. While they have smaller operations throughout Europe, the three primary manufacturing locations are:
Neidlingen, Germany
Illertissen, Germany
Česká Lípa, Czech Republic
Festool Made in the U.S.A
In 2017, Festool opened their first manufacturing operation off the European continent.
Lebanon, Indiana, became the chosen location for the first non-European location. This facility is primarily making tracks for Festools’ track saws.
This move to America for Festool has been seen as a big upward move, allowing them to tap into another high end manufacturing sector of the world.
While only the state side location is only currently making tracks for the Festool REQ track saw, there will be plans to expand their American made product line in the future, undoubtedly.
Who Is Festool For?
Who’s paying for the expensive Festool brand name? Often it’s advanced hobbyists with extra cash to splash on tools they enjoy working with. However, I think their bread and butter customers are professional, high end wood shops that need precision and quality from their tools.
Outside of those two demographics, Festool might not be your best bet. To put it simply, why pay $200-$500 more for a Festool, if Dewalt will meet your needs? You could easily put that money towards another tool for your shop. Personally, I’d rather have more tools than a few expensive ones.
Of course, I’d love to own Festool products, they’re awesome! I’m fortunate enough to have gotten my hands on them and WOW! Is festool expensive? Yes. Overpriced? I don’t think so!
Festool isn’t for everyone and they know that. Festool isn’t for me, even though I love their brand. If you’re wondering why Festool products are so expensive, it’s because the price matches the quality of the tool. And no, it’s not overpriced!
Is Festool Worth the Money?
If you’re new to woodworking or construction, no Festool won’t be worth it for you.
You don’t want to be spending the money on Festool early in your beginnings. Knowing what tools you’ll really need and which tools you want to have the best of the best of will come with time.
If you’re a beginner with some extra cash and want to get quality tools, opt for the nicer end of the Dewalt or Makita product lines. These tools will do a great job and save you potentially thousands. Once you know a certain tool is invaulable to your work (and you know how to use it correctly), get the Festool version.
If you’re a seasoned professional that is considering between a Festool and the the high-end Dewalt, Hitachi or Makita, you might be pleasantly surprised with how much nicer a Festool to works in your shop.
I think Festool is worth the money, if you have the money. The high manufacturing standards Festool holds are reflected in the price. Expensive, but not over priced.
