Own one of our tools? Have something nice to say? Then you could win!

This is your last opportunity to visit the Festimonial submission form on our website and tell us about how any of your Festool power tools and storage system components help you to work Faster, Easier or Smarter. If you own more than one of our products, we welcome you to submit multiple Festimonials and increase your chances of winning. There's no limit to the amount of text you can enter, so say as much or as little as you want.

On October 31st, we will randomly select one of the Festimonial entries to win a DTS 400 EQ Sander. A panel of Festool employees will select the best Festimonial for each of the following tools as second place winners: the MFT/3 Multifunction Table, MFK 700 Trim Router, OF 22000 Router and Kapex SCMS. The second place winners will receive a Festool Kapex t-shirt, Festool safety glasses and Festool tape measure.

All entries become the property of Festool USA and may be used for marketing purposes. Must be a resident of the United States or Canada and over the age of 18. Employees and family of employees of Tooltechnic Systems are not eligible to enter.

Obviously the guide rail is one of the main components of the Festool system. As such, we would like to share some things about our guide rails that you may not know.

Did you know that we offer guide rails in two different configurations (one for standard applications and one for 32mm shelf pins and hinge applications) and in nine different sizes ranging from 32" to a whopping 197"?

Did you know that when purchasing a TS 55 EQ or TS 75 EQ plunge cut saw that you can "upgrade" to any of our other guide rails for the difference in price? If you know you'll be cutting down 4' x 8' sheets it may be advantageous to purchase your saw with the FS 2700 guide rail which provides adequate length for an eigth foot cut plus enough guide rail for the saw's base. Most dealers do not list the saws with all variations of guide rail and saw combinations so contact your Festool dealer for more information on how to take advantage of this great option.

Did you know the "Bridge Method" for connecting and properly aligning two guide rails? If you need a quick method for connecting two guide rails follow these easy steps. There is also a step-by-step pictorial below for your reference.

1. Using two guide rail connectors (482107, sold separately) join the two guide rails to one another.
2. Using your TS plunge saw, bridge the two guide rails by centering the saw on the point where the two rails meet. Using the saw's green guide rail alignment knobs, tighten the saw onto the guide rails so there is no play and the saw does not slide.
3. Tighten the set screws on the top side of the guide rail connectors.
4. Slide the guide rails over the edge of your MFT, being sure to support the weight of the saw, and tighten the set screws on the bottom side of the guide rail connectors.
5. Remove the saw from the guide rails by loosening the alignment knobs and tighten the screws on the guide rail connectors that were positioned underneath the saw. Be sure to re-adjust your saw's guide rail alignment knobs to minimize play while allowing for easy sliding.
6. For added peace of mind, check the alignment with a high quality straight edge.

Did you know that if you plan to do any woodworking that requires 32mm shelf pins or hinges that you should consider one of our LR32 guide rails? They are compatible with the TS saws and other Festool guiderails, and there is only a modest price difference between this and our regular FS guide rails.  These rails gives you the option of using it for 32mm pin and hinge applications using a Festool router, and Festool’s LR 32 hole drilling set (sold separately).

Did you know that if you plan to combine two guide rails to cut 4' x 8' sheets, you need a two 55" guide rails instead of a 55" and 42"? While the 55 and 42 inch rails will give you 97 inches total, it will not provide enough rail for the saw to move completely through the material.

Did you know that we offer an accessory called the Gecko (492617) for securing our guide rails to any nonporous material? The Gecko can also be used for carrying materials like glass and solid surface. The load carrying capacity is 150 lbs. in the vertical position, and 110 lbs. in the horizontal position. For more information about the Gecko, visit our website or download the PDF product information sheet .

The Volvo Ocean Race is an exceptional test of sailing prowess and human endeavor which has been built on the spirit of great seafarers - fearless men who sailed the world’s oceans aboard square rigged clipper ships more than a century ago.

Their challenge back then was not a race as such, but recording the fastest time between ports. This meant new levels of pride for themselves and great recognition for their vessel. The spirit that drove those commercial sailors along the web of trade routes, deep into the bleak latitudes of the Southern Ocean and around the world’s most dangerous capes, emerges today in the form of the Volvo Ocean Race, a contest now seen as the pinnacle of achievement in the sport.

During this challenge in 2008/2009 Festool will support the Ericsson racing Team with its machines and knowledge.The key to Festool's success has been listening carefully to the needs of its customers, puring the insight into its R&D activities in order to improve the quality and performance of its tools.

Whatever the requirements are on the boats, whether precision; ease of use; or extensive service, with Festool the Ericsson Racing Team has got the important reliability of the tools.

Festool has former experience from Whitbread 60 boat-building and maintenance during Whitbread Round the World Race 1997/98 together with team EF, the Volvo Ocean Race in 2001/2002 together with team SEB and the Volvo Ocean Race in 2005/2006 with the Ericsson racing Team.

We invite you to learn more about this magnificent event and how Festool was become an integral part of the Ericsson Racing Team's endeavors using the websites referenced below. Of special note: the Volvo Ocean Race will reach port in Boston, MA on May 16th, 2009. If you're in the Boston area or plan to visit Boston, this would be a great opportunity to see some of the finest ocean racing vessels in the world in action. Please note this date is subject to change based on the preceding legs of the race. Check the Volvo Ocean Race website for updates as the date nears.

Website References:

• Festool's Involvement with Team Ericsson Racing
• The Official Website of the Volvo Ocean Race
• The Official Website of the Ericsson Racing Team

Of course you know Festool by it's green logo and tools. But we are also an environmentally friendly company as evidenced by our alliance with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

On September 19th, 2008, Festool Managing Director, Horst Geiger, donated a check in the amount of 748,520 euros to the WWF (the equivalent of $936,261.47 U.S. dollars). For years, Festool has supported responsible behavior towards the environment through its cooperation with WWF as well as other "green" activities including recycling and conservation of natural resources.

The values of the WWF are well aligned with the Festool’s philosophy, because Festool is very focused on quality and long term development. Festool products are characterized by their durability, robustness and ecological impact.  Properties such as recyclability and environmental compatibility are an integral part of the design and manufacturing process. When buying new power tools, craftsmen can purchase high quality tools that are designed to last longer, and have excellent serviceability.  Tools that are not only good for the environment but tools that have a high return on investment in the long run.

Craftsmen can even contribute to protecting the forest when they buy wood - wood that carries the FSC seal is guaranteed not to come from areas that have been over exploited but rather from areas that promote social and environmentally sustainable forestry. The WWF in Germany is sponsoring large international projects such as the protection of the rain forests in the Amazon and Congo.

More information can be found at www.festool.com/wwf

We are always interested in sharing the interesting ways you use our tools with others. In each edition of SysNotes we like to feature a project or tip submitted by users of our products. If you have something you would like to share, email us at newsletter@festoolusa.com with a few photos and a brief write up. If we select your project for a future edition of SysNotes, we'll be sure to send you a few Festool goodies.