Inspired by craftsmanship since 1925
People - Machines - Milestones.
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Our story is a family and company story, full of energy and inventiveness. It is a success story that would not have been possible without our great passion for craftsmanship. Making your daily work easier, more productive and safer with our tools: That has been our aspiration from the year that we were founded in 1925 until today. And it also shows us the way forward.
1925
1925
Together with Albert Fezer Gottlieb Stoll Fezer Stoll Albert Fezer
The 1920s are politically unstable and economically a rollercoaster ride. In 1923, one kilo of bread costs 200 billion marks in Berlin. Until the end of 1924, people were still paying with 100 trillion mark banknotes, which were basically worthless.
Not exactly the most favorable time to start a company.
Inspiring ideas
for the woodworking trade.
From the very beginning, the two pioneers
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1930 Looks heavy from today's perspective, but was considered extremely “handy” at the time: The first mobile SB126 circular saw for carpenters and joiners. -
1932 Precision on a large scale: The ZUM 140 mortiser for milling slots, drilling holes and milling grooves. -
1936 The first transportable, one-man chainsaw takes over heavy manual work on site that previously required at least four strong hands.
1938
A new location,
in order to grow.
1938
Gottlieb Stoll Esslingen
Festo's product range grows. Demand is increasing. In
Bestsellers
of the founding years.
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1938 The BD 125 portable Track saw from 1938 was particularly popular with carpenters and joiners. -
1938 The MTD and KTD disc sanders are the first sanders with patented self-extraction. -
1948 From 1948 on, the AE 85 pendulum cover saw was regarded as the flagship among saws due to its impressive saw blade. -
The growing product family is presented to experts from the trades at leading trade fairs such as the Leipzig Trade Fair. -
In the years of reconstruction, the demand for tools is great and interest in Festo machines is even greater.
Of guiding women
and leading men.
Festo is a successful family business, run by company founder
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1933Berta Stoll is at the helm of the family and the company. For her, the focus was on the employees. -
1943 The second Festo generation grows up. In the photo (from left to right): Dr. WilfriedStoll , Dr. KurtStoll , Gerda Maier-Stoll . -
2000 With the spin-off of Festool in 2000, Gerda Maier-Stoll , daughter ofGottlieb Stoll , becomes the main shareholder. Today, her daughterBarbara Austel is Chairwoman of the Festool Supervisory Board.
1951
When craftsmen
believe in “saw witches.”
Weighing just 8,8 lbs (4 kilograms), the “saw witch” was considered particularly light and handy in the 1950s.
1953
One hand for work, the other for more safety: In 1953, the AAU 50 “saw witch” is the first one-hand circular saw with 500 watts of cutting power and a cutting depth of 50 mm.
1956
Safety in mind - even back then: The AU 50/65 from 1956, with its patented, integrated slip clutch, prevents the motor from being overloaded and protects the user from accidents.
When it comes to saws, no one can beat Festool, formerly known as Festo. The circular saws now have cutting depth and miter angle settings and the first saw table stop. The machines became more compact and easier to handle. With the legendary AAU 50 “saw witch,” carpenters can also work precisely and safely on the roof. Its successor, the AU 65, also proves to be almost indispensable for joiners and carpenters during the reconstruction years.
1951
It sounds Swabian, but it's on
everyone's lips: The Rutscher orbital sander.
The Rutscher orbital sander has a firm place in the workshop and in trade jargon. The original with the protected name is only available from Festool, formerly known as Festo. Since 1951. The first Rutscher RTE orbital sander replaced the unpopular and time-consuming work of painters, carpenters and car painters, who had to use a hand sanding block, and paved the way for fine mechanical sanding. It was the start of an unprecedented career: 250,000 Rutschers were sold by the early 1960s. Over several product generations, it has been like a marathon runner - today, as a cordless compact Rutscher in the various trades.
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The first Rutscher RTE is very popular among craftsmen because it saves them tedious manual work and replaces it with machine finishing. -
1964 The Rutscher RTR-S shines with its high removal rate and becomes a bestseller from 1964 onwards. -
Automotive workshops are also delighted with the new Rutscher for surface preparation. -
The Rutscher is in use everywhere - here, the later RS 1 with the peel plate attachment as an effective carpet remover. -
2025 Today, the ergonomic, one-hand, cordless Rutscher RTSC 400 ensures maximum mobility and freedom of movement when working.
Pioneers
of dust extraction.
1966
In 1966, the Rutscher RTT-S is the world's first sander that not only collects dust but actively extracts it.
The development of the first sander with dust extraction in the 1960s is a milestone. Karl Attinger, one of the co-developers, was involved right from the start. Not everyone was initially convinced by his pioneering idea: "Attinger wants to attach a vacuum cleaner to the sanding machine!" they say. "And worst of all, he makes holes in the sandpaper! Nobody will buy that."
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1966 In 1966, the Rutscher RTT-S is the world's first sander that not only collects dust but actively extracts it. -
The tool and extraction system must function optimally, especially for the customer. -
Festo is developing a highly innovative extraction system in which everything fits together perfectly. -
The efficient and clean extraction system is also used for sanding in vehicle construction. -
Festool is still one of the few tool manufacturers that produces its own dust extractors and many accessories so that everything in the system is perfectly coordinated with the tools. -
2025 Today, the choice of dust extractors is greater than ever. Find the right dust extractor for your application here.
Not everything was better in the past.
It just looked different.
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1950 Advertisement from 1950 for the company's 25th anniversary. -
1960s Festo product overview in a catalog from the 1960s. -
1957 The Festo Newsletter informs customers about the latest products; here is an issue from 1957. -
1960s "The good 4 from Festo": Advertising material from the 1960s. -
1972 “From the field. For the field": Title of a Festo Newsletter from 1972. -
1980s Otherworldly advertising motif from the 1980s: The sander with a suction unit sends a radio message to earth.
From now on
stubbornly straight ahead
How do you make a straight, precise cut over several meters? Today, everyone in the trade knows the answer. At the beginning of the 1960s, the first guide rail was a sensation - and far more than as just a useful accessory. The first generation of the guide rail was launched in 1962. In 1980, it was replaced by the new aluminum version. Two years later, it was given a small detail that had a big impact: The integrated splinter guard in the form of a rubber lip ensured tear-free sawing over an entire length. Since 2003, the FS/2 guide rail has been manufactured in countless variants for a wide range of applications. Rating: Indispensable.
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1960s Application is a matter for the boss:Gottlieb Stoll tests the first guide rail with the "saw witch" in the early 1960s. -
1966 From 1966 on, an aluminum plate with a screwed-on square tube provided optimum guidance. -
1982 In 1982, an aluminum guide rail with a non-skid strip, and a rubber lip as a splinter guard, was launched. -
A special cross-cutting guide rail was also developed for working with a handheld circular saw. -
The guide rail has long been relevant to the system - especially in conjunction with the valuable accessories. -
2025 Discover the latest guide rails.
More modern and mobile:
The changing trade.
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The family business celebrates its 50th birthday. The construction boom of the economic miracle years is coming to an end. But things are changing. The needs of “modern craftsmen” are changing: Stationary machines are increasingly considered heavy and expensive. They are replaced by innovative power tools that make work much easier, especially on the construction site.
The company decides to abandon the stationary machine market in order to concentrate on the development and construction of handheld power tools.
1979
3 in 1:
The Rotex amazes the experts.
Festool has always been able to provide craftsmen with the right tool for every surface treatment. But when the ROTEX RO 1 was launched on the market in 1979, the experts were amazed: No one had ever managed to combine three tools in one sanding machine before. Simply switch between operations and get started: From rough to fine sanding to polishing. The craftsmen are delighted. Over the years, the variable multi-mode sander has been continuously developed and the ROTEX has become a living legend.
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The ROTEX delights representatives of all the trades - from window construction to timber construction to car body construction.
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Fine sanding with the ROTEX is not only particularly effective, but also clean and dust-free. -
Thanks to infinitely variable speed preselection, smooth start and the unique accelerator switch, the ROTEX can be used to polish extremely sensitively and carefully. -
Over the years, the ROTEX forms its own little family: It passes on its best genes to the RO 90 and the RO 125. -
2025 To this day, the ROTEX is considered the all-rounder among sanders.
Innovative technology.
Unmistakable design.
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Festo and later Festool tools are regarded by professionals as particularly innovative, technically brilliant and user-friendly. Countless patents in the four-digit range contribute significantly to this. From the end of the 1970s onwards, this good reputation was given an unmistakable product design: The colors Mauritius blue and Festo(ol) green are instantly recognizable. And to this day, they are far more than just a trademark.
Plunge-cut saws from professionals for professionals.
A family history
If you look at Festool's history as a family history, then the plunge-cut saw family has written its very own story. With the invention of the plunge-cut saw, the saw blade can now cut safely into a wide variety of materials - it is ideal for furniture making, for example. This family has grown and flourished over the decades - driven by the desire to offer woodworkers an even better solution with each new generation. And the same applies to all the family members: They are outstanding in terms of cutting performance, weight, handling and precision and are virtually indestructible. Minimal reworking is guaranteed - and in combination with the guide rail, the plunge-cut saws are simply unbeatable.
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1980 The successful series of Festo, and later Festool, plunge-cut saws began in 1980 with the AXF 45. Together with the guide rail, which was further developed in 1982, the two form an unbeatable duo; pictured here is the ATF 55. -
2003 The first TS 55 plunge-cut saw with attachable splinter guard is launched in 2003 and even today, is still regarded as a symbol for saws with maximum precision. -
The fact that plunge-cut saws are so successful is also due to the ingenious accessories, which have been further developed with each generation. Here: There is even a shadow gap set for cutting floorboards to exact lengths. -
2021 Cordless and even safer: The TSC 55 K cordless plunge-cut saw is in no way inferior to the line-powered machine in terms of cutting performance. The KickbackStop also reduces the risk of injury. -
2025 Better every day: The TSV 60 K plunge-cut saw with scoring function shines with tear-free cuts on both sides in just one operation.
Precision tools for
discerning carpenters.
1984
In 1984, the PS 1 was the first pendulum jigsaw from Festo, later Festool, to conquer the market in no time. Even back then, it had the ergonomic knob handle for optimum guidance.
When the pendulum jigsaw was launched on the market in 1984, it set new standards, in terms of precision, for demanding carpenters: It is characterized above all by its extremely stable saw blade guide. In combination with the right saw blade, it can now make precise cuts, even in the thicker types of woods. In terms of longevity, the PS 1 and PS 2 pendulum jigsaws will outlast several generations of craftsmen. And the latest generation, the CARVEX PSC 420, can now move without a cord into every curve.
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1984 In 1984, the PS 1 was the first pendulum jigsaw from Festo, later Festool, to conquer the market in no time. Even back then, it had the ergonomic knob handle for optimum guidance. -
The pendulum jigsaws of the next generation (PS 2) proved to be extremely maneuverable, in every direction and at every angle. -
The TRION PS 300 pendulum jigsaw can be easily guided with one hand, even overhead. -
2000s In the early 2000s, the PS 300 is also introduced in a D-handle version for optimum ergonomics, even for users with different hand sizes. -
2025 The CARVEX PSBC 420 cordless pendulum jigsaw is unbeatable in the curves. A strobe light ensures the best visibility.
The heart beats faster
in Neidlingen.
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The entrepreneurial success of the Swabian tool manufacturer is primarily based on its pioneering products. With the expansion of the Neidlingen plant in 1986, production is also modernized. In 2002, the plant in Neidlingen received an award for “Outstanding Production Processes” and in 2005 for the “Best Assembly System.” This was followed in 2008 by the highest award of “Factory of the Year.”
1984
Millimeter work
in the system.
1980s
The basic design of the OF 1 router from the 1980s is the model for many subsequent models.
Rounding edges, routing cut-outs, profiling, grooving: Routing is the uncrowned supreme discipline of carpenters and joiners. Every tenth of a millimeter counts. When the OF 1 router was introduced in the mid-1980s, it set new standards, and not just in terms of precision. It marked the beginning of a system that now comprises 6 machines and almost 200 routers and templates. Whether with or without a guide rail - the Festool routers and edge routers in the system are infinitely versatile and absolutely precise.
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1980s The basic design of the OF 1 router from the 1980s is the model for many subsequent models. -
Trade fair visitors queue up at the Festo stand to try out the new OF 1 router. -
1989 Material-appropriate routing with a system: The OF 900 is available from 1989 on with Multi Material Control (MMC). -
2004 The OF 1400 router is launched in 2004. The highlights: Absolute precision thanks to column clamping on both sides, convenient router change using the rocker and ratchet principle. -
2025 With the OF 1400 or the latest OF 1010 and the LR 32 hole drilling system, rows of holes for shelf supports, rear panel brackets or fittings can be produced quickly and easily.
The most ingenious
toolbox in the world.
The Systainer has truly revolutionized the trade world. Its history began with the idea of developing packaging that not only protects the product, but is also recyclable. The result was a Systainer system that is as stable as it is variable, which is now available in 185 variants, and makes millions of craftsmen happy. The Systainer becomes the measure of all things: Everything that makes you mobile is in the Systainer format - the entire transport system and even saws or dust extractors.
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1993 In 1993, the Systainer was born – and conquered the world in no time. Why? Because it protects the machines, makes transport easier and creates order. -
2010 Close. Open. Connect. With just one turn. From 2010 on, the clever Systainer SYS T-LOC system makes it possible. -
2020 Even more variable and versatile. The Systainer3 has been available since 2020 - now in 185 variants. -
2025 Even more sustainable in production and use: The ECO SYS as a limited edition for the 100th anniversary. -
Together with its partner bott, Festool develops a packing and transport system that keeps everything in its place and safely stowed away.
By tradition for more
safety and health.
1960s
Clean air at the workplace: Festool has been a pioneer in dust extraction since the 1960s.
Festool actively promoted greater product safety and health protection early on with its dust extraction and is still considered a pioneer in the industry today. Anyone who works often and for long periods with machines knows how valuable the active vibration protection on eccentric sanders, or the rapid safety brake on saws and planers, can be. Festool develops an intelligent KickbackStop function for the new generation of TSC 55 K cordless plunge-cut saws and the new
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1960s Clean air at the workplace: Festool has been a pioneer in dust extraction since the 1960s. -
1980s Working with high-speed sanders carries the risk of the so-called “white finger disease.” Thanks to the patented vibration-stop balancing system, this risk was already reduced to a minimum in the 1980s. -
1990s Not only for sanders, but dust extraction is considered for saw, routers, and even planers to collect the dust as it happens. -
Work without kickbacks: Faster than the blink of an eye, a sensor detects when the tool is jammed and stops the motor. The KickbackStop provides the best possible protection against injuries when sawing, drilling and screwdriving. -
2024 With the new Air Filter product group, Festool ensures less cleaning effort, more cleanliness and better air quality. With its compact Systainer format and low weight, it is ideal for mobile and stationary use.
A name becomes a brand,
the brand becomes world-famous.
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1925 -
1933 -
1962 -
1983 -
1992 -
2000
2000
Festool reinvents itself
and remains true to itself.
2000
The company premises in Wendlingen have been Festool's headquarters since 2000.
In 2000, Festool GmbH is spun off and finds a new home in Wendlingen - almost exactly between
The legacy: A down-to-earth attitude and absolute quality awareness - namely “Made in Germany.” The drive: Developing innovative tools and systems - together with and for the customers. The products: Innovative and user-oriented, robust and extremely durable.
2006
A system that connects everything:
The DOMINO.
In 2006, the DOMINO saw the light of day and within a very short time became the proper name for a product that is truly unique. This ingenious fastening system combines the stability of mortise and tenon, the flexibility of biscuits in furniture construction and the precision of round dowels in frame and rack construction. This makes mortising wood joints much easier and more precise, while also providing maximum stability.
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The DOMINO joiner redefines the wood joint for carpenters, joiners and furniture makers. Typical of Festool - easy handling and optimum results. -
2011 The patented pendulum routing principle of the DOMINO sets the router into a simultaneous rotational and pendulum movement. The routed slots enable the DOMINO tenons to be fitted precisely - since 2011, also for sizes up to 14 x 140 mm with the DOMINO DF 700. -
2016 In 2016, Festool launches the DOMINO corner and surface connectors. These can be used to connect frames, racks or panels in a stable and detachable manner. -
DOMINO wooden dowels are sustainably produced, extremely stable and twist-proof.
From Schwabia
into the world.
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From now on, the heart of Festool beats in Wendlingen. This is where research and development is carried out, the quality of the products is assured and continuously monitored. Purchasing and marketing as well as service and sales are based here. Precision tools are manufactured to the highest standards in Neidlingen. The same quality standards apply at the Czech plant in Česká Lípa. Production of dust extractors is running at full speed at the Illertissen plant. In 2021, the new plant in Weilheim/Teck will go into operation, which stands for future-oriented and sustainable production like no other. The products are sold in over 50 countries worldwide.
18 Volt.
The Power of Festool.
In the 1990s, Festool launched the first cordless drills on the market. Since then, the rapid development of battery technology has changed the trade. Today, the Festool 18 volt system comprises around 50 powerful products, built for hands and for every application - from sawing, drilling and driving to extraction. And the portfolio continues to grow.
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1996 The first Festool CDD 12 cordless drill impresses with optimum ergonomics, weight distribution and with its innovative, extremely short design: The battery is integrated into the handle. -
TheQUADRIVE cordless drills are equipped with pure power: Ideal for demanding use in timber construction. They draw their energy from powerful battery packs. -
2017 The battery pack is ergonomically integrated into the handle of the compact RTSC 400, DTSC 400 and ETSC 125 cordless sanders. -
2019 The 4.0 Ah Li HighPower compact battery pack developed in 2019 delivers full power with half the size and 20 percent less weight. -
2021 For the TSC 55 K cordless plunge-cut saw, the 2x18 volt dual battery system ensures maximum cutting performance.
Powerful and energy-saving.
Even in tough conditions.
Working in wind and weather, on the ground or on the roof - and often without a power supply: This is the rule rather than the exception for woodworkers and carpenters. Wherever thick wood and heavy beams are being worked on, it is particularly important to have powerful tools that can withstand a great deal in every application and over the long term. The indestructible Festool machines are made just for that.
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Whether on the roof or on solid ground, with the HKC 55 cordless circular saw, you can work safely and independently anywhere. -
2022 High performance without a cord: The KSC 60 cordless sliding compound mitre saw is as precise as it is durable. -
Powerhouse with four gears: TheQUADRIVE TPC 18/4 cordless drill has everything under control - and is easy on the wrists thanks to KickbackStop.
Sanders designed for large surfaces.
For walls and ceilings.
2009
The LHS 225 drywall sander is launched on the market in 2009. The specially developed suction and extraction system is remarkable, making sanding work on walls and ceilings not only cleaner but also easier.
2020
Since 2020, the PLANEX
2025
More than just accessories: For the best results, the PLANEX
Discover all of the current drywall sanders now.
Discover all of the current drywall sanders now.
Festool launches the LHS 225 drywall sander in 2009. A groundbreaking new feature is the adjustable vacuum suction, which significantly relieves the strain on the arms and back during sanding work. The drywall sander can also be extended or shortened in just a few simple steps. Festool takes the next technological leap in 2020: The advanced
2014
Specialists for
perfectionists.
2014
Easy to operate and excellent results - for rectangular workpieces as well as curves or complex free-form shapes. In 2014, the new CONTURO system achieves a level of perfection in edge processing that was previously unattainable with handheld devices.
In 2014, Festool launches the CONTURO KA 65 edge bander on the market. It is the specialist for furniture edges that deserves a rating of “perfect.” Festool has developed a unique glue application system that can be used to perfectly glue the edges of a wide variety of materials made of wood, plastic or melamine. What stands out in particular: The CONTURO is mobile and can be used anywhere. It even masters angled, round and curved edges with a quality that leaves even stationary machines in the shade.
CONTURO KA 65-Plus Edge Bander
The craft
digitally expanded.
The Festool app can be used to make individual settings on the tool, for example, to control the light ring on the PLANEX
Important tool functions and expert tips can be called up via the app while working.
In 2017, Festool opens up a whole new field with the Work App: Tools can now be controlled digitally. And with software updates, the app even brings older tools up to date. From 2025, all functions will be provided via an app that trade people will always have with them - as naturally as a tape measure.
Service? All inclusive!
Quality workmanship with added value.
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Festool has never compromised on quality and durability. That's why service and support have always been our top priority. In 2013, Festool was the first and only provider in the industry to introduce a free, three-year warranty package that also includes all wear parts and theft protection. Regardless of whether a machine has fallen from a high scaffold or a "historic" Festool tool needs a little more attention - in any case, the following applies: We developed the tool. We produced it. We know best how to repair it. You can rely on Festool service. For the life of the tool. And that can be a really long time.
2023
Mobile. Digital. Phenomenal.
The cordless table saw in the Systainer.
2023
The CSC SYS 50 cordless table saw will expand the range of saws starting in 2023 and, in the Systainer format, precision can be easily brought to every job site.
The Festool principle that "The tool comes to the workpiece, not the workpiece to the tool" still holds true after almost 100 years: How about transporting the precision of a table saw to the construction site? Maybe even in the Systainer? Festool's answer is: CSC SYS 50. This cordless table saw is so compact that it fits in a Systainer and can be taken anywhere. It is the world's first mobile table saw with digital height and angle adjustment. This means: Precise cuts at the touch of a button - accurate to a tenth of a millimeter; and a cutting precision that can otherwise only be achieved with a panel saw in the workshop.
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2023 The CSC SYS 50 cordless table saw will expand the range of saws starting in 2023 and, in the Systainer format, precision can be easily brought to every job site. -
Workshop quality on the construction site: The cordless table saw enables an unprecedented and consistent cutting quality with a mobile saw. -
The digital operating concept of the CSC SYS 50 is not a gimmick, but a real asset: Among other things, it allows saw blade settings to be saved and called up. -
The cordless table saw is safely stowed in the Systainer and moves to every construction site almost by itself on the base frame.
The future of craftsmanship.
Festool for superheroes.
2023
Festool's active exoskeleton goes on the market in 2023. The response to the ExoActive in the construction industry has been positive all around.
With the ExoActive, body size, work mode and power support can be optimally adjusted.
The ExoActive provides valuable support, especially for strenuous overhead work. It provides an extra portion of strength and relieves pressure on the neck.
In 2023, Festool introduces the active ExoActive exoskeleton with 18 volt battery power. Not only does it look "science fiction," it actually gives the superheroes on the jobsite an extra dose of strength. Whether it's drywalling or painting, sanding or assembling, on walls or ceilings - the ExoActive actively lends a helping hand. The effect: Less physical strain when working overhead. Sounds like a thing of the future? Sure. But it already exists today. From Festool. For superheroes.
The EXO 18 exoskeleton
The future of Festool.
Ready for sustainable growth.
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Sustainability is a future issue, that presents the present time with special tasks and challenges. It is not just about ecological aspects, but also about healthy economic management and socially responsible action. The new Festool plant in Weilheim stands for all of this: It is a commitment to the region in which the company has been firmly rooted for 100 years. It is designed to manufacture our products for the highest demands in an energy-efficient and resource-saving manner. Even 100 years after the company was founded, Festool still has its sights firmly set on the future.