Quite a few new Festool tools and accessories are set to launch in Q1 2022.
Following is a quick-look at all of the new Festool tools that we’ve learned about so far.
Retailers have started to issue preorder announcements, and I’m told that Festool USA will provide more information on all of the new tools shortly.
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At this time, everything you see here is expected to start shipping next month – March 2022.
Festool TS 55 FEQ Plunge Cut Track Saw
Festool will be launching a new iteration of their 6-1/4″ TS55 plunge cutting track saw, the TS 55 FEQ-F-Plus.
Retailers are advertising that this saw cuts “2X as fast,” thanks to “concentrated torque.” Additionally, there will be a “new generation of cutting blades.”
It’s unclear what exactly contributes to the saw’s faster cutting, and whether Festool is referring to the thinner kerf saw blades they launched last year or an additional blade expansion beyond that.
Aside from claims of “concentrated torque” and “2X as fast” cutting, the new TS 55 FEQ appears to be identical to its predecessor, the TS 55 REQ.
Price: $599 or $699 w/ 55″ track
ETA: March 2022
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Festool Quadrive TPC 18V Cordless Hammer Drill
Festool has a new 18V cordless hammer drill with modular-style attachment interface. It comes with a Centrotec tool chuck (built-in), Centrotec magnetic 1/4″ hex bit holder, and FastFix keyless drill chuck (1/2″).
The full 2-battery kit also includes a FastFix right angle chuck, charger, and 2x 4.0Ah batteries.
The drill features a brushless motor, “intelligent Kickbackstop,” and a 4-speed Quadrive gearbox. Festool says that the Quadrive gearbox delivers 442.5 in-lbs of max torque in the first gear, and up to 3600 RPM in the fourth gear.
This appears to be a new flagship product, with Festool describing it as the best drill they ever built.
Price: $349 for the tool bundle, $549 for the kit
ETA: March 2022
Festool OF 1010 R Router
Festool has updated their compact router, with the OF 1010 R. Compared to the previous model, the OF 1010 R has a newly designed round dust port, and its plunge locking mechanism now clamps down on both guide columns.
This model cannot be used with a router table.
Price: $499
ETA: March 2022
Festool Guide Rail Accessory Kit (577157)
It looks like Festool has come out with a couple of new guide rail accessories that are bundled together in a new kit, including a new FS-WA angle stop, guide rail deflector, and a pair of new track connectors.
Price: $299
ETA: March 2022
Festool Limited Edition SYS-MFT Clamping Set (577131)
There’s a new Festool limited edition SYS-MFT clamping set, model 577131, which comes with an assortment of clamps, pegs, and stops that work with their MFT/3 table and compatible workbench tops with 20mm dog holes.
Price: $299
ETA: March 2022
Festool TOPROCK BT20 Bluetooth Jobsite Speaker
The TopRock BT20 Bluetooth speaker looks identical to the TopRock Bluetooth speaker that Festool launched overseas in late 2020.
The Festool TopRock speaker can be powered by its internal (built-in) battery, or the included AC adapter. A full battery charge can power the radio for up to 10 hours at medium volume.
With the TopRock, the music player and battery are all built into the lid, with the central compartment available for tool and parts storage.
Price: $225
ETA: March 2022
New Festool Cleaning Sets
Festool has several new cleaning sets, but it’s unclear as to what exactly has changed.
From the product images and list of parts, it seems that they made a change to the small brush nozzle and possibly downgraded the floor nozzle attachment.
Festool’s previous cleaning sets came with a floor nozzle and interchangeable surface attachments, whereas these come with a “standard nozzle.”
Price: $105 and up
ETA: March 2022
New FS-KP Guide Rails with Slots and Adhesive Pads
Festool has new guide rails, with a central slot sized to fit onto Systainer tool box handles for easier transport, and smaller slots that work with also-new adhesive pads.
The adhesive pads are designed to help with work on floors and other horizontal work surfaces, and also on walls.
The tracks will be available in 55″ (FS 1400/2-KP) and 75″ (FS 1900/2-KP) sizes. Additional adhesive pads are available in a 30-count packs.
Price: $165 for 55″, $245 for 75″, $30 for (30) pads
ETA: March 2022
New Festool Anti-Static Hoses
There are new anti-static hoses with a straight or rotating angle adapter on the vacuum-end, and Cleantec connecting sleeve on the tool-end. The Cleantec connector has a bayonet fitting for easier connection to newer Festool tools, and an adjustable bypass for controlling airflow and suction power.
Price: $119 and up
ETA: March 2022
The hoses have a conical geometry design – “27/32mm” – where they gradually taper for improved suction power. The outer sheathing is smooth, for better handling and reduced snagging.
John E
“2X as fast,” thanks to “concentrated torque.”
This is Festool’s way of admitting (while not admitting) their flagship tracksaw was/is underpowered.
“Aside from claims of “concentrated torque” and “2X as fast” cutting, the new TS 55 FEQ appears to be identical to its predecessor, the TS 55 REQ.”
Meet the new boss…same as the old boss. Sounds like Festool and Apple share a marketing strategy.
John E
Upon closer inspection, the only difference between this saw and its ‘predecessor’ appears they increased max rpm from 5200-5800 and it now ships with the 1.8mm blade as standard. Oh, and they changed one letter in the model number.
MoogleMan3
The REQ spins at 5800rpm too; I just took delivery of mine today. ;-/
Of course they announce a new one the same day…
MtnRanch
You have 30 days to return it for a full refund.
Todd F
They are just consolidating on 1.8mm blades. All the current cordless models are 1.8mm.
fred
It’s about time on the TS55 update. I won’t be replacing mine because I have other options for cutting things beyond sheet goods – but I think that my TS55REQ was a mis-represented as being a do-it-all track saw within its stated cutting capacity. I know that Festool pushed their ’75 as being more capable – but shame on them for not having replaced the wimpy ’55 sooner.
I also hope that the connectors perform better than the prior versions – which were so finicky IMO to render them impossible to use in most of my applications (like out on the lawn or driveway.) i ended up investing in an add-on from Betterley that corrects the problem. I also have heard positive things about the ones from TSO that sell for $49.95. Ultimately, I also bought a longer FS1900 guide rail.
The Guide rail accessory kit looks like a welcome addition – and at $299 it beats out the price of the Woodpeckers ADTKSQ-WSYS that sells for $380 – and only provides the adjustable angle function – no clamps, connectors or deflector.
Steve L
I went with the TSO guide rail connectors (GRC-12) and they work. If working away from the garage I use them to connect a 1400 & 1900 to cut a full 8’.
But, for in the garage I talked myself into the 3000 to save time and get a perfect straight cut. Went with the 3000 over the 2700 so I have the option of using my TS75 on a long cut.
fred
I have a 2700 too. If I were buying rails today – I might look at the 3000 or even 5000 – just to provide that extra length. I might also be looking at the Makita 3000mm (118 inch) which is way cheaper than the Festool.
Jared
That drill chuck system looks interesting. On the other hand, I’m woefully underwhelmed with a $350 “most powerful ever” drill that maxes out at 442.5 in-lbs of max torque.
It DOES spin real fast in the 4th gear though… Did they just fail to give it a real low gear?
Also, does it need to spin that fast? I think my most powerful drill is somewhere closer to 2200 rpm, so 3600 rpm seems like a bit jump. Is the speed somehow related to the “fine” woodworking I associate with Festool vs. the construction-site nature of the Dewalt?
I realize it comes with a systainer – and anti-kickback is always welcome. Still, $350 for the bare tool ? Yikes.
fred
I don’t recall any of our carpenters or plumbers asking for a higher speed drill. But in our fabrication business – we worked at both ends of the spectrum. We used really low speed for drilling heavy plate – and high speed air drills (I think up to 20,000 rpm) for sheetmetal work for some of the aircraft assemblies we fabricated.
MoogleMan3
This has me so miffed…
Just today I took delivery of a TS55 REQ. I called festool yesterday asking about the REQ being our of stock almost everywhere (I got mine from toolsforworkingwood.com) and they made no mention of a new model and to hold off for a day, just that the REQ has a 16-26 week backorder.
Super irritated…
John E
Just replace the blade, then you have a FEQ!
MoogleMan3
That was actually the first thing I thought of, but the riving knife would present an issue since the new blades are thinner. I could always see if the riving knife is replacable, but I don’t want to muck around with a brand new tool.
There’s festool’s 30 day return policy, so I could always return and reorder, but return shipping would be on my dime. Still pondering my options. The only reason I’m thinking about a swap is because I have a few hardwood projects that I bought the saw specifically for. I did already purchase a 28 tooth universal blade, so I’ll probably be fine.
Tool Junkie
The new 55 has a thin kerf blade (so less per needed than with the wider blade) and NO riving knife. It has an integrated electronic anti-kickback circuit.
MoogleMan3
That’s the cordless version; the corded TS 55 FEQ still has the riving knife.
Julian Tracy
No one would accuse the TS55 of being a powerful saw. I think my cordless Makita has more guts than my prior couple of TS55 saws I owned for many years,
Steve L
I hear all the comments about the TS55 but I thought it was for sheet goods, have used for that, and have never had an issue.
For sheets clamped together, or dimensional lumber, I use a TS75 or other tools.
fred
@ Steve L
I agree – and have learned to work within its (TS55) limitations. My beef is that when Festool advertised it – back when it was new – the hype did not live up to the truth about cutting capacity. Festool like to make you think that they produce industrial rated/quality tools – perhaps on a par with Mafell. The truth is something else.
Joe
I think the riving knife is a key feature if you are interested in dimensioning wood. Electronic control is ok but does not stop the blade from pinching. It just stops the blade from turning. It was the only thing I was worried about when I bought my Makita sp. I have done mostly sheet goods and some doors. I have not had one issue with kickback. Always pros and cons of a thinner kerf blade. I am sure both are great. I would prefer the one with the riving knife.
MoogleMan3
The riving knife is what enticed me to ultimately choose the festool over the makita.
Ben
I have the new feq (it has been out for a month or 2 here in Australia) and I can assure it has more power than the old. It is exceptional. No riving knife which i love not having. It is 36v with 2 batteries and 18v with 1 battery. Pretty cool. It has electronic anti kick back.
Stuart
Are you talking about the cordless KEB? https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/festool-tsc55keb-cordless-track-saw/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
The saw we’re talking about here is AC powered, NOT battery powered.
John
But not for us peasants.
Jim Felt
One of my local stocking Festool dealers just rolled his eyes yesterday when I asked him how substantial he thought these “new improved” products actually were.
I’m not in that market segment but it’s fun to watch.
Stuart
Festool tools are a tricky subject.
I purchased and own some Festool tools, but would never consider buying others. They are expensive, and users – professionals or hobbyists – need to have a very good reason to buy them.
For instance, if you just need a sander, Festool is a very expensive choice and probably isn’t worth the premium. If you want a sander with uniform material removal and superior dust collection, you can’t do better – from what I have seen – than a Festool sander + dust extractor combo. And then with the MFT/3 table, certain tools combine to deliver more than the sum of their parts.
fred
I agree with your assessment. I have a few Festool tools. When I bought their TS55 – there were limited other choices. If I were buying today, I’d be comparing – not just on price but on performance as well.
When I bought the Domino XL machine – I had several projects in mind – and I truly have no regrets having bought it. Had I jumped when the original Domino machine was introduced – I think I would have ended up regretting the purchase and traded up. In any event – the Domino XL has changed the way I do most joinery – now seldom cutting mortise and tenon joints or using dowels. I still sometimes use a Dowelmax jig – tried a (not good at all) Freud doweling and machine and biscuit joints – but the Dowelmax – is very versatile, precise and speedy – so what’s not to like (other than its selling price.) I’m sure a Mafell Duo-Dowel machine might be a worthy substitute – but not exactly a cost-saver.
Meanwhile – Festool dust extractors seem like they are quality tools – but I see no reason to swap out the Fein machines that I have. The same goes for Festool sanders – where I feel that the Bosch, Mirka. Makita and even old Porter Cable sanders that I own have me covered. The Festool routers also always seemed a bit quirky to me – and again – my PC, Bosch, Makita and Hitachi routers – seem to do everything that I need – and were more modest in cost. Finally – despite seeing Tom Silva using various other Festool items (Kapex miter saw, drills, edge banding machine etc.) on TOH – I’ve never been intrigued enough to buy any.
MoogleMan3
Fred, I just wanted to chime in that I’ve been extremely pleased with my dowelmax. I’d love a domino, but having the dowelmax makes it a “later on” purchase, rather than “if I get this ASAP, it will improve my workflow greatly.”
fred
Sooner or later, Festool’s patents on the Domino system will run out and we may see some lower priced clones. There may not be a a tidal wave of them – as there was with OMTs when Fein’s patents ran out on the Multimaster. That’s because I see the domino machine as more of a niche tool compared to an OMT. Also, there seems to be a lot of precision needed to make the “domino” cutter oscillate to produce a well-fitting slot.
Last year, I bought a Lamello Zeta P2 machine to produce slots for Clamex take-apart connectors. Like the Domino machine – it cuts precise grooves that speed up the process of making furniture that brings something like Ikea functionality – but with custom design and far superior materials of construction. Unfortunately, Lamello prices added mightily to the cost of the pieces I produced. But- hey – the grandkids were worth it.
Chris G
The riving knife is also 1.8mm as well. This was preventing owners from using a 1.8mm blade previously.
Plain grainy
What? No cordless Domino! Perhaps Festool doesn’t want to add battery weight to the 11.4# model 700.
Plain grainy
There is the Woodpeckers “Morty” that could be used with a cordless router.
Big Richard
I think I’ll just wait for the DeWalt 20v biscuit jointer. It won’t be nearly as refined as a Domino, but will be about 1/5 of the cost at $279. May is only a couple months away.
fred
The Makita cordless seems to get decent reviews:
https://www.amazon.com/Makita-XJP03Z-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Joiner/dp/B00Z04WRXY
But while biscuits have their place – Dominos or dowels are better suited for demanding applications. I bought the Domino XL – with such a project in mind. I built a set of exterior doors (36 x 80) out of 12/4 purple heart. In the old days I might have joined the boards with splines – but large dominoes made the slab glue-ups much easier – and the resultant doors plenty strong . I’ve since used dominos for bed frames, tables. and casework/cabinetry – some – where biscuits might have sufficed.
Big Richard
Agree, for heavy duty I go with dowels. A dowel jig is tens of dollars compared to a $1000 Domino joiner. I don’t do projects like that near enough to justify that cost. For most of what I do a biscuit joiner more than suffices, but as you pointed out, one does not replace a Domino.
JGonzo
Honestly, you either love Festool or you hate it.
If you love their stuff, the price is totally reasonable and nothing will convince otherwise…”just use it for a couple of projects and you’ll understand….”, “it’s all about the SYSTEM…”, etc.
If you hate it, no amount of functionality or ingenuity will convince you it’s worth the price premium.
That being said, the Systainers and factory-molded inserts that come with each tool are something that other brands should be offering. I’d sell most of my Festool stuff pretty quickly if Milwaukee started offering a SKU on each of their tools that came in Packouts (except for the domino…that’s to my tools what Boba Fett is to your childhood Star Wars guys: off limits).
Speaking of Milwaukee, when the **** are they gonna release an M18 track saw? Get on it with, guys, most of us would trample several orange-shirted associates to get one.
JGonzo
Oh, one last thing – bless Festool for giving us the 96mm/20mm grid system and bless international patent rules for allowing third party accessories for it. If you build cabinets, you understand.