Thread: Why buy local

There have been a number of threads as to why buy tools overseas. While a number of them concern one make in particular I will relate my experience in obtaining a particular tool.
For a while now I have been considering replacing my 21 year old Bosch router. Yes it does the job but I know the depth lock thread/nut is wearing and needs replacing. My local dealer for whatever reason was unable to obtain the necessary parts. The next option is to buy a new router. When I enquired about a Festool (to go with my Festool dust extractor) they suggested a Makita. Sure it is a great tool but may not be compatible with Festool dust extractor and at 6+kg may be difficult to use to mortice locks on doors when they are hung. Other tool dealers were equally unable to give much advice either way, some did not even have a Festool router on the shelf.
After a while I contacted Ideal Tools (Forum sponsor) and made an appointment to have a look at a Festool router. I spent about 3/4 of an hour with Anthony who had a Festool 1400 to show me. After I explained what I would be using it for he suggested that I needed the smaller 1010. Anthony pointed out a number of features of the 1400 even though the 1010 would be different but some principles would still apply.
A couple of weeks later I ordered a Festool OF 1010 router through Ideal Tools. Yes I could have saved a few dollars elsewhere but this a way of thanking Anthony. Also by buying in Australia I did not need to worry about modifying or replacing the power lead and it would come with a 1/4" collet, not a 6mm or 8mm as I have over a dozen 1/4" bits.
Within the week it arrived and a couple of days later I tried it out. Unfortunately I felt it was not right and after talking to Anthony, he arranged for it to be collected and repaired.
Once it was returned (a part was replaced) it felt like a different machine.

So by buying locally I have a machine I could use with my existing bits. It was one of those rare machines with a manufacturing fault that was repaired under warranty and I did not need to travel all over Melbourne to drop off and pick up.

Thank You Anthony and Ideal Tools. IDEAL TOOLS Australia - Festool, Protool, Walko, and Woodworking Tools