Author Topic: Storing Manuals (Read 9981 times)

smyrnaboy93 · « **on:** August 07, 2018, 10:05 AM »

Hi All,

As my Festool collection increases, so does my manual inventory. As Festool manuals are all the same size, does Festool make any sort of notebook to keep them in? Or has anyone come up with a way to neatly and conveniently store them?

Thanks a bunch.

justaguy · « **Reply #1 on:** August 07, 2018, 10:16 AM »

I've tried several binder, file folder, and other storage solutions for tool manuals. None worked well for me.

I now download the PDF versions of the manul and store them on my PC and in the "cloud" for remote access. The copies on the PC are stored with a PDF of the purchase receipt in case it should be needed for warranty purposes.

With the manuals in the "cloud" they are always available. Just pull out the cellphone.

SRSemenza · « **Reply #2 on:** August 07, 2018, 10:29 AM »

I have stored all my manuals , Festool and others, in a two drawer file cabinet for years. I never really use any of them. It is probably less than once every three years that I have pulled a manual out. And that is usually to put it with a tool that I am selling. So pretty soon , for the need of shop space, the file cabinet is going away and the manuals are going into a box.

Seth

Potts17 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 07, 2018, 10:41 AM »

I put all of my Festool manuals underneath the plastic insert inside the Systainer. That way they are always with the tool, but aren't in the way when you are pulling your tools out of the systainer or putting them back in.

Festool USA · « **Reply #4 on:** August 07, 2018, 11:16 AM »

We don't currently make anything like that, but it's an interesting idea. It's nice to see ideas from other members of what they do.

(Tyler)

Bob D. · « **Reply #5 on:** August 07, 2018, 11:20 AM »

I think an insert for a Systainer would be a great idea. It sounds like something that Peter Parfitt might have done already. Or did he make a insert for storing hand tools.

Maybe I'm confusing with something someone did for storing sheets of sandpaper a while back.

Don T · « **Reply #6 on:** August 07, 2018, 12:17 PM »

I store all of my manuals in a file cabinet.

six-point socket II · « **Reply #7 on:** August 07, 2018, 12:26 PM »

Hi,

4 drawer file cabinet it is. Along with receipts, warranty registration ... Everything tool/DIY/home improvement/mayor appliances related goes in there. Manuals, charts, drawings, documentation of all sorts ...

Since most European toolmakers use the DIN A 5 format ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_size ) for their manuals, it's 2 manuals, including folded receipt, folded warranty registration and additional paper work per folder. Each folder labeled obviously ...

Kind regards,
Oliver

dupe · « **Reply #8 on:** August 07, 2018, 01:16 PM »

Thanks for the reminder, this was also something I've been meaning to do. This came about after seeing video by Paul Marcel - he mentions a case he uses via Lee Valley (no longer available)

A quick search yielded these:
Ebay - 4 pack
Amazon - 3 pack
or
Clip board case

They're pricey but nothing has held up the way ReallyUsefulBoxes have. I'd bring a manual or two with you to Office Depot to see what fits. They go on sale occasionally (typically the pink and purple variety) but when I see them I snag a few.

ChuckS · « **Reply #9 on:** August 07, 2018, 01:19 PM »

The original manuals are kept with the tools in the systainers. When a tool is sold, I know I don't need to look for its manual.

Since I use my tools regularly, I seldom refer to them at all.

Cheese · « **Reply #10 on:** August 07, 2018, 01:34 PM »

3rd vote for underneath the Systainer insert. You never have to look for them yet they’re out of the way. The Supplemental manuals are another thing though.

JimH2 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 07, 2018, 03:03 PM »

Quote from: dupe on August 07, 2018, 01:16 PM

Thanks for the reminder, this was also something I've been meaning to do. This came about after seeing video by Paul Marcel - he mentions a case he uses via Lee Valley (no longer available)

A quick search yielded these:
Ebay - 4 pack
Amazon - 3 pack
or
Clip board case

They're pricey but nothing has held up the way ReallyUsefulBoxes have. I'd bring a manual or two with you to Office Depot to see what fits. They go on sale occasionally (typically the pink and purple variety) but when I see them I snag a few.

These work very well.

James Biddle · « **Reply #12 on:** August 07, 2018, 03:40 PM »

Where does everyone that stores the manual in the Systainer store the Kapex manual?

Gregor · « **Reply #13 on:** August 07, 2018, 03:55 PM »

I grabbed the PDF, discarded the useless stuff (so they usually end up with only 2-3 pages) and put them on my phone.

rvieceli · « **Reply #14 on:** August 07, 2018, 04:37 PM »

@Gregor perfect answer. 😀

I’ve got the manual for every machine I use on my phone. Even my 1968 Powermatic PM66 and my 1963 drill press.

Ron

ChuckS · « **Reply #15 on:** August 07, 2018, 05:56 PM »

Quote from: James Biddle on August 07, 2018, 03:40 PM

Where does everyone that stores the manual in the Systainer store the Kapex manual?

My Kapex is mounted on a mobile cabinet, and the manual goes into it, along with other accessories, like the hold-down clamp, ear plugs, etc.

rst · « **Reply #16 on:** August 07, 2018, 07:40 PM »

I have a cheap, lidded, plastic file bin that holds most of my older tool manuals. Since I started my Festaddiction, I now keep most manuals in the systainers. I just recently went through my bin and discarded manuals for tools that I no longer have. For example I found the manual for my 14v Freud drill driver. This was a great tool until Freud they were NAINA.

neilc · « **Reply #17 on:** August 07, 2018, 10:48 PM »

The Festool manuals fit in a Systainer Mini. I have one full and a second one snapped to it for overflow.

Bert Vanderveen · « **Reply #18 on:** August 08, 2018, 04:31 AM »

The Festool manuals are DIN A5 (Deutsche Industrie Norm, but it is an ISO, so used in a lot of countries). In the back cover there are folds and pre-punched holes, that when applied form a lip. Those holes conform to another norm (Leitz 80 mm) for binders. Most binders available in Europe are for A4 (double the size of A5), with two rings, but A5-ones have been around, although they seem to be hard to find nowadays. You could modify an A4 model tot fit the manuals. Or use as is.

BTW — I download digital versions of the manuals I need, edit them to remove non-needed languages, copy to the cloud (Dropbox) and have them available on an older iPad I use in my shop. The paper ones I throw in a cupboard : )

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #19 on:** August 14, 2018, 04:13 PM »

@James Biddle

Quote from: James Biddle on August 07, 2018, 03:40 PM

Where does everyone that stores the manual in the Systainer store the Kapex manual?

I store all the manuals under their respective inserts and for the Kapex i have it in a Sys 3 that holds all the un-used plug-it cords.

tjbnwi · « **Reply #20 on:** August 15, 2018, 09:14 PM »

Kapex came with an owners manual?...

I’m an under the insert guy.

Tom

demographic · « **Reply #21 on:** August 17, 2018, 02:20 PM »

I have loads of manuals stored on my phone, there when I most need em.

Oh Oh Domino · « **Reply #22 on:** October 05, 2018, 02:53 PM »

RTFM? Just say no.

RobWoodCutter · « **Reply #23 on:** October 17, 2018, 03:46 PM »

https://www.amazon.com/Avery-Durable-Binder-2-Inch-27554/dp/B0006HV8V2

I have several of these for the festool manuals.

jjowen · « **Reply #24 on:** October 17, 2018, 11:56 PM »

<-- This is where I store my manuals.

NL-mikkla · « **Reply #25 on:** October 18, 2018, 04:31 AM »

I keep 'm in the empty sys4 I have where the TS75 came in, the TS75 is dedicated in the CMS.
Never use the sys, never use the manuals

Jcwoodshop · « **Reply #26 on:** January 15, 2019, 08:23 PM »

To store the hard copies of my Festool manuals, I use Staples Better Mini Binders with 1” D rings. Each binder holds a maximum of 6 or 7 manuals. The binders have clear plastic pockets on the spine and front cover, and fit the manuals very well.
To “punch” the ring holes in the manuals, make a template and a backer board. Clamp the manual(s) between the template and backer. Use a sharp brad point bit to drill the holes. The binders were appx $7 each.

dupe · « **Reply #27 on:** February 01, 2019, 01:17 PM »

Just came across this:
https://www.ultimatetools.ca/collections/new/products/tanos-organizer-box-systainer-t-loc-v-with-2-blue-and-2-red-organizer-boxes

JimH2 · « **Reply #28 on:** February 01, 2019, 03:21 PM »

Quote from: dupe on August 07, 2018, 01:16 PM

Thanks for the reminder, this was also something I've been meaning to do. This came about after seeing video by Paul Marcel - he mentions a case he uses via Lee Valley (no longer available)

A quick search yielded these:
Ebay - 4 pack
Amazon - 3 pack
or
Clip board case

They're pricey but nothing has held up the way ReallyUsefulBoxes have. I'd bring a manual or two with you to Office Depot to see what fits. They go on sale occasionally (typically the pink and purple variety) but when I see them I snag a few.

I have these and while the work the construction is less than stellar. Don't get me wrong they do work, but don't get your hopes up that they will be much more than minimally acceptable.

Kevin D. · « **Reply #29 on:** February 02, 2019, 09:59 AM »

Quote from: Jcwoodshop on January 15, 2019, 08:23 PM

To store the hard copies of my Festool manuals, I use Staples Better Mini Binders with 1” D rings. Each binder holds a maximum of 6 or 7 manuals. The binders have clear plastic pockets on the spine and front cover, and fit the manuals very well.
To “punch” the ring holes in the manuals, make a template and a backer board. Clamp the manual(s) between the template and backer. Use a sharp brad point bit to drill the holes. The binders were appx $7 each.

Those are the mini binders I've been using. One of my issues with them is that my Brother Labels don't like to stick to the edges without having some Scotch tape holding them on, but I'm gonna try to see if some Elmers glue stick might resolve that although I doubt that will work.

In regards to punching the holes. I had looked previously for a hole punching machine that didn't cost $300 that could handle what are some pretty thick half sheet sized owners manuals, but I couldn't find anything til now. Just yesterday I was in my local Staples and lo and behold, there it was for $50 bucks. I know they didn't have this last fall when I was looking into this.

I relocated the center punch so that it could align properly to execute the punching of the first two holes, and placed a piece of painters tape to align the edge to punch the third hole. Handles a 60 page (30 sheets) manual for my Bosch 18V OMT no problem. It's rated for 45 pages, but I haven't found one of my manuals I haven't done already that is that thick.

I did punch thru the holes of one of my 60 page Festool manuals which has a cardstock cover. It went thru that no prob also. Thing is, for some reason I don't mind my Festool manuals stored the way are right now in plastic sleeves in a full sized binder, it's all the other brands I want to have in half sized binders. Go figure!