Dozens of woodworking enthusiasts gathered at the Festool Roadshow to soak in the true woodworking atmosphere and the smell of fresh wood. Some well-known personalities also attended, adding their own excitement to the event.
Belt sanders, drills, lathes, and CNC routers—these and many other woodworking machines were on display in action. The popular Festool Roadshow took place in full swing on Thursday, October 17, 2024. Despite being a weekday, many woodworkers and enthusiasts from across the region made their way to IGM in Tuchoměřice—and for good reason. There was plenty to see!
From early morning, IGM was buzzing. The iconic blue Festool Roadshow vans arrived, tents were set up, and machines prepared. Visitors could test much of the displayed equipment, enjoy refreshments, beer on tap, and a raffle held throughout the day.
Customers who decided to purchase a new machine or tool could buy it with a special discount and even win prizes for their purchase. One lucky customer won a CMT7E router valued at 490 €. But that was just the cherry on top; the whole afternoon was filled with a pleasant atmosphere.
Machines ready for use
The blue Festool tents were bustling all morning. Woodworking enthusiasts tested drills, countersinks, and hole saws on prepared beams. The day’s highlight was a raffle featuring prizes like branded sustainers, tape measures, caps, shirts, and more.
Turning did not disappoint
Next, the motors of the Laguna Revo lathes whirred into action. Master turner Jirka Hurych placed his chisel on the first workpiece, drawing a crowd of visitors. Younger and older enthusiasts alike began consulting him about their experiences and challenges in mastering the rotating spindle, then even took up chisels themselves. Beginners turned simple cylinders, while more advanced participants crafted wooden spinning tops.
“This was my first time turning, and it was pretty challenging,” admitted visitor Petr. “At first, I was afraid the chisel or a piece of wood might fly off. But thanks to Jirka Hurych’s guidance, my fear quickly disappeared. He showed me how it’s done. I got a solid hands-on experience, and it was fantastic,” he said, reflecting on his first-ever turning attempt at IGM.
The organizers were also pleased with the success of the turning course, which kept them busy throughout the Roadshow event.
Influencers at IGM
The event’s success was highlighted by the presence of two woodworking influencers, Paul Saliba and Filip Bartoš, who run Instagram profiles @woodcraft.cz and
@woodatelier.cz, followed by thousands of woodworking professionals. Both enjoyed the Roadshow thoroughly and even picked up new tools.
“It was an amazing day. Everyone felt truly welcome at IGM. There was food, drinks, and Festool’s impressive booths where I could try out the tools and get answers directly from the experts. Overall, it was fantastic, and I’m already looking forward to next year,” commented Paul, aka
@woodcraft.cz, who left with a set of cabinet clamps and a few new Festool items.
Woodworking jigs that changed lives
Visitors were captivated not only by powerful woodworking machines but also by smaller helpers, like woodworking templates that simplify routine and often challenging tasks in the workshop. One visitor was particularly impressed by the IGM FD300 dovetail jig.
“After decades as a woodworker, I never knew something like this existed. I could have saved my hands and avoided making dovetail joints only with a chisel long ago,” one enthusiastic visitor shared, feeling that the dovetail jig purchase at IGM had truly been life-changing.
Visitors found the IGM i2R CNC routers especially impressive and fascinating, as they precisely carved beautiful patterns into solid oak boards. Meanwhile, sturdy ash beams were being planned in the legendary IGM PS33 thickness planer with a spiral cutter head. The atmosphere was fantastic, with the scent of wood filling the air. During breaks, visitors could watch popular videos from IGM’s YouTube channel at an information kiosk in the store.
“Given that this was the first event of its kind held at IGM, the turnout and interest in the products and hands-on experience exceeded not only our expectations but also those of the Festool representatives,” Miroslav David remarked enthusiastically in reflecting on the afternoon. “I hope all visitors enjoyed the event as much as we did. We’re already looking forward to future events at IGM, which we’ll strive to make even better for our customers,” he concluded.