What Happened Between The Wood Whisperer and Festool?

You may have heard—either through the grapevine or straight from my mouth—that I’ve decided to pare down my Festool collection. And yes, it’s true! But I promise, the story behind it isn’t as dramatic as some might think. No controversy, no grand statement—just an opportunity for reflection and growth, both in my shop and in my approach to woodworking. So here’s what happened between The Wood Whisperer and Festool.

A Look Back: The Wood Whisperer & Festool

First, let’s set the record straight. A lot of people assume that Festool has been an official sponsor of The Wood Whisperer for years. But the reality is, they haven’t been a sponsor since 2009, when they chose not to renew our agreement. The following year, they came on as a regular advertiser and giveaway partner, and that relationship continued—until recently.

Now, a smart business move back in 2009 might have been to go out and seek a new portable power tool sponsor. But here’s the thing: I never make decisions based purely on business. I enjoyed using Festool tools, I had built genuine relationships with people at the company, and frankly, I wanted their presence in my shop. It wasn’t just about making money; it was about using tools I believed in.

At the same time, Nicole and I were working on an idea that would change everything for us—the Wood Whisperer Guild. Our goal was to create a revenue model that gave us freedom—one where we could choose sponsors based on preference, not necessity. That way, I could stay true to myself and my audience.

Why I’m Making a Change

Over the years, I started to recognize an important reality: not everyone watching my videos has access to the same tools I do.

I’m incredibly fortunate that woodworking is my full-time job, which means I can justify investing in high-end tools. But the average weekend woodworker is balancing this craft with a career, a family, and a budget. And while I’ll always appreciate what Festool tools can do, I’ve come to realize that my shop had become overwhelmingly green.

And that raised a question:

Am I showcasing the most practical, accessible tools for the majority of woodworkers?

My goal has always been to promote quality woodworking, not just high-end tool purchases. And while I’m proud to have introduced so many people to Festool, I also want to explore brands that offer great performance at a lower price point. That idea had been sitting in the back of my mind for a while, and it became the driving force behind my decision to scale back my Festool collection.

What Happened?

Recently, Festool underwent some internal changes, including the departure of my primary contact. Shortly after, they unexpectedly backed out of a year-long advertising agreement. I’ll be honest—that was a surprise. But business is business, and I don’t take it personally.

Instead, I saw it as an opportunity to reassess my tool choices.

Festool makes phenomenal tools, but there are certain categories where I believe other brands—DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Bosch, Porter-Cable—can perform just as well for much lower cost. And that’s something I want to test for myself.

So, rather than dwelling on what happened, I’m looking forward. I’ll be replacing some of my Festool gear with other brands, testing them over the next year, and sharing my honest experiences with you. Some tools will stay, some will go, and at the end of the day, I hope this process helps other woodworkers make informed decisions about their own tool investments.

What’s Staying & What’s Going?

Now, before you think this is a Festool exodus, let’s be clear: I still love many of their tools and plan to keep using them.

What’s Staying?

✔ ETS & Rotex Sanders – Top-tier performance. Plus, I have tons of Festool sandpaper already.
✔ TS55 Track Saw & MFT Table – Absolute game-changers in the shop.
✔ A Few CT Vacs – Because good dust collection makes everything better.
✔ Dominos – Still my go-to for quick, reliable joinery.

What’s Going?

❌ Drills, Various Sanders, Kapex, and Routers (maybe) – Excellent tools, but I believe I can find equally solid (or better) alternatives. The OF1400 is an incredibly router so I have mixed feelings on this one.

Gratitude & Moving Forward

More than anything, I want to take a moment to say thank you.

I’m incredibly lucky to be in a position where I can make these choices. Woodworking isn’t just my passion—it’s my career. That’s something I never take for granted, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of this community.

Every video, every project, every decision I make in the shop is shaped by the people who follow my work. Your engagement, your feedback, and your enthusiasm are what make The Wood Whisperer what it is.

So if this change allows me to create content that speaks to more woodworkers—if it helps someone feel like they can get into the craft without spending a fortune—then it’s absolutely worth it.

I’m excited to test new tools, share my findings, and continue growing alongside all of you. At the end of the day, woodworking is about making, learning, and enjoying the process—no matter what tools are in your shop.

Thanks for being part of this journey.