Voice of the


Flip a coin or choose a Master Builder


London Director of the Federation of Master Builders, Barry Mortimer, explains that choosing a good builder need not be a gamble. IMAGINE ASKING three builders to quote in order to build a new


extension. The quotes are in, and there is not much difference in price and all three builders can provide adequate references. Over the last couple of weeks you have met all of the builders and you got on well with each of them. So how do you choose? Flip a coin? Looking back through all the paperwork you notice that one of the builders


is a Master Builder. A quick search online and a look at the Federation of Master Builder’s (FMB) website (fmb.org.uk) and it is clear that this builder stands out from the rest. Firstly it’s worth noting that you cannot simply ‘buy Master Builder status’.


You have to ‘earn it’. Master Builders must meet the FMB’s strict membership criteria as well as pass our vetting process. This means a builder having to jump through a number of hoops. But the rewards in doing so can be great.


Festool


Festool Launch KS 60 and Planex Wall Sander


Report by Peter Brett Festool makes kit that no “toolie’ can ignore. Even if you can’t afford it, it is very aspirational. I have a friend with a loft full of Festool stuff – most of it still unused and in original boxes. So I was keen to see the promised new bits of kit the Kapex KS 60 mitre saw and the Planex Easy long reach wall sander when I attended this product demonstration day. I will skip over the introductions a


bit because all the guests were keen to try out the tools in Festool’s spacious training and demo area. The Kapex KS 60 finds its niche in the highly competitive 216mm diameter


blade sector. At this size of machine they are still portable enough to be lugged by one person, even up a flight or two of stairs, but are big enough to tackle workpieces up to 305mm wide. By adding the wheeled baseframe you can get a more stable and extendable cutting surface and easier transportation. The joys of the Festool System are expensive, but they are very practical. The saw itself is designed for easy use by left and right handed users, but the


things most users will appreciate are the dual bearinged, twin column guides. These keep the head very steady, with the minimal play needed for high accuracy cutting. Mitre cuts are available up to 60 degrees on each side of the table, while bevels


up to 47 degrees are available on the left and up to 46 degrees on the right. The depth of cut limiter allows accurate grooving and the big control handles


for making adjustments are quick and easy to use - as we would expect from a Festool. What we also expect is a series of other touches like the ability to use Systainer 1 box (by attaching the additional feet) as a work support. Utilising a clever


To become a Master Builder a builder must have a project independently


inspected by the British Board of Agrement (BBA). A BBA inspector will look at the quality of craftsmanship, use of materials and compliance with building regulations. More than this, if a builder is successful with their application they will then be required to pass an inspection every three years. Meanwhile the FMB will be checking out the trading history of the builder


to ensure that it is sound - verifying that they have no un-discharged bankruptcies or relevant and outstanding County Court judgments. Credit checks, public record and director checks – will all be undertaken and must be passed before a builder is able to place the distinctive and prestigious Master Builder logo on their van, website or business card. Not forgetting that we will also check Public and Employer’s Liability Insurance. All Master Builders sign-up to a Code of Practice and can offer their clients warranties over their work via FMB Insurance. Members can also access work via our ‘Find A Builder’ service, receive support via a local Director, have access to free helplines and training. For added reassurance we also have a Disputes Service should it be needed. If this seems like a lot to take-in have a


look at our website (fmb.org.uk) which offers lots of good advice for both the public and for prospective Master Builders on how we can help you and your business gain a competitive-edge. No need to flip a coin next time you need


to choose a builder. Heads or tails you win, if you go for a Master Builder. For a friendly conversation on how Master Builder status could benefit your business 0330 333 7777.


16 ToolBUSINESS+HIRE


angled bevel, precise internal and external angles can be cut – ideal for skirtings and covings. The LED spotlight also


highlights precise cutting lines onto the workpiece for perfect accuracy. Dust collection is pretty impressive via one of Festool’s range of extraction


vacs. Simply put, the Festool System has struck again – the Kapex KS 60 is a well


thought out piece of kit that is undoubtedly expensive – but you do get a lot for your money. Think insurance, tool replacement and a Three-year warranty for a start. The Planex Wall sander uses a light and small brushless motor mounted onto


the sanding head to save the weight and maintenance hassle of a drive shaft. It is a machine that comes ready to go. Simply connect to the correct Festool AutoClean vacuum extractor and plug into the mains. At just 4Kg it is light enough for easy and extended use. And it is very efficient. Sanding even a very deliberately lumpy bit of plaster work was achieved in minutes. Another focus of the day was the


increasing awareness of the dangers of airborne dust and how to deal with it. Festool has its range of vacuum solutions, some more sophisticated than others. Expect to see much more about dusty dangers in the next few months in this magazine – but with Festool, the chances are their R and D Team already have some good solutions.


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