Since Richard last spoke with Festool, he’s been embracing modern technology, social media, and online education to provide The River Shop with more touchpoints to be a success. He has also added a new workshop to his offerings: the DIY Power Tools Course.

In today's digital age, the use of social media and online learning has revolutionised the way we access information and acquire new skills. Richard, a passionate woodworking teacher with a great background in the construction and carpentry industry, has embraced these tools to enhance his teaching methods and reach a broader audience.

Richard believes that the wealth of information available online empowers people to tackle projects they might have previously avoided. "We love the idea that you can come and learn the basics with us and continue that journey online or remotely," he says. This approach allows students to build a strong foundation in woodworking and then expand their skills at their own pace.

“I wear a Festool t-shirt as an undershirt on a daily basis. I get a rush of pride whenever I put it on. If I had the opportunity to work at Festool, I would ask to be paid in t-shirts.”

“It’s powerful, lightweight and compatible with 18V chargers. Once in a blue moon, I need an 18V drill, but 9 out of 10 times this one is powerful enough.”

“This is my second most used tool with two 8amp batteries and another two 8amp as backup. This will completely negate the need for mains-powered extraction.”

“It’s like having a table saw in your back pocket. Now I incorporate a table saw into projects when I previously would have done without. It brings the standard of work higher and decreases the amount of time needed to get the job done. My favourite feature is that everything is tucked away inside the Systainer lid.”

“These make ear protection easier, make conversations in the workshop environment easier, and don’t interfere with other PPE such as hard hats, glasses and face masks.”

Richard believes that the wealth of information available online empowers people to tackle projects they might have previously avoided. "We love the idea that you can come and learn the basics with us and continue that journey online or remotely," he says. This approach allows students to build a strong foundation in woodworking and then expand their skills at their own pace.

Over the years, Richard has adopted a more hands-off teaching style. He finds that showing someone how to do something and then allowing them to make their own mistakes is often the best way to learn. With the use of Festool power tools, which come with numerous safety features, Richard feels confident in letting his students explore and learn independently. "I only step in if absolutely necessary," he explains.