8mm -> 1/4” Router Bit Shank Sleeve/Adapter for Systainer Insert?

[newellj]

The subject line basically says it all…I’m wondering if anyone has a good solution for an adapter that will keep router bits with a 1/4” shank snug in the 8mm holes in the Festool styrofoam systainer insert? 

I tried some rigid plastic tube/pipe and some brass tubing.  Neither worked well.  Both were a good fit in the 8mm holds (good OD) but not surprisingly the ID wasn’t right - too small with the plastic, too loose with the brass.

I’m thinking I can’t be the first person who wanted to put 1/4” bits in that insert, but searching here didn’t turn anything up.  Ideas welcome, and thanks.

 

[Sparktrician]

If you're talking Festool routers, there are 1/4" collets for the OF 1010, the OF 1400, and the OF 2200.  [smile]

 

[woodferret]

Other than 3d printing in TPU star shaped adapters, I don't think there's any good way.  Most people just use the Powertec insert instead.  It's for the old TLOC but a little trimming apparently lets you shove it in the SYS3.

 

[squall_line]

If you're talking Festool routers, there are 1/4" collets for the OF 1010, the OF 1400, and the OF 2200.  [smile]

I think Newellj is talking about storing the bits in the Festool Systainer, which apparently has 8mm holes for the bits instead of 1/4" holes.

If they had used 1/4" holes for everything, it would be a (fairly) trivial matter to just hog out the few that you wanted to be 8mm and be done with it, but unfortunately now we're stuck going the other direction.

 

[Cheese]

The easiest method is to make your own. Purchase some 8mm stock rod...plastic, aluminum, even wood dowels would work. Then drill the center hole to whatever diameter you want, cut them to length and you're golden.

 

[hdv]

I've seen someone using pieces of silicone hose to make up for the difference in thickness. Maybe that would help in your case too?

 

[Packard]

Woodline sells a bit organizer with adaptors for 8mm and 1/4”.

I made my own bit holders from a block of wood, but never fitted it to a Systainer. 
https://www.woodline.com/products/p...HY5MwvLTgmL6xB-Iz2q6dsLPiDRa9CAAaAtCHEALw_wcB

It does not say if it can be fitted to the Festool insert. 

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I would have liked to tell you about a simple solution, but apparently it's not available? (at least through Amazon) The Kaizen foam insert from a company called Loxaco has both 1/4" and 1/2" holes. The 1/4" holes easily stretch enough to accommodate 8mm shanks.
I got mine a few years ago and it has worked well. I got it to go into an empty Systainer, rather than buying the Festool one, because some of my bits are too tall for it.
It seems a little extreme to replace the whole foam, but it might be easier/most cost effective than some individual adapters.

 

[tsmi243]

What CRG said- 
https://www.amazon.com/POWERTEC-Router-Storage-Festool-Systainer/dp/B07ZJ8LB81

Or, you could take your existing insert, and poke new holes in between the old ones.  IDK what the Festool one is made of, but if it melts you could try a hot drill bit.  Try a few sizes just under 0.250", see which one fits the best.  6mm might work?

 

[Svar]

Just drill extra 1/4" holes in between 8mm holes in your insert. Use brad point bit at high speed.

 

[woodbutcherbower]

Turn the insert upside-down and drill a bunch of 1/4" holes in the unpunched, blank side. If you want to keep the nice, tidy layout, drill your 1/4" holes down the centre of the existing 8mm ones, with the insert laying on the bench or a piece of MDF to prevent breakout. Turn it over, and you have a perfect 1/4" version of your insert.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

What CRG said- 
https://www.amazon.com/POWERTEC-Router-Storage-Festool-Systainer/dp/B07ZJ8LB81

Or, you could take your existing insert, and poke new holes in between the old ones.  IDK what the Festool one is made of, but if it melts you could try a hot drill bit.  Try a few sizes just under 0.250", see which one fits the best.  6mm might work?

That one doesn't have as many 1/2" holes as the one I got, but it should do the job. Plus that extra space could be drilled for the 8mm, or route in a pocket for other items you might want to store in the same place.

 

[newellj]

What a great group of replies!

I like the idea of boring the 8mm holes through at ~1/4” and basically recreating the insert on the other side.  Making my own 8mm->1/4” adapters is also attractive.  I’ll probably start with that.

The Woodline inserts are very interesting.  I didn’t realize you could buy those inserts and/or a board-organizer with holes for the inserts.  Years ago I bought some Avanti bits (IIRC) that came in a wood box with those inserts.  I still have the box, so I’ll see how those would work. 

I have one of the PowerTech inserts but was never crazy about it.  I think I remember it as having too much grip on the shanks.  I noticed that the Systainer Store (no affiliation at all) has two different versions of the PowerTech inserts.  I went there because I remembered that they used to have a lot of different pre-cut plywood inserts, but those are mostly sold out right now.

You all have been really helpful - thank you!

 

[Cheese]

What a great group of replies!

The FOG may have its shortcomings but a shortage of good ideas has never been one of them.  [big grin]

 

[Packard]

My bits sit on a shelf.  I drilled holes in a piece of 1-1/4” thick pine.  I don’t have to worry about them falling out because the rack remains stationary.

 

[alltracman78]

The Powertec inserts work great for me. I have one in a Domino systainer (the Festool router bit systainer is too short for a lot of my bits) and a second in a larger systainer for the less used really large bits and sets in cases.

 

[Coen]

If you're talking Festool routers, there are 1/4" collets for the OF 1010, the OF 1400, and the OF 2200.  [smile]

I think Newellj is talking about storing the bits in the Festool Systainer, which apparently has 8mm holes for the bits instead of 1/4" holes.

If they had used 1/4" holes for everything, it would be a (fairly) trivial matter to just hog out the few that you wanted to be 8mm and be done with it, but unfortunately now we're stuck going the other direction.

Why on this green earth would Festool put holes for 1/4" bits in there? They don't sell a single 1/4" router bit. I would be seriously pissed if the 8mm bits where an even tighter fit than they already are.