Anybody using Festool drill bits?

[Benjamin Miner]

Just curious - I eyed the festool bits and countersinks when I bought the new LI drill, but couldn't quite stomach the price point. Has anyone used these, and if so, how do they compare to more commonly available bits? Do you think they're worth it?

 

[Neill]

Benjamin,

They appear to be very high quality.  They even have a nice, metallic sheen to them instead of the gray or black finish you normally find.  Aside from the cosmetics, they are exceptionally sharp.  Despite being very carefully, I have cut my fingers a few times when inserting / removing them from the chuck or their package.  I bought the set and keep them in their original package to help protect the cutting edges.

Neill

 

[CharlesWilson]

I broke down and purchased one of the countersinks a few months ago. I am extremely happy with it.

 

[bellchippy]

I have plenty and they are very good.

 

[richard.selwyn]

I use the countersing with the depth stop nearly every day (the other simpler countersink is so so)  I use there brad pount wood bits all the time and just used one of their metal bits on site this afternoon.  They are pricey but I will buy the same again.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I have been slowly accumulating thier drill bits and other items for the drills.
Probably the nicest bits I have used.
When I dont know whats behind what I am drilling, I get the Bosch set out.

Seems to me you get what you pay for in regards to drill bits and saw blades.

 

[jb883]

That is good to hear about the bits.  I actually looked at the brad point bits the other day, but having worked for a number of years in the manufacturing of drill bits, they did not look very good to me.  As you know the cutting is done by the point.  More specifically the cutting lip.  The rest of the drill is designed for clearance and chip removal.  The cutting lip off the point should be straight (see red circled image in attached pic).  If the edge dips in like a crescent moon it is called a hook.  If it curves out it is called a belly.  Either one makes for bad drills and when caught during inspection would go in the scrap barrel.  The brad point bits I saw had severe hooks.   Having said that, there are many many designs and angles of drills and maybe these Festool drills are this way by design.  I have been out of that business for quite a few years.  If anyone from Festool sees this, or knows the answer please post here.
Thanks,
Jim 

 

[greg mann]

That is good to hear about the bits.  I actually looked at the brad point bits the other day, but having worked for a number of years in the manufacturing of drill bits, they did not look very good to me.  As you know the cutting is done by the point.  More specifically the cutting lip.  The rest of the drill is designed for clearance and chip removal.  The cutting lip off the point should be straight (see red circled image in attached pic).  If the edge dips in like a crescent moon it is called a hook.  If it curves out it is called a belly.  Either one makes for bad drills and when caught during inspection would go in the scrap barrel.  The brad point bits I saw had severe hooks.   Having said that, there are many many designs and angles of drills and maybe these Festool drills are this way by design.  I have been out of that business for quite a few years.  If anyone from Festool sees this, or knows the answer please post here.
Thanks,
Jim 

Actually, Jim, the philosophy of needing a straight cutting lip no longer holds true. Many (most) manufacturers offer drills with curved lips, often calling the resulting point as an "S" point. The concept is similar to putting a curve in the top of a metalcutting cut-off tool to curl the chip in on itself, which eliminates rubbing on the walls of the cut. The same thing can happen with a drill, so I would not consider the lack of a straight cutting lip as a sign of poor quality. My own personal experience with the centrotec drills is very positive. They drill nice clean holes, run very true in the holder, and have shown no signs of wear after considerable use. I just wish Festool would make more sizes available.

 

[jb883]

Gregg - Thank you for clarifying that.  I think I will go try some of the brad point drills.
Thanks again
Jim

 

[bronx]

[/quote]
I just wish Festool would make more sizes available.
[/quote]

Well - here you go: http://www.festool.dk/mediandoweb/index.cfm?sTemplateFile=search.php&BEGIN=1&sLanguage=Danish&KEYWORD=496390

)

Thomas, Denmark

 

[greg mann]

I just wish Festool would make more sizes available.
[/quote]

Well - here you go: http://www.festool.dk/mediandoweb/index.cfm?sTemplateFile=search.php&BEGIN=1&sLanguage=Danish&KEYWORD=496390

)

Thomas, Denmark
[/quote]

Waiting patiently. :

 

[bronx]

You see them right? 15mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm and 35mm...