Axminster uk drill bits for centrotec?

[Doug S]

I have just seen Axminster are now selling some fisch and axcaliber hex type drill bits which they say are universal and fit in any quick release system. The bits have an extra groove in higher up then normal hex bits and look like they would work in a centrotec chuck. Anyone know if they will?

Doug

 

[joiner1970]

Just took a look and they do look very similar. Prices did nt seem much cheaper than festool though.

 

[neeleman]

I don't think the Fisch and Axcaliber drill bits will fit Centrotec right away.
At least it's not mentioned wit the products. Both brands mention their universal Quick Change System but I can't find it.
Two remarks:
- The shaft isn't rounded off. But it should be easy doing it yourself.
- And it looks like the groove is at the right place.
If they fit there are at least some more drill bits to choose from for the Centrotec system.
Festool doesn't seem to care or produce more bits.

 

[Doug S]

I have contacted Axminster and they tell me that the new drill bits, screwdriver bits and countersinks in the axcaliber and fisch range are compatible with the centrotec chuck because of the double groove in the hex shanks. I see they do a pocket hole drill bit in this range that I am sure will be popular.

Doug

 

[Stone Message]

I just took a quick look at the Axminster web site - where are these new bits located?

It will be interesting to see if they have anything in this range that Festool do not cover - like Forstners below 15 mm and sizes which are not multiples of 5 mm.

Peter

 

[neeleman]

Just look at Fisch Wood drills: Fisch@Axminster
And Axcaliber Wood drills: Axcaliber@Axminster
Unfortunately the choice is limited. And I'm still not sure if the shaft is rounded off.
I only know of Forstner drills in different ½ and 1 mm sizes from Famag, Colt or Fisch with traditional round shafts.
For a nice overview of these sizes look at: Dieter Schmid

 

[mac sparrow]

I must admit I'm sceptical.  Happy to be proved wrong though.

I gave Axminster a ring and they are going to dig out:

One of these (Axcaliber Quick Change System Stubby Auger Bits 120mm)
http://www.axminster.co.uk/axcaliber-quick-change-system-stubby-auger-bits-120mm

One of these (Festool CENTROTEC Quick Change Chuck)
http://www.axminster.co.uk/festool-centrotec-quick-change-chuck

and something from the Fisch range of quick change bits

I will then receive a phone call back with the results - hopefully.

Initially the chap did say they would fit but I friendly insisted that I'd like somebody to try it.

Apparently the Axcaliber Forstners are not actually in stock yet as they are a brand new product so he couldn't try one of them but if the Stubby Auger works then we know the Axcaliber range of Quick Change bits will work in Centrotec.

Incidentally - the Axcaliber Stubby Augers look like the same product as the Armeg Wood Beavers (popular with electricians, they work great in an impact driver going through joists although if you hit a nail they're useless, Bosch spade bits can survive a nail and can still cut quite adequately)

It may take a bit of time to get the results I was told, so we'll see.

 

[jonny round boy]

I must admit I'm sceptical.  Happy to be proved wrong though.

I gave Axminster a ring and they are going to dig out:

One of these (Axcaliber Quick Change System Stubby Auger Bits 120mm)
http://www.axminster.co.uk/axcaliber-quick-change-system-stubby-auger-bits-120mm

One of these (Festool CENTROTEC Quick Change Chuck)
http://www.axminster.co.uk/festool-centrotec-quick-change-chuck

and something from the Fisch range of quick change bits

I will then receive a phone call back with the results - hopefully.

Surely, he'll need to attach the centrotec chuck to a drill in order to find out? If he just tries to see if the drill bit will fit in the loose chuck, I already know it will...

May seem to be nit-picking, but if the guy isn't familiar with the Festool drills it might not seem obvious!

 

[mac sparrow]

I must admit I'm sceptical.  Happy to be proved wrong though.

I gave Axminster a ring and they are going to dig out:

One of these (Axcaliber Quick Change System Stubby Auger Bits 120mm)
http://www.axminster.co.uk/axcaliber-quick-change-system-stubby-auger-bits-120mm

One of these (Festool CENTROTEC Quick Change Chuck)
http://www.axminster.co.uk/festool-centrotec-quick-change-chuck

and something from the Fisch range of quick change bits

I will then receive a phone call back with the results - hopefully.

Surely, he'll need to attach the centrotec chuck to a drill in order to find out? If he just tries to see if the drill bit will fit in the loose chuck, I already know it will...

May seem to be nit-picking, but if the guy isn't familiar with the Festool drills it might not seem obvious!

Bits will be tested with the "Centrotec System" I was told and spun up to check operation.  Whatever I'm told I'll share here but I'll confirm with them that is indeed what they did when I get the call.

 

[mac sparrow]

Just had a call back from Axminster:
"the Fisch and Axminster Quick Change bits were designed to fit with Festool's Centrotec system"

"we do a lot with Festool and so we decided to enlarge the range with Centrotec in mind, we made sure these bits (Fisch and Axcaliber) were designed and fitted and tried in Centrotec drills, they will also fit 1/4" Hex as well"

This is word for word.  He also said:

"I have talked to "the buyer" and the chap who designed the whole thing and they will DEFINITELY fit the Festool Centrotec system"

The information I have received is consistent with Doug S's chat with Axminster so........

Who's going to be the first to try.  Perhaps the Centrotec movement is finally gaining ground.

Do keep this thread updated, if you buy a bit list the part number and tell us how it worked out.

 

[wow]

While this appears to be another NAINA product, any offering that expands the options is - IMHO - a good thing. If they sell well in the UK, perhaps some US vendors will take note and do something.

I also think the idea of having BOTH quick-fastening systems on the bit is genius. There can't be much difference in manufacturing cost, and the vendor/dealer/pusher [tongue] only has to stock one part number per bit or kit.

Well done Fisch and Axminster!

 

[Stone Message]

The NA retailer who can act quickly on things like this is Lee Valley and so if anyone is going to import this I suspect it will be them.

Peter

 

[wow]

Forgot to mention -

Having BOTH quick-fastening systems (Hex and CentroTec) on the bit means I could use it on both any yet-to-be-aquired Festool drill(s) as well as my Milwaukee M12 drills and drivers. For me, that would be the absolute best of both worlds and i would change out my current bits immediately in favor of these. The cost to change would be insignificant compared to the time-saving and organizational benefits.

 

[mac sparrow]

I fully agree with Peter - Lee Valley already sell to Axminster so the sales channels are already there for making these bits available in the US.

Peter - I would offer to buy one these bits to confirm it actually works BUT I'm not at home for another week.  As you are already setup to do video reviews and perhaps you might already be friendly with Axminster  [big grin] how do you feel like doing a review for us all

Seriously - I would offer to buy one of the bits and send it to you for review and then have it sent onto me after the review.

All good.

Wow - Yep, the best of both worlds would be ideal.  I'd still like to see it for myself though.

 

[Stone Message]

I fully agree with Peter - Lee Valley already sell to Axminster so the sales channels are already there for making these bits available in the US.

Peter - I would offer to buy one these bits to confirm it actually works BUT I'm not at home for another week.  As you are already setup to do video reviews and perhaps you might already be friendly with Axminster  [big grin] how do you feel like doing a review for us all

Seriously - I would offer to buy one of the bits and send it to you for review and then have it sent onto me after the review.

All good.

Wow - Yep, the best of both worlds would be ideal.  I still want a confirmed test by somebody reliable before I go singing to everybody that they work in Festool drills.

I would be happy to do a product tour video in the New Year. I have the contacts at Axminster and if they won't let me have a couple to play with I will let you know. There is certainly no need for you to buy anything to send to me - if need be I will buy something from Axminster which is not in the Festool Centrotec lineup.

Peter

 

[mac sparrow]

I fully agree with Peter - Lee Valley already sell to Axminster so the sales channels are already there for making these bits available in the US.

Peter - I would offer to buy one these bits to confirm it actually works BUT I'm not at home for another week.  As you are already setup to do video reviews and perhaps you might already be friendly with Axminster  [big grin] how do you feel like doing a review for us all

Seriously - I would offer to buy one of the bits and send it to you for review and then have it sent onto me after the review.

All good.

Wow - Yep, the best of both worlds would be ideal.  I still want a confirmed test by somebody reliable before I go singing to everybody that they work in Festool drills.

I would be happy to do a product tour video in the New Year. I have the contacts at Axminster and if they won't let me have a couple to play with I will let you know. There is certainly no need for you to buy anything to send to me - if need be I will buy something from Axminster which is not in the Festool Centrotec lineup.

Peter

Very good, look forward to it.

Thank you

 

[Dom]

Hi

I can confirm that they fit great I went in today to my local store and tried one in one of their drills from display

They only had two bits in but said they will be getting a lot more in the new year

Dom

 

[mac sparrow]

Excellent news Dom.

Thank you.  The Centrotec movement gains ground.

 

[dutchie]

Wow this is good news. I'm also very happy they all seem to be in metric! The only other (drill) bits I've seen compatible with Centrotec are the Snappy ones, but those are all imperial.

I've been doubting wether to keep my CXS or sell it and buy a Milwaukee '4 in 1' (http://professional-power-tool-guide.com/2014/07/milwaukee-m12-4-in-1-drill-driver-bddxkit-202c/) since I already own most bits and drill I need with a hex fitting. Didn't really feel like buying alot of things again in the Centrotec system. Being able to use those in hex and centrotec would also make me favor those over Festool's offerings. This way it doesn't matter which way I go in the end, CXS or Milwaukee.

PS if I'm not mistaken Axminster now also have a UJK (their own brand) pocket hole jig drill bit with the Festool compatible 'quick change system.' http://www.axminster.co.uk/ujk-technology-extended-nose-quick-change-shank-pocket-hole-drill that's also pretty neat if you ask me!

PS2 Also interesting is the fact Tanos is now selling the drill bit holders that fit in the systainers with organiser lid seperately empty!

 

[Doug S]

Sounds like I won't be the only one buying some of the axminster bits to use in my festool drills and makita impact drivers and also buying some of the tanos bit holders for my attic systainers to keep it all neat and tidy. I love it when a plan comes together!

Doug