Centrotec .questions

[VW mick]

Morning guys

After buying a CSX .im looking to get into centrotec .but what do you guys use/recommend lve  looked at the sets there is a 98 piece which looks like it's got stuff in it I wouldn't use .and I can't find the installers set for sale in the uk
I could just start buying the bits seperate but think that could get expensive

Ideally what I'd like is the same bits that you get in an trend snappy set ,most uk site workers will be familiar with that (the one in the wide Velcro pouch)

Also if I buy a selection of bits seperatly .how are the stored .has anyone done this

 

[wow]

I have the installers set, but have yet to use it since I don't have a CentroTec drill. I bought it with my very first Festool order since I was told it was a limited edition and might not be available later. I guess I have it should I ever need it.

I have shipped a couple of these SNAPPY 4-Piece Cabinet Makers Set Fits Festool Centrotec Chucks to UK members since they apparently aren't available over there. One of the VERY FEW OAINA items I can barter with...

[attachimg=1]

 

[SMJoinery]

I have the installers set, but have yet to use it since I don't have a CentroTec drill. I bought it with my very first Festool order since I was told it was a limited edition and might not be available later. I guess I have it should I ever need it.

I have shipped a couple of these SNAPPY 4-Piece Cabinet Makers Set Fits Festool Centrotec Chucks to UK members since they apparently aren't available over there. One of the VERY FEW OAINA items I can barter with...

[attachimg=1]

Hi Wow

Your installers set should have the adaptor as pic below?
As far as I know this goes into chuck of non centrotec drill and converts it?
Good luck.
Scott

 

[carlb40]

Mick if it is this set you are referring to?
http://www.axminster.co.uk/festool-centrotec-systainer-kit-98-piece

That is what is known in the USA as the installers kit.

So far i am just buying parts of that, that i want/need as i need them.
I have got
4.5mm countersink/depth stop - other 2 sizes to follow.
5-15mm countersink - might get the smaller one too
twin box - just so i can have a way of clipping stored bits on me, rather than searching through my pockets
various sizes of the drill bits in the upper left box. Purchased separately as they come with 2 spare drill bits.
Not found the need to get the retained bit holder yet as the standard holder does a fine job holding the 25mm wire detent bits.  [smile]

At the moment my bits are in one section of a drawer in a sortainer. 

 

[wow]

Hi Wow

Your installers set should have the adaptor as pic below?
As far as I know this goes into chuck of non centrotec drill and converts it?
Good luck.
Scott

Yes, I have that and have used it a couple of times, most notably for the CentroTec counter-sink which I *LOVE*.  But since it adds length and weight to my M12 drills/drivers I mostly don't bother with it. I also have a metric boatload of 1/4" hex drivers that work every bit as well as I need them to. Maybe I just haven't experienced the 'joy' of the CentroTec system, but I have a hard time justifying double the money - or more - to buy a Festool drill compared to the Milwaukee. And it's not just me.

Not to steal this thread, but I am currently watching Ron Paulk's video series about building his 'ultimate rolling toolbox'. As much as he loves him some Festools, I noted that all of his assembly is being done with a couple of Milwaukee M12 drill/drivers. Not a Festool drill in sight!

His designs certainly indicate that he is a very pragmatic fellow, so I guess he just doesn't see the value either. Unlike me, he certainly has the money to just buy them if he wanted to...

 

[Distinctive Interiors]

That is the set that I use.

I mainly fit Kitchens for a living, both in clients houses and on Sites and it is now my "Go To" set of drills and bits. The special extra Centrotec bits that come in the set, the ones I thought I would hardly use, get used far more than I ever anticipated.

Plus, the bits are all EXCELLENT quality!!!!   

I got mine from Axminster and paid the price shown above, but this is a better deal.
http://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product/4014549147771%20festool%20497628%20centrotec%20systainer%20kit%2098%20piece%20assembly%20package%20sys1%20ce-sort

I have brought nearly all my recent Festool purchases from FFX (Kapex + UG Set, OF1010 + LR 32 Set, LR32 1400 Rail, Domino Storage Systainer, Parallel Guides + Extensions) and have found them to be the most competitive.

Tim.

 

[VW mick]

Oh ok thanks guys think I will start with the kit and see what I need

Just watched peters video and he explains it well .was surprised the zorbo bits work ok in a CSX (they are really expensive)

And yes FFX does seem to be the cheapest

 

[VW mick]

Also on another note

I did see a guy on my job the other day he had a CSX in a sys2 attic .with bits in the lid and an extra layer that lifted out with bits underneath in the sys live not found this for sale .any ideas .

 

[SMJoinery]

The set is great and it's nice to have it all together...you won't regret it.
The HSS bits in particular are the best I've used.

Haven't seen anything sys2 like you describe but I find that I've always got mine connected to my Cxs systainer top and it works great and keeps everything in its place. You can easily spot if something's missing.

 

[Birdhunter]

I've got several Festool drills. The Installer's kit was not available in the USA when I got infected with the Festool disease, so just bought the pieces I needed when I needed (wanted) them.

The Forstner bits, both metric and Imperial, are fantastic. They leave a sharp edged flat bottom hole better than anything else I've tried, even Freud bits. The adjustable countersink is also fantastic. I use it all the time.

I have a bunch of the Festool metric drill bits, but seldom use them. They are of excellent quality, but I just reach for the set of DeWalt or whatever drill bits because they are cheap and do the job. If I need the Centrotec feature, I use the Festool bits.

If I was just starting out again, I might buy the installer's set. It is probably cheaper to buy the set than the pieces, as I did.

 

[carlb40]

Also on another note

I did see a guy on my job the other day he had a CSX in a sys2 attic .with bits in the lid and an extra layer that lifted out with bits underneath in the sys live not found this for sale .any ideas .

I think that was the ltd edition CXS DF kit that was sold a while back. There was a request for one by a member in the FS section a few months ago. And not log after he posted - one was listed on ebay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FESTOOL-CXS-1-5-set-DF-/291236767096?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item43cf106578&nma=true&si=r6oi7E5C%252BOTWra8adExrPraWY%252Fo%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

[Distinctive Interiors]

The set is great and it's nice to have it all together...you won't regret it.
The HSS bits in particular are the best I've used.

I second all of what SMJoinery has said! Spot-On.

I've had my Set for 6 months now and very rarely do I need to look for any other bits.
None of the drill bits have needed to be sharpened yet.

Tim.

 

[BMH]

Centrotec installer kit is the way to go plus the 5mm self centering bit is a must.

No regrets and saves you a lot of frustration by having all of your bits in one location

 

[SoonerFan]

I got a CXS and the Installers Set recently.  Both are terrific.  The set I got had the Brad Point Bits (Imperial here in the US).  The Brad Point bits are so good I can drill just about any hole I need with the CXS.  Since receiving the set I have not needed any other bit or driver.  Only changes I made the the set were replacing the torx bits in the Twin Box with Robertson bits (#1, #2, #3), load a few other Robertson spares in one the empty compartments and then ordered 4 inch Ronertson bits to place in another empty compartment. 

Once I get a T18 +3 I should have a the drills, bits and drivers I will ever need.

 

[VW mick]

Ok cool thanks guys ...that's sold it

 

[SoonerFan]

Ok cool thanks guys ...that's sold it

You will not be disappointed.

 

[tbellemare]

This is how I roll and I recognize it's not for everyone. I change out the contents somewhat, depending on what I'm doing. It's sort of a, MINI Installer's Set...

[attachimg=1]

Tom

 

[jimbouk]

Very nice Tom. Is that a block of hdpe?

 

[tbellemare]

Thanks, Jim!

It's two pieces of 3/4" acrylic fused together. HDPE would be cheaper but I had some scraps...

Tom