Pulled the trigger on this today at Lee Valley - I know it's been talked about ad nauseum but I really can't figure out the Canada - U.S. price difference:
Apple Ipad 2 - U.S. $499 - Canada $519 = 4% higher
Festool kit - U.S. $425 - Canada - $490.87 = 15% higher
Even the weird $490.87 instead of $490, etc. looks weird.
Anyway, I know this is probably a lost cause. Having said that, I'm pretty pleased with the set, exactly as Dave described. You actually get 2 centrotec chucks as one is part of the hand driver. I think the adapter for using the Centrotec chuck with a regular drill is a great idea for Festool - they will sell more bits if people buy into the Centrotec system. I can easily see them creating new mini sets targeted at the non Festool drill market, i.e. the adapter, chuck and some bits. It also means that if you only have one Festool drill, your old drill can be used as a backup with its own Centrotec chuck. Now if only Festool made an adpter that would allow the use of regular quickload ball detent bits with the Centrotec chuck - been asked before I know.
The hand driver is very ergonomic, nice grip, just needs that ratchet ;D
Like Dave, I added a few spiral bits because there are some things like drywall, etc. that I just don't want to use those beautiful brad points on. Also of course, some good old Robertson bits for the holder, Although now that torx are becoming more widely available I'm starting to use them more. But as a loyal Canadian, still like Roberstons and they are the most available for deck screws, etc.
All in all, even though there may be one or two things I won't use much, I really like the set. I probably would have ended up buying almost all the items over time anyway and I can be fairly confident with just a few small additions I'll never get into a situation where I don't have the right bit for the job. At times, I'll probably even just grab the set with the manual driver - no drill - around the house even though of course I have lots of other screw drivers.
Chris
