Centrotec set - time to ask again.......

[daddyscott2001]

Hi there to anyone from Festool who is listening. 

Time to ask again,

Why cant we get a shipment of the centrotec installers set sent to the US again?  Not the goofy driver bit set in the mini systainer.  The 89 piece (or larger set) with drill bits and countersinks etc.  I refuse to pay an eBay premium for what looks to be a pretty handy set of drill accesories! 

Throw some in a shipping container and lets call it a day!!

 

[Cheese]

Be careful in what you ask for...let it be known, that the imperial drill bits supplied in the kit are NOT available as separate items.
So if you lose one or damage one it’s drill bit down.

Don’t fret...just another Festool “system unmatched” approach that’s only obtainable for a premium price and a minimum of solace on Festool’s part.

 

[rmhinden]

[member=44099]Cheese[/member]

I got a Metric set when I was in Prague a while ago.  I like the set a lot and use it frequently, just today in fact.

I probably use the drill bits the least (except for the 5mm ones), but I bet the metric ones might be available somewhere.

Also, I wonder if the reason why Festool doesn't carry it in the US, is the lack of imperial drill bits. 

Bob

 

[Cheese]

I got a Metric set when I was in Prague a while ago.  I like the set a lot and use it frequently, just today in fact.

I probably use the drill bits the least (except for the 5mm ones), but I bet the metric ones might be available somewhere.

Also, I wonder if the reason why Festool doesn't carry it in the US, is the lack of imperial drill bits. 

Hey Bob I'm specifically talking about the imperial version, 201312. It's a very nice set but don't damage or lose that drill bit...you'll be up a creek without a paddle.

I contacted Festool and they confirmed that the drill bits were not available separately...for that matter they weren't even available as an entire replacement set. Tragic...another Festool tragic moment. This Festool thing is definitely a love/hate relationship.

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[dltflt]

I have a centrotec set but I’m always o the look out for additions.  I just ordered the 1mm-10mm twist bit set. Hope to get it next week.

 

[rmwarren]

Hey Bob I'm specifically talking about the imperial version, 201312. It's a very nice set but don't damage or lose that drill bit...you'll be up a creek without a paddle.

I contacted Festool and they confirmed that the drill bits were not available separately...for that matter they weren't even available as an entire replacement set. Tragic...another Festool tragic moment. This Festool thing is definitely a love/hate relationship.

That was part of the reason I dumped Centrotec and re-adopted 1/4" ball detent. It took me several weeks but I replaced the 201312 installers set I sold to another FOG'er with Whia/Wera/Insty and the drill/drivers with the Milwaukee installers set and my trusty DeWalt 20V. I already had the DW and really love the new Milwaukee, and no frustration with the limited Centrotec availability.

Still have TXS/PDC18/T12 for sale (shameless plug) that I need to get off my butt and list on eBay.

RMW

 

[m8]

At first I assumed that Festool's Centrotec system was not worth the expense over the standard 1/4" impact quick release.  What changed my mind was Mr. Parfitt's Video where he explained the benefits of the Centrotec system.  The main takeaway for me from the video was Festool solved the problems that I have encountered with the sloppy standard quick release.  Unfortunately with the lack of a Centrotec set similar to the one in this discussion it makes it difficult to jump into the Centrotec system. 

I've had the CXS on my wish list because most drills/drivers of today are built around the marketing department's demand for 1 more foot pound of torque over their competition.  I would like the opportunity to be able to use the CXS to its fullest capability but without a good supply of Centrotec accessories it really puts a limit on the CXS.

On a similar note I understand why Festool chose the standard 1/4" impact quick release but without the Centrotec chuck I don't see myself replacing my current overpowered impact.

 

[DynaGlide]

At first I assumed that Festool's Centrotec system was not worth the expense over the standard 1/4" impact quick release.  What changed my mind was Mr. Parfitt's Video where he explained the benefits of the Centrotec system.  The main takeaway for me from the video was Festool solved the problems that I have encountered with the sloppy standard quick release.  Unfortunately with the lack of a Centrotec set similar to the one in this discussion it makes it difficult to jump into the Centrotec system. 

I've had the CXS on my wish list because most drills/drivers of today are built around the marketing department's demand for 1 more foot pound of torque over their competition.  I would like the opportunity to be able to use the CXS to its fullest capability but without a good supply of Centrotec accessories it really puts a limit on the CXS.

On a similar note I understand why Festool chose the standard 1/4" impact quick release but without the Centrotec chuck I don't see myself replacing my current overpowered impact.

The whole premise of Centrotec is you get less wobble. .funny thing, though: My CXS with a Centrotec bit installed wobbles just as much as my Milwaukee drills do with a 1/4" bit.

 

[semenza]

    ...................and it is a built in, compact, quick change chuck. And the chuck can be swapped to eccentric and 90 degree or Jacobs if needed.

      For me those additional features are at least, or maybe more, useful than less wobble.

    Those things were not available in other brands when Centrotec came into being (at least not in NA).
Yes, quick change but only on an impact or with an added adapter in a Jacobs chuck.

  The way for Festool to have made Centrotec a truly marketable thing was to offer reasonably priced bits in large sets, small sets, and singles. AND to have imperial sizes produced for USA market (please not another metric is better debate, that's not what this is about). Doing that would have boosted drill sales. They have been trying to sell a feature that was not supported well by accessories.

  Personally I have put together enough Centrotec bits (not all from Festool) to do 90% of my work with it. So I like it. But the bit supply could be easier and better.

Seth

 

[daddyscott2001]

    ...................and it is a built in, compact, quick change chuck. And the chuck can be swapped to eccentric and 90 degree or Jacobs if needed.

      For me those additional features are at least, or maybe more, useful than less wobble.

    Those things were not available in other brands when Centrotec came into being (at least not in NA).
Yes, quick change but only on an impact or with an added adapter in a Jacobs chuck.

  The way for Festool to have made Centrotec a truly marketable thing was to offer reasonably priced bits in large sets, small sets, and singles. AND to have imperial sizes produced for USA market (please not another metric is better debate, that's not what this is about). Doing that would have boosted drill sales. They have been trying to sell a feature that was not supported well by accessories.

  Personally I have put together enough Centrotec bits (not all from Festool) to do 90% of my work with it. So I like it. But the bit supply could be easier and better.

Seth

I too like the quick change feature.  When I started my Festool journey it was with a track saw, then the sander and dust collector.  Breaking down sheet goods vs wrestling them on the table saw and not living in a cloud of dust drew me in!!!  I’m little more than a hobbyist and spend more time helping other people with little projects and repairs.  The convenience of all the bits/accessories organized in one kit would just be nice to grab and go.  Oh well, I guess I’ll start piecing my own together. 

The Milwaukee installers set was mentioned but I wasn’t sure which one was being referred to on their site?

I know Snappy makes some accessories, does anyone have any reviews/suggestions for the stubby brad point bits?

Thanks all for the responses and feedback. 

I guess I just don’t understand why Festool won’t throw some of a regular production item in a shipping container and offer it in the US?

Have a great day all!

 

[rmwarren]

[member=14103]daddyscott2001[/member] this is the Milwaukee set I was referring to. Basically an iteration of the TXS/CXS but with more power.

FWIW I purchased the bare kit and some 3ah batteries separately. This also gave me the justification (new battery platform) to add the M12 die grinder which has become one of my most used tools. I really try to keep the batteries to a minimum variety and settled on Dewalt 20/60v and Milwaukee M12.

With Wira/Wiha driver bits and Insty brad point all in 1/4" ball detent I was able to replicate everything in the festool installers kit for about $200. I'm not a systainer guy nor often working mobile so the end result worked good for me.

RMW

PS just as an example is spent this AM replacing some rotted joists under a portion of our rear deck. Absolutely needed the DW cordless sawsall to cut out rotted sections, 60v circular saw to rip 2 by 12 I had on hand to 8" joists, impact driver to hammer home 6" lags and the M12 driver with right angle and close quarter attachments to get to the deck screws along the side rails. Oh and 4.5" grinder to lop off the old lags.

 

[daddyscott2001]

[member=8712]Richard/RMW[/member] thank you!  I try to minimze batteries as well, I’m not a contractor so cordless isn’t a major concern for me.  I have used Rigid 18V for probably 10 years and they work fine for me around the house and on the occasional mission trip.  The CXS is my only other cordless and I really like the size/features.  I’m horribly disorganized in my garage/shop so the systainer is one of my few high points of “hey, that’s pretty organized and easy to get to”  [big grin]
I’ll look at your recommendations and may just wind up going that way and selling the CXS. 
Thanks again!

 

[rmwarren]

[member=8712]Richard/RMW[/member] thank you!  I try to minimze batteries as well, I’m not a contractor so cordless isn’t a major concern for me.  I have used Rigid 18V for probably 10 years and they work fine for me around the house and on the occasional mission trip.  The CXS is my only other cordless and I really like the size/features.  I’m horribly disorganized in my garage/shop so the systainer is one of my few high points of “hey, that’s pretty organized and easy to get to”  [big grin]
I’ll look at your recommendations and may just wind up going that way and selling the CXS. 
Thanks again!

Understood. The TXS was my first foray into Festool drivers and I was lucky enough to grab the installers kit you are looking for at the same time. I loved it but grew frustrated with the lack of available parts to fill it out. The driver was my go to for anything not requiring brute force.

The Milwaukee has totally replaced it, zero regrets.

Axminster seemed to have the best selection of centrotec aftermarket bits if you stay on that course.

RMW