Centrotec Set

[tvgordon]

I need some opinions.

Would the centrotec set be a good purchase for a hobbyist woodworker?  On one hand, as far as Festool prices go, it is a good deal. On the other hand, over $400 is a lot of money when there are many bits I might never use. I've almost pre-ordered the set on a few different occasions only to back out.

So what do you guys think?  Order the set or just buy the bits and drivers as I need them?

Thanks,
Tom

 

[davee]

As a hobby wood worker, I'm in the same boat and don't yet have the answer.  I really like the Centrotec bits and will be buying more either as the set or individually.  Like you, I'm sure I will not use all of the ones in the set.  I keep thinking it is a fair portion of a Kapex that I'm eyeing! I'll be interested in the responses as well.

 

[vwdave]

I'm a carpenter and I will be buying the centrotec set. I feel as long as I could afford it I would buy it as a hobbyist. If you use and like the centrotec this kit looks killer. The drill bits are super sharp and there is a lot of cool accessories in the set. Plus Festools hold their value very well, you could use this kit and takecare of it and probably sell it for a decent price.

Dave

 

[peter halle]

The beauty of the centrotec system is fast changes and less wobble.  If you change bits often, then this might be perfect for you. The contents are top notch in quality.

Only my opinion of course.

Peter

 

[Holzhacker]

A couple of points based on my experience with the Centrotec set.
- As a hobbyist your time is probably short and valuable. You are probably trying to squeeze projects in as you can. On that basis the Centrotec set would be worthwhile alone. You would always know where your important needed bits are. Saving you time and increasing efficiency. Since items would also get limited, light use, components would also last much longer increasing ROI.
- On the flip side, its a lot of money to spend on something you aren't going to use all that much. You could easily spend a lot less money buying just the components you need from another source. Since you aren't going to use them much you probably also won't be replacing them too often.
I can't tell you whether to buy or not. That is a big pill to swallow in this case. For myself it's been worth it. Just knowing where the Centrotec sys is, knowing it has all the components in it that I will typically need, saves enough time and aggravation to be worthwhile.
And yes Festool could do better with the Centrotec sys. If they had any American marketing savvy they would put out seasonal centrotec sets in mini-sys. That way we could stock and stack those that we individually need. It would also put the price point such that 'replenishing' wouldn't be so hard to swallow.

 

[davee]

A couple of points based on my experience with the Centrotec set.
- As a hobbyist your time is probably short and valuable. You are probably trying to squeeze projects in as you can. On that basis the Centrotec set would be worthwhile alone. You would always know where your important needed bits are. Saving you time and increasing efficiency. Since items would also get limited, light use, components would also last much longer increasing ROI.
- On the flip side, its a lot of money to spend on something you aren't going to use all that much. You could easily spend a lot less money buying just the components you need from another source. Since you aren't going to use them much you probably also won't be replacing them too often.
I can't tell you whether to buy or not. That is a big pill to swallow in this case. For myself it's been worth it. Just knowing where the Centrotec sys is, knowing it has all the components in it that I will typically need, saves enough time and aggravation to be worthwhile.
And yes Festool could do better with the Centrotec sys. If they had any American marketing savvy they would put out seasonal centrotec sets in mini-sys. That way we could stock and stack those that we individually need. It would also put the price point such that 'replenishing' wouldn't be so hard to swallow.

Good points - I really like the concept of a limited centrotec in a mini-sys.  This would be a no thought decision instead of a rather large leap.

 

[pugilato]

At this point, as appealing as the Centrotec set is, I'm not going to get one.  For that kind of money, I can get another MFT/3.  Maybe when I win the Lotto...

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Just so happens that Germany posted an English version of a video about the Centrotec Set on YouTube today. Please note that the US/Canadian version will contain slightly different components in some cases and we will not be offering the socket set which is at the end of the video.

Just a reminder for those considering this set, I'm not trying to pressure you but there will be a very limited number of these sets. I just don't want anyone to regret not getting one after they're gone, which seemed to happen the last time a set was offered in 2007.

Festool-TV-03 CENTROTEC system

 

[Gene Howerton]

I am a hobbist as well and I am on the fence about this one.  I bought the drill bits last year, they are great, but I would like to purchase the set minus the drill bits.  If I can get one that way I would would lean toward buying the set.  I asked Bob M. on this issue but I guess Festool HQ has not said if they are willing to do that.

 

[pugilato]

Hmmm... if the main advantage to the centrotec is the easy change from drill bit to screwing bit, I'm thinking maybe buy a second CXS? One with the drill bit, the other with the screwing bit.

$400 is a lot of money for a bunch of drill bits.  Just my opinion.  No doubt I would like to have it...

 

[builderbob]

As much as having the entire set would be nice, I really would like the driver handle, but I do not see Festool offering that as a standalone item. 

Please make this a consideration Mr Festool!!!

Bob

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

As much as having the entire set would be nice, I really would like the driver handle, but I do not see Festool offering that as a standalone item. 

Bob, parts of the set, including the hand driver and Centrotec adapter that can be used in any keyless chuck will be offered later in the year.

 

[builderbob]

Very exciting!!!  Thanks for the info Shane!

Bob

 

[Corwin]

Hmmm... if the main advantage to the centrotec is the easy change from drill bit to screwing bit, I'm thinking maybe buy a second CXS? One with the drill bit, the other with the screwing bit.

$400 is a lot of money for a bunch of drill bits.  Just my opinion.  No doubt I would like to have it...

I don't follow your thinking here...  Like all of their other drill/drivers, the CXS has the FastFix chuck system which allows you to quickly change between the keyless chuck and the Centrotec chuck, so you can readily swap between a drill bit and a driver bit without the need to own a second CXS.

 

[arbfincarp]

I am a kitchen installer and have 2- 2009 Centrotec sets that i use every day they are a great addition to  my 3 Festool drills for installing cabinetry.The brad point bits are great for hard ware installation.I especially like the long bit holder.

 

[fdengel]

I keep looking at these and love the concepts, but I always look at the list of what is included and feel like there should be more variety of drill bits and fewer redundant driver bits...

Particularly the small ones that could be easily restocked if they wear down.  It just feels like an inefficient use of the available space inside the box.

 

[mouppe]

To the OP, woodworking is just a hobby for me which is why the centrotec set was a great buy for me. It's not that I use it on a daily basis or that I am ever in such a hurry that all the fast fix chucks are essential, but it is a pleasure to use, it stays neatly in its systainer, and is extremely high quality. Together with my C12, it is one of my favourite purchases.

Yes it's high cost, but it's great value.

Go for it.

 

[festoller]

The price of the actual Centrotec Set is almost 50% higher than the last two, therefore it's a little more significant if you can make use of the tools and bits inside.

I got the last one and it follows me everywhere and 90% of the time I don't need many other tools for whatever task I am working on. The extra space can be filled to your liking and I have my favourite bits in the lid compartment for fast access.

All I can say although the new one is a little more pricey I can only recommend having one. If you have a chance to get an older one I would probably prefer that.

 

[builderbob]

I really like the idea of the mini sets...I've been eyeing a Tanos Mini Sys 2...maybe I can find an insert and make my own small centrotec set!

Bob

 

[Wood_Junkie]

As much as having the entire set would be nice, I really would like the driver handle, but I do not see Festool offering that as a standalone item. 

Bob, parts of the set, including the hand driver and Centrotec adapter that can be used in any keyless chuck will be offered later in the year.

Shane, will replacement bits be offered for the imperial sized brad point bits in the set?  (currently they are not)