Centrotec - what's it all about?

[fatroman]

My biggest hurdle in considering a Festool drill is trying to make sense of what the Centrotec system does.

What makes it superior to other chucked or hex-shank bits?

I can guess that the drill motor has less run out, which would be helpful in creating precise holes, and possibly useful in driving small cabinetry screws that really need to align correctly. And the interchangeable chucks are self-explanatory.

Surely there's got to be more to it than that?

 

[peter halle]

The centrotec accessory (bit, driver, adaptor, etc) actually inserts into the output shaft of the drill.  The amount of play is reduced versus a typical quick change aftermarket system.  Additionally, as part of the system the various chucks or holders install and interchange quickly and easily on the drills.  Although it is not as quick to drill and then swap out to drive as when you have two dedicated tools, it is less cumbersome and less expensive, and quicker than other systems in my experience.

That is why I use it whenever possible.

Peter

 

[rdaily]

The downside is that ball detent bits and adapters must be used in the Jacob's chuck, or you need to create your own centrotec to ball detent adapter.  This may not concern some, especially if you carry more than one drill.

 

[tbellemare]

Below is an image that shows the Centrotec in cross-section...

[attachimg=#1]

You can see that the Centrotec bits are held axially by the Centrotec chuck and are also held in radial alignment by the same. The distance from the ball detent groove to the base of the shaft is greater than normal ball detent bits. This allows the shaft to engage in the output shaft of the drill motor, which is how it is driven.

The Centrotec chuck, unlike most other chucks or bit holders, does not drive the bit. It holds it in alignment and in place.

Tom

EDIT:
To make it clearer, the light teal sort of color is the output shaft of the drill motor.

 

[GhostFist]

There is a standard quick change adapter that works with the centrotec chuck but imo this is the worst piece of manufacturing on these drills. There is a huge amount of wobble on your bit when using this adapter and it's sold at a premium price. In the cxs it's not as much of an issue due to the awesome ergonomics on the drill but it's a bit fumbly on the larger drills. If festool should redesign anything it should be this adapter or at least start making robertson bits

 

[tbellemare]

Are you refering to the BHS 65?

[attachthumb=#1]

This is designed for 1/4" hex, wire detent bits like the one below.

[attachthumb=#2]

It sounds like you're using it with ball detent bits, or am I mistaken?

Tom

 

[GhostFist]

Why yes i am. It was sold to me as a ball detent thingy, and I've been using it horribly as one. I'll switch it over and stop being a moron.

 

[tbellemare]

It works for ball detent bits but not nearly as well as a holder that was designed for them.

Tom

 

[GhostFist]

Works much better with the wire detent bits, don't I look an ass.

 

[GreenGA]

And how do those of us that are color blind know which color is teal?  [blink]

EDIT:
To make it clearer, the light teal sort of color is the output shaft of the drill motor.

[wink]

 

[AlexThePalex]

EDIT:
To make it clearer, the light teal sort of color is the output shaft of the drill motor.

Teal? Teal? What, are we wearing high heels now over here? Purple it is!

[attachthumb=1]

 

[tbellemare]

You're obviously not a duck hunter, Alex...

Tom

 

[pugilato]

teal is the color of the jacksonville jaguars... that is an american football team for my european friends, the football with the funny shaped ball.  Jacksonville is in northeast Florida (although some would say it is a part of the southeast Georgia metro area, on account of all the rednecks and mobile homes).

 

[GreenGA]

Well, let me see...  [tongue]

Clover & Fern are identical.
Flora and Seafoam are identical.
Grape and Magenta are alomst identical.
Banana, Lemon and Honeydew are almost identical.
Lavender & Bubblegum are almost identical.
Magenta & Grape are Blue.
Cayenne looks black.
Fern is Orange(ish).
Salmon looks/is Green(ish)
Honeydew, Lime & Spring are Yellow(ish)
Sky is NOT Blue.

And if I were to change my light source, the above would change as well.

Have you ever seen, Orange Grass?  I do all the time.

[eek]

Teal? Teal? What, are we wearing high heels now over here? Purple it is!
http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=15573.0;attach=40659;image

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Gary,

Get the heck out of the Home Depot paint department right now, while you still can!

 

[pugilato]

I want some of what she's having...

 

[GreenGA]

I'm already covered.  [embarassed]

All, and I do mean, all, colors that go in my house are controlled by Bernie; he owns a Paper, Paint and Carpet store near us.

If they had, for those of us of a certain age, "Garanimals" for adults, I would be standing in line.  [cool]

Gary,

Get the heck out of the Home Depot paint department right now, while you still can!

 

[GreenGA]

She?  She who?  [huh]

I want some of what she's having...

 

[pugilato]

My apologies, GreenGA... the listing of colors and the picture got me confused.  I stand corrected.

 

[GreenGA]

[big grin]

My apologies, GreenGA... the listing of colors and the picture got me confused.  I stand corrected.