Centrotec, Where to get installers/assembly kits

[RNEMTP]

I've been looking for a set of centrotec bits and drills in a kit. It seems like they're all discontinued. I really wanted to adopt the centrotec standard but if availability is going to be an issue I guess I'll have to relegate my CXS to only the tasks I have bits for. So far I've just been using it for cabinet and door hardware installation.

 

[rhoyer]

You can get one in the classifieds section right now.

 

[Svar]

ebay

 

[DeformedTree]

How is telling some to go used a real answer?  Maybe folks meant their response as a rather sarcastic response, but that's not a great way to answer.

If someone is posting the question like they did, then it should be assumed they are looking for normal every day sources of something new, unless they say they are fine with used.

To the OP, I can't really answer your question, but there is a related thread on the subject of the installer kit. Thread

From that you can see the general problem.

 

[rhoyer]

The guy selling them in the classified section says his is new and unused. It’s a discontinued item. I thought it seemed like a pretty solid suggestion.
http://festoolownersgroup.com/classifieds/festool-498796-centrotec-98-pc-installers-set-usaimperial-$425-plus-shipping/

And it wasn’t my suggestion but here is a new one on eBay:https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/283413518093

 

[semenza]

I like and use Centrotec. I have put together enough to do about 95% of my work with Centrotec. The kits are nice. But I have never bought one because they have too many bits that I don't need and are missing quite a few that I do need. Depends on what you are working on of course.

My suggestion is to build your own. Some Festool bits, some Snappy (countersinks in particular).

There are also some available through Axminster (UK). Some non-Festool bits that can fill some gaps and are universal (work in regular 1/4" and Centrotec) . They are OK, but I found them a bit sloppy in the chuck. Atlas makes some square drive.

Seth

 

[Svar]

How is telling some to go used a real answer?  Maybe folks meant their response as a rather sarcastic response, but that's not a great way to answer.

Suggestions above are NEW items. You can get new centrotec sets on ebay all the time. What "real answer" did you expect if Festool is not offering them through dealers?

 

[rhoyer]

To add to the idea of "building your own" (which I know was not your question), I just added a CXS and C18 to my collection. I am very fond of the offset chuck on the c18 and the 90 degrees on both. The size and weight of the CXS are brilliant. I was immediately rather put off by how poorly the Centrotec 1/4" bit holders hold 1/4" bits. That has been beaten to a death on the forums and I knew I would either need to put up or shut up. My first reaction was to try and find a Centrotec set but today I just purchased the Snappy Centrotec 1/4" bit holder and it is brilliant. That $25 immediately made the CXS and C18 fantastic in my mind. I have a whole slew of 1/4" bits that I would now not bother replacing with Centrotec. I also have Amana countersink bits that are 1/4" and have similar non marring collars to the Festool bits. That said, I will probably grab a Centrotec brad point bit set and a few, select Centrtotec bits and throw everything in a sys-1 to keep with me.

I know this didn't answer your question but if you get a proper Centrotec 1/4" bit adapter you may find the need to buy a full kit less immediate. Good luck!

Edited to add links to snappy chuck and Amana countersinks:
https://www.woodcraft.com/products/...X8S0UkpNcEp5RzbCuiTBX7jr14QDESRRoCao8QAvD_BwE
https://www.amazon.com/d/Countersin...e-Countersink-Adjustable-No-Thrust/B00BJFK6N6

 

[AndrewG]

Like you, I recently purchased a CXS and C18. I really like them, and will probably buy the new impact when it comes out.

The first thing I looked into was the centrotec kits. There are none available in Australia, and the only option was Axminster in the UK to get the CE-SORT. I quickly found out they weren’t shipping Festool overseas anymore so I looked at Ebay and here in the classifieds section.

I was pretty active at looking for one and came across a couple of brand new ones on eBay US. The only issue was shipping and it made it not really cost effective for me. So eBay, gumtree and here would be a really good start.

Another option is to contact some Festool dealers. When I thought all hope was gone, by chance I stumbled across new old stock, a 2013 centrotec installers kit at one of the bigger dealers here in Australia. They found it when clearing some space in a store room. I ended up getting it for a heavily discounted price, and it certainly got me started with centrotec bits. It came with the older style centrotec screwdriver so I was very happy. Since then I added the countersink bits and I’m very pleased with it. I’ll slowly add as I go.

So if you’re keen, they are out there. Just got to be active in looking. I’m really hoping Festool bring out a installers kit with the new 18V impact, would be an awesome combination.

Good luck.

Andy

 

[DeformedTree]

How is telling some to go used a real answer?  Maybe folks meant their response as a rather sarcastic response, but that's not a great way to answer.

Suggestions above are NEW items. You can get new centrotec sets on ebay all the time. What "real answer" did you expect if Festool is not offering them through dealers?

Do you consider ebay a valid place to buy goods? If yes, the maybe you think it's an answer.  Ebay is an auction site that morphed into a awful "store" used by scammers and an overall experience that caused most to run from it years ago. Like most folks, if someone points me to ebay, I ignore that person. You couldn't pay me to buy something from a "store" via ebay.  Also far as classifieds, it doesn't matter if someone is selling a "new/never opened" item, it's still a private party item, thus not new, and involves the issues of any private party sale. 

I have no issue if someone explains the item has been discontinued thus can only be had used, private party, clearance, etc.  But I like many folks take major issue when someone response with "ebay" or "craigslist".  Those have a place, especially if someone says they are open to that, if someone is looking to buy something as was posted, it is implied they mean from a real store, a place they can go back again and buy again.  Maybe this poster is fine with other options, they seem to be trying to understand if they are discontinued (deciding whether to commit to Centrotec). I don't like people jumping to such paths. This has been a peeve of mine of the internet for years. It's similar to responding to a "how/why" questions with "RTFM", or general mocking someone for asking something. It's just not helpful even if responses were fully in good faith and trying to be helpful.

Various retailers have representation here and might have stock of something.

 

[Svar]

Ebay is an auction site that morphed into a awful "store" used by scammers and an overall experience that caused most to run from it years ago.

Ebay has its flaws, but you can't be more wrong. Coming from an avid user of the platform. Some major tool and industrial equipment dealers have stores on ebay. Zoro, CPO, Beavertools, 80/20, you name it. And their number is only growing.

 

[DashZero]

There are legitimate sellers on eBay with actual storefronts and even their own websites.  I just bought a hose for my Mirka on eBay from Acmetools.

 

[RKA]

Another option is to get the items you need now to get you by.  Closer to Christmas you may see them release another installers set.

 

[Mr_Mod]

Festool SYS 1 CE-SORT 497628 is available from Europe @419 Euro the supplier ships worldwide. He is a festool dealer but I wont list his name here.
I have sent you a PM with his details

 

[bertv]

Same set seen for slightly under 400 Euro… Ninetyeight parts.