Centrotech bit set anyone?

[Ivans Dad]

Hello and good day to everyone!

I am fairly new to festool, but love everything I have!  Every time I pick up a took I think to myself "this one is definately my favorite"  That is until I reach for the next one....

My question is, how many of you shelled out the $380 for the centrotech bit set?  Is it worth it, or is it another (very expensive) kit where you only use 1/4 of the stuff.  I appreciate any input.

Thanks!

-Andres

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I wish I could find one of those!!

 

[Jim Becker]

The majority of items in the kit are things I'd never use. I use one type of screw (Robertson/Square Drive) and have to source that elsewhere, anyway. Some of the drill bits would be handy, but I rarely work in metric to-date, so even that might be limiting.

 

[Jack Rafter]

Ivans,

I didn't get the complete set but this one comes in handy.

 

[Jimhart]

Ivans,

I was tempted and I reached out to Bob Marino for some advice. He told me to really look at the list of inventory to see what I'd use and whether it would really be worth it. Doh.

Shouldn't really need to ask for advice that's so straightforward. This green bug makes you want to collect everything.

Unless you're outfitting a good sized crew I don't think it would be easy to decide the kit is necessary.

Jim

 

[Dan Clermont]

I won the Centrotec Drill bit set in a contest on the FOG sponsored by the Festool Junkie. I believe the price on this was dropped to around $280 ish???

The drill bits are of outstanding quality and worth the money. Being Canadian I'd like to see some Robertson bits in the kit rather then the Torx bits.

Like most Festool's the kit is very well organized in a Systainer.

Dan Clermont

 

[Jim Becker]

Dan, I think it's unlikely that we'll see the Robertson bits based on past questions/interactions on this point. Apparently, Festool can't find a manufacturer who can meet their quality standards at an acceptable price point. I've taken to making my own by chucking a McFeeley's bit in my lathe using spiggot jaws and then using files to knock down the corners and put in the groove at the appropriate place as another FOG member showed me to do.

 

[Dan Clermont]

Dan, I think it's unlikely that we'll see the Robertson bits based on past questions/interactions on this point. Apparently, Festool can't find a manufacturer who can meet their quality standards at an acceptable price point. I've taken to making my own by chucking a McFeeley's bit in my lathe using spiggot jaws and then using files to knock down the corners and put in the groove at the appropriate place as another FOG member showed me to do.

I've been doing the same thing with my drill press to make Robertson bits. I just don't have much use for all of the Torx bits in the Centrotec kit.

Dan CLermont

 

[josephgewing]

Not speaking so much to the Centrotec Kit issue -- but I do like Torx screws a lot.  Mostly I like the fact that the bits do not cam out of the screws.

Torx screws are becoming more widely available.  McFeeley's now carries them as well as Screw Products. 

At this stage, I would use nothing except Torx screws if they came in all the sizes and "configurations" that I want.

Joe

 

[cflansbaum]

If you like the Torx screws - check outhttp://www.screw-products.com/

c.

 

[Jim Becker]

Joe, I've never had a cam-out on a Robertson/Square Drive screw yet using a quality driver (with the proper taper) and quality fastener (also with the proper taper). I have, however, driven them clear into the wood way too far if I wasn't paying attention. They just don't slip...

 

[AndrewDS]

I have the Centrotech and I have found a use for most of the items.  I like the fact that they have included more then 1 or 2 of each size fastener bit.  I like the fact that all of the accessories work in some way with the quick chuck.  I am glad that I purchased it.

 

[richard.selwyn]

I have an old version centrotec set and a newer (I think they've brought out a new one to go with the Li-ion drills) one.  I have loads of screwdriver bits that I'm never going to use, but wanted as many of their centrotec drill bits as possible (plus i like their centrotec brad point bits).  The good thing with the latest set are the spare drill bits machined with flats to be held in the centrotec bit holders.  I'm rubbish at sharpening drill bits and haven't found another source here for the bits with the locating "flats" on the shafts.  That said, I think you could spend your money more wisely just buying the drills/bits you wanted.  The problem here is that Festool retailers aren't in Bob Marino's class, so it was easier to buy a centrotec set off e-bay.

 

[MacMitch]

I got a T15 recently and I have been working on bits and drills for it. Apparently this set has most of what Festool offers for these drills?

I bought my drill at Highland Hardware/Woodworking in Atlanta because I needed it the next day for a project, normally I order Festools through Bob. Highland Hardware/Woodworking did not have most of the Centrotech gear. I think they figure most people will use their existing collection of screwing and drilling collection with one of the bit attachments. Now I am trying to upgrade my entire collection of screw bits and screws, drill bits to a lessser extent, as I have a decent collection from LeeValley.

Can I assume that people are finding these sets on EBay, maybe under Festool? I will probably order individual pieces through Bob, but I would first like to see what is in the set. I have seen pictures of the "old", I think, set but I could not make out individual items very well.

 

[mouppe]

There is a new Centrotec set which will hit North America at some point in 2011. It is currently available in Europe and elsewhere. I posted a review of it on the FOG a month or so ago.

I think it is fairly priced for what you get, and would only consider a few of the pieces in it superfluous. I would recommend waiting a few months to pick one up, rather than getting an assorted selection of bits and drivers at different times. It is also comes in a systainer, which is a godsend for people like me whose drill bits previously lay cluttered in a drawer.

 

[Redfox]

After some initial dissapointment I discussed elsewhere concerning the contet of the 2009 Centrotec set, I must say that by now, I have used every single part in the bow, together with the rest of the Centrotec system, except for a few items, like the short drill bits. I may get those, as the take a little slop out of the equation. I often use the medium and long screw bits, and the centrotec shaft holder (blue handle) gets used much more than I forst anticipated. Even the socket head set gets used although it definately could have been made with twice as many teeth inside the shaft, to obtain more precision. Did you hear thet Festool?
Otherwise I must say that since the beginninng of this year where I started with a TDK12 pus the set, It's been used all the time. Nothing is not in order, everything has it's place, and I like it a lot.
Surely some americans must find a use for it.
I think the 2010 (2011 for US) set is more directed for ww, where my 2009 set can be used for something else as well. The countersinks and the adjustable ditto and the predrilling items are really a gem in my eyes. WAY better the DW's flipswitch.

Overall a really good way to experience how good the drills (I have the T15 now) really are, and what they can do, that is a pita with the competetion.
Highly recommended.

Cheers and merry Christmas,
Jacques