changing the center tip on Zobo drill bits

dicktill

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Jan 24, 2013
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Allegany NY
Hi all,
Sorry if I'm slow, but how do you change the center/pilot pin on the Zobo drill bits? I don't see a set screw or other holding device ... [popcorn]

Thanks, Dick
 
There should be a tube af spare tips. In the tube should be a pointed dowel about 2.5" long. There is a slot in the Zobo bit. The dowel goes in the slot, the point contacts the tip to be removed, tilt the dowel up towards the Centrotec end of the bit. The point will pop out.

Tom
 
tjbnwi said:
There should be a tube af spare tips. In the tube should be a pointed dowel about 2.5" long. There is a slot in the Zobo bit. The dowel goes in the slot, the point contacts the tip to be removed, tilt the dowel up towards the Centrotec end of the bit. The point will pop out.

Tom
Thanks Tom. That works, albeit it is a little wierd. I had tried that, but just not forcefully enough I guess.  [embarassed]  [doh]

Regards, Dick
 
It is the same way you change drill press quills, except you use a hammer to drive the wedge in.

Tom
 
tjbnwi said:
It is the same way you change drill press quills, except you use a hammer to drive the wedge in.

Tom

So that implies that the center bits are special and tapered a tad?

Are these available as replacement parts? Part numbers are ...? [popcorn]
 
I believe there are replacement tips. Someone a lot smarter than me will have to find the part numbers.

There is an interference fit, not sure what the tapper is.

Tom
 
I agree with Tom - I think that there are replacement tips.  I have sent an inquiry about part numbers and availability.  Will report back.

Peter
 
There are 5 different replacement inserts and the rod.

It appears that there are long and short points and 3 different bits.

I'm going to order them all so I can tell exactly what they are.

I'll report back when I have them at hand.

If you need specific help, just call and I'll figure out what you need in short order.

Tom
 
Make sure when you pop out the center pin that you keep track of where it goes. First time I popped it out the center pin went flying and I spent about an hour trying to locate it...I was in my truck so it was a little tougher to spot!
 
I received an email back from our friend Brent at Festool USA:

"Hello Peter,
Below are the part numbers for the replacement ZOBO bits.
Through drill bit: 761979
Long center point:762610
Short center point:762609
Rod for replacing the bit and center points:761972"

Thank You Brent!

Peter

 
I just bought a set today of the imperial zobo's, forth hole 30 min into owning the pilot snapped and damaged the bit. I use forstner bits all the time, I didn't do anything out of the ordinary. I can't find replacement pilots, or some one that can resharpen my bit. this is a pic of the holes I made with them. absolutely nothing out of the ordinary.
 

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heres some before and after pics by the way
 

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Sorry to hear about your bit.  Posted earlier in the thread are the part numbers for the center bits.  You might want to check with Festool if they are replacement parts and need to be ordered directly.  I can't help with a sharpening service though.  Maybe Festool will know of someone.

Peter
 
I talked to my dealer right after it happened they said they will get back to me monday. I'am not to worried about it I think it was a faulty pilot bit it broke right where the flute and shank met.
 
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