Festool Centrotec Standard - Video

[Euclid]

Jimmy -
the regulars have beaten me to the draw, but as they say, the bits have a single flat to best mate with the grub screw. I guess there's nothing to stop you grinding a small flat on any bit with a shank of suitable length.

It's not immediately obvious from some of the vendors' websites, that the HSS Centrotec bits (the ones in the 'holders') come with two spare bits (at least mine did here in the UK) which makes them somewhat less expensive than they might first appear. The packs of replacements (of 5 or 10 bits) are, per unit, actually reasonably cheap - much less than, say, Dormer - and seem to be of quite decent quality. So, all of that makes 'grinding your own flats' seem a bit unnecessary

Is there any sound reason that the brad-point wood bits are not offered in the same replaceable format?

I'd intended something more 'introductory' by way of my first post here in the FOG community, but having seen a question (Jimmy's) that I could actually answer, I jumped in, only  to find I'd been beaten to it!

Anyhow, hello everybody; more later... 

 

[jonny round boy]

Anyhow, hello everybody; more later...

[welcome]

 

[Euclid]

Thank you!

 

[fshanno]

For me the runout on standard ball detent bits has never been that much of a problem.  I have a CXS but I use standard bits in it that I can interchange with my other drills.

What IS interesting is that systainer.  That would be awesome.  Can you buy the systainer from the Installers Set?  No bits, just the systainer and inserts?

 

[mr-gobby]

Thank you for this well presented explanation of Centrotec. It was also helpful to get an insight into what the Festool boxed set is comprised of.
Mark

 

[Stone Message]

Thank you for this well presented explanation of Centrotec. It was also helpful to get an insight into what the Festool boxed set is comprised of.
Mark

Many thanks Mark. Now that you have your new drills you can start your Centrotec collection !

Have you a plan for future Festool purchases?

Peter

 

[wow]

Hey, Euclid - [welcome] to the FOG!

It's always good to have confirmation of information. Thanks for posting.

And be sure to post some pictures of your tools and projects? We LOVE pictures!

 

[mr-gobby]

Indeed I can Peter although a Centrotec set costs more than the drill so I'm trying to decide what course to take. I probably didn't need 'two' drills, maybe I should resell one to fund a Centrotec set! With regards future purchases probably the plunge saw which was what first brought my attention to the brand. I'm trying to weigh up the differing power options available and which would be best. I don't have dust extraction so a midi might also be on the cards at some point if it's capable of being a general on the job vac too. I don't have a workshop so these are on the job tools where flexibility weight and size are all a consideration.

Mark

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Mark

The CT should be amongst your next set of purchases. When I sold all of my old heavier woodworking kit and started buying Festool I spent some time on the FOG and found out how Festool had designed in dust extraction capabilities into all their tools. The Kapex, TS55, Domino and sanders need a CT behind them - my CT26 is the "unsung hero" in my workshop.

Peter

 

[mr-gobby]

As a Festool newbie the FOG is proving helpful for many reasons. I'll need to think about the various dust extractor options and look at the different advantages of each model. Your review of the CXS was also interesting, horses for courses and it looks a useful addition to any set as a lightweight manageable tool.
Mark

 

[penetratar]

Another high quality review Peter. I also thought the Centrotec system was Festools way of ensuring you had to buy their accessories which put me off purchasing a Festool drill for a long time. Keep up the good work!

 

[Stone Message]

Another high quality review Peter. I also thought the Centrotec system was Festools way of ensuring you had to buy their accessories which put me off purchasing a Festool drill for a long time. Keep up the good work!

Hi Pablo

Yes, it is amazing how easy it is to get things wrong. I think that the engineering thought that has gone into Centrotec is brilliant and I am now a firm fan.

Peter

 

[joiner1970]

It's not immediately obvious from some of the vendors' websites, that the HSS Centrotec bits (the ones in the 'holders') come with two spare bits (at least mine did here in the UK) which makes them somewhat less expensive than they might first appear. The packs of replacements (of 5 or 10 bits) are, per unit, actually reasonably cheap - much less than, say, Dormer - and seem to be of quite decent quality. So, all of that makes 'grinding your own flats' seem a bit unnecessary

I picked up a 4mm one of those bits today along with a pack of 10 spares. As you say the spares are quite reasonable. Got mine from Warren at toolfest also picked up one of the drill dust collectors for my midi looks a really handy tool.

 

[Euclid]

Thank you for the warm welcome, WOW.

I've been away for a while doing repairs at my parents' place - and getting good use from my new CSX, SYS-MFT and SYSLITE II (really pleased with that…). Have been thinking about a 'take-apart-able' stand and boom for the light  but I saw here that someone else has already done something vaguely similar.

(I will post more later and hope to have some projects to begin in the new year; my background is not really in working so much with wood so I'll probably have more questions than suggestions!)

The Centrotec system is quite easy to get hooked on, but I use quite a lot of stubby and odd-sized drill bits (for e.g. for getting optimum fit for threaded inserts into metal) so the system doesn't address all of my needs.

Love the spirit of enthusiasm and cooperation here...