I have the 498796 centrotec set, could any be used to drill through aluminum ext

[Wenyce]

I purchased the 498796 Centrotec set, but was wondering if I could use any of the included bits to drill through aluminum extrusion?  the piece im trying to drill through is about 1/2 in thick.

thanks.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I'm not sure exactly what set you have but only twist style bits will drill metal, brad point and zobo bits aren't for metal. 

 

[Brandon]

Like the previous person said, the twist bits will work pretty well in aluminum

 

[AlexThePalex]

Sorry, but the 498796 Centrotec set doesn't appear to have any bits suited for metal in it. The bits included are for wood only.

From the Festool USA site.

Drill Bits

    5-Piece Stub Brad Point BKS Wood Drill Bit Set 3-8mm, 495130 (1)
    8-Piece Countersink & Brad Point Wood Drill Bit Set 1/8"-1/2", 496942 (1)
    Centrotec Countersink Bit 2-8mm Diameter, 492520 (1)
    Centrotec Countersink Bit 5-15mm Diameter, 492541 (1)
    Centrotec Countersink w/ Depth Control, 492523 (1)

 

[tbellemare]

You are correct as usual, Alex...

The proper Centrotec bits for metal, (sold in NA), are the ones with a twist drill in a mandrell. They go from 3mm to 6.5mm in .5mm increments and look like this:

[attachimg=#1]

Tom

 

[Wenyce]

Thanks guys, I thought that was the case, but I was just asking the experts. Once I get a hold of one of these bits, has anyone tried to drill through Aluminum with the CXS (only drill I have)?

 

[AlexThePalex]

Wenyce, the CXS will do just fine. Aluminium is a soft material, you don't need that much power.

 

[Throwback7r]

How many holes are you going to do is the key. The CXS will do it just fine.

 

[AlexThePalex]

How many holes are you going to do is the key. The CXS will do it just fine.

I don't get it, why should it matter how many holes you're gonna do?

 

[TelcoRandy]

How many holes are you going to do is the key. The CXS will do it just fine.

I don't get it, why should it matter how many holes you're gonna do?

Because both batteries may die before you're done and then you'd have to wait while charging them...

 

[AlexThePalex]

How many holes are you going to do is the key. The CXS will do it just fine.

I don't get it, why should it matter how many holes you're gonna do?

Because both batteries may die before you're done and then you'd have to wait while charging them...

I don't have the CXS myself, so no experience there, but is it not so that a battery is charged in 30-45 minutes? I doubt you can empty the next battery in that time, under normal circumstances. If you do empty it in that time, you're drilling like crazy, and I don't think such an extreme condition happens a lot. I'd worry about my drill overheating then, and not about me running out of juice.

 

[Wenyce]

How many holes are you going to do is the key. The CXS will do it just fine.

very few holes just 4 or so.

 

[Throwback7r]

yea it should do that many holes no problem

The reason why I said that about how many holes, was battery power the CXS only has a 1.5 Ahr battery and it only takes 15-30 min to charge " at least for me"