MyTake on the SysLite

[peter halle]

Kevin,

From what I saw while at JLC the LED's dim.  The on board battery is built in.  To use an external battery you remove the hook mechanism on the rear which exposes the contacts.

Peter

 

[tbellemare]

You are correct, as usual, Birthday Boy!

Joyeux Anniversaire!

Tom

 

[Kevin D.]

Kevin,

From what I saw while at JLC the LED's dim.  The on board battery is built in.  To use an external battery you remove the hook mechanism on the rear which exposes the contacts.

Peter

I wonder how long the built in one lasts and how much it would cost to replace.

Does the second battery when slide on empties itself only, and when depeted, you slide it off and then the built in can be used while you'd recharge the other one, or would they both deplete in tandem?

For 200 dollars (canadian pricing) I'd like to know how well thought out it is beyond passing the Kreg test.

 

[Kev]

Kevin,

From what I saw while at JLC the LED's dim.  The on board battery is built in.  To use an external battery you remove the hook mechanism on the rear which exposes the contacts.

Peter

I wonder how long the built in one lasts and how much it would cost to replace.

Does the second battery when slide on empties itself only, and when depeted, you slide it off and then the built in can be used while you'd recharge the other one, or would they both deplete in tandem?

For 200 dollars (canadian pricing) I'd like to know how well thought out it is beyond passing the Kreg test.

It depletes the external battery first - there's lots of real life run times supplied by Shane (and coal face tested I believe).

 

[peter halle]

Kevin,

There is a thread here where Shane actually posted some test results for various batteries.  I have to admit that I am beat and am going to bed.  Perhaps by the time you wake up someone will have posted the link to that thread.

I also admit that I don't have the information in front of me about which battery is the dominant one if there is an external battery installed, but my guess is that Tom will know that answer.

What really impressed me - and please remember that I have openly expressed negative feelings about some Festool products - is the light dispersion.  I don't remember seeing any optics installed on the leds.  The lens plays a major part I think.  What I remember - and I could be wrong - is that the lens is slightly curved and although the outer surface is smooth the interior surface of the lens is dimpled.  I think that those dimples and the shape create the wide even light.

Once they become available I think that I will be a proud owner posting here.  I will probably do the unspeakable and use clear packing tape left over from the Fogtainers to cover the lens and protect from paint overspray, etc., but honestly I think Festool should make a disposable lens cover for the more "keep it as close to new as possible users".

By the way, until I saw them first hand at JLC I would have called anyone who spent the money to buy one nuts.  Just being honest.  In person they impressed me and made me change my mind, and I found the rubberized covering controllable and didn't drop one, although quite a few got tossed around.

That being said, I hate to see them being dropped / tossed / thrown.  The internal battery might be able to take the abuse, but if there is an external battery installed then there is the very distinct possibility that the battery will be damaged.  There are limits to everything.

Peter

 

[peter halle]

Kev,

You beat me to it while I was typing.

Thanks!

Peter

 

[peter halle]

Kev is probably searching for this thread as I type  [thumbs up].

Here is the thread with a bunch of info:  Syslite info

Peter

 

[Kev]

Kev is probably searching for this thread as I type  [thumbs up].

Here is the thread with a bunch of info:  Syslite info

Peter

That's the one, thanks Peter.

 

[Kevin D.]

Kev is probably searching for this thread as I type  [thumbs up].

Here is the thread with a bunch of info:  Syslite info

Peter

Thanks Peter!

One thing I thought that would have been nice as an added feature, is if it could have the ability to auto turn on when darkness occurs.  I have a plug-in battery back-up flood light in my shop that goes on automatically when it senses the electrical is out and the room is darkened.  Something very useful for when there are power outages while one is woodworking for safety purposes.  If the Syslite had such a feature, it would have been quite nice, but that would make it too perfect.  Just a nice idea I had.

I'm leaning towards getting one though.  Just love high end gadgetty things.  [smile]

 

[zapdafish]

I was looking on Amazon for an LED lamp bright enough for shop use and they are not cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/Z-Bar-Power-Lamp--Metallic-Generation/dp/B000U6DW5E/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1337189434&sr=8-5

I thought the syslite was actually alot more than what it was listed for but Festool and Leevalley have redefined my concept of value vs expense so the syslite falls right in my budget 

 

[GPowers]

I was looking on Amazon for an LED lamp bright enough for shop use and they are not cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/Z-Bar-Power-Lamp--Metallic-Generation/dp/B000U6DW5E/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1337189434&sr=8-5

I thought the syslite was actually alot more than what it was listed for but Festool and Leevalley have redefined my concept of value vs expense so the syslite falls right in my budget 

Do an Amazon search for "led worklight cordless"  and prices are $20 to $100.  Your "Z bar" lamp example is a fashion statement, therefor a higher price.

 

[zapdafish]

I was looking on Amazon for an LED lamp bright enough for shop use and they are not cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/Z-Bar-Power-Lamp--Metallic-Generation/dp/B000U6DW5E/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1337189434&sr=8-5

I thought the syslite was actually alot more than what it was listed for but Festool and Leevalley have redefined my concept of value vs expense so the syslite falls right in my budget 

Do an Amazon search for "led worklight cordless"  and prices are $20 to $100.  Your "Z bar" lamp example is a fashion statement, therefor a higher price.

finding one where people were satisfied with the brightness or where the lumens listed werent a joke led me to ones like this.  It just so happens to also be quite stylish  [smile]

 

[jacko9]

I find the Syslite to be the perfect size to place inside a small cabinet when trying to work to hard to reach (and impossible to see) spots.  The well thought out mounting options include the integral hook, a 1/4" - 20 mounting thread insert that allow you to attach the syslite to most camera tri-pods and the 3 different angles on the unit itself.

I finally have found a perfect lighting source when trying to highlight knife lines when cutting dovetails, etc.  It even comes in handy when I have to do those under-sink plumbing jobs like changing the in-line water filter (I used to have to try balancing a flashlight which always seemed to fall over just when you needed the light.

Jack

Well, My wife came out to the shop today with the sad news that the kitchen soap dispenser seemed to be very loose.  I always dread climbing under the sink holding a flashlight to see what the heck has gone wrong now but, today my SysLite lit up the undercounter space and I was able to find and fix the problem quickly and get back to my Domino joiner finishing up two nightstands.  Quite a handy light and one that I'll use a whole lot.

Jack

 

[Kayakguy]

I'm about to place and order with Rob Marino for my Festool supplies that I need, and have been contemplating that new SysLite for for painting projects, after watching this video and reading some other reviewsI think I will splurge for a new light. I just replaced a Halogen last week for $26 for the whole light with three bulbs, but lets face it those things are the number one cause of house fires in job sites, in MHO... So, a early xmas gift for myself.. I'll put off buying that Sig P238 till January 

 

[leakyroof]

I'm about to place and order with Rob Marino for my Festool supplies that I need, and have been contemplating that new SysLite for for painting projects, after watching this video and reading some other reviewsI think I will splurge for a new light. I just replaced a Halogen last week for $26 for the whole light with three bulbs, but lets face it those things are the number one cause of house fires in job sites, in MHO... So, a early xmas gift for myself.. I'll put off buying that Sig P238 till January 

You won't regret buying it. Very rugged too

 

[bkharman]

I'll put off buying that Sig P238 till January 

I love this little light.  It and the CXS were my Firstool purchase...

Besides, you can just blind people with the Sys while you are waiting for that Sig! 

 

[CumminsDiesel]

I have one: the BEST light I've ever had !

My CXS on the way from Bob Marino !  [smile]

 

[ScotF]

The light is awesome...I use it all the time.  Mentioned it to a coworker and she bought one for her dad's birthday and he loved it so much, he bought another...I could see having more than one in certain situations.

Scot

 

[Kayakguy]

After reading reviews and watching other Video's I decided to buy it, after seeing yours. I'll try not to drop mine as often as you did, but I know it will take a beating and keep on shining... 

I did end up getting one with a defected battery tho. Needs to be returned..... go figure..