Needing Some C12 Advice

[Greg in Memphis]

I have made up my mind to go ahead and purchase the C12 drill set.
I managed to borrow one for an afternoon driving screws. Now I must have one.
I plan on getting the set with the 2.4 ah batteries with the RA and eccentric attachments.
I do plan on getting the Centrotec wood drill set, but the complete Centrotec systainer seems to have too many bits that I may never use for the price.
What are some good accessories to get with the C12?

Thanks in advance for any help

Greg

 

[Dan Clark]

Greg,

The chuck kit is the obvious choice, but you already have that on your list.  Over time, you'll acquire screw bits and and bit holders.  A bit storage box is very useful.    I have a small Dewalt plastic that works well.  I think a Sortainer might be better.  Depending on your usage, you may need some sort of holster.  Which brings up the big issue - usage...

What are you going to use it for?  What kinds of work?  Building cabinets?  Furniture?  Finish carpentry?  Hanging drywall?  Rough carpentry? 

Where?  Only in a shop?  At a job site?  Around the house? 

What kinds of screws will you use?  Length, size, and head type?  Limited to specific types?  Choose your own?  (I use Torx at all times unless I have no other choice.)

Regards,

Dan.

 

[Greg in Memphis]

Most of the work I plan on using the C12 for is rough carpentry and finish carpentry around the house.
I've made a few small woodworking projects (workbench platform, some rolling carts, closet organizers, etc.), but I'd like to sharpen my skills a little before I tackle building any furniture. I do have plans to build a built-in bookcase soon.
I will probably use it at work on machine screws in metal also. It would be nice if they had a 1/4" drive adapter for sockets too.
I just wish there was a smaller version of the Centrotec with more emphasis on bits to drive wood screws. These are the bits I will use most.

Greg

 

[Dan Clark]

Greg,

Check out my review of the Depth Stop Chuck here:http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=331.0.  I've been using it for drywall.  Works great, especially in the corners.

I mentioned that I use Torx screws.  Here's a good supplier of moderately priced Torx screws:http://www.screw-products.com/.  I also use GRK Torx screws.  They are very nice, but much more expensive.

You'll also want to get the Bit holder BHS 65 with collet.  This is useful for ball detent bits.  You'll probably need a collection of those for your eccentric chuck and for use with longer pocket hole screw bits.  There's a discussion of those in this thread:http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=703.    Check out the pics of the different bit holders and bits, including the BHS 65.  Also, Eiji F posted a link to GRK screws at the bottom of this thread.

Since you're doing some rough carpentry, you will probably need a holster.  If you have a tool belt, see if you can find decent fastener bag with a DEEP, narrow pocket.  That's excellent for holding the C12.  Here's a discussion that discusses C12 holsters:http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=791.msg8127#msg8127.  There are pics of my C12 "holster" and other options in the thread, but here's one of the pics:

Have a good one,

Dan.

 

[Dan Clark]

Greg,

One more point...  I'd get the C12 first, but IF you are going to drive a lot of big screws and the budget can afford it, I'd buy an impact driver too.    About a month ago, I got this little Makita:http://www.cpomakita.com/drivers_and_fasteners/impact_drivers/btd142hw.html.  The C12 works great, even with big screws.  However, any drill transfers the torque to your wrist.  Impact drivers do NOT.  Big difference!

The C12 is far more flexible and gives you more control, but an impact driver is great for the big stuff.  If the budget allows, get one.  Your wrist will thank your for it!

Regards,

Dan.

 

[eweber]

One of my most used bit is the small countersink bit with depth stop.
I find that the quality of the bit is very good compared to other counter sink I have used.

Emmanuel