New CXS - What Accesories?
- Thread starter PC4CAB
- Start date
Jesse Cloud
Member
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2007
- Messages
- 1,746
Oh boy, we get to spend someone else's money again! [big grin]
Of course, we gotta start with the "depends on what you are doing" disclaimer, but here's my personal take on it.
The centrotec wood drill bit set is a pretty good deal. The bits are first class and it has a countersink. At least get a countersink bit.
If you are worried about wearing out your expensive centrotec drill bits, this guy has replaceable bits (though not the quality of those in the set above).
If you have wire detent bits in your shop, this guy lets you use them with your centrotec chuck - the way many of us use square drive bits.
If you don't already have the right angle chuck, get it now. It can save your butt, but in DIY land you never know when you will need it.
Since you bought it used, you might not have the centrotec chuck or the jacobs chuck - gettem if you don't.
A nice set of hex bits to match the screws (phillips, robinson, slot, torx, etc.) you use is essential, but that's a Home Depot or Sears item.
OK, I'll stop - probably already spent more on accessories than you did on the drill. [embarassed]
Of course, we gotta start with the "depends on what you are doing" disclaimer, but here's my personal take on it.
The centrotec wood drill bit set is a pretty good deal. The bits are first class and it has a countersink. At least get a countersink bit.
If you are worried about wearing out your expensive centrotec drill bits, this guy has replaceable bits (though not the quality of those in the set above).
If you have wire detent bits in your shop, this guy lets you use them with your centrotec chuck - the way many of us use square drive bits.
If you don't already have the right angle chuck, get it now. It can save your butt, but in DIY land you never know when you will need it.
Since you bought it used, you might not have the centrotec chuck or the jacobs chuck - gettem if you don't.
A nice set of hex bits to match the screws (phillips, robinson, slot, torx, etc.) you use is essential, but that's a Home Depot or Sears item.
OK, I'll stop - probably already spent more on accessories than you did on the drill. [embarassed]
Timtool
Member
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2011
- Messages
- 1,011
I recently invested in the Centrotec installer kit, it's expensive but awesome. Everything in there is quality, but the biggest advantage is the centrotec system.
I worked one year with my first festool drill, also a CXS before understanding the real value of centrotec once i looked beyond the price tag.
I'm not saying you should invest in the whole shebang, but as Jessy stated the countersink bit and a set of drill bits is a must. But to fully use the potential of your CXS you could also invest in the set of extra short centrotec drill bits intended for use with the right angle chuck. that way you can not only screw, but also drill in tight spaces.
I worked one year with my first festool drill, also a CXS before understanding the real value of centrotec once i looked beyond the price tag.
I'm not saying you should invest in the whole shebang, but as Jessy stated the countersink bit and a set of drill bits is a must. But to fully use the potential of your CXS you could also invest in the set of extra short centrotec drill bits intended for use with the right angle chuck. that way you can not only screw, but also drill in tight spaces.
Wood_Junkie
Member
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2009
- Messages
- 1,311
As a fellow DIY (although of a very wide range...) I find these are my favorite and oft used.
At the very least, get one of the bit holders. You drill *should* have come with this: http://www.festoolusa.com/products/cordless-drills/centrotec-drill-bits/pilot-bit-with-depth-stop/centrotec-bit-holder-bh-60mm-492539.html
When using a driver bit, this is the one I use 99.5% of the time. I have the locking one, but it's not a necessity.
For drill bits, my suggestion is actually the stubby bit set which just became available in the US.
AND they'll fit in the Systainer with the CXS, which is a must for accessibility.
http://www.festoolusa.com/products/cordless-drills/centrotec-drill-bits/sets/stubby-brad-point-bit-set-38mm-495130.html
I use the 3mm bit (that Jesse linked) all the time, esp. for starting pilot holes for hanging things or for screwing to studs. It's never the "right" size for anything, but it's a great size for nearly anything that isn't precision woodworking, so to speak. Get the replaceable bit type-- plaster, drywall, nails, etc are murder on sharp bits.
The socket drivers are super handy, don't forget those. Coupled with a compact socket set you've got potent flexibility.
Now, if you boost for the Installer's kit, you get everything above, plus almost everything you'd ever need... certainly for a good, long time. Costs a bundle, but worth it's weight in silver.
The right angle chuck is indeed a lifesaver when you need it. If you don't have the stock jacob's chuck, I would recommend you get the 1/2" chuck instead of the stock CXS chuck.
...By the by for anyone... HD has a really good deal going on right now. For $9.99 they're selling a "HDX' brand whole kit of the driver bits, including hex, Torx, Robertson (square), phillips, slotted, etc etc. Like 80 of them. A steal for $10, IMO. Also the compact socket set for $10. Looks to fit nicely in a Mini Sys.
At the very least, get one of the bit holders. You drill *should* have come with this: http://www.festoolusa.com/products/cordless-drills/centrotec-drill-bits/pilot-bit-with-depth-stop/centrotec-bit-holder-bh-60mm-492539.html
When using a driver bit, this is the one I use 99.5% of the time. I have the locking one, but it's not a necessity.
For drill bits, my suggestion is actually the stubby bit set which just became available in the US.
AND they'll fit in the Systainer with the CXS, which is a must for accessibility.
http://www.festoolusa.com/products/cordless-drills/centrotec-drill-bits/sets/stubby-brad-point-bit-set-38mm-495130.html
I use the 3mm bit (that Jesse linked) all the time, esp. for starting pilot holes for hanging things or for screwing to studs. It's never the "right" size for anything, but it's a great size for nearly anything that isn't precision woodworking, so to speak. Get the replaceable bit type-- plaster, drywall, nails, etc are murder on sharp bits.
The socket drivers are super handy, don't forget those. Coupled with a compact socket set you've got potent flexibility.
Now, if you boost for the Installer's kit, you get everything above, plus almost everything you'd ever need... certainly for a good, long time. Costs a bundle, but worth it's weight in silver.
The right angle chuck is indeed a lifesaver when you need it. If you don't have the stock jacob's chuck, I would recommend you get the 1/2" chuck instead of the stock CXS chuck.
...By the by for anyone... HD has a really good deal going on right now. For $9.99 they're selling a "HDX' brand whole kit of the driver bits, including hex, Torx, Robertson (square), phillips, slotted, etc etc. Like 80 of them. A steal for $10, IMO. Also the compact socket set for $10. Looks to fit nicely in a Mini Sys.
Similar threads
