New drill is beautiful...but do I have to buy a Festool coutersink?

[Benjamin Miner]

Hey all - I am once again amazed by the quality of Festool's product. Tried out the new lithium ion drill on a cabinet install this week. Light, super powerful, no run-down on the batteries. Also, the offset chuck was a pleasure to use, and very handy in the installation.

Two questions, for you seasoned Fes-drillers: 1) The right angle chuck. Very nicely made, and I used it (with great joy) to cut a 1 1/4" hole in a tight cabinet space. My question here - how do you get it to lock the bit? The offset attachment works just as I would expect - the little collar slips down and then back up, keeping the bit from coming loose. I couldn't figure this out on the other attachment. Does it actually not lock the bits? It worked well, but I could imagine this being a problem in some instances.

2) I use Fuller bits a whole lot. I like using a quick-change bit holder when I can, and Fuller has a ball-detent version available. I also like the short configuration of the centrotec chuck, but it's prorietary! Has anybody figured out a workaround for this problem? I can't figure out why Festool would make the offset chuck universal (it accepts ball-detent bits and driver tips), but not its own quick change. I have a lot of Fuller stuff, and sure I can just use the standard chuck, and yes one could argue that this is a minor point, but we're all tool geeks here, right?

 

[tbellemare]

Banjamin:

The reason the Right-Angle and Eccentric Chucks are different is because the Right-Angle Chuck has an output shaft that matches the output shaft of the drill. This allows it to take all of the same combinations as the drill itself.

To do what you are asking it to you would use the Right-Angle Chuck, the Centrotec Chuck, and the Centrotec Locking Magnetic Bit Holder:

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You could also use the Keyless, Jacobs-style Chuck to grab the bit:

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This document explains the combinations pretty well.

Tom

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

The reason for the Centrotec chuck is that the bits are longer, which allows for less run out. So, you get nearly the same bit stability properties as a 3-jaw chuck with the convenience of a quick-change. I've owned my C12 for almost a year now, and have fully adjusted to the Centrotec system. I did buy the Festool adjustable countersink bit, I would STRONGLY recommend it! I love being able to individually set the depth of the pilot bit as well as the countersink, VERY COOL!! For cabinetry the Centrotec bits are great for allowing me to perform most tasks with my C12 alone, and if I'm drilling holes and driving screws in rapid succession and it's not time efficient to switch bits, then I use the C12 for countersinking and drilling operations, and my Makita impact driver for driving and fastening. The system works great! As far as a work-around, I seem to remember some users using a lathe to modify bits to fit into the Centrotec chuck. Also, I've heard rumors that square drive Centrotec bits are in the works. Good luck! 

 

[mastercabman]

... I've heard rumors that square drive Centrotec bits are in the works. Good luck! 

YEAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

 

[mastercabman]

Hey all - I am once again amazed by the quality of Festool's product. Tried out the new lithium ion drill on a cabinet install this week. Light, super powerful, no run-down on the batteries. Also, the offset chuck was a pleasure to use, and very handy in the installation.

Two questions, for you seasoned Fes-drillers: 1) The right angle chuck. Very nicely made, and I used it (with great joy) to cut a 1 1/4" hole in a tight cabinet space. My question here - how do you get it to lock the bit? The offset attachment works just as I would expect - the little collar slips down and then back up, keeping the bit from coming loose. I couldn't figure this out on the other attachment. Does it actually not lock the bits? It worked well, but I could imagine this being a problem in some instances.

2) I use Fuller bits a whole lot. I like using a quick-change bit holder when I can, and Fuller has a ball-detent version available. I also like the short configuration of the centrotec chuck, but it's prorietary! Has anybody figured out a workaround for this problem? I can't figure out why Festool would make the offset chuck universal (it accepts ball-detent bits and driver tips), but not its own quick change. I have a lot of Fuller stuff, and sure I can just use the standard chuck, and yes one could argue that this is a minor point, but we're all tool geeks here, right?

BEN,  The offset and the right angle are different because with the RA it is design to attache the centrotec or a chuck.But with the offset,since it is design to drive screws in very tight spot it is only design to have a bit.It wouldn't make any sense to attach a centrotec or a chuck.
I don't use the offset very much but it is nice to have when you need it.
As far as counter sink,i do use the FESTOOL.It is a lot of money but i really like it.easy to adjust.

 

[fortrout]

As with every good tool accessories can make or break it . If you get the counter sinks ,It can only lead to a desire for even more Centrotec tools. Check out my centrotec kit from the UK ,Just under 300.00US including shipping.ENJOY

 

[Frank-Jan]

I have the centrotec'08 set aswell, and I use the screwdriver handle a lot more than I expected. (and the magnet a lot less, don't like it, and I found a magnetiser/de-magnetiser thing that actually works now)
The thing next to the bit-box in the second picture is a centrotec-adapter, so you can use the centrotec bits in a drill with a regular chuck. (well you could use them in such a drill anyway, but with this you have the quick change feature aswell)

I saw in the updated pricelist that festool is selling that accessory by itself aswell now it's called "adapter, BA-CE Centrotec" nr: 496450
Tom, if it's available in the US already, it would be a good addition to your centrotec page.

I ordered various centrotec accesories when I bought my protool drill, including the countersink drill (I also ordered both sizes of the countersinks without the pilot-drill and depth-collar, but I don't like those), The countersink drill with the depth setting works really great, and I really like it inspite of it's high price. (After I bought it, I saw in some woodworking newsletter that another company is selling similar bits also with a similar non-marring depth collar, I don't remember the brand, but my guess is they will be much more affordable, iirc the collar on those was white)
I like the hookturner thingy aswell (allthough I rarely use it, but that thing wasn't that expensive)