New Festool Drill, what centrotec bits?

[PreferrablyWood]

I'm going to order the PDC 18 drill tomorrow and am going to buy Centrotec bits

I had thought that getting the following:

24 bit set with bitholder that fits the Systainer top compartment

The 6 woodbit (bradpoint) set going from 4 to 10mm. fits the systainer top compartment. plus a few centrotec HSS bits 1.5,2 and 3mm and a 12mm brad point bit to fill out the gap between 10 and 15mm

150mm extender for getting into hard to reach places

The countersink bit 2-8mm.

The Zobo bit set, now this is type of bit is new to me, and really I only need the 20mm bit right now but on doing the math getting the whole set with the centering bits that allow angled drilling with the Zobo bit bumps up the functionallity of the system.. I also note the the set moves in 5mm increments from 15-35mm, which is really a huge range covered by only 5 bits, so generally how small a resolution is needed for most uses?  The 30mm bit should work for hinges, the 20mm for making my own MFT tops? Just those two bits make the set pretty attractive combined with angled drilling with the guide bits. Mainly though it's the centrotec funtionallity that seems like a really nice thing to keep in mind as to user friendliness of the Festool sytem, if for example I go with a non Festool Zobo bit solution with more choices of bits what do I gain if the extra resolution is little used? Do the other manufacturers Zobo bits offer the guide bit funcionality?  I presently just use paddle bits, relatively cheap have done the job for soft wood, but I've always disliked using them seems like they would not work well for harder woods, get dull rather quick etc.  To sum up on Festool Zobo bits, a few high quality bits that fit the small centrotec  bitholder with added functionality of angled drilling as opposed to other manufacturers greater selection.

I'm waiting to get the depth stop chuck and the Angle chuck and putting the money toward the centrotec bits for now. I can't see an immediate use for these, and I think the above bits give me a pretty good start in getting the most out of my new drill, especially as the way I see it it does not make much sense to get a Festool drill without the centrotec bits.

Also I may still pick up a C12 or CXS and use those with their special chucks for doing angled drilling or even doing drywall with the C12 depth stop chuck for that job, as I think if might be more suitable for the job.

Centrotec thoughts anyone?

 

[neeleman]

Normally it's way cheaper to buy a complete SET from Festool.
That includes the eccentric/angled chucks and the Centrotec parts as well.
Buying these parts separate are quite expensive!! But they are all worth it.
Something to consider!!
It might cost you more money right now, but when you start using them, you want all the chucks and Centrotec parts.
I'm talking from my own experience.

You might want to look at an English dealer like Powertool-supplies or a German dealer like Gerschwitz.
They usually have cheaper prices then your local dealer.

 

[Stone Message]

I am a late convert to Centrotec and think that it is a well thought out and implemented standard. I am not sure if I saw the 5mm centring bit for euro screws.

I agree with your starter list - have you thought about getting the installers package which has a large range of Centrotec items.

I do not think anybody else makes a Zobo bit - I may be wrong. Perhaps you are thinking of Forstner bits. The huge advantage of the Zobo is the removable centre point which allows for very accurate line ups for drilling and also easier sharpening. This style of drill needs to run cool which the Zobo achieves by efficient chip deflection whereas most Forstners lose this ability (if they had it in the first place) and once they get hot they lose their edge.

I only use that flat bits when doing rough stuff like holes in stud work and so on.

Peter

 

[PreferrablyWood]

Normally it's way cheaper to buy a complete SET from Festool.

Yes I have drooled over the centrotec set from festool, but it does not include the Zobo bit set, nor the bits sets that fit in the top of the systainer that comes with the PDC 18 drill.. Also I think it's just overkill with all the bits that won't be used.. So financially it makes more sense to me to focus on the most interesting and needed bits, and take the hit for some of the more special use accesories as I need them..

That includes the eccentric/angled chucks and the Centrotec parts as well.
Buying these parts separate are quite expensive!! But they are all worth it.
Something to consider!!
It might cost you more money right now, but when you start using them, you want all the chucks and Centrotec parts.
I'm talking from my own experience.

Thank you I mostly agree with you that it makes sense to get all the chucks at once, but my bank account doesn't agree right now, so I'll need to make a hard selection. As for the centrotec I notice also that the centrotec sets are occasionally sold on the used market here, seems that some buyers find they don't need such a extensive set for their uses afterall..

You might want to look at an English dealer like Powertool-supplies or a German dealer like Gerschwitz.
They usually have cheaper prices then your local dealer.

I've been using ACH autocolor, FFX tools and Axminster in the uk, a local dealer in Copenhagen, and I bought a lot of Carvex blades from gerschwitz....

 

[PreferrablyWood]

I am a late convert to Centrotec and think that it is a well thought out and implemented standard. I am not sure if I saw the 5mm centring bit for euro screws.

I think it looks like it's very quick and easy to use system. I'm not sure about the euroscrews either, but I'm pretty sure for doing the hinges you can just measure out from the hinge itself..

I agree with your starter list - have you thought about getting the installers package which has a large range of Centrotec items.

It just seems to me like the installers package is too general and makes it harder for to find the funds for my other investments like the Zobo bits, router bits, to far out into the future..

I do not think anybody else makes a Zobo bit - I may be wrong. Perhaps you are thinking of Forstner bits. The huge advantage of the Zobo is the removable centre point which allows for very accurate line ups for drilling and also easier sharpening. This style of drill needs to run cool which the Zobo achieves by efficient chip deflection whereas most Forstners lose this ability (if they had it in the first place) and once they get hot they lose their edge.

I only use that flat bits when doing rough stuff like holes in stud work and so on.

Peter

My mistake I meant Forstner bits then...That's an interesting insight about the heat dissipation advantage of the Zobo bits.. Thanks for your quick and informative reply!

 

[jonny round boy]

and a 12mm brad point bit to fill out the gap between 10 and 15mm

Do Festool do a 12mm centrotec bit? I've never seen one - if they do, please share the part number!

 

[PreferrablyWood]

and a 12mm brad point bit to fill out the gap between 10 and 15mm

Do Festool do a 12mm centrotec bit? I've never seen one - if they do, please share the part number!

I'm hunting feverishly through mostly German websites today trying to get a handle on whats available, and,..  sigh,  No 12mm centrotec bits have shown up yet..

 

[PreferrablyWood]

I was earlier in this thread talking about getting the Zobo bit set containing the 15,20,25,30,35mm bits, I had already mentioned that I wanted to get a 150mm extender, there is a magnetic one but at is apparently just for bits, or in a pinch maybe also drillbits, I notice the offer a Zobo bit set that consists of the bits listed above plus two extenders as well as an extractor (?) that set rings in at a whopping 300 euro, and being thrifty I began to do my research, apparently the Zobo extenders are much beefier than the regular extenders, either wtih 9mm or 12mm shaft 150mm or 300mm in length, so that explains somewhat the extra cost of the kit, there is also a depth limiter that slides onto the shaft of the forstner bits or there extenders which allow precise repeatable drilling depths, I'm not sure if that is included in the kit, but for the price it should be, there are 3 different depth limiters that fit the different ranges of zobo bit diameters..

I'm finding that there are wild fluctuations in the price of these individual pieces of kit, the 150mm extender for use with Zobo bits on a handheld drill  A-WD M8 12x150 MAN 768137 Festool varies in price from under 30 Euro  in the protool version (only ships to Germany and Austria sigh) up to 67 euro.. At my otherwise fav dealer...

I was thinking of getting the magnetic extender for bits when I got the idea about the Zobo bits extender, as the Zobo bits alone seem not to offer enough depth for some of my usage scenarios, so in the very least I think getting the 150mm extender would be a must have.. I wonder also why there is a difference between the extenders offered for use with a handheld drill and a drillpress..

 

[AlexThePalex]

When you speak about the expensive 300 euro set with extensions, do you realise that they have no centrotec shaft? They are meant to be used with a drill with a jacobs chuck. These can accept extensions, and they are threaded so you screw them on.

[attachimg=1]

And then there's the 15-35mm set with a centrotec shaft. You can NOT use extensions with them. The 150 mm bit extender does fit, but as there's no locking mechanism, once the zobo goes fully into the wood it's gonna be difficult to get it out. Better not.

[attachimg=2]

That depthstop you talk about is of course not included in the set.

Here's a video from the dutch Festool website about zobos.

https://www.festool.nl/Service/Videos/Pages/Festool-TV/Boren_en_schroeven/ZOBO-boren.aspx

 

[PreferrablyWood]

When you speak about the expensive 300 euro set with extensions, do you realise that they have no centrotec shaft? They are meant to be used with a drill with a jacobs chuck. These can accept extensions, and they are threaded so you screw them on.

[attachimg=1]

And then there's the 15-35mm set with a centrotec shaft. You can NOT use extensions with them. The 150 mm bit extender does fit, but as there's no locking mechanism, once the zobo goes fully into the wood it's gonna be difficult to get it out. Better not.

[attachimg=2]

That depthstop you talk about is of course not included in the set.

Here's a video from the dutch Festool website about zobos.

https://www.festool.nl/Service/Videos/Pages/Festool-TV/Boren_en_schroeven/ZOBO-boren.aspx

Okay thanks so much for clearing this up, so for deep large diameter drilling it seems I would need to get the Zobo bits without centrotec, I must admit I speculated that the torque on the centrotec would be enormous for deep whole drilling up to 300mm, and alas it seems it is so. Probably a job best done on a drillpress or at least a beefy drill guide...

 

[AlexThePalex]

I must admit I speculated that the torque on the centrotec would be enormous for deep whole drilling up to 300mm, and alas it seems it is so. Probably a job best done on a drillpress or at least a beefy drill guide...

I don't see what torque has to do with the depth of cut, the torque would be the same when you're 50 mm or 300 mm deep, all that matters for torque is how much of the bit touches the wood, and that is the same at any depth.

A drill guide helps to keep your cut straight, so that would of course be very helpful for deeper holes.

The non-centrotec zobos come from the old Protool line and where meant for rough construction work where you have to drill through thick beams with powerfull drills, that's why they made them very sturdy. The centrotec zobos were Festool from the start and that line was more aimed at fine carpentry.
     

 

[PreferrablyWood]

I must admit I speculated that the torque on the centrotec would be enormous for deep whole drilling up to 300mm, and alas it seems it is so. Probably a job best done on a drillpress or at least a beefy drill guide...

I don't see what torque has to do with the depth of cut, the torque would be the same when you're 50 mm or 300 mm deep, all that matters for torque is how much of the bit touches the wood, and that is the same at any depth.

Good point there, I speculated as the length of material in the shank or extension increased the greater the overall surface of the twisting force would somehow have a bearing on the amount of torque exerted on the weakest link, in this case the groove in the centrotec shaft...

A drill guide helps to keep your cut straight, so that would of course be very helpful for deeper holes.

I often see in the video demos with these unguided deep whole drilling examples and it seems it has some physics involved that I don't quite understand as I haven't tried this type of work before..At least to my mind I'd prefer using a drill guide..

The non-centrotec zobos come from the old Protool line and where meant for rough construction work where you have to drill through thick beams with powerfull drills, that's why they made them very sturdy. The centrotec zobos were Festool from the start and that line was more aimed at fine carpentry.
   

Thanks for the info here, it helps to clarify things so I can make better choices, I've I mind to go for the centrotec set, and if the need arises for deep hole drilling in the

 

[PreferrablyWood]

Okay my shopping cart growed large here's whats soon on it's way to this greedy festoolian: Important to note the cost of the kit:

The knobs that will work with my Parf and rail dogs, I want to use them like clamping elements..

Festool Spannsatz SZ-KS 494693

Artikel-Nr.: 494693

2
12,25 €*
24,50 €*
 
The Carvex needs some love too, so I'm getting som of the gold Carvex blades 75mm

Festool Holz-Spezial Stichsägeblatt S 75/4 FS 5x Stück

Artikel-Nr.: 486549

10,95 €*
 
I'm getting the Quadrive PDC plus with the two batteries which also work with my Carvex, I realize in the real world I'll likely have to supplement these with at least one more battery pack.

FESTOOL Akku-Schlagbohrschrauber QUADRIVE PDC 18/4 18-4 Li 4,2 Plus

Artikel-Nr.: 768927

499,00 €*
 
The Festool centrotec bradpoint bits, the long version in the small case that is compatible with the Top compartments of the PDC systainer.. I'm not clear if I can replace the drill bits in the centrotec holders as I don't seem to be able to find them as spare parts... Expensive set if that's not possible

Festool Bohrer DB WOOD CE SET TL 6x

Artikel-Nr.: 769093

34,49 €*
 
I'm going for the Zobo centrotec set, now knowing full well that they are not compatible with the 12x150mm extender, I figure these will do for most uses, and in future if i'm doing heavy work with big timber I'll just get a spiral bit or a one or two of the extendable Zobo bits...

Festool Forstn,Bohr,Set FB-Set-D 15-35 CE-Zobo

Artikel-Nr.: 496390

128,28 €*

 
Just a smart little case with enough bits and the fancy bit holder that fits the systainer top compartments attracted me to these, I can buy additional bits singlely as needed but this box will help keep things organised..

Festool Bit BITS + BHS 65 CE TL 24x

Artikel-Nr.: 769094

22,31 €*
 
Thes is the countersink without depth stop which should do me for most of my uses, I look forward to doing quick switch overs with bits and another centrotec drillbit...and then the torx bit..

Festool QUERLOCHSENKER QLS D2- 8 CE für Centrotec

Artikel-Nr.: 492520

16,80 €*
 
The famous extender that can't be used with the centrotec zobo bits, but will be useful for getting into hard to reach places, this will also negate the need for getting the long bits set which seems inflexible and expensive..
Festool BIT-VERLÄNGERER BV 150 CE

Artikel-Nr.: 492540

24,51 €*
 
The brad point bit set starts at 4mm so I made sure I ordered a 3mm bit, I'd also like to go smaller but then I'd have to switch over to the HSS spiral bits, I frankly don't have the patience right now to sort that out and will use my existing bits for smaller hole diameters..
Festool HOLZBOHRER D 3 CE/W
Festool HOLZBOHRER D 3 CE/W

Artikel-Nr.: 492512

Sofort versandfertig
1
9,76 €*
9,76 €*
 
The TS 75 needs some love too so I'm supplementing my standard, crosscut, and panther blades with the Aluminum/plexiblade, I actually have a job coming up that requires it so it goes into the basket now too
Festool KREISSÄGEBLATT HW 210X2,4X30 TF72
Festool KREISSÄGEBLATT HW 210X2,4X30 TF72

Artikel-Nr.: 493201

Sofort versandfertig
1
89,00 €*
89,00 €*

So my shopping list ends here, thanks for the inputs on the Centrotec system.. I think especielly the help on the zobo bit system was extremely useful...

 

[neeleman]

Nice listing, and interesting prices.
You always spent more then you intent when looking in to the Festool catalogue.
BTW. Which is your dealer?

 

[AlexThePalex]

The Festool centrotec bradpoint bits, the long version in the small case that is compatible with the Top compartments of the PDC systainer.. I'm not clear if I can replace the drill bits in the centrotec holders as I don't seem to be able to find them as spare parts... Expensive set if that's not possible

You can not replace those wood bits, the centrotec shaft is fixed and not a holder like with the metal bits. Expensive indeed, but everything about Festool and centrotec is expensive. But if you look at other brands like for instance Famag you will find similar prices, without the centrotec shaft. I own the bradpoint bits now for 4 years, I'm a hobbyist and not a pro, so I don't use them that often but I haven't had to replace a single one of them yet.

The famous extender that can't be used with the centrotec zobo bits, but will be useful for getting into hard to reach places, this will also negate the need for getting the long bits set which seems inflexible and expensive..
Festool BIT-VERLÄNGERER BV 150 CE

I'm very fond of the 100 mm long bits, I use them as my go-to bits. I like that they're longer so you have some reach without having to use a holder or extension. That said, I'm very fond of the 150 mm extension too, I use it very often.

But don't let your centrotec stuff become wet! Festool metal rusts like crazy. I always keep some of those small SilicaGel packs with my drill and bits. I once did some work on a roof, left two bits on the roof, one by Bosch and one of those gold coloured 25 mm bits from Festool. When I came back after a week of heavy rain the Festool one was a single piece of rust while the Bosch bit was as new.

 

[PreferrablyWood]

Nice listing, and interesting prices.
You always spent more then you intent when looking in to the Festool catalogue.
BTW. Which is your dealer?

After much searching both Danish, UK, and German sites I've used ACH Autocolor 3 times now they seem to be quite competitive, some things are cheaper at Gershiltiz, or FFX tool and fittings in the UK, but things work out well and delivery is quick and everything gets registered for me at Festool service all inclusive. Speaking danish I can mostly figure out what the texts meaning are and I double check using Google translate...

 

[PreferrablyWood]

The Festool centrotec bradpoint bits, the long version in the small case that is compatible with the Top compartments of the PDC systainer.. I'm not clear if I can replace the drill bits in the centrotec holders as I don't seem to be able to find them as spare parts... Expensive set if that's not possible

You can not replace those wood bits, the centrotec shaft is fixed and not a holder like with the metal bits. Expensive indeed, but everything about Festool and centrotec is expensive. But if you look at other brands like for instance Famag you will find similar prices, without the centrotec shaft. I own the bradpoint bits now for 4 years, I'm a hobbyist and not a pro, so I don't use them that often but I haven't had to replace a single one of them yet.

The famous extender that can't be used with the centrotec zobo bits, but will be useful for getting into hard to reach places, this will also negate the need for getting the long bits set which seems inflexible and expensive..
Festool BIT-VERLÄNGERER BV 150 CE

I'm very fond of the 100 mm long bits, I use them as my go-to bits. I like that they're longer so you have some reach without having to use a holder or extension. That said, I'm very fond of the 150 mm extension too, I use it very often.

But don't let your centrotec stuff become wet! Festool metal rusts like crazy. I always keep some of those small SilicaGel packs with my drill and bits. I once did some work on a roof, left two bits on the roof, one by Bosch and one of those gold coloured 25 mm bits from Festool. When I came back after a week of heavy rain the Festool one was a single piece of rust while the Bosch bit was as new.

Thanks for the tips on the issue of rust, I'll take a cloth and a blower to them if they get wet... Seems like an oversight to me... I know the 100mm bits would be useful, but I speculate that the selection my be somewhat limited for the price..

 

[andyman]

I had the 3mm hss bit arrive today didn't realise it came with 2 spare drill bits and an allen key not bad for just over £6 pleasantly surprised may have to get a few more

 

[carlb40]

I had the 3mm hss bit arrive today didn't realise it came with 2 spare drill bits and an allen key not bad for just over £6 pleasantly surprised may have to get a few more

Those ones are great for the money and seem to stay sharp for ages. That is unless you let a work mate use one, only to find them drilling too far and catch concrete underneath. [mad]

 

[PreferrablyWood]

I ended up changing my order a wee bit, I've kept the whole list centered on the drill and centrotec bits. The gear then is finalized and will arrive this friday or monday.. It's been quite a journey sorting through all the possibities and frankely I'm releaved the shopping for now is over!!!

I just added the stone bit set and kept all the centrotec things on the list. I'm waiting on the HSS set, as I think I may go with just a few individual pieces and may want to experiment with non centrotec high end Titanium, or Colbalt bits for drilling heavy duty steel types..

Another thing I'm waiting on getting is the adaptor for using sockets, it's rather expensive and I speculate that the Fast Fix 3/8 chuck  might be more interesting to get, it would keep the sockets close to the body of the drill, or if using an extender it will perhaps seem easier to control.. The chuck itself is about 2x the price of the adaptor but seems like a more solid solution. Question then is I'd need to get a 3/8 to 1/4" adaptor for smaller socket sizes..

To sum up I've pretty bought the whole range of centrotec bits and drill bits, Zobo bits, less the depth controlled countersinks, the 5mm euro centering bit, and the 100mm bits. I didn't get the kit with the angle chuck and the Depth stop chuck, thinking that these things aren't really necessary in this heavy duty size for what I'm doing. I'd prefer the small drills, like the C12 with the old style depth stop, angle chuck, eccentric for working in tight spaces.. Or even the CXS but then I'd be getting into incompatibilities with the charger, The C12 batteries would be great lightweight alternatives to use for light work with the PDC or even as a cheaper alternative thing to use in a syslite, or the Carvex working on thin stock...