New Festool Drills, Drilling, GRK's etc

[rookie08]

I just made the plunge and bought a couple of Festool drills, a new CXS and a new lithium, old style, T12 set (too good as deal to pass up). 

I've got a bunch of other Bosch and Milwaukee drills and except for an impact driver, was planning on getting rid of the rest of them.  My only concern (bit late now I guess,  [embarassed] is the centrotec drill bits.  I'm fine with the extention on the centrotec chuck for driving screws but I'm concerned about the drilling.  I know I can buy the Imperial set, but has anyone found themselves limited by it.  I've got holes saws, spade bits, pocket hole bits, extensions, and forstner bits with the standard 1/4 hex.  I know I can add the keyless chuck but it makes the drill considerably nose heavy IMO. 

1) do you find this to be a daily irritant
2) do you just bite the bullet and use the keyless chuck, or the bit holders for all your non centrotec bits you have accumulated over the years
3) do you find yourself grinding in a centrotec groove in all your old bits, or new Montana bits (GREAT video as usual Paul)
4) do you just use GRK screws which claim to never need pilot holes  (not doubting; just ordered some samples to try them)
5) do you find yourself hoping Rick can just create a centrotec chuck that accepts both! (Rick???)  [big grin]
or
6) does just basking in the green glow of an otherwise impeccably well engineered tool make it all go away and seem irrelevant.  [unsure]

Seriously any tips, advice, is as always greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[GhostFist]

use the keyless from the CXS then. It's still a very light drill considering its capabilities and build quality

 

[fifo28]

So I was in the exact same boat your are in.  I thought the exact same thing about the centrotec system and had the same questions.  I picked up a T-15 drill and the CXS.  So to answer your questions:

1. Not really, it would be great if used the hex system but its not as bad as I thought it would be.  Occasionally for drilling I find that using a hex drill bit seems a bit wobbly but its not too bad.  Ideally getting everything Centrotec would be ideal, but its pricey.

2. Yes, again its not a big deal.  I picked up the smaller holder and it works well.

3. No

4. No

5. That would be great!

6. Its not as bad as I thought it would be.  While the green glow is bright some of the pricing for drill bits, etc. is pretty high.  Ideally I would love to order a centrotec bit set and then all is well, but I cant see spending that much.  So I move on with hex bits etc and again it has not been a big deal.

Whats up with the new Montana bits?  Did i miss something?

 

[Sparktrician]

use the keyless from the CXS then. It's still a very light drill considering its capabilities and build quality

 

+1. 

[smile]

 

[rookie08]

Fifo and Willy

Thanks for the responses (Willi, your dog picture scared the $%&%^ out my dog.  [scared] [big grin]

Paul mentioned the Montana bits on his CXS video review and I asked him about it.  He really seems to like them and they are reasonably priced.

www.montanabrandtools.com  Actually  made in the US, in Montana; imagine that!

For the more common bits I might go with the imperial Festool set though at 125 it's still pretty steep.  However I tried them at the Katz road show this Friday and they are so sharp I had to be careful just handling them.

Another option is buying 3 or 4 of the most popular Festool individual bits that come with the bit holders and 2 extra bits so you can swap out new bits as you wear out the old ones.  493427 is what they look like.

Choices!

James

 

[jtwood]

I have a T-15+3 and a CXS, and use the keyless chuck from the CXS as others have suggested for drilling with non-Centrotec bits.  For driving, I use the magnetic extension.
I also broke down and ordered the Centrotec set coming out October 1st, which will simplify a lot of applications.  Pricey, but worth it, I hope.