Robertson Tips for Centrotec

Erik63 said:
I prefer GRKs as well. There are just some specific screws, mainly deck screws that I don't have an option of the GRKs. Also, when I need a box of screws to finish a job, GRKs are hard to locate in my area. Every yard carries an assortment of robertson screws tho.
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Must be a regional thing regarding the Robertson screws.  They're as hard to find in my area as GRKs although I can easily find Kreg screws at Woodcraft.  Fastenal will order GRKs for me, but the price per unit just about doubles.  With sufficient notice, I can order GRK screws here. 

[smile]
 
What is it with Fastenal and their prices?  Every time they come up in a search they either don't have it, or they are double everyone elses [blink].  I've used the buygrk site as well, and as long as I plan ahead as you mentioned, they have some very good prices.  TW Perry here in MD stocks them and they have a couple of locations in NOVA.  Also, dare I say it, the Borg  [embarassed] , believe it or not carries them as well online and you can pick up at the store closest to you!

 
rookie08 said:
What is it with Fastenal and their prices?  Every time they come up in a search they either don't have it, or they are double everyone elses [blink].  I've used the buygrk site as well, and as long as I plan ahead as you mentioned, they have some very good prices.  TW Perry here in MD stocks them and they have a couple of locations in NOVA.  Also, dare I say it, the Borg  [embarassed] , believe it or not carries them as well online and you can pick up at the store closest to you!
Click to expand...

TW Perry SAID they had the GRK screws that I wanted at the Leesburg store, but when I got there, it was a very different story.  Their selection was VERY limited.  Woodcraft, also in Leesburg, said "What's a GRK screw?"  I ordered from Rockler and subsequently found out about buyGRKfasteners.com. 

[sad]
 
I'd sign up for that.  Depending on pricing I'd go for a half dozen 2" #2. Possibly more depending on price.  I'd also be interested in the 4" as well if you guys decide on doing some as well
 
Sparktrician said:
fritter63 said:
Frank Pellow said:
By the way, in Canada, we usually refer to the screw sizes by colour, rather than by a number.
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??? Do they change color as they get more frozen?

[poke]
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I hear they get smaller as it gets colder; kind of like... 

[big grin]
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It's sad that a long time ago there was an impass between Mr Ford and Mr Robertson on rights and such that decided the fate of the Robertson designed screw head to ultimately have a stranglehold over the inferior straight slot screw in NA.  Eventually, the Phillips scew became the mainstay in the US despite its shortcomings.  While a Phillips head is great for drywall, they suck for most other applications.

Seems to be another similar story like Beta vs VHS which we some of us can relate to better.

And what a lot of US folks don't realize is, is that the Robertson design has been successfully abridged upon in the US regardless.  The Robertson slot is tapered, offering a semi slip proof easy to use manipulation when holding a screw and trying to aim it towards an objective when the screw is inserted onto a drive shaft regardless of its orbital orientation.  There's a knock off US square head that is non tapered square slotting that was introduced years ago trying to marginalize Robertson of any type of further threat that is inferior and does not offer the same amenable usage, but nevertheless, will purpote itself to be just the same.

Mr Robertson had a great screw, and despite its lack of widespread usage beyond Canada, is a success, but he did not have the forsight or the inclination to get into recipocral agreements that would have made him - or his heirs - multi billionaires, versus millionaires.

 
I'm canadian and I refer to screw sizes by both colour and number depending on my mood and how bad i want to confuse people.
 
Put me down for a few sets if the quality is comparable to the Festool bits.  90% of the bits that I use are either Torx or Robertson.  I personally think it's excessively irritating that I spent more then $1000 on a new drill and centrotec set and Festool wont supply Robertson bits with their sets.... I know, I know its' a dead horse, but Festool brags about the engineering and manufacturing prowess, yet they can't supply a simply driver bit.... lame!
 
I've lost track of where things stand with regard to sourcing Robertson bits for conversion, but my experience has been that the Kreg bits are the best quality Robertson bits I have found.  I think they are mostly #2 in 4" and 6" lengths.
 
Just to update everyone.

I have been trying a few different tips, trying to find the best quality bits available.

I dont want to start sending people tips, that have not been tested for durability.
Depending on the tips selected, the price will vary, Pricing will be set after I select the tip.

As soon as I get a tip selected, I will be able to start running them through the lathe in production style.
As soon as I have tips ready to ship, I will send everyone that replied here a message on actually placing an order.

Keep any requests coming, Also suggestions of tip manufactures.

Thanks,
Erik
 
I prefer the round cylindrical style of the Kreg drivers. The reason I use the 6" drivers are for pocket screws and I don't like when a hex shaft is in the pocket hole possibly marring up the inside of the pocket...maybe @n@l, but I often fill my pocket holes with plugs!

Just my .02!

Bob
 
Erik63 said:
Im not looking to beat a dead horse with this topic.

I recently purchased a T-15 set and have been very impressed with the drill. I like the Centrotec system and the added efficiency it offers changing out bits. Like others on here, #2 square head screws are more common than any other screw I use.

With Festool not offering any Robertson tips for the Centrotec chuck, I went to a friend at a shop with access to CNC lathes. I had him turn my standard bits down to fit in the Centrotec chuck and add a grove for the detent. This worked out great for me. He made a program so we can easily turn the standard tip to fit into the centrotec chuck.

I was seeing if there was any interest from members here for robertson tips. I have talked with Shane to make sure it was alright to offer these here. I don't have pricing yet, but would guess it would be in the same ballpark of the current festool tips.

Also, what length does everyone use the most? I use the 2" commonly, pocket screws I use the 6" and sometimes 4" depending on what Im doing.

I am just seeing how many people would be interested in these.

Thanks,
Erik
Click to expand...

4" and 6" long, #2 square tips, yes please.

probably three each, to start. more to follow.
 
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