Router Bit Systainer 1 - Deep Enough?

[andvari]

I'm thinking about buying the router bit Systainer 1 listed on Amazon, however in one of the reviews there is a comment that it is not deep enough for some bits.

I'm wondering what people here think about it? And what an alternative might be.

 

[AlexThePalex]

It will fit most bits, except for a very small minority. If you want it deeper, get a sys 2 with the foam inlay separately. Any Festoold dealer can order those for you.

 

[Guy Ashley]

It will take most router bits without a problem but if you have the long bits, like the 70mm two flute cutter for a lock jig then those are too long to close the lid on the Sys 1.

In which case your options are keep those in their plastic protective sleeve and just lay them in the Sys 1, or get a Sys 2 as Alex said.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

My adjustable rail and stile bits don't fit and are instead, in a sys 2 with the foam bit inserts.  I think there are others that I have that don't fit in the sys 1, but I don't recall them off hand.

One thing I can say is you won't have to worry about fitting any of the MFK700 bits in that sys 1.  [wink]

 

[Wood_Junkie]

I also moved the foam inser to a Sys 2.

I had a lot of bits that didn't fit within the Sys1 height.  The "extra" height around/above shorter bits is a great place I store a few accessories, etc.  I kept a few holes empty and keep a whole rabbeting bit set (in box!) inside the Sys2.

 

[Brice Burrell]

It will take most router bits without a problem but if you have the long bits, like the 70mm two flute cutter for a lock jig then those are too long to close the lid on the Sys 1.

In which case your options are keep those in their plastic protective sleeve and just lay them in the Sys 1, or get a Sys 2 as Alex said.

That's what I did too.

 

[andvari]

Thanks for the opinions.

I think it's likely that I'll be able to get along with laying a few tall bits on their sides. So I'm going with the sys 1 to start, and if that becomes a problem I'll move the insert to a sys 2 and use the sys 1 for something else.

 

[Wood_Junkie]

You can also drill more / extra holes in the router bit foam.  There's a lot of space around each side.  I think I added about 15-20 extra spots.  I'll see if i can dig up a link for that thread, which includes Brice's nice review of this, and also the Sys Box container.

As an aside, someone else (edit:  neilc) posted the excellent tip to drill the extra holes using a pen blank tube or something similar.  A regular drill bit isn't so great in the foam, but it does the job.

Linkie to other thread RE:  router bit Systainer
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/sys-box-1-systainer-with-colored-boxes-router-bit-case/msg85428/#msg85428

 

[tbellemare]

Mr. Junkie:

Did you try the Festool brad point drills?

I haven't and so I'm curious. Every time I touch one it seems like it would slice me or anything softer than pig iron.

Tom

 

[Wood_Junkie]

Mr. Junkie:

Did you try the Festool brad point drills?

I haven't and so I'm curious. Every time I touch one it seems like it would slice me or anything softer than pig iron.

Tom

At the time I didn't have the Fesotol brad point bits.  I do now, and your are correct, they are scary sharp.  I did a review of them a while back.  Excellent clean cutting.