Short review of countersinks.

Rob-GB said:
Frank-Jan, Thanks I'm not going doo-lally then [laughing] [laughing].

The 5mm with countersink does not show on the Festool UK site  [sad]

Alex, I believe the self centering bit you called the hinge centreing bit is actually designed for cabinet work where the fittings drawer runners, hinges etc. are fixed with those stubby (short) screws, so the drill bit does not need to be all that long. It would be nice if Festool made one for ordinary door hinges, say for 3" and 4" butts, the ones available over here have too much slop in them and when the wood swarth gets packed into them(due to poor design) the bit snaps!
Rob.
Click to expand...

Spot on Rob!!

I make and fit hardwood doors and the ones you refer to as snapping make me "Snappy"  [tongue] when it happens on site as you spend an age digging the broken bit out, redowling the hole, redrilling it with a normal brad bit.

The springs go very sloppy very quickly even if only used on softwood frames so come on Festool, those of us who use your kit are giving you a heads up on a piece of kit that would be "snapped up" if you offered it.

Good chip clearance, strong spring, strong non deflecting drill bit, adjustable depth and a in a variety of sizes.

Too much to ask?
 
Rob-GB said:
.......It would be nice if Festool made one for ordinary door hinges, say for 3" and 4" butts, the ones available over here have too much slop in them and when the wood swarth gets packed into them(due to poor design) the bit snaps!

Rob.
Click to expand...

I completely agree.  I've got a few Vix brand self centering bits that are nice but a Centrotec version would be great.
 
Does anyone know if the Festool countersink has carbide cutters? I have been using the Snappy carbide cutter countersinks and have had very clean cuts in all materials, just no depth stop.

John
 
junk said:
Does anyone know if the Festool countersink has carbide cutters? I have been using the Snappy carbide cutter countersinks and have had very clean cuts in all materials, just no depth stop.

John
Click to expand...

They are not carbide, John, but do cut very nicely.  [big grin]

Rob.
 
junk said:
Does anyone know if the Festool countersink has carbide cutters? I have been using the Snappy carbide cutter countersinks and have had very clean cuts in all materials, just no depth stop.
Click to expand...

No centrotec stuff has any carbide cutters, but it isn't standard HSS either. You can tell by the touch and feel and sound of it that it's extremely hard metal, and every centrotec piece, be it a wood or a metal drill bit or a countersink, gives you extremely clean cuts. I've never used or seen any better stuff.
 
bonesbr549 said:
At a trade show a few years back I bought a set of snappy bits.  Started with some countersinks then purchased there centerbits (vix style).  I've been very pleased.  The quality si outstanding...   
Click to expand...

Snappy makes some nice stuff but I prefer the Vix-Bit brand. For one thing the sleeve that centers the bit is more round and tapers more than other brands and this gives the bits a better fit in a great range of hinges and other hardware.
 
Any of you on that side of the pond know of a Vix bit retailer who is likely to ship to the UK?

Anyone else use these Vix bits and can recommend them?

The usual stuff here in the UK are imports from the Far East whereas the Vix bits are US made and so I would imagine the quality control is better.
 
Alex said:
junk said:
Does anyone know if the Festool countersink has carbide cutters? I have been using the Snappy carbide cutter countersinks and have had very clean cuts in all materials, just no depth stop.
Click to expand...

No centrotec stuff has any carbide cutters, but it isn't standard HSS either. You can tell by the touch and feel and sound of it that it's extremely hard metal, and every centrotec piece, be it a wood or a metal drill bit or a countersink, gives you extremely clean cuts. I've never used or seen any better stuff.
Click to expand...

is it HCS then?
 
Deansocial said:
Alex said:
junk said:
Does anyone know if the Festool countersink has carbide cutters? I have been using the Snappy carbide cutter countersinks and have had very clean cuts in all materials, just no depth stop.
Click to expand...

No centrotec stuff has any carbide cutters, but it isn't standard HSS either. You can tell by the touch and feel and sound of it that it's extremely hard metal, and every centrotec piece, be it a wood or a metal drill bit or a countersink, gives you extremely clean cuts. I've never used or seen any better stuff.
Click to expand...

is it HCS then?
Click to expand...

I have no idea. Festool never gives any specs. By the way, I've never even heard of HCS steel either.  [blink]
 
HCS just means high carbon steel

Off the web:

The HCS steel Standards are: AISI D6 ; W nr. 1.2436 ; JIS SKD2

Elements and composition

Iron = about 83%

Carbon = 2.05%

Chromium = 12.7 %

Manganese = 0.8%

Silicon = 0.3%

Others = 1.1%

High performance tool steel with high wear resistance and toughness.

Hardness approx. HB = 240
 
Ah, thanks for the explanation nick. But I still don't have any idea what the magic ingredient is. But it works.
 
i just received my 5mm countersink this evening.

i look forward to using it tomorrow. i think the maximum drill depth of 28mm will be an issue with a 75mm batten screw.
i will know more tomorrow.

justin.
 
I have Famag countersinks which are tct and adjustable but no depth stop. I have 90 and 180 degree versions, brilliant, best quality I have used.
 
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