Show your systainer

[4nthony]

[member=75283]4nthony[/member] : maybe this is useful to you for your weekend project.  I did not drill holes in the ply wherein I could insert the bits directly. Using the plastic bushings fixed 2 issues for me. First, this way I could drill uniformly sized holes and rearrange the bits as needed. And second, if you are in an environment where moisture levels are high, then having wood and steel in direct contact for a longer time might not be a good idea if you want to reduce the risk of corrosion on the shanks of the bits.

Thanks for the tip. I'm planning to use the Rockler inserts mentioned above by [member=63643]cpw[/member].

My first attempt ended in failure. Everything was going well until I was halfway through the outline cut. I thought it looked a bit small and sure enough, it was way too small. I downloaded a template from Shaper Hub but didn't verify the dimensions. I'm not sure which Systainer this was meant for. It seems too big for the mini-Systainer but I didn't check the mini's dimensions.

I found a properly sized template for a T-Loc and spaced out the holes for variable bit sizes, leaving room for a label row. I'll give it another go today.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

[member=75283]4nthony[/member] I have had that happen to me too. I don't know if it is just the parameters of the software in which it was created or what?  When I did my mini with the Shaper tools/bits a couple of weeks ago, the wrench files that I downloaded were small too. These were some of the old files that have been there seemingly forever, so you would think that they would have been corrected/updated by now.
The collet wrench shape was right, but the length was off, it didn't take much to correct it. I think I just sized it up by off-set? The small 4mm hex key wasn't as easy. I did increase the off-set and only cut around the head, it was too short in the short in the shank too, but I didn't want to widen it at the same time. I just added to the length by putting an "extra" rectangle on the end, with the On-board feature.

 

[4nthony]

[member=75283]4nthony[/member] I have had that happen to me too. I don't know if it is just the parameters of the software in which it was created or what?  When I did my mini with the Shaper tools/bits a couple of weeks ago, the wrench files that I downloaded were small too. These were some of the old files that have been there seemingly forever, so you would think that they would have been corrected/updated by now.

The short instructions on the template I previously downloaded mentioned it was created in Fusion 360 so maybe something was lost in translation when imported into Studio? This was the first time I've experienced such a discrepancy but I'll be sure to keep an eye out for it on future templates.

I decided not to use the Sys1 T-Loc I had (not tall enough for all my bits) and picked up a Sys3 M187 DF from my local Woodcraft. I downloaded a newer Sys3 template from Shaper Hub. Not knowing what I'd end up with, I cut the base on the Shaper first to check the fit, then manually laid out the hole placement and cut the holes at the drill press. The fit off the Shaper was almost perfect. I needed about 5mm on each side of the forward curve for it to fit and was able to cut that out at the bandsaw.

The 5/8" holes for the Rockler inserts didn't offer the same friction fit when cut on the drill press -- my 5/8" Forstner bit must be a hair larger than the 15.88mm diameter I previously cut on the Shaper -- so I ended up having to secure them with CA glue.

I'll work on some labels this week then call this one done. [cool]

 

[PaulMarcel]

The short instructions on the template I previously downloaded mentioned it was created in Fusion 360 so maybe something was lost in translation when imported into Studio? This was the first time I've experienced such a discrepancy but I'll be sure to keep an eye out for it on future templates.

I don't recall which application I used when I originally got the Origin, but the SVGs it produced were always smaller than I designed. Once I'd export with 133% zoom, it was dead on. Trying to find out why, it seems SVG doesn't specify any kind of scaling for its points, which seems nuts for a transfer format.

Now I use Affinity Designer with the Shaper Origin export personna (Shaper's site explains the settings to create) and it works well.

 

[gwendal]

The short instructions on the template I previously downloaded mentioned it was created in Fusion 360 so maybe something was lost in translation when imported into Studio? This was the first time I've experienced such a discrepancy but I'll be sure to keep an eye out for it on future templates.

I don't recall which application I used when I originally got the Origin, but the SVGs it produced were always smaller than I designed. Once I'd export with 133% zoom, it was dead on. Trying to find out why, it seems SVG doesn't specify any kind of scaling for its points, which seems nuts for a transfer format.

Scale by 133.33% is usually needed when the file is exported at 72dpi but the importer assumes 96dpi, 2 common setups. See multiple posts in the shapertools forum like this one mention the problem.

 

[hdv]

[member=75283]4nthony[/member] : Nice work!  [thumbs up]

 

[Michael Kellough]

The actual size of holes drilled with a drill press depend on how much total runout there is.
If it matters, it’s better to reposition the bit in the chuck a few times to find the minimum.

Files exported as svg from my cad program are randomly larger or smaller than expected on the Shaper.
In my case it seems to depend on how much I was zoomed in to the “image” when it was exported.

The solution that works in my case is to draw a bounding box (a simple rectangle larger than anything that will be cut) around the project of an easy to remember size and when importing on the Shaper to scale the project so the bounding box is the right size.

 

[PaulMarcel]

Scale by 133.33% is usually needed when the file is exported at 72dpi but the importer assumes 96dpi, 2 common setups. See multiple posts in the shapertools forum like this one mention the problem.

The solution that works in my case is to draw a bounding box (a simple rectangle larger than anything that will be cut) around the project of an easy to remember size and when importing on the Shaper to scale the project so the bounding box is the right size.

Yeah, my surprise was just that SVG doesn't have a universal default DPI or a way to have the file's DPI explicitly stated in the file. Turns out there's neither.

I did the same as Michael suggested: created a 1"x1" rectangle in the drawing so I could verify the scale once in Origin.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

[member=69258]gwendal[/member] I seem to remember hearing (or seeing in a video maybe) that the DPI difference was a thing. This was long before I was proficient enough with this thing to even really grasp that.
Initially, I was onboarding and struggling with Inkscape, and doing a little bit form the hardware catalog. I hadn't really tried to use anything that someone else had designed form the hub.
Studio, even though it may be limiting to people who are experts with other programs, has really helped me. I don't get to mess with any of it enough to get better. My time is usually only a few hours on Saturday mornings and sometimes other projects take priority.
I do get some evening time to do the computer part, but I might be days before I can get back to the machine itself. As I have gotten better, I have spent more time with it, in the morning, before work.
That is where some of the bit holders and dog holders have come from.

[member=75283]4nthony[/member], I did the same thing. The "official" Festool bit Systainer is just too short. I did buy a pre-fab foam insert though, Amazon I think? Mine alternates 1/4" and 1/2" holes, so you have to ignore some of them with bigger bits. It's more generic looking.
I'll have to do better for the 8mm  [embarassed]

The solution that works in my case is to draw a bounding box (a simple rectangle larger than anything that will be cut) around the project of an easy to remember size and when importing on the Shaper to scale the project so the bounding box is the right size.

I just recently kind of "backed in" to that concept. I had been just randomly making shapes in Studio, with no regard to where they were. As I have progressed with it, I always start from the 0/0 point and I'm aware of what is going on. Having the ability to change any line into a guide-line right there in the "Plan" tab makes it simple regulate the overall size. I can start my project with a piece of material the same size as the guide lines and, once gridded, know exactly what I'm going to get.
I'm sure this is all very basic to people who have knowledge of these things, but it's growth like this that motivates.

Seems like it could be helpful if people put a "measuring line" somewhere in the project plans that said "scale this plan until this line is whatever length"

 

[Rick Herrick]

I just had a good interaction with a vendor regarding the router bit storage inserts mentioned here.  I had looked at the Rockler ones a while back but didn't do anything.  When I got my WoodPecker router table package set up, I looked at their little red inserts.  I ended up with them but of course, no 8mm inserts.  I poked around and found Woodline USA.  They have the inserts for 1/4" and 1/2" shanks but I noticed the forstner bit they offer to drill the holes.  Here is my question to them as well as their response.

Q.
You offer inserts for 1/4" and 1/2" shanks. You also offer a 22mm forstner bit to cut the holes, which comes in an 8mm shank, yet you don't offer inserts that hold 8mm bits. Do you see the irony here?

A.
In the last 23 years, you are the first to ask for it. CMT makes them for the Euro market. We will check and see if they'll send us some.

 

[Coen]

[...] CMT makes them for the Euro market. We will check and see if they'll send us some.

Ahaa. That would be CMT article number 03.51.0048A or EAN 8019296017533
And CMT 03.51.0059A or EAN 8019296017540 for the 12mm version, also per 20.

They are only €7 for 20 here. I never even knew of their existence. But then again, the router bit Systainer is doing just fine. As long as you rotate the bit before pulling it out.

 

[GaryA]

My most important Systainer in my collection.

View attachment 1

 

[Imemiter]

Long live this thread. Don't think I've posted this one. [attachimg=1]

 

[Coen]

Long live this thread. Don't think I've posted this one. [attachimg=1]

Nice use of Midi Systainer.

Makes me think of my Bosch GSA 1300 PCE... 48 cm long. Came in a stupid case that fits near-zero blades  [mad]. Would fit in a Midi / 3 L

 

[alltracman78]

I was tired of always having to search all over the place for the right bit and didn't want something fixed to a wall. So I made 3 systainers for my router bits. Just a few bits of ply shaped so that they would fit, a few strips of plastic for easy affixing labels, and a number of plastic bushings in different sizes CMT make for their router bit organizer (https://www.cmtorangetools.com/eu-en/systems-and-accessories/organizer). Those bushings fit perfectly in holes made with a 22 mm Forstner drill bit. I am quite happy with this solution. It is uncluttered, flexible, and easily accessible. Maybe not the most efficient with space, but I purposely made the gaps between the bits a bit larger so that I can grab a bit without cutting my fingers.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

[attachimg=3]

I like this too.
I've been pondering something like this for a while. I have most of my 1/2 stuff in 2 Harbor Freight cases with a foam bit organizer in one of them (other has a bunch of rectangular open top "boxes") because it's easy to see what is what.
I can't do that with my 1/4 bits because way more are dimensional and I can't necessarily tell what is what with a quick look so my Makita router case is literally overflowing with little cases/bags.
I wanted a way to label each bit in the case.

I was thinking about the Festool "kit" but it's way too short (I can't believe they don't offer a larger one). I did order a Powermatic foam systainer insert for router bits so we'll see how that fits when I get it.
I found a medium sized systainer on clearance for $22! Currently debating whether to store my Milwaukee routers in it or use it for the router bits. I'll have to test fit when I get the foam in.

I'm also having a little trouble justifying the regular cost of the systainers (I know.....), but I have a bunch of the original Dewalt Tough Boxes that are larger and sturdier than the systainers that I paid a lot less for that I can't help comparing them to...

I've also got a bunch of the Woodpeckers square inserts (they come with the bits they sell; nice touch), was trying to think of a way to make them work with the foam. Or maybe an insert in the foam.

I have the original Festool router bit Systainer with the foam inserts and after some time the bits are very difficult to remove because the foam grabs them so tightly.

Another good reason to not get the Festool one.

That looks sexy! Very soothing to my ocd.  [laughing]

The actual size of holes drilled with a drill press depend on how much total runout there is.
If it matters, it’s better to reposition the bit in the chuck a few times to find the minimum.

Also matters how you tighten the drill chuck. Best to gradually tighten with all 3 holes vs just tightening one.

 

[alltracman78]

Speaking of systainers, irritated the OF2200 accessory systainer doesn't have spots for all 9 guide bushing inserts.

 

[alltracman78]

My $22 ($36 shipped) systainer.
View attachment 1

All my 1/2" router bit junk.
In my Harbor Freight systainers.  [tongue]
View attachment 2
View attachment 3

I can't even fit these in either of the cases.
That giant one is a (relatively) cheap Chinese one. Worked fantastic flattening white oak.
View attachment 4

 

[Imemiter]

. Would fit in a Midi / 3 L

I'd prefer a case that would fit the saw with a short blade, but that M does alright for now. The Systainer and some of those blades came from the FOG classifieds, so thanks FOG!

 

[Coen]

Nice use of Midi Systainer.

Makes me think of my Bosch GSA 1300 PCE... 48 cm long. Came in a stupid case that fits near-zero blades  [mad]. Would fit in a Midi / 3 L

I'd prefer a case that would fit the saw with a short blade, but that M does alright for now. The Systainer and some of those blades came from the FOG classifieds, so thanks FOG!

You have Midi Sytainer, not a Sys3 M. The older Midi is almost same width as current Sys3 L

 

[jacklewis]

I got my Sys-Aid kit from Systainer.store set up. I 3D printed these red bins for it, and some are in odd sizes that Bott doesn't make, so the contents fit exactly.

There are a few different designs for custom bins, here is the one I put together in Fusion 360:https://www.printables.com/model/553905-systainer3-organizer-bins

Here's most of what I have in it:

• General Medi First Aid Kit
• Wound Wash
• Bleed Stop packets
• Tweezerman tweezers, normal and fine
• Knock-off Leatherman Raptor shears - They aren't as high quality as the real ones which I also own, but they're great for being about 1/4 the price