Sortainer - A Newbie Speculates

[PreferrablyWood]

I'm just getting into the Festool universe, after getting the CTL Midi, Carvex 420, with a variety of blades and anti splinter inserts. I plan on either getting the OF 1400 with bitbox, or the C15+set  and the 2011 Centrotec set. For now I'm using my old toolbox for screws and bits, etc. To keep things orderly and easy to transport I think I'll adopt the strategy of getting a sortainer or systemer tool box with each tool purchase..

My plan would be to get the C15+set with a 9 drawer sortainer. With the OF router I'd go with one of the smaller sortainers for the bits..

Probably will get the toolbox for files, chisels levels etc.

I'm wonder if taking the full 2011 Centrotec set out on jobs is overkill and I'll end up just taking a few elements broken out into a smaller sortainer to lighten the load...

It seems to me that the sustainers are a good idea but under transport not really stacked more than 2 or at most 3 units. These comibined with one sortainer would be neat lightweight.

The transport dolly looks like a good idea, especielly as it has locking wheels(corrected as per next post). It would be real aid in transporting about the jobsites which I have within easy walking distance here in Copenhagen.

Besides sortainers I think a 3 or 4 unit sustainer or toolbox could be used for carrying paints finishing fluids, brushes, chisels, clanps and such..

What I want to end up with is having a simplified workflow for getting out of the shop/home with the tools and equiptment I need so I can more quickly get productive.. Also ease of transport makes this Festool system attractive to me.. I setup where I work have no workshop at present.

I'm also looking at portable worktable solutions..

 

[Frank Pellow]

...

The transpoert dolly looks like a good idea, wish it had locking wheels. It would be real aid in transporting about the jobsites which I have within easy walking distance here in Copenhagen.

...

Get the SysRoll.  It's great and it does have locking wheels.  I wrote a review of the SysRoll in the thread: http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/my-review-of-the-sysroll-cart/

 

[mike68au]

I originally bought the Sys-Roll, but found it to be to awkward to get out of my small Van on a Daily Basis, and stopped using it daily.  Then i saw the Sys-Cart which is the small dolly style trolley.  
I then set it up with my 12 darw sortainer at the bottom as something that would be permanent on it. On top of that i have my CXS Systainer and then on top i have a Sys 2 with a Storage box Lid, that holds all my Hand tools, these 3 stay on all the time.

Then when getting on site i put whatever else i need on top (usually 2 extra Sys 1's) and wheel it all into my clients home, i also add a Sys 4 to my CT26 and wheel it all in together.  I mainly do it this way, but if i have walk further or carry more i will pull out the Sys-roll and use that.

Hopefully my setup will give you an idea of how you can set it up for yourself.  

Note:  The Sys-cart does have to locking wheels, i use them all the time.

[attachthumb=#]

 

[PreferrablyWood]

...

The transpoert dolly looks like a good idea, wish it had locking wheels. It would be real aid in transporting about the jobsites which I have within easy walking distance here in Copenhagen.

...

Get the SysRoll.  It's great and it does have locking wheels.  I wrote a review of the SysRoll in the thread: http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/my-review-of-the-sysroll-cart/

Locking wheels are important if I want to take it on the bus or metro. So that's good to know..
I've seen it in the local shop and it's definitely a want. Right now I can imagine using the SysrRoll with the 9 drawer sortainer. PBC 420 Jigsaw systainer containing the drill and jigsaw or my 90/125mm sanders, plus a systainer with finishers, toolbox a centrotec set box and of course a lunch box sustainer.. On the Midi I can have one or two sustainers as well contianing the router, and worklight, safety gear..

Already looking very doable for a transportable city center workshop..

 

[PreferrablyWood]

I originally bought the Sys-Roll, but found it to be to awkward to get out of my small Van on a Daily Basis, and stopped using it daily.  Then i saw the Sys-Cart which is the small dolly style trolley.  
I then set it up with my 12 darw sortainer at the bottom as something that would be permanent on it. On top of that i have my CXS Systainer and then on top i have a Sys 2 with a Storage box Lid, that holds all my Hand tools, these 3 stay on all the time.

Then when getting on site i put whatever else i need on top (usually 2 extra Sys 1's) and wheel it all into my clients home, i also add a Sys 4 to my CT26 and wheel it all in together.  I manly do it this way but if i have walk further or carry more i will pull out the Sys-roll and use that.

Hopefully my setup will give you an idea of how you can set it up for yourself.  

Note:  The Sys-cart does have to locking wheels, i use them all the time.

[attachthumb=#]

Thanks that's an interesting setup with the dollies it makes sense to me.  Here in Copenhagen there would be sections of the cobbled streets where the dollies wouldn't work but if they weren't too heavy loaded you could carry them over those spots..

 

[Frank Pellow]

...

The transpoert dolly looks like a good idea, wish it had locking wheels. It would be real aid in transporting about the jobsites which I have within easy walking distance here in Copenhagen.

...

Get the SysRoll.  It's great and it does have locking wheels.  I wrote a review of the SysRoll in the thread: http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/my-review-of-the-sysroll-cart/

Locking wheels are important if I want to take it on the bus or metro. So that's good to know..
I've seen it in the local shop and it's definitely a want. Right now I can imagine using the SysrRoll with the 9 drawer sortainer. PBC 420 Jigsaw systainer containing the drill and jigsaw or my 90/125mm sanders, plus a systainer with finishers, toolbox a centrotec set box and of course a lunch box sustainer.. On the Midi I can have one or two sustainers as well contianing the router, and worklight, safety gear..

Already looking very doable for a transportable city center workshop..

That should work.  I have taken a loaded  SysRoll on public transit a few times here in Toronto and, if I avoid the rush hour crowds, the trips have worked out well.  It's not so good on a crowded subway car with folks resenting all the space that you are occupying.

 

[PreferrablyWood]

I have taken a loaded  SysRoll on public transit a few times here in Toronto and, if I avoid the rush hour crowds, the trips have worked out well.  It's not so good on a crowded subway car with folks resenting all the space that you are occupying.

I've already been on both the bus and the metro with the CT midi and a systainer,  I had my sanders in my backpack that worked fine here, there's provisions for taking babycarriages bikes on the metro and trains here so as long as there are locking wheels on rolling materials  it's okay and allowed..

Thanks for your useful suggestions..

 

[ART at WORK]

Hallo
I have often looked at the centrotec Montage kits, but as I have bought most of the pieces separately over the years Its not an economical advantage for me. I have bought most of the bit holders and drills and special drills separately on ebay for a lot less than the box.
I have the drills and bits in a sortainer 4 draw with space for my little makita 10,8 V. and charger. I find I can get a lot more in the sortainer this way.
I have no idea what I would do with 50 bits. If I was a running a team of 5 guys, yes a good investment. 1 person on their own? Not really.

I am also bitten by the systainer bug and have over the years bought a lot on ebay for 10 - 20 Euros less than shop price. New ones.
It has helped work flow and transport. I often take my stuff with me in a cargo bike and its nice to lock it all together. Also that every thing is 30 x 40. Before I had 6 different sized boxes all balanced on a sack barrow.

There is a whole tread of creative suggestions to optimise systainers on here.
I find that often the insert takes up a lot of space. It keeps everything in view yes. But without an insert you could get a carvex and a drill in a box. One box less to stack.

Good luck with you collection.

Pip

 

[PreferrablyWood]

Hallo
I have often looked at the centrotec Montage kits, but as I have bought most of the pieces separately over the years Its not an economical advantage for me. I have bought most of the bit holders and drills and special drills separately on ebay for a lot less than the box.
I have the drills and bits in a sortainer 4 draw with space for my little makita 10,8 V. and charger. I find I can get a lot more in the sortainer this way.
I have no idea what I would do with 50 bits. If I was a running a team of 5 guys, yes a good investment. 1 person on their own? Not really.

I am also bitten by the systainer bug and have over the years bought a lot on ebay for 10 - 20 Euros less than shop price. New ones.
It has helped work flow and transport. I often take my stuff with me in a cargo bike and its nice to lock it all together. Also that every thing is 30 x 40. Before I had 6 different sized boxes all balanced on a sack barrow.

There is a whole tread of creative suggestions to optimise systainers on here.
I find that often the insert takes up a lot of space. It keeps everything in view yes. But without an insert you could get a carvex and a drill in a box. One box less to stack.

Good luck with you collection.

Pip

I'm looking at a lightly used Centrotec set so I would get a good value for the actual bits that I'd need which is the hook turner, the contersink with depth control, the normal counter sink, the long reach bit holder these things really adds up, the individual torx and phillips bits aren't that interesting but the drillbit set looks good. Mainly though I'm attracted to having a setup that covers a lot of bases so I can save valuable time when on a job by keeping trips to the store buying bits and pieces of gear to a minimum.

I'm not interested so much in using the sustainers with dividers for organizing of small bits and such as I feel it makes most sense to have easy access from the front, that's why I'm going for getting a 2 or 3 sortainers . I'd only use a sustainerIII or IV for consumables.. The toolbox for larger handtools..The halfsize sortainers don't seem like such a good idea to me as I want a stackable setup for transport so it makes sense to keep sizes of the elements consistant width wise.

Thanks you your inputs!

PW

 

[SittingElf]

[huh]

Trains, busses, metros, cobblestones???? [eek]

Haven't you guys ever heard of "automobiles" or "trucks"?? [tongue]

I'd love to see some of you guys getting on trains with Sys-Carts and Sys-rolls just to watch the expressions of other passengers!! [big grin]

Wow!  I use a darn car to go 10 houses up the street! [embarassed]

 

[Slappy]

[huh]

Trains, busses, metros, cobblestones???? [eek]

Haven't you guys ever heard of "automobiles" or "trucks"?? [tongue]

I'd love to see some of you guys getting on trains with Sys-Carts and Sys-rolls just to watch the expressions of other passengers!! [big grin]

Wow!  I use a darn car to go 10 houses up the street! [embarassed]

we Americans are a spoiled bunch  L O L .
the Euro's worry about public transport , we Americans worry about getting a new Pick-up /
I'd Sure like a new Tacoma  [tongue]

 

[peter halle]

[huh]

Trains, busses, metros, cobblestones???? [eek]

Haven't you guys ever heard of "automobiles" or "trucks"?? [tongue]

I'd love to see some of you guys getting on trains with Sys-Carts and Sys-rolls just to watch the expressions of other passengers!! [big grin]

Wow!  I use a darn car to go 10 houses up the street! [embarassed]

I guess seeing images of systainers on bicycles would do you in. [big grin]. If so, can I have your tools?  [drooling]

Peter

 

[PreferrablyWood]

[huh]

Trains, busses, metros, cobblestones???? [eek]

Haven't you guys ever heard of "automobiles" or "trucks"?? [tongue]

I'd love to see some of you guys getting on trains with Sys-Carts and Sys-rolls just to watch the expressions of other passengers!! [big grin]

Wow!  I use a darn car to go 10 houses up the street! [embarassed]

Copenhagen is a maximum security prison, impossible to escape insane to try and get in, at least during rush hour that is!. No no no cars do not get you there faster than walking or biking for the distances I'm travelling, then you have to find a parking place for 60 bucks a hour... [eek]

 

[PreferrablyWood]

[huh]

Trains, busses, metros, cobblestones???? [eek]

Haven't you guys ever heard of "automobiles" or "trucks"?? [tongue]

I'd love to see some of you guys getting on trains with Sys-Carts and Sys-rolls just to watch the expressions of other passengers!! [big grin]

Wow!  I use a darn car to go 10 houses up the street! [embarassed]

we Americans are a spoiled bunch  L O L .
the Euro's worry about public transport , we Americans worry about getting a new Pick-up /
I'd Sure like a new Tacoma  [tongue]

I would feel saddled with a world of problems if I had a Tacoma old or new, the Gas prices, the taxes and the bills would lead to my slow hellish and early demise..   [scared].

Anyways I'm sure there's more wise words on the FOG about which sortainers to get first, I'm looking long and hard at a nine drawer combined with a 6 drawer for starters..

 

[Slappy]

[huh]

Trains, busses, metros, cobblestones???? [eek]

Haven't you guys ever heard of "automobiles" or "trucks"?? [tongue]

I'd love to see some of you guys getting on trains with Sys-Carts and Sys-rolls just to watch the expressions of other passengers!! [big grin]

Wow!  I use a darn car to go 10 houses up the street! [embarassed]

Copenhagen is a maximum security prison, impossible to escape insane to try and get in, at least during rush hour that is!. No no no cars do not get you there faster than walking or biking for the distances I'm travelling, then you have to find a parking place for 60 bucks a hour... [eek]

complete opposite where I live , IF I didn't have a auto or P/U  , I'd be a prisoner in my own home , the nearest grocery store is a 2 mile walk one way , odd how a liquor store is one block  , the local bus systems really only connect to commuting into San Francisco & that is 30 miles & the Golden Gate away &( they don't allow any wheeled carts at all ) bikes  are mounted  on the front of the bus & if there are only spots for 3  .
but back on topic the cart sysatainer system  would work real well for me

 

[mike68au]

Can't really see where you could go wrong with a 6 and 9 draw and you C15 on top.  One thing to remeber if your using a Sys-Roll and you put to much tilt on the trolley the screws and stuff will move and possibly lock the draws in.  you just have to remember to give it a shake to flatten it all back out again.

As for the Centrotec, i don't think you would be wanting to haul that around with you each day, buy what you need or buy the set and just take what you need.  If you buy a systainer with the box lid it gives you a great place to store all those little pieces you need daily.  and you can transfer the lid to any preferred systainer if need be.

 

[semenza]

Something to keep in mind when you are choosing sortainers is that the small and medium drawers are interchangeable. Two for one  / one for two. So you can reconfigure if needed.

Consider the racktainer too.

Seth

 

[PreferrablyWood]

Can't really see where you could go wrong with a 6 and 9 draw and you C15 on top.  One thing to remeber if your using a Sys-Roll and you put to much tilt on the trolley the screws and stuff will move and possibly lock the draws in.  you just have to remember to give it a shake to flatten it all back out again.

As for the Centrotec, i don't think you would be wanting to haul that around with you each day, buy what you need or buy the set and just take what you need.  If you buy a systainer with the box lid it gives you a great place to store all those little pieces you need daily.  and you can transfer the lid to any preferred systainer if need be.

Thanks I suppose I could still get in trouble with the 6+9 configuration if the larger size drawers wouldn't fit some tool or accesory that I have it envision it should.. I'm certainly a not a fan of having 30 small drawers, I'd like drawers that kan take the contents of a whole box of 200 screws, draws that can hold nives chisels, smaller measuring devices...

I like the idea of the systainer with box lid thanks for th heads up..

I think I may wait on the Centrotec set as I think I'll be buying the OF 1400 router and some of the accessories for that first.  It up used on the Danish version of Craiglist for about 1/2 price so if there is money left over I might just snap it up now anyways. even though I right now don't own a Centrotec drill..

 

[PreferrablyWood]

Something to keep in mind when you are choosing sortainers is that the small and medium drawers are interchangeable. Two for one  / one for two. So you can reconfigure if needed.

Consider the racktainer too.

Seth

Reconfigure drawers that makes great sense if you have two sortainers then you could mix and match..

Racktainer, sounds interesting..

Thanks Seth!

 

[Kev]

Couple of pics of a long wheel base bicycle with Festool on board here ...

http://www.larryvsharry.com/english/galleri.html?side=14