Source for Centrotec compatible drill bits?

[Cheese]

Exactly [member=22067]mrB[/member] ...

I've drilled a bunch of holes with the drills and they seem to work real well. I'll try using them over the next few days and we'll see what happens. If I run into an issue, I'll grind a lathe tool and machine in the detent groove. It sure is nice to have smaller drill bits that work.

 

[mrrhum]

Do I sense a new line of business in the offing?

 

[Bryanp292]

I've been using this Snappy centrotec adapter with those same milwaukee drill bits and other 1/4 in hex bits.  It does add a bit of length, but I have the quick change ability along with use of standard bits.
http://www.woodcraft.com/product/161435/snappy-centrotec-to-14in-hex-quickchange-adapter.aspx

 

[Cheese]

I've drilled a bunch of holes with the drills and they seem to work real well. I'll try using them over the next few days and we'll see what happens.

.

FWIW...after using the modified drill bits for the last several days, on a few occasions they would stick in the wood and if you pulled on them they'd disengage from the Centrotec chuck, so I decided to machine the extra detent groove into each one of the drill bits.

Once everything is setup, it only takes 5-6 minutes to machine the groove in. Very happy with the results. I now have drill bits from 1/16" to 19/64" in 1/64" increments that will work with either the 2 Festool drills or the 3 Milwaukee drills.

 

[mike_aa]

I've been using this Snappy centrotec adapter with those same milwaukee drill bits and other 1/4 in hex bits.  It does add a bit of length, but I have the quick change ability along with use of standard bits.
http://www.woodcraft.com/product/161435/snappy-centrotec-to-14in-hex-quickchange-adapter.aspx

If you are planning on getting one, FYI, Woodcraft currently has (until Dec. 5th) free shipping on orders over $25 and a coupon code for $10 off a $25 and over purchase.  I just ordered one of these and added a small item bringing the total over $25 to get the $10 off and free shipping.

Mike A.

 

[geoffshep]

It is fairly easy to convert legacy hex bits to fit centrotec - Paul-Marcel suggested it many years ago. I've done a few favourite bits this way - the groove is necessary for drill bits otherwise there is no way to pull them out of the hole you have just drilled.

There appear to be more centrotec-compatible drill and driver bits becoming available (eg Axminster's universal shank in the UK) but still not many drills smaller than 3mm it seems.
http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-trade-bitz-11-piece-long-series-bit-set-506282

 

[TheSergeant]

Very nice!  I just picked up a CXS and ordered this same bit set.  Mind if I asked how you set this up in the lathe?  Did you hold the bits right where the drill bit inserts into the base?

I've drilled a bunch of holes with the drills and they seem to work real well. I'll try using them over the next few days and we'll see what happens.

.

FWIW...after using the modified drill bits for the last several days, on a few occasions they would stick in the wood and if you pulled on them they'd disengage from the Centrotec chuck, so I decided to machine the extra detent groove into each one of the drill bits.

Once everything is setup, it only takes 5-6 minutes to machine the groove in. Very happy with the results. I now have drill bits from 1/16" to 19/64" in 1/64" increments that will work with either the 2 Festool drills or the 3 Milwaukee drills.

 

[Cheese]

Mind if I asked how you set this up in the lathe?  Did you hold the bits right where the drill bit inserts into the base?

Ya if I remember correctly that’s exactly what I did. That way you can maintain the concentricity that you need with the OD of the drill flutes.

 

[SoonerFan]

I sense a business opportunity for someone to make small (metric and imperial) Centrotec bit sets.  Maybe Woodpeckers will create a set as a One Time Tool.  Then again, if Woodpeckers did that I would complain that the kit I want the most is always a OTT as I am forced to wait 6 months or so  [smile]

 

[rljatl]

Now that Lee Valley is selling Festool in the USA, maybe they will import Axminster's line of universal bits and drivers.

 

[mike_aa]

Now that Lee Valley is selling Festool in the USA, maybe they will import Axminster's line of universal bits and drivers.

You can order direct to the USA from Axminster and they now even give you the option of pricing in dollars on the website.  There is an extra step involved for them to get you a quote on shipping, but otherwise it's just like ordering from anyone in the states.  I don't think they are able to sell Festool here, but they do offer a large number of bits that fit Centrotec.

[0]=Accessories&nR[visibility_search][=][0]=1&]Axminster

Mike A.

 

[sancho57]

just as easy to get this doodad you can use your non centrotec bits
https://www.andersonplywood.com/centrotec-bit-holder-bhs-65mm-festool-492648-fes492648/