SYS Box-1, Systainer with colored boxes & Router bit case.

[Wood_Junkie]

What I don't understand about the router insert, why don't the holes go all the way to the edge? Seems to me you can store a lot more bits then.

I drilled additional holes in the router bit insert (16 of 'em!) around the edges.

In this picture, the red dots indicate the new holes.  I used a 5/16" bit, as the foam is firm enough to cause the bit to wander, but not firm enough to keep it steady.  This left a finished hole about 3/8" in diameter, which is nice and tight for 1/2" shanks.

I also moved the foam insert into a Systainer-2 box.  Three or four bits were too tall for the stock Sys1 box...

[attachthumb=#]

 

[nclemmons]

A quick tip on drilling the foam from Festool for the router bits, or their other foam inserts.

I use brass tubing that you can find in a hardware store or hobby shop.  Chuck it in the drill (up to 1/2" in diameter) and you can quickly drill very accurate holes in the foam.  While chucked in the drill hold a piece of sandpaper over the edge to create a 'sharp' edge to cut the foam before you drill.

I've used for both the router bits and for customizing other foam for the Microfence and it's accessories.

I use a dowel to push the foam pieces out of the brass tubing once it is full from several holes.  You can purchase in diameters from very small up to about 1/2 or even 3/4 inches.  They typically are about 12 inches long.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

some one makes a bit for drilling holes in rubber and the sort.

They are just about like the brass pipe thing, only with a tapered head and are quite sharp.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I used a brad point drill bit, worked fine.

 

[mwhafner]

I used a bradpoint bit as well, and it worked fine.  Maybe not as clean as the factory holes, but perfectly functional. 

Also, I was in Atlanta late last week, and ran by Highland Woodworking (one of my favorite haunts).  They had a Systainer w/the colored boxes filled with 1,300 Spax screws for $99. 

 

[Wood_Junkie]

Good tip neilc... Never thought of the brass tubes.  I have a bunch for pen kits, and I'll use those if I make more holes.  Even after adding 16 holes, there is room for more small bits.

Since acquiring the box,  I have been pondering the bit-labeling question.

This morning, it came to me.. A throwback to my prior days in the restaurant biz.  Cocktail picks!

[attachthumb=#]

http://www.surlatable.com/product/id/167702.do

Meets four out of my five requirements:

1) Able to be labeled/written on
2) Small and compact
3) Movable, sticks in foam, overall compatible with the Systainer content management.
4) Cheap!  (This is really just a side bonus)  Four-bucks for 100 of them.
5) Festool green... oh well...

Stab 'em in the foam when the bit is present.  Maybe leave it there, or move it to the empty hole when the bit is in use and out of the box.

Whatcha think?

 

[speed]

quick pic of my box setup, the green box would be better as 2 yellow and 2 reds, may have to upgrade.

big thanks to mac for the tooled up link [big grin]

 

[Mac]

You're welcome, Speed...Merry Christmas!

Mac

 

[ianwalls]

I take it that worktop cutters will NOT fit in the router bit systainer?