Systainers Router Bit Insert

magellan

Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2011
Messages
211
Hello,
I have a few extra Classic Systainers that I believe I would like to use for router bit storage.  Does Festool sell the insert that fits inside the systainers for router bits separately?  And if so what would be the part no. 

Or, does anyone have a better idea?  I have a sys l and a sys ll that I could use.  I would prefer to use the sys ll in order to possibly stack two levels or bits.

Thank you for your ideas
 
I use these bitholders from Lee Valley. Available for 1/4" or 1/2" router bits.
You can two boards separated with spacers in a SYS 2.
The Festool router bit insert for a T-Loc systainer is available in Holland separately, no number sorry.
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magellan said:
Hello,
I have a few extra Classic Systainers that I believe I would like to use for router bit storage.  Does Festool sell the insert that fits inside the systainers for router bits separately?  And if so what would be the part no. 

Or, does anyone have a better idea?  I have a sys l and a sys ll that I could use.  I would prefer to use the sys ll in order to possibly stack two levels or bits.

Thank you for your ideas

It is available, I bought one, they're about $17 if I remember correctly. I have the part number at home, but you can find it on festool's spare parts catalog.
 
"It is available"

Available being on what continent?

There was a member who created a nice router bit storage insert last year. Don't remember what happened to them though. He was going to batch them out on a CNC and was taking orders. I said I was interested but I don't think it generated enough interest but not sure exactly why it didn't go forward.
 
I purchased some of the Kaizen foam from Fastcap.  I had a spare sys 2 so I got the 2" thick foam.
I traced the outline of the systainer on the foam and cut with my Carvex.  Took a little bit of trimming and fitting but got it just right.
Now I can make my own router bit holes and whatever spacing I need.  I've been using the OF 1400 with 1/2" or 1/4" bit to make the corresponding hole sizes.

I think the big, 2'x4' sheet of foam was around $20.  Lots of other uses as well.
 
Hey Fellows

I did do some searching and found the very nice CNC bit holders from last year.  If I remember correctly he discontinued making them. I did not reread the entire post, they were very nice.  If I could find the Festool ones I believe I would be satisfied.  Is the Festool catalog online?  I love all the ideas that have been offered but I have a lot of other work to do right now so buying a few inserts most likely is the easiest route to take.  i Will consider all other options if I can’t find them

Thank you again for your ideas and help
 
Thank you for the part no.  I will admit $34.00 apiece sort of surprises me but I should not be it is Festool. 

Is it really possible to make nice holes in the Kaizen foam ?  I just envision making a mess of it when trying  to bore holes in it.   
 
magellan said:
Is it really possible to make nice holes in the Kaizen foam ?  I just envision making a mess of it when trying  to bore holes in it. 

You can make perfect "holes" in Kaizen foam by heating metal (say an old bit shank) with a heat gun and melting through
the foam - I have gotten a few holes done before needing to heat it up again.

Lou
 
magellan said:
Thank you for the part no.  I will admit $34.00 apiece sort of surprises me but I should not be it is Festool. 

Is it really possible to make nice holes in the Kaizen foam ?  I just envision making a mess of it when trying  to bore holes in it. 

The router bits make very clean holes in the Kaizen foam.  My guess is the speed helps.
The Carvex also worked really well to trim the outline of the foam.  I don't remember which blade I used.  Probably the Carvex FSG since I usually have one of those installed.
 
I have used the Festool foam and others from various suppliers. I have found the router bit shafts develope corrosion while in the foam and they tend to stick and pull out with foam stuck to the shafts. This is with various foams. I use moisture absorbing pads in the drawers to try to combat this but did not help. This is with drawers that close tightly.
I now use mdf with oversized holes drilled. Much easier to insert and remove the bits and no more corrosion issues.
 
PeterK said:
I have found the router bit shafts develope corrosion while in the foam and they tend to stick and pull out with foam stuck to the shafts.
Is your shop heated/cooled? N. Michigan is relatively humid.
 
This was in a climate controlled shop in Louisiana. Obviously humidity was a fight there but the shop was insulated and air conditioned. Never had rust on any of my power tools, just the router bits. Hope this is not as much of a problem here in Michigan!  [wink]
 
I cut holes in foam with brass tubing from the hobby shop or hardware store.

You can buy 1/4, 3/8 or 1/2” in 12” lengths. 

Sharpen the end on a sander or grinder and place in a drill.  It will cut plugs and capture it inside.  You do have to remove from the drill to get the plugs out but coat hanger wire works great.

Neil
 
Neil,

Nice idea, I've been thinking about the Kaizen foam.  I did however contact Festool USA to see if that foam insert is available here.  Hopefully I contacted the correct department.  I sent an email earlier this morning.  I like the brass tube idea.

Thank you
 
I may be wrong, but the Festool insert is, I believe, only for 8mm and 12mm/ 1/2" shank cutters.

Most of my cutters are 1/4" or 1/2", with very few 8mm, which is why I didn't go with the Festool insert.

Andrew
 
I have the festool insert and it does work with all size shanks: 1/4”, 8mm, and 1/2”
If anything, I believe that the 8mm shanks May use the same holes as the 1/4” bits so they are a bit more snug than the others, but it does hold all three very securely.
 
CADru
Thank you for sharing the thread with us.  Maybe it’s just a coincidence but I just picked up two 4x8 sheets of Baltic Birch today for another project and I know I will have extra.  Great detail in your previous thread.  I love when folks explain so well that I’m not left with questions

By the way for anyone who is interested Festool returned my email and the foam is available from the parts department here in the US. 

Thank you
 
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