To Centrotec Set or Not to Centrotec Set? ...that is one of the questions

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Right now, there's just over $1000 in the budget for additional tools and I'm having a difficult time deciding on what to get next? I'm hoping that some of my wise FOG buddies can offer up some advice.

Four of the next six commissions are some sort of cabinet build - mobile kitchen island, a kitchen shelving with drawers, a TV/component console, a desk.  I could use some new counter sink bits and was thinking of just buying the Festool ones a-la-carte...other than these future builds, I usually don't even use metal fasteners. That Centrotec Installers 98 Set with the brad point bits certainly looks real nice.
...and, so does:
the MFK700, the T15 +3 /18 +3,  the Senco pin nailer kit, upgrading my DeWalt table saw to a Sawstop contractor saw, the OF1010, the MFK router template system, the LR32 (I have the Rockler shelf pin jig)...and just about anything else that I don't already have that's green.

Below, is a list of Festools that I already own. Please note, I already own a track saw and jig saw that I'm quite happy with. I also, have a great 12" disc sander and planer. I don't have a band saw or drill press, but don't think that there is room for either, anyway.

I know some of you will have some opinions. I hope to hear from some that already own and use some of these Festool products that I don't already own, use, and love. Thanks.

 

[erock]

Lets see….

I have the installers set with the metric Zobo bits…..love the set.  I think having the installers set with two Festool drills is a great set up.  I have the C15 and CXS.

I have the MFK700….and only use it for edge banding.  I have an OF1400 that gets used for everything else.  Especially the LR32 system.  So if you have a OF1400 I see no need

for you to pick up a OF1010.

So if I had the $1,000 burning a hole in my pocket I would look at the installers set….and…..and…….and……the T15 based off the Festools you already own.  BUT !  If you have another non

Festool drill then look at getting the centrotec adapter ( 496450) to use the installers set with your CXS and non Festool drill.  So this way you can put some money towards something other

then a Festool tool.  Like the Senco pin nailer !

The LR32 is great.  If you're going to use it a lot for line boring.  But you'll need the rails to go with it.  So the LR32 itself would eat up most of your budget. 

Just my two cents of what I would do with the cash.

Eric

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Excellent, Eric! Thanks! Sound advice.

My second drill is a Craftsman, from the 1960's, that's still going strong. Today, I almost pulled the trigger on a T drill, but hesitated to double-check my stategy. (Getting one, in the future, is inevitable.) The Craftsman does get heavy quickly...hence looking at the T-drill.  I found Shane very helpful on the weight differences between the T-series drills.

I just don't really understand, yet, what this Centrotec Installers Set is capable of.  It all seems so new to me.

I guess that the real hesitation on getting a new compressor, is that I have really become a domino guy. Guys I know, like my brother, just use pin nails, brad nails, and screws for their builds. It almost seems like a "one or the other" type of method for joining...my brother sure is ridiculously fast, though. Wow!

 

[WPeters]

Check out the kits made by snappy.  Good quality.  We have the largest they sell ( I think). I'll try to dig a picture up, because last I checked it's not available on the website.  We had to special order it.  Good buy for $120.

 

[WPeters]

Ok here it is.  If you want on like this you need to call snappy direct www.snappytools.com.  I first got these at a tool show years ago, and when i ordered more a year ago i sent them a picture and they put it together for me.  The little drivers at the bottom i supplied myself by going to Sears and buying in bulk.  Anyhow it has been a good system for us.  $120 or $130 I believe.  Also a quick search for centrotec or snappy here on the forum will produce dozens of results.   Good Luck!

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[NYC Tiny Shop]

Thanks, WPeters! Are these packs metric and imperial, or both the same?

 

[WPeters]

No problem!  Both are identical and are imperial.

 

[packratpop]

LR32 is a no brainer considering your next projects. The 1400 will work well with it.
I bought 2= 1400 mm holey rails for a tall closet project. Needed the extra length.
You need #496938 connectors to get the proper spacing as well as the rail connectors if you go that route.

 

[jeep jake]

the centrotec adapter comes with the installer set. I own the installer set and it comes with me everywhere. You might be able to piece together your own set for cheaper.

 

[Cort]

I usually don't even use metal fasteners....

If you rarely use metal fasteners, then I think your money would be better spent on something besides the Centrotec set.  I'll second the recommendation on the LR32.  And I would think a pro shop needs a good cabinet saw.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

I usually don't even use metal fasteners....

If you rarely use metal fasteners, then I think your money would be better spent on something besides the Centrotec set.  I'll second the recommendation on the LR32.  And I would think a pro shop needs a good cabinet saw.

The DeWalt DWE7491rs is a fine table saw...gets the job done. The Rockler shelf pin jig is no LR32, but it too gets the job done. If I planned on becoming a cabinet maker and not a furniture maker, then yes, the LR32 is a no-brainer.  I accepted these cabinet builds because they are for friends.  If not for that, I would have refered one of my friends who do this for a living. Thanks for the advice, though.

 

[RC]

I pondered between the installers set or not and ended eventually getting the special bits I needed separately for two reasons:

1. I don't want yet another systainer into my pile of systainers. I have fitted all the extra bits into my CXS systainer with lid compartment with a forstner set just fine.

2. The installers kit has a bunch of screw bits that I have enough to last a lifetime as it is (good quality Wiha ones) so the real value of the kit for me was only in the countersinks, etc. specialty bits.

Your mileage may vary.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

I hear you, Reiska. The only bits that I have, are the ones that came with the CSX and a HD set from years ago.  But, I have a fleet of screwdrivers, slotted, phillips, torx, etc.  I was thinking how cool the centrotec set is that everything fits into a sys, like a mini cabinet...and when I need to hand-tighten on a tool, there's the hand grip.  All of those screwdrivers could be put away in a box. 
It would have been cool if they made the sys to fold out instead of layers...also, would have been cool to include plug-cutters and sockets. I get why they don't have sockets, but plug-cutters? Would be nice.

 

[tdfiver]

I have the T15 and the CXS drills, I fit kitchens and bathrooms amongst other things and find the Centrotec kit (mines 2008) invaluable. I have added to it with Zobo set and extra centre point set of drills, and some other centrotec bits and bobs, in all its probably cost me £400, though now it's in a system 2 box rather than the system 1 it came in.
Thing is, it's always to hand and has everything I need, I mainly use the CXS drill now though as it's so light and powerful enough for most jobs.

 

[jacko9]

I just got the Centrotec installers set with the Imperial Brad point drills and then got the ZOBO set in Imperial in the Mini-Sys.  I have the T-18 and the CSX drills and a DeWalt 14.4V with one dead battery and one that doesn't hold a charge very long.  Those and my 3/8 and 1/2 corded drills along with my drill press and my brace and bit set - wow I'm starting to sound like Roy Underhill!

Jack

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

I just got the Centrotec installers set with the Imperial Brad point drills and then got the ZOBO set in Imperial in the Mini-Sys.  I have the T-18 and the CSX drills and a DeWalt 14.4V with one dead battery and one that doesn't hold a charge very long.  Those and my 3/8 and 1/2 corded drills along with my drill press and my brace and bit set - wow I'm starting to sound like Roy Underhill!

Jack

Congratulations Jack!
Yes, after watching youtube videos on the T18, it appears that it is the "fairest in the land." What a great drill!  It will be in the tool cabinet sooner or later. I almost pulled the trigger on but at the last second, I thought that I should maybe get a bench top drill press first. So far, I've been just getting by with having a decent eye and some painter's tape.  I look at those portable drill mounts, but the reviews are two-three stars...not enough to get one.
The Centrotec system is great, I like the centrotec concept and the set is organized. If I worked outside of the shop, then I would consider it essential.  Most of the contents can be gotten less expensively by Snappy and Lee Valley.  The only bits that I really need are new counter-sinks (never Chinese bits again.)
Fortunately, I don't have to make any decisions until the current build is finished and delivered.

 

[tjacks66]

I have the Centrotec set with the imperial bits and was thinking of the Zobos but haven't decided whether I want imperial or metric (metric for European hinges). I guess I would only need the 35mm metric bit for European hinges. Any thoughts from those using imperial vs metric Zobos?

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

I have the Centrotec set with the imperial bits and was thinking of the Zobos but haven't decided whether I want imperial or metric (metric for European hinges). I guess I would only need the 35mm metric bit for European hinges. Any thoughts from those using imperial vs metric Zobos?

I wouldn't buy a whole set if I just needed one bit.