Totally confused about Centrotec !

[NuggyBuggy]

I recently picked up a used C12 drill.  After playing with it for a while, I realized I was utterly confused about what the Centrotec system is.

I thought it was a different - perhaps proprietary - specification for the shanks and mounts for drill bits that also allowed the use of different chucks.  Part of this came from the fact that there a specific "Centrotec" drill and driver bits for sale.  I also thought that one could mount Centrotec bits directly to the drill and forego a chuck.

My drill came to me with 4 chucks and a Festool bit extension of some sort.  I then naturally assumed that the bit extension would mount directly to the drill... but it didn't, at least not very well: the extension showed tons of runout and would fall out easily.  This surprised me because I remember a Festool guy saying that mounting the bit directly helped to minimize runout....The extension did fit nicely into some (not all) of the chuck that had a collar that could be lifted and lowered to secure the bit.

Then I was confused to find that "regular" hex bits fit neatly directly onto the drill.

So now I am totally confused.  What exactly is the Centrotec system ? Do Centrotec bits NOT mount directly to the drill itself ? Does this mean someone will be carrying around non-Centrotec and Centrotec bits if they plan to use the drill with and without  the chucks in every configuration (forgetting the keyless chuck).

 

[tbellemare]

The Centrotec bits are, essentially, 1/4" hex shanks with the corners shaved and the ball detent farther from the drill end than is typical with a ball detent bit.

[attachimg=#1]

The ball detent feature is farther up the bit because the bit is actually engaging in the output shaft of the drill.

Tom

 

[flair woodworks]

When using the Centrotec bits, be sure you're also using the Centrotec chuck.

 

[Alan m]

i have on ocasion  used my c12 with the bit in the end of the drill. i was only using the pozi bit and no extention.
it worked great in aqward spaces.
if you are useing longer bits use the chuck.

 

[tbellemare]

25mm long bits, like the one in the middle in Chris's image, work great directly in the output shaft of the drill or Right Angle Chuck for close quarters. Longer ones work but not so handily.

Tom

 

[semenza]

In short  Centrotec is a proprietary quick change chuck with bits designed to fit that chuck. With Centrotec bits mounted in the Centrotec chuck the bit shaft is directly mounted in the drill shaft with the Centrotec chuck supporting it and keeping it in place. Runout is supposed to be less than with other  quick change chucks, and I notice that the bits run very smoothly.  All in all it makes for a very nice and compact quick change chuck.

Centrotec chuck only accepts Centrotec bits, but the Centrotec bits could be used in a Jacob's chuck. Centrotec bits tend to be wobbly in other bit holders (designed for 1/4 hex shank) due to the additional length of the shaft. The bit holder  (BH60?) that came with the drill is made to fit the Centrotec chuck. It is designed for regular 1/4" hex shanks, and is not that great  with Centrotec bits.

Short (25mm) , regular  hex shank bits can be  put directly into the drill shaft. They don't always stay in well because there really isn't anything to keep them in place, but they make for a very short length to get into tight spaces.

The interchangeable chuck system (changing one type of chuck for another)  is FastFix.

Hope that helps.

Seth

 

[Brice Burrell]

 

[Frank Pellow]

And now (after 8 years of waiting  ), decent Robertson drill bits are available for use with the Centronic chuck so I can finally take advantage of it.  [smile]

 

[NuggyBuggy]

Thanks every one.  I just got a T15+3 as well.  This weekend I remembered something about regular hex shank bits bing able to fit directly into the drill so I tried it. The bit was wobbling a bit.  Came back here to see what I missed and it was that only the little bits work.

Thanks...
Terry