XXL sustainers

[Bertotti]

I saw these online but have not seen one in person. Do any of you have experience with the XXL sustainers? My thought process is to add on and use it for both of my Rotex the RO 90 and when it arrives the RO 150 and of space allows a future ETS ec 150. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated? I would like to have all the sanders in one place and easily grabbed or switched between. Then use two of the original sys for abrasive storage. And I would have a third for items like the parfmk2

 

[AstroKeith]

I have a couple of the XXL's both the 237 height variants.
One has my Porter Cable dovetail jig and accessories (a jtightfit but nice)
The other has all my other router jigs, including MFS700, 400 & 200 set.

They are under my main workbench and I made bespoke pull out shelves for them that over-extend and allow full and easy access.

They're great IMHO.

 

[Systainer.Store]

I've had my hands on a few  [cool].

I've used an XXL for chainsaw and accessories storage.  My saw bar is just a little long, so I detach it when storing/transporting.  Overall I like the large systainer and hope to find more uses for them in the future.  Several customers I talk to have mentioned the idea of bringing multiple tools into one systainer.  I can't say I heard your exact set up.

A couple thoughts:  watch out for weight.  Don't put too much in that you have difficulty moving the unit around.
I wander what it would be like to bring over any custom design sys inserts for the tools too.  Would they fit well side by side?

Would love to see some pictures of how others in the community are using their systainer.

-Sys Tim

 

[Bertotti]

First, thanks for the replies to all of you.

Now, I have no setup. Festool stuff is in their respective systainers and I have a couple extra for odds and ends the three drawers sys for carving knives and another sys 2 for some extra bits and sharpening stones, sys two overflowing with abrasives. Kind of stinks you have to buy a box to get the per sheet savings or there just isn't a smaller option. I would much rather have a permanent hand made walnut set up in a shop and the sys for travel but I don't have a real shop. I am currently in one corner of my basement and along with the sys I have other stuff stuck in an old entertainment center and a Ridgid medium-sized job box. This is not yet a permanent place but once some remodeling is done or I get a garage/shop this may or may not become a permanent spot. I actually built some instruments out of a bathtub lined with blankets and pillows because at the time it was the only free space I had. So no real set up. I am considering the XXL because of weight and the fluid nature of where I may be working next but I am also considering making this spot more permanent and building a dream tool cabinet and benches. I am excited because I have two 8' maple butcher block tops just waiting for a home. Thanks for the thoughts on the systainer guys or gals I do appreciate it. I was hoping by the time I got to this age to be a bit more permanently set up but I am a wanderer at heart. Heck, my only useable benches right now are an MFT and a 2x4 centipede I put a modified MFT style top on, very portable, and as strong as the MDF top. With good lumber, I can easily jump up on it with no issues

 

[AstroKeith]

I wouldnt want to carry these around much when fully loaded, but on my pull out trays they are good and I very occasionally carry them to a job.

This is the Porter Cable including three templates and all the other pC accessories. Under the jig is a Leigh router shelf/vacuum accessory.
[attachimg=1]

This the router & other jig collection showing the top tray.
[attachimg=2]

This is the top tray removed. The MFS 700, 400 & 200 fit very nicely.
[attachimg=3]

The considered use of Systainers has a big impact in my workshop, which is small, and forces me to be more tidy than I might have been. Which is good. Visitors (including my wife) are impressed and see it as a clean and professional workplace, not a dusty converted garage that it used to be.

I tend to make my custom 'inserts' from scrap ply. I find I can get more in with better access. An example is my tray for RO90 abrasives.
[attachimg=4]

 

[Bertotti]

Very nice! I have been considering alternatives to the sys2 for my abrasives. I have actually considered using some pvc with a leather hinge to hold the ro90 abrasives. I also tend to use a lot of scrap or sometimes I use art board, heavy oak tag paper on either side of a thin piece of foam. Love the pictures thanks for sharing! I have currently spread out into my own living room because I have torn our kitchen cabinets apart. Thankfully my wife is ok with it.

 

[TwelvebyTwenty]

Personally I think they should only be used at times when the things you put in them won't fit in a normal sized Systainer. I don't see the value/usage case in having multiple smaller tools in a larger more cumbersome box. Only exception would be static storage for things that don't ever get taken out of the workshop, but then it begs the question as to why choose Systainers in that scenario, when there are better options out there. I think some people have just been drinking the Systainer fetish Kool Aid.

 

[gsdvorak]

[member=72891]AstroKeith[/member] Thanks for sharing your pictures!  I've been looking for a good way to store my MFS rails and this looks to be a perfect solution.  Appreciate you taking the time to post.

Regards,
Gerald

 

[Bertotti]

Personally I think they should only be used at times when the things you put in them won't fit in a normal sized Systainer. I don't see the value/usage case in having multiple smaller tools in a larger more cumbersome box. Only exception would be static storage for things that don't ever get taken out of the workshop, but then it begs the question as to why choose Systainers in that scenario, when there are better options out there. I think some people have just been drinking the Systainer fetish Kool Aid.

There is more than a little truth in some of this. These little boxes are oddly tempting. Light and easy to stack then pack out. I still wonder about their durability. But I find they are, to me designed to always leave you wanting more because the tools are packed in in such a way they fit well but they don’t fit all I want them to in a way I want to access them. But in comparison to nice wood they are less expensive. I don’t know about where you all live but where I am wood even framing lumber is a premium is price. Never the less I am on the hunt for some cheer or walnut trees people want removed. Hahah I might have to season it myself but I’m ok with that.

 

[AstroKeith]

I personally like to see how many accessories etc I can get in a systainer alongside the main tool. Less likely to forget something when I go away from home. One of my better successes was to fit my PDC & T18 in the same systainer 2, with the lid compartment taking all the driver and drill bits.
[attachimg=1]

I do a lot of week long field trips to do astronomy. I've started switching from homemade wooden boxes and other plastic cases over to systainers to carry stuff. I've found them very durable and not minding being used as steps, seats and being rained on. The mini size is useful with all the tech and widgets I take. Key is using the right size so the packing is efficient. Theres no room in my Mustang for half empty cases!

 

[cpw]

I have an XXL 337.  I didn't particularly have a plan for it when I bought it, just wanted to check it out.  So far I've just used it as an extra systainer for random things.  At the moment, I have a RA drill, drywall cutout tool, charger, batteries, drill dust bowl, a bunch of holes saws, and some bags of fittings in it.  Next job will surely be some other random combination of stuff.  All those tools have a place in my shop, but when I'm doing something elsewhere; it lets me keep more organized than I would otherwise.  Basically, it lets me dump a bunch of stuff in there know they'll be kept together, but not something that I'm going to dedicate a systainer to long term.  The XXLs work on the new cart, and lets me keep more organized than I otherwise would.  I'll probably pick up a second XXL 337 or 237 at some point, because I like having this one.  I might get a Festool instead of Tanos branded one (or anthracite if those become available). 

Switching the color of the latches for $12 on a regular Systainer is a hard pill to swallow, but definitely makes things more quickly identifiable; for $24 to do two of them on a $110 item is even worse.

 

[Bertotti]

I don't worry about the latches or whatever they are called. I put a piece of oak tag in the slot I printed on or wrote on. I stopped by my local dealer today and they had some items in, in the new gen3 systainers, not terrible but I don't see that I have any use for a handle on the front and no XXL systainers. I don't even think they were aware of them.

 

[Ordewin]

This is what I did to store all of the CMS router accessories

 

[Coen]

Ohooo, I see some great ideas that I should copy  [tongue]

Beats storing the CMS-OF stuff in a bananabox.

Sadly they are the new weird heights..  [unsure]

I wonder... does the VS 600 fit in an XXL Systainer?

 

[AstroKeith]

Ohooo, I see some great ideas that I should copy  [tongue]

Beats storing the CMS-OF stuff in a bananabox.

Sadly they are the new weird heights..  [unsure]

I wonder... does the VS 600 fit in an XXL Systainer?

I made the 'weird' heights work for me. Under my workbenches I didnt have SYS AZ drawers as mostly I had lots of Sortainer SYS 4's. But I made drawers for the 237 XXL's and they turned out to be the same height as the Sortainers.

I suspect the VS 600 would fit in an XXL, but do check first!
[attachimg=1]

The only good thing about the Systainer 3, is that they will stop me buying more systainers! I was hoping that dealers would heavily discount the older models to clear them out, but not so far.

 

[Bertotti]

I haven't had any luck finding these in the states yet. Hopefully they will show up at some point. I think one would make a nice abrasive box.

 

[cpw]

I haven't had any luck finding these in the states yet. Hopefully they will show up at some point. I think one would make a nice abrasive box.

https://systainer.store/collections/systainer3

Has had them in stock in light gray and currently has anthracite in stock with US shipping.

 

[aloysius]

I saw these online but have not seen one in person. Do any of you have experience with the XXL Systainers? My thought process is to add on and use it for both of my Rotex the RO 90 and when it arrives the RO 150 and of space allows a future ETS ec 150. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated? I would like to have all the sanders in one place and easily grabbed or switched between. Then use two of the original sys for abrasive storage. And I would have a third for items like the parfmk2

I'm a bit puzzled why you'd want to include dissimilar/different sized tools in the same container.  Admittedly, I don't understand your circumstances, but surely it's preferable to include all similar hardware & software together.

With such a large range of comprehensive sizes & footprints, there's a suitable Systainer available for almost every portable power tool & accessory.

I keep my 5 & 8 mm orbit 150mm Random sanders together in a single systainer. I keep a selection of 150mm mesh abrasives, pad savers & a spare base or 2 in another.  My orbital & delta live in another, with another Systainer "organiser" for suitable abrasives, bases etc.

My cordless drills live with a basic selection of accessory chucks, torque multipliers, bits etc. all organised together in the 1 Systainer, & my Tapping drill with a selection of bits, taps, left handed drills & extractors in the same "organiser" Systainer.  Likewise, the Rattler Systainer has a selection of suitable driver bits, sockets etc.

My grinder Systainers usually accomodate a tin of slitting & a couple of grinding discs, a selection of diamond blades & a few appropriate Arbortech accessory saws, dishing & carving blades, flap discs & flexi pads & abrasives.  Having a self-contained "kit" of hardware & software together massively assists my workflow, efficiency & overall organisation.

The (older) MaxiSys boxes get really big & heavy when filled to capacity.  My most used one contains an Akeda/Trend D/tail jig & router with a selection of appropriate router bits, guide bushes, fence etc.  I have a 12" floor saw in another, together with an accessory extraction guard & a couple of diamond blades.  Another has a big SDS Max hammer, chisels, spades & bits & weighs a flamin' ton!

I also use a couple of mini-Sys for specialist drill bits & precision measuring & marking tasks respectively.

I personally like the flexibility & compatibility of the smaller Systainers, but really don't like the overt size & (when filled) weight of the Maxis at all.  Having the ability to just grab a few appropriate Systainers which will contain almost everything required for a particular task, including "spares", chargers etc. is a huge convenience to me.  It also makes it much more straightforward to return everything back to its appropriate place in the boxes too.

This seems to work well for me.  Other folks I'm sure will differ.

 

[Bertotti]

I haven't had any luck finding these in the states yet. Hopefully they will show up at some point. I think one would make a nice abrasive box.

https://systainer.store/collections/systainer3

Has had them in stock in light gray and currently has anthracite in stock with US shipping.

Thanks! My local options kind of tapped out. I'm still waiting on a ro150 apparently back-ordered. Been waiting almost three weeks now. So I wasn't keen on ordering one from them and I'm still kicking around the idea.

 

[Bertotti]

I saw these online but have not seen one in person. Do any of you have experience with the XXL Systainers? My thought process is to add on and use it for both of my Rotex the RO 90 and when it arrives the RO 150 and of space allows a future ETS ec 150. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated? I would like to have all the sanders in one place and easily grabbed or switched between. Then use two of the original sys for abrasive storage. And I would have a third for items like the parfmk2

I'm a bit puzzled why you'd want to include dissimilar/different sized tools in the same container.  Admittedly, I don't understand your circumstances, but surely it's preferable to include all similar hardware & software together.

With such a large range of comprehensive sizes & footprints, there's a suitable Systainer available for almost every portable power tool & accessory.

I keep my 5 & 8 mm orbit 150mm Random sanders together in a single systainer. I keep a selection of 150mm mesh abrasives, pad savers & a spare base or 2 in another.  My orbital & delta live in another, with another Systainer "organiser" for suitable abrasives, bases etc.

My cordless drills live with a basic selection of accessory chucks, torque multipliers, bits etc. all organised together in the 1 Systainer, & my Tapping drill with a selection of bits, taps, left handed drills & extractors in the same "organiser" Systainer.  Likewise, the Rattler Systainer has a selection of suitable driver bits, sockets etc.

My grinder Systainers usually accomodate a tin of slitting & a couple of grinding discs, a selection of diamond blades & a few appropriate Arbortech accessory saws, dishing & carving blades, flap discs & flexi pads & abrasives.  Having a self-contained "kit" of hardware & software together massively assists my workflow, efficiency & overall organisation.

The (older) MaxiSys boxes get really big & heavy when filled to capacity.  My most used one contains an Akeda/Trend D/tail jig & router with a selection of appropriate router bits, guide bushes, fence etc.  I have a 12" floor saw in another, together with an accessory extraction guard & a couple of diamond blades.  Another has a big SDS Max hammer, chisels, spades & bits & weighs a flamin' ton!

I also use a couple of mini-Sys for specialist drill bits & precision measuring & marking tasks respectively.

I personally like the flexibility & compatibility of the smaller Systainers, but really don't like the overt size & (when filled) weight of the Maxis at all.  Having the ability to just grab a few appropriate Systainers which will contain almost everything required for a particular task, including "spares", chargers etc. is a huge convenience to me.  It also makes it much more straightforward to return everything back to its appropriate place in the boxes too.

This seems to work well for me.  Other folks I'm sure will differ.

I just like to organize by use. It seems I will not be doing much onsite work with sanders so this may all be moot. I am hoping to be a shop only guy moving forward and if that works out I will be making my own cabinets for everything. The xxl would be only for when I have to venture out then I could toss in what I want or so my mind tells me. I do not particularly like systainers because I prefer nice solid beautiful wood tool boxes and cabinets but they are just so portable and convenient. I really do not want an entire shop of systainers but somehow I already have seven of the darn things, driven by no dedicated work space.