One of my first ever blog postings was on taking a file to regular hex driver bits so they could work in a Centrotec chuck. Today, I needed to "Centrotec" a socket driver bit so I decided to flip on the camera. This is the video explaining how you mark the bit then showing the whole process in real-time. It's pretty fast, actually.
If you want to know why the Centrotec ball-detent is where it is, you'll have to watch my C12 Demo video that is forthcoming.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Centrotecing (bis)
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Naturally, I like woodworking as a hobby, but an ice hockey tournament will easily get me out of the shop :)
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Awesome. I have been thinking about trying this out and now that I have seen it done I know it is possible. My one suggestion is to buy a cheap set of diamond files like this: http://www.amazon.com/10-Medium-Size-Diamond-Files/dp/B000UCREE8/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2492LFZE4JG4F&colid=2C9WFQN5ANNUF
Excellent idea, Brian. I do actually have a set for touching up router bits, but they aren't round at all. Even so, you can see how fast it is even with a pretty abused file (the two small ones are el cheapo files that get used for anything 'nasty'). Once you Centrotec one bit, you'll find that the next time you have an incompatible bit, you'll chuck it up and make it work rather than reaching for the bit holder.
Thanks = you convinced me to get a Festool drill and now I can use my pre-existing hex tools in my Centrotec.
I am going to try a round grinding stone in my Dremel tool on the hex while it rotates in my drill press
That may work faster, Al... dunno! Overall not a very slow operation and I still use all the ones I "Centrotec'ed"
I am going to try this using my lathe with a drill chuck mounted in the headstock.
My lathe can turn really slow (infinitely variable from 100 - 3500 RPM) so should be able to do just as you did in your drill press. I have a DP but I think working in the lathe will be an easier working position for applying the tool to the work and for seeing what I am doing.