COLT DRILLS – GROUP BUY expressions of interest
Evenin’ All
I’m calling for expressions of interest in a group purchase of Colt Drills, either directly from the manufacturer, or a retailer in the USA.
For those of you who have never used a Colt product – they are absolutely outstanding. Having read threads on them it seems that many would like to purchase them but are put off buy the usual “buy in Australia and pay nearly double”. The range available here is VERY limited as well.
PRODUCT RANGE:
Twinland Brad Points
5 Star Brad Points (in ½mm increments…ooooh yeahhhhh)
Long Brad Points
Extra Long Brad Points
Pen Drills
HSS Forstners and extensions
Carbide Hinge Bits
Countersinks & Countersink/Drill combos (big range)
Auger Bits (full range in 230mm, 320mm, 460mm, 600mm lengths)
Formwork Drills
PLEASE NOTE: Colt do not make normal Twist Drills.
My own experience is limited to the 5 Star Brad Points. I use an 8mm in particular and have drilled hundreds of holes in Spotted Gum (hardness 10) with this bit, and it’s still more or less like new. Many of these holes have been 70mm deep, and are done in less than 5 seconds, with three pulls on the lever. Chip ejection is excellent. You don’t even need support on the BACK of the board to get a clean exit.
There are a number of forumites who have the forstner bits, and the reports are similar to mine.
At this point I’m only looking for indications of interest. I have been having dialogue with Juergen Miebach, the Managing Director, and am currently waiting for him to come back to me on whether we could purchase direct. Failing that there are a number of retailers in the USA. The only problem with that is that none of them would stock the complete range (which is very extensive). That makes a manufacturer direct purchase more attractive, especially if we can get some red hot prices.
Website but ah, it’s in German (I know, I know, beats the crap out of me too). That’s why I’ve attached the PDFs that Juergen sent to me.
I have attached a spreadsheet and PDFs which you are welcome to download. The spreadsheet is locked so that the only cells you enter data into are the “QTY” cells. The password is blank if you really need to make some notes or whatever.
You will note that the currency converter at the top is as at 3rd March. You can enter a more current one if you wish. I used the currency converter on Google, which won’t be final, but gives a good indication. There is also a “Grand Total” at the top in blue. I have taken the prices from the website.
STOP PRESS: Err, I had to split the spreadsheet in two so the Grand Total is only on the first sheet. If your into Augers and Formworks then get ya calculator out!
If you’re interested the best thing to do at this stage is to work out roughly what you want, and then reply back to say “I’m in for about $80 worth” etc. I DON’T NEED OR WANT SPECIFIC DETAILS at this stage. This way I can go back to Juergen and say “we have interest for $900” or whatever (dangling a carrot you see).
Freight prices will have to be worked out later, and then the forwarding postage within Australia for each member.
If you are a current user then give them a vote of confidence in this thread (short & sweet is good). If you’re not, then do yourself a big, big favour and have a look at these marvelous products.
Regards, Brett
Ahem! Just to clarify....
1. There is no commitment to any retailer or Colt direct
2. We'll buy at the best prices for the greater good. That is to say, some places are cheaper on one item and dearer on another.
3. I'd be mightily surprised if we can't get a spanking good deal from Colt, and we all know that there's nothing like a good German spanking.:U
So, depending on how it all goes, we may not even have to sound out any of the retailers (i.e. if Juergen comes up with the goods, then why bother).
Bear in mind that the manufacturer should have just about everything in stock, AND in the required numbers.
Cheers, FF