21 questions with the CXS

[WarnerConstCo.]

Here it is, Festool's soon to be released compact drill.

It comes with 2 battery's (lithium ion), right angle chuck, a 3/8" keyless chuck and the standard Centrotec chuck.

Before going any farther, I want to make it known that I really despise compact drills/drivers.  I have had all of them at some point and time and have either given them away or sold them.  I also DO NOT own a single lithium battery tool.  I do not like lithium here where it gets cold.  I do not like having to keep battery's warm.

I took some comparison pictures of the CXS to my C-12.

I have not used this drill too much, although it works great for running in pocket screws and other remedial screwing and driving tasks.
I have left it at home for the Mrs. to use though. [big grin]

I need to find my small mixing paddle and see how it does mixing some mud or mortar.

Again, I will be putting this review together with all of you guys in mind.  

I want you to ask any question you may have about the CXS.  

I will try and answer each one.  Enough idle chat, time for pictures.

 

[GhostFist]

Mixing mortar with it?? I don't expect much from that except a good laugh. Interesting to see it's actually longer than the C12, how does it compare power wise? You said you weren't a fan of compact drills but I'd like to know how fast it drives screws compared to other wee uns.

 

[ScotF]

The right angle chuck looks different - are the other chucks interchangeable  between the different drills -- i.e. you have this kit and then buy a drill only?  How is the power on this drill?  How has the Lithium stood up to the winter this year?

Scot

 

[Tim Morris]

The right angle attachment is specific to this drill. The other Centrotec attachment  will work with the exception of the Fast Fix depth stop. The key less chuck is only 8mm compared to 13mm on the other drills.

 

[Tim Morris]

Darcy or Shane I'll add to the questions. Has the price point been established on this product yet. Just curious.

 

[PeterK]

My experience with the Festool NiCad batteries showed that they were so far superior to others - discharged extremely slowly on the shelf, long life. I wonder if the Lithium Ions that Festool are using are also better. Would love to see a test of the batteries strength and life based upon temperature changes - shop use versus outdoor.

Cute driver. Not very tall but longer than the current offerings. Not sure that I see a benefit to this driver at this time. I have 10.8 volt drivers from Bosch and Makita now that work very well.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

I guess my basic question is what is the darned thing for?  Doesn't look much smaller than the other Festool drills, so what can it do that the others can't.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I guess my basic question is what is the darned thing for?  Doesn't look much smaller than the other Festool drills, so what can it do that the others can't.

[big grin]

 

[jonny round boy]

I guess my basic question is what is the darned thing for?  Doesn't look much smaller than the other Festool drills, so what can it do that the others can't.

The main advantages of the CXS over, say the C12 are one; weight (0.9kg for the CXS, 1.3kg for the C12); and two; PRICE.

The first is an advantage in a production environment, where you might be holding the drill for literally hours at a time. Everything gets heavy-feeling eventually, and the CXS is 1/3rd lighter.

The second is an advantage for new Festool customers (at least, that's what I think Festool thinks!). For someone not used to Festool, the initial sticker-shock is reduced (the CXS is around half the cost of the C12). Sure you don't get the electronic clutch, offset chuck etc., but a new Festool user wouldn't be expecting those anyway as they're not available on any other manufacturer's products.

 

[Sean7a]

I guess my basic question is what is the darned thing for?  Doesn't look much smaller than the other Festool drills, so what can it do that the others can't.

...advantage for new Festool customers (at least, that's what I think Festool thinks!). For someone not used to Festool, the initial sticker-shock is reduced (the CXS is around half the cost of the C12).

Dead on the money here.  I think these new tools, especially some @ lower price points, like the CXS, can mean big things for all of us.  The bigger Fes grows and the larger the market it appeals to, the quicker will see new products, improvements, etc.  Tell your friends boys!  A "cheap" Festool!!

 

[Michael_MA]

I guess my basic question is what is the darned thing for?  Doesn't look much smaller than the other Festool drills, so what can it do that the others can't.

Hi Jesse,

not sure, if you remember our long discussion in here but i'm sure the pictures are convincing.  Two of them show the CXS and the C12 on a scale, so thats the real weight.
I have one in Service and i'm real glad to have it, since lots of stuff can very well be done with the CXS, where you usually would grab your Cxx or Txx Drill..

kind regards, Mike

 

[batmanrobin]

My opinion is that I would just as soon see Festool not worry about cheaper tools so anyone can afford them.  That is one reason why I prefer them, because of the quality. Too many companies go the way of making them affordable and then we get Cheap tools.  I don't want cheap tools that don't last. If I can't afford them I don't buy them, or wait till I have the funds to buy them.
  Festool continue to produce good quality tools and give me great service and let other companies produce for the rest!  Thank you

 

[Brice Burrell]

My opinion is that I would just as soon see Festool not worry about cheaper tools so anyone can afford them.  That is one reason why I prefer them, because of the quality. Too many companies go the way of making them affordable and then we get Cheap tools.  I don't want cheap tools that don't last. If I can't afford them I don't buy them, or wait till I have the funds to buy them.
  Festool continue to produce good quality tools and give me great service and let other companies produce for the rest!  Thank you

Who said the CXS is gonna be cheap??  Less expensive than the other Festool drills, yes.  Cheap, I doubt it.

 

[batmanrobin]

Didn't mean specifically CXS . Just the comments about Festools being too much.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Didn't mean specifically CXS . Just the comments about Festools being too much.

Yeah, I understand and I share your thoughts.  My point is Festool isn't doing that with this drill so no one needs to worry, yet.

 

[USPcompact]

I really want a Festool drill, and the CXS seems like a great entry option, but I'm already pretty heavily invested in the Milwaukee M12 system.  I've got the Hackzall (possibly my favorite tool of all time), drill driver, screwdriver, impact driver, right angle driver, laser level, and a couple of flashlights.  I've got 10 batteries or so, and maybe 5 chargers.  This is in addition to all the 18V Makita LXT stuff I've got.   [eek]

So, all that said, is the CXS enough of a step up from what I've got already to warrant the space in the truck?  

 

[Brice Burrell]

I really want a Festool drill, and the CXS seems like a great entry option, but I'm already pretty heavily invested in the Milwaukee M12 system.  I've got the Hackzall (possibly my favorite tool of all time), drill driver, screwdriver, impact driver, right angle driver, laser level, and a couple of flashlights.  I've got 10 batteries or so, and maybe 5 chargers.  This is in addition to all the 18V Makita LXT stuff I've got.   [eek]

So, all that said, is the CXS enough of a step up from what I've got already to warrant the space in the truck?  

Doesn't sound like it to me, although I'm basing that on no hands on experience with the CXS.  The only thing I see you gaining are the right angle and Centrotec chucks.

 

[USPcompact]

I really want a Festool drill, and the CXS seems like a great entry option, but I'm already pretty heavily invested in the Milwaukee M12 system.  I've got the Hackzall (possibly my favorite tool of all time), drill driver, screwdriver, impact driver, right angle driver, laser level, and a couple of flashlights.  I've got 10 batteries or so, and maybe 5 chargers.  This is in addition to all the 18V Makita LXT stuff I've got.   [eek]

So, all that said, is the CXS enough of a step up from what I've got already to warrant the space in the truck?  

Doesn't sound like it to me, although I'm basing that on no hands on experience with the CXS.  The only thing I see you gaining are the right angle and Centrotec chucks.

C'mon, you're supposed to push me the other direction.  [blink]

But yeah, I pretty much agree.  I can't see that I'd gain that much, and would only add some headache by putting it in the truck.  That's another charger and another set of bits.

That said, I do think it might be an excellent option to leave in the shop as a dedicated shop drill.  If I had the CXS, I wouldn't have to worry about unpacking my other stuff to do some shop work, and then forgetting to pack it back up when I'm done. 

See, that wasn't hard.  [big grin]

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

It is in no way a cheap/poorly built tool.
It is a very well thought out compact drill.

It has the most feature's of any compact and seems to
Be built like a full size drill.

It is really light and the bit holder is a nice touch.

Right now I am seeing how many roofing nails I can get
From a full charge.  [big grin]

 

[mouppe]

It probably also has a place for those people who have a bunch of centrotec accessories and want a second Festool drill, but who do not need a second powerful drill.

Much of Festool's system approach and product line is aimed at people who already own one Festool.