advice needed on best drill driver to go for ?

[sucker 4 tools]

i need a drill driver and i dont have a clue about all the festool ones but would like one, i basically use a panasonic impact for everything at the mo but would like a drill driver that has a fast speed setting for drilling pocket holes etc, but also something small compact and light weight, the 10.8v stuff looks good and i would be looking on the cheaper side also.
cheers

 

[jonny round boy]

Festool don't (currently) do an impact. It's rumoured that they're working on one, but if/when it does come it'll likely be 18V.

With the 10.8V stuff (CXS & TXS) I don't think they'd have the speed you want for drilling pocket holes, etc., as they only have a top speed of 1200rpm.

The T18/C18 both go up to 1500rpm (and are very light). If you really want a high speed, then the only Festool option is the DRC/PDC series, which both have a top speed of 3800rpm.

 

[Birdhunter]

I use the Festool T18 for drilling pocket holes. It seems to work well. The drill isn't small but it handles well.

If you want a small light weight drill, look at the Festool CSX. It is surprisingly powerful and a delight to use.

 

[cblanton42]

The CXS chuck won't open far enough to accept the Kreg drill bit so that is something to be aware of (and also VERY annoying).  If you have another drill with the larger chuck no problem!  Since you don't,  it's a deal breaker for your application.  I do really like the CXS other than that issue.
CB

 

[ear3]

Though this is certainly not a decisive reason to go with the Festool drill (15V or 18V) over ones that are more reasonably priced, I do find that having the eccentric chuck for my T18 helps with getting the bit angle right on the installation of pocket screws.

 

[aas]

Are you keeping the Panasonic impact? If so, does it makes sense to you to go for the Panasonic Drill/Driver? That way you can share batteries. The 14,4v are fairly light, not sure about speed though.
Don't overlook the fact that if you spend the money on a Festool drill, you will come up against the dreaded 'Centrotec'... don't get me wrong, I love me CXS, but wish there was a 'proper' hex holder to replace the Centrotec chuck, as do many others who have posted on this forum.
If you particulary want superlight 10,8v, have a look at the Metabo Powermaxx Quick Pro - it is an awesome drill - so good in fact that Mafell have there own version of it, the brilliant A10M. Both of these also come with angle and replaceable chucks like the TXS/CXS. Metabo also gives you other options to use the same batteries if you want on other tools, check out their site.

 

[Locks14]

I have and highly rate the Milwaukee M12CPD. It has a 1700rpm speed and a full sized 13mm chuck and a hammer function, yet is very compact. In fact it's a real wolf in sheep's clothing.

http://www.milwaukeetool.eu/powertools/cordless/m12-cpd/

I especially prefer it to the Festool CXS as the handle/battery design make it far more compact and easier to get into tight spaces. The handle/guard design of the Festool make it a little too bulky for a 10.8v tool, IMO.

 

[Holz-Her]

10,8 Volt ??? Fein ASCM 12 .....4 speed geartrain...... top speed 2500rpm.....Made in Germany

 

[jmac80]

The CXS chuck won't open far enough to accept the Kreg drill bit so that is something to be aware of (and also VERY annoying).  If you have another drill with the larger chuck no problem!  Since you don't,  it's a deal breaker for your application.  I do really like the CXS other than that issue.
CB

i just got a kreg jig and the drill bit and driver bit both have hex shank ends on them so they would fit in the CXS no problem?
Also i thought i read the new cxs chuck opens to 10mm?
correct me if i'm wrong as i don't have a cxs/txs YET

 

[neeleman]

Indeed the latest CXS/TXS 2,6 Ah models have the BF-FX 10 chuck.
Where 10 stands for the maximum drill diameter.

 

[Holmz]

...
i just got a kreg jig and the drill bit and driver bit both have hex shank ends on them so they would fit in the CXS no problem?
Also i thought i read the new cxs chuck opens to 10mm?
correct me if i'm wrong as i don't have a cxs/txs YET

Is the hex 6-mm or 1/4" ?
If you did not want to use the chuck it could matter.

 

[sucker 4 tools]

thanks for the advice i dont know anything about the centro tec it sounds awkward ?
my dad has the metabo 10.8 and loves it
the panasonics are very good and compact and it would be easier to get a body from them i just liked the idea of the attachments for the festool

 

[Holmz]

...
my dad has the metabo 10.8 and loves it
...

My friends swears by Panasonic. Especially for screw driving.

I would suggest borrowing your Dad's Metabo.
I have pretty much the same thing, and rate it.

 

[aas]

thanks for the advice i dont know anything about the centro tec it sounds awkward ?
my dad has the metabo 10.8 and loves it
the panasonics are very good and compact and it would be easier to get a body from them i just liked the idea of the attachments for the festool

If you want to spend the money on a complete Centrotec set, I'm sure it will work out for you as it has for many who swear by it... I have lots of money invested in drill bits and hex bits that are 'universal'... 1/4" hex - I find it awkward for sure!
I agree with Homz, borrow your Dad's Metabo to try if you want the attachments - otherwise get another Panasonic - I have some Panasonics on next years shopping list - great tools!

 

[jmac80]

[member=40772]Holmz[/member]

Is the hex 6-mm or 1/4" ?
If you did not want to use the chuck it could matter.

Product Description
For use with Kreg® Quick Change Chuck. Also works with standard chucks of 9.525mm (3/8") dia. Features 6.35mm (1/4") hex shank and drills a standard 9.525mm (3/8") pocket-hole.

 

[Staniam]

The CXS chuck won't open far enough to accept the Kreg drill bit so that is something to be aware of (and also VERY annoying).  If you have another drill with the larger chuck no problem!  Since you don't,  it's a deal breaker for your application.  I do really like the CXS other than that issue.
CB

I believe the new 2.6ah version does as its a 3/8 chuck. I have popped in my kreg drill bit yet though so I'll have to get back to you on that in a few hours. But again, I do believe it would fit.

It's on the expensive side but the CXS does do well for picket holes as I used it extensively for that in the past (the 1.6 ah battery version) with my larger T18 chuck.

The Milwaukee M12 line is awesome. The drill drivers are great so check into those. The M12 Fuel is beastly too and small and lightweight.

 

[AlexThePalex]

thanks for the advice i dont know anything about the centro tec it sounds awkward ?

There is nothing awkward about centrotec, it is a wonderful quick change system. It is an extra on top of the same functionality you have just like with drills from any other brand. Some people complain about it because they don't seem to understand what "extra" means. They complain if it doesn't have the exact bitholder that suits their personal situation, or can't make them coffee or walk the dog.

 

[Jimmy FineCut]

I use a cxs and t18,  both are great and are well powered for cabinet and joinery work. I would say the cxs set is one of my best Festool buys.

I first bought the cxs drill and at the time I didn't have any centrotec items, but over time as older bits have worn out I have replaced them with centrotec items and now own one of the centrotec sets!

Give Festool a call and arrange to meet one of there reps at a local store and try some of the drills out maybe?

 

[JeromeM]

While all festool drills will probably have enough power to drill pocket holes, the point that has been missed is that the drill bit will keep sharp longer if driven at the correct speed and that is over 2,000 RPM . There are few battery drills with that high a speed.

This is a case where a drill with a mains cable is a better, and cheaper, choice for the majority of the work, unless you like sharpening or replacing bits.

http://store.curiousinventor.com/guides/drill_speed/

 

[aas]

thanks for the advice i dont know anything about the centro tec it sounds awkward ?

There is nothing awkward about centrotec, it is a wonderful quick change system. It is an extra on top of the same functionality you have just like with drills from any other brand. Some people complain about it because they don't seem to understand what "extra" means. They complain if it doesn't have the exact bitholder that suits their personal situation, or can't make them coffee or walk the dog.

OK, so I'll bite... It's fantastic that when releasing the Carvex, Festool decided to use 'Universal' fit jigsaw blades, that all the routers use 'Universal' and freely available router bits., etc., etc., You get the point? I don't question that Centrotec has many advantages (lots of them being for Festool - i.e. more money once the punters are locked into buying it!), but it is not an ideal solution as it is not 'Universal'. They could have been smart and released an additional chuck uniquely for hex bits in addition to the Centrotec chuck (like Mafell with the A10M), hell I even wouldn't mind paying extra for it - but instead what we have are a couple of lame (overpriced) bit adapters that don't really cut it! Festool make some beautifully engineered tools and attachments - the 'awkward' point is not Centrotec - but that lack of a beautifully engineered solution to use 'Universal' 1/4" hex bits...