anyone disappointed with their CXS?

[Brian Peters]

    I've got the CXS along with a Bosch 18 volt drill / impact kit.
I've been very happy with the CXS, it's just a pleasure to use!
I agree with others tho that it shouldn't be an only drill.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Hey skids? What's up with your aggressive remarks? Are you looking for a fight or so?

I posed a question that had nothing to do with you and now you're attacking me?

 

[skids]

Hey skids? What's up with your aggressive remarks? Are you looking for a fight or so?

I posed a question that had nothing to do with you and now you're attacking me?

I have no clue what you're talking about.

 

[zapdafish]

I'm waiting for the dust collection attachment with bluetooth to start my ct remotely when I pull the trigger  [big grin]

For those who talk about the "drill system", or its lack thereof, how exactly do you envision a drill to fit in with the system?

Like, a CMS insert for the C15, or a rail adapter for the T18?

Personally, I think drills are stand alone tools, in a category of its own, and boy, does Festool deliver some nice accessories for them!

 

[otis04]

My point was exactly that a drill cannot fit into a system.  That said, I have plugged a corded drill into the vac for my Keg pocket jig.
One other point, the Centrotec system is incompatible with all the 1/4 inch accessories I already own, seems like more of a marketing than an engineering decision.
I love my Festools and have accumulated several thousand dollars worth in 2 years, but I just don't get the drills.

 

[sessler2013]

Really, I love my MFT/3, TS 55, OF 1400, CT 36 and ETS 125, but . . . . like some have said the system is the thing.

I don't see "the system" with the drills and I don't buy the argument that Centrotec is the feature worth paying a ridiculous premium for the drill.

A keyless chuck takes seconds to change bits and I don't need to buy all new ones.

Instead of the CXS, this is my compact drill/driver of choice: http://www.portercable.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=24174.

Small, leds, two speeds. Drills and drives into hardwood. About 40% of the price of the CXS.

Really? Honestly I will never buy another porter cable drill. I bought the lithium 18v PC and the batteries are toast after about 30 minutes of regular use, also the clutch went out partially and sometimes it makes a sound like an impacts drill. The chuck comes loose ever time you drive a screw too no matter how hard you tighten it. May as well be a black and decker

I paid 150 for it and now there on sale for 99$!!

I had one of their jigsaws and it crapped out too after only a year maybe being used on five projects.

I will admit they used to make some creat stough but certainly have gone down hill fast! Routers are still good though

 

[Jaybolishes]

Can't you buy the drill and if you don't like it, return it?

I love my cxs, but I own many many drills.  A fella who is a weekend warrior will most definitely be disappointed if this is the only drill he owns.  But the cxs is a great compliment to a woodworkers tool arsenal.  The cxs is amazing at doing things like installing hinges and other delicate things where you want to feel the screw and be certain you don't over tighten or overdrive a screw.  But I am very surprised with the power in this little beauty.  But like I already said, you can't expect this drill to do everything, that's just foolish.  I see Tom Sylva on This Old House use his cxs all the time and he's a guy who would know what's good and what's not.

I have the 98 piece centrotec set and its worth every penny if you use a drill for a living. Plenty of room for all my 1/4" bits too.  In two small  systainers I have every bit I could ever need and I'm not ever frantically looking for a bit anymore, that's worth a lot IMHO.  The systainers all lock together making this contractor a very happy one.  If its expensive for you, don't get it, you probably should be buying other things if its going to break your bank. 

 

[Nick C]

Regarding cordless tools in general, Festool is rather late to the party. I have a few of the Milwaukee M12 series tools, and am very pleased with them. There are dozens of tools that use the M12 batteries. This is indeed a "system" (just not in the Festool sense). Having said that, I recently got a CXS, and I'm very pleased with it as well. I use it mostly for "finesse" work, where its compact size, light weight, and precise clutch feel provide just what I need. I have a few of the Centrotec drills and drivers, and feel they are first rate, although certainly expensive. Oddly enough, the two centrotec drills that I like the most are among the most expensive: The Forstner-style bits, with their interchangeable center points, let me drill the clean, flat-bottomed holes at an angle (no drill press!), and the drill/countersink gadget does a very clean job. So in summary--high quality, high price. But, that's Festool.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

I totally blew off Festool drills for a few years on the "system theory", e.g. why pay extra for a Festool if there's no dust collection, no interface with MFTs, etc?

Then I saw the reduced price on a T12 and bought it.  The lightbulb went off right away.  I would say that now the CXS is used more often than any other tool.

 

[jeep jake]

I use my c-15 everyday I also do heavier work then most guys on here, It rules.  I would get something a little bigger I really like the c-12

 

[Wing79]

i love mine.  probably one of my favorite festools!!!

 

[Timtool]

One other point, the Centrotec system is incompatible with all the 1/4 inch accessories I already own, seems like more of a marketing than an engineering decision.
I love my Festools and have accumulated several thousand dollars worth in 2 years, but I just don't get the drills.

I used to be skeptical about the centrotec as well, but when i got my T15 there was this 5mm centrotec drill bit in the set and i experienced just how much more practical it was compared to other drill bits. I timidly started by investing in a set of flat head drill bits and a counter sinking bit, and that alone is what i use 80% of the time.
A bit later i got the installer set and then the forstner set and i wouldn't want to be without anymore.

I bet that if a company like Bosch had invented the centrotec 30-20 years ago it would be standard issue on all professional machines just like their SDS hammer system or SDS jigsaw blade system is now.
i used to have a Bosch drill with Bosch drills that fitted in their Bosch adapter with a ball detent, problem was that their expensive drill bits weren't even straight and they would stay stuck in the wood when pulling the drill out. It was just crap. Never had these quality issues with the festool system.

 

[Kev]

Centrotec is a great system - expensive in some areas maybe, but I like it and have invested in it along with many Festool and Protool drills.

Strangely drills seem to be one of the Festool tool categories that polarises people in opinion.

I don't see the price of Festool drills compared to other brands relatively more expensive than other Festool tool categories.

It's true that the Festool drills probably tick the least number of "Festool System" boxes (Centrotec, Systainer) I'm with Alex on cordless "system" ... you can't say the mains power Festools are part of the "mains power system".

Anyway Centrotec and Systainer along with Festool warranty and reliability are good enough to liberate my $'s.

 

[fastbike]

All I said is that I like the 12V Lithium for a compact drill. I've had it for 18 mo or so and I don't have problems w/ it.
Buy what you want. You asked for opinions and you got them.

Really, I love my MFT/3, TS 55, OF 1400, CT 36 and ETS 125, but . . . . like some have said the system is the thing.

I don't see "the system" with the drills and I don't buy the argument that Centrotec is the feature worth paying a ridiculous premium for the drill.

A keyless chuck takes seconds to change bits and I don't need to buy all new ones.

Instead of the CXS, this is my compact drill/driver of choice: http://www.portercable.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=24174.

Small, leds, two speeds. Drills and drives into hardwood. About 40% of the price of the CXS.

Really? Honestly I will never buy another porter cable drill. I bought the lithium 18v PC and the batteries are toast after about 30 minutes of regular use, also the clutch went out partially and sometimes it makes a sound like an impacts drill. The chuck comes loose ever time you drive a screw too no matter how hard you tighten it. May as well be a black and decker

I paid 150 for it and now there on sale for 99$!!

I had one of their jigsaws and it crapped out too after only a year maybe being used on five projects.

I will admit they used to make some creat stough but certainly have gone down hill fast! Routers are still good though

 

[Holz-Her]

I absolutely love my CXS....compact, lightweight, ergonomic, good built quality, made in germany.... [smile]

 

[BravoRomeo]

I have a CXS and am pleased with it. The ergonomics are hard to beat, as is the incredible low speed control. It is surprisingly powerful and quiet.

Even if you don't acquire any Centrotec drill bits, it is still a useful quick change system, as you can quickly swap between the Centrotec and Jacobs chucks, each loaded as needed for a project. You can also stick a driver bit right in the end of the motor shaft, or add the right angle attachment, which does not have the speed/torque limitations seen on the cheap right angle attachments from the hardware store. So you have a real right angle drill with the CXS.

What would I change? I'd like to see the CXS upgraded to brushless technology and electronic clutch, like its bigger siblings. A release delay on the LED would be welcome for consistency with the larger drills.

I should also mention the way the battery clicks in and out is one of those little details that pleases me to no end. It is not some cheap piece of plastic that bends or requires an inordinate amount of thumb pressure or slamming into the bottom of the drill.

 

[jacko9]

I love my CSX but, it wouldn't be my only drill since it's a bit shy on torque for larger drill sizes.  However, for cabinet assembly, furniture construction and recently I used it to install my overhead central duct system for my Oneida Cyclone.  The CSX is very sweet when on a ladder doing overhead drilling.  Battery life has been pretty good so far and has exceeded my expectations.

Jack

 

[pugilato]

I am somewhat disappointed with my CXS... Insufficient power, batteries dont last long. Maybe I got a lemon, but it is way late to return it. For $300, I am not certain I made a good investment. Very happy with all my other Festools.

 

[pettyconstruction]

I just got my cxs.
Love it,just what I was looking for in a LIGHT drill/driver.
I am new to the centrotec system,but so far I really like it.

I think the drill and its chucks are well thought out,and I will
get another companion festool drill because of that..
Thanks,Chuck

 

[Dan1210]

I am somewhat disappointed with my CXS... Insufficient power, batteries dont last long. Maybe I got a lemon, but it is way late to return it. For $300, I am not certain I made a good investment. Very happy with all my other Festools.

it depends what you expected from it, i use mine professionally all day, it is currently in for repair and i hate not having it, i dont expect it to last as long as my 14.4v kit but i think it is a great tool used as intended, the batteries last ok i find and the 15min charge is excellent, the power is ok for smaller fastenings and drilling but could be better, im currently on the fence whether to sell it after repair and try the c12....i think its excellent but you could always have a little more power  8)