Bosch 18v cabinet maker’s drill

[Michael Kellough]

A cheap imitation of the Festool set but it’s only 1/3rd the price today only at Lowes.

$199

 

[Bertotti]

I bought the Milwaukee m12 installers kit earlier this year. No regrets and light compared to my 18 volt gear. Much easier for me on cabinets and such than the 18v tools I have.

 

[Mortiser]

This Bosch set is good drill and the accessories work pretty well. I got the set last year at that sale price. It's pretty heavy duty. I use it for my construction projects and DIY work. I use my CXS exclusively for cabinet and furniture work.

 

[Bertotti]

I would love to have those accessories for Tue 18v kit I have the offset would be so useful so often for me. Is the Bosch stuff solid? Run well?

 

[MikeGE]

I would love to have those accessories for Tue 18v kit I have the offset would be so useful so often for me. Is the Bosch stuff solid? Run well?

Despite Michael Kellough's description of "cheap imitation", the Bosch blue tools have performed great for me.  I've been using the same 18V drill and pair of impact drivers for years without any problems, and see no need to replace them with the Festool equivalents.  I would avoid the Bosch green product line unless I was a casual user who didn't mind tossing the set when it broke.

 

[Mini Me]

I would love to have those accessories for Tue 18v kit I have the offset would be so useful so often for me. Is the Bosch stuff solid? Run well?

Despite Michael Kellough's description of "cheap imitation", the Bosch blue tools have performed great for me.  I've been using the same 18V drill and pair of impact drivers for years without any problems, and see no need to replace them with the Festool equivalents.  I would avoid the Bosch green product line unless I was a casual user who didn't mind tossing the set when it broke.

Yes, my three Bosch 12V drills and impact drivers including the Flexiclik set have been very strong performers for years, my two 18V Protool 4 speed drills not so much.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

[member=297]Michael Kellough[/member] your link goes to the 18v version at $319. The 12v model is down at the bottom of the page, but at $199 I wouldn't call it 1/3 of the price of the CSX.
I have had the Bosch drills/drivers in the past. I even had one of the original pocket drivers, back when they first came out. It was great for hardware installs, but only single speed and no drill chuck. They came out with a keyless chuck and 2 speed version a while later, but it was noticeably bigger and heavier. Plus, it was two separate units.
The CSX is quite different. The only thing I have seen that is close is the Milwaukee clone. I have seen reviews that say that it's still not quite right/the same?

 

[rhoyer]

[member=58857]Crazyraceguy[/member]

today only at Lowes.

 

[Mortiser]

To clarify, my previous post was referring to the 18V, brushless, Chameleon drill, Model #GSR18V-535FCB15, not the 12V Flexclick version. This 18V drill is a solid performer and the "click" chuck accessories are heavy-duty. This is a heavier (and heavier duty) drill than the CXS. I have had great battery life out of Bosch 18V batteries. I was able to buy mine last year on sale for $199, the same price that they just advertised that ended yesterday, September 4th. My guess is that they will likely have it on sale again for Black Friday.

 

[Michael Kellough]

I would love to have those accessories for Tue 18v kit I have the offset would be so useful so often for me. Is the Bosch stuff solid? Run well?

Despite Michael Kellough's description of "cheap imitation", the Bosch blue tools have performed great for me.  I've been using the same 18V drill and pair of impact drivers for years without any problems, and see no need to replace them with the Festool equivalents.  I would avoid the Bosch green product line unless I was a casual user who didn't mind tossing the set when it broke.

Despite my possibly disparaging comment I bought a set myself.

Anyone have the SDS Max attachment?

 

[Crazyraceguy]

To clarify, my previous post was referring to the 18V, brushless, Chameleon drill, Model #GSR18V-535FCB15, not the 12V Flexclick version. This 18V drill is a solid performer and the "click" chuck accessories are heavy-duty. This is a heavier (and heavier duty) drill than the CXS. I have had great battery life out of Bosch 18V batteries. I was able to buy mine last year on sale for $199, the same price that they just advertised that ended yesterday, September 4th. My guess is that they will likely have it on sale again for Black Friday.

Apparently I misunderstood. I clicked the link and it went to the 18v, then Bertotti brought up the Milwaukee 12v, plus my bias toward the CSX. I assumed that this was about a light/medium duty all-in-one type drill for cabinet work. 18v is not necessarily required, but more than one drill/driver sure is helpful.

 

[afish]

I saw that dewalt is supposed to be releasing a similar setup but I have been waiting on their new and improved drywall screwgun for about 6 months since I saw a you tube video from a show so Im not holding my breath for anything for awhile...

 

[Michael Kellough]

This kit is now $199 at Amazon as well, but I don’t recommend it.
The chucks are all very heavy for what they are.
The balance of the drill with a chuck installed is way too front heavy
so this is certainly not a cabinet maker’s drill.
Feels pretty good without a chuck but…

I bought from Lowes and will be returning to the kit to the store.

I am also disappointed in the shipping. This was sent in the Bosch retail carton so it’s quite worn from handling and everyone who walked past my porch could see what it was and the FedEx Ground guy barely gets stuff onto the front of the porch and often fails to close the gate. Luckily I was home.

 

[Mini Me]

This kit is now $199 at Amazon as well, but I don’t recommend it.
The chucks are all very heavy for what they are.
The balance of the drill with a chuck installed is way too front heavy
so this is certainly not a cabinet maker’s drill.
Feels pretty good without a chuck but…

I bought from Lowes and will be returning to the kit to the store.

I am also disappointed in the shipping. This was sent in the Bosch retail carton so it’s quite worn from handling and everyone who walked past my porch could see what it was and the FedEx Ground guy barely gets stuff onto the front of the porch and often fails to close the gate. Luckily I was home.

Different strokes etc, I have owned that kit for some years and I would recommend it whole heartedly.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I guess I'm a little confused by the term "cabinetmaker's drill".
What would that actually mean? As I see it, that is not the same thing as an installer's tool.
The requirements are rather different. An installer might even need a hammer-drill, since they might run into a block wall once in a while. Site conditions can be nearly anything. A cabinetmaker should need far less in the way of "heavy duty". It's usually more about light weight and easy handling, for a tool that you pick up hundreds of times a day.
CSX....

 

[Michael Kellough]

[member=58857]Crazyraceguy[/member] good question and good points.

When I started the thread I had in mind that this kit includes the attachments that allow you to get into tight spots inside cabinets etc.

With any of the chucks installed it’s a bit heavy for work in tight places. As you say the CSX is better suited.

But it might be an excellent installers kit since there is an optional SDS Max attachment.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

[member=73285]micheal[/member] Kellough, agreed. The only thing I can see missing would be an impact driver that shares the same battery. With the exception of pocket screws and hardware screws (knobs/pulls) I don't drive screws with a drill.

Yes, the right angle attachment is very valuable for odd situations. The ability to use the 1" insert type bits directly, without the Centrotech chuck is especially good. It is the thinnest profile I have found.