C or T series Drill?

[dieter]

Hi there,

Its time to replace my old Makita drill with a new one. My question, what are the general prefernces here? The classic T series or the rather unconventional C series? There is an annoncement by festool that there is a major facelift to both series due this may. I have to decide till than 

Many thanx

Dieter

 

[jmbfestool]

I prefer the T looks better the C looks funny pluss the front piece in front of your hand on the drill would get in the way sometimes in small places.

 

[dieter]

I agree jmbfestoll, however, the C-Version is a bit shorter which comes handy in crowded situations. On the other hand the T-Version is better balanced. I tried both but still I havn't decided yet...

 

[Brice Burrell]

Welcome to the FOG Dieter!  This comes down to personal preference.  I have the T series and another contractor I work with has the C drills.  I have tried his C drills and at first they seemed uncomfortable to me.  After some use I like them a lot better now.  I'm very comfortable with both styles however, some people feel strongly about one over the other.  I highly recommend you try them at at your dealer.  Good luck.  

 

[tbellemare]

Although I think it's largely personal taste, I think most people are used to T-drills.

The thing I, personally, like about C-drills is that they are configured for one-handed usage. If you want to push along the output shaft of a T-drill, it takes two hands. C-drills are configured such that with one hand, you can push along that axis. Sometimes it doesn't really matter but sometimes it does, especially with small bits. If I'm hanging off a ladder and having to reach, I'd take a C-drill any day.

Tom

 

[dieter]

Thanx Brice, at first I was interrested in the C-Series however the T-Series has a slightly bit more torque than the C-Series. In may the T-Series will have a built in LED light which is really a must when working in dark corners.

 

[jmbfestool]

If you look at the the C and T and put them side by side with the handles inline the C is longer! The drills might be the same length but I'm. Saying if the handles where INLINE the C is longer from the handle  So would be more awkward in smaller places to get your hand round .I think  I'm right I'm just looking at pictures now.  

People with C will say C people with T properly Say T I own a T so I'm saying T lol. Some one with T n C might give you n answer your looking for.

Jmb

 

[dieter]

Tom, yes I agree. These are the cases where the C-Drill is more suitable. Should I buy both? [unsure]

 

[dieter]

The size is important, but if the difference is only by two or three centimeters it should not matter to much.

 

[semenza]

Although I think it's largely personal taste, I think most people are used to T-drills.

The thing I, personally, like about C-drills is that they are configured for one-handed usage. If you want to push along the output shaft of a T-drill, it takes two hands. C-drills are configured such that with one hand, you can push along that axis. Sometimes it doesn't really matter but sometimes it does, especially with small bits. If I'm hanging off a ladder and having to reach, I'd take a C-drill any day.

Tom

That is why I have always prefered C or pistol grip drills to T drills for driving screws.  And even somewhat for drilling because I find I am less inclined to tilt the drill.  But I do like the feel  of T drills.  I do not have a Festool drill but have picked them up many times. I think the only reason I do not have a C12 drill is the rectangular trigger. I know it is supposed to be so that whatever finger is on it can operate it, but I still think it would be better with a curve in it like the T series has.

I am currently using DWs. When DW switched to T drills I tried them and did not like them. In fact I bougt pistolgrip housings and swapped the guts to convert them.

Seth

 

[jmbfestool]

The size is important, but if the difference is only by two or three centimeters it should not matter to much.

Centimeters!  Centimetres!   You mean Millimetres!  And 2 or 3 centimetres!  thats 20 30mm! Thats LOADS!!!!

JMB

 

[dieter]

The Makita which is currently in use is huge...everything smaller than this is an advantage!

 

[dieter]

I've attached the festool PDF leaflet below which I recived by e-Mail. You my see the differences compared to the facelifted drills. I know its not much but still...

 

[Christian A.]

Servus, Dieter!

I have been using a Festool CDD 12 V and a Makita 14.4 V LXT (T-shape) cordless drill for several years. Last year, I decided that it was time for a new Festool cordless drill. The Festool C12 Li is the tool I opted for.
Basically, I like both styles - the pistol grip as well as the T-shape. The reason why I bought the C12 (instead of the T12+3) was that the pistol grip allows me to apply axial pressure on the drill bit/screwdriver bit/screw when operating the tool with just one hand. Furthermore, you can "hang" the C-models around your hand/wrist which is useful when installing ceiling lights etc. The C12 Li and the C15 Li have built-in LEDs that illuminate the work piece. The T-drills come with an attachable light that only works in conjunction with the Centrotec chuck, not with the regular FastFix, right angle or eccentric chuck.
The T-drills have their advantages though: The balance is (slightly) better. In my opinion, this is not a big deal in the 10.8 V class but if I had wanted a 14.4 V drill (T15+3 or C15 Li) I would have purchased the T-model - manly for balance reasons. From a nominal point of view, the length of the C and T-drills is approximately the same. In actual use, the T-models are shorter. Imagine working in a "box" (for example in a drawer, as shown here): With the C-drills the operator's hand adds to the length of the tool, that doesn't apply to the T-models.

Hope this helps,

Christian

 

[dieter]

Thanx Christian, I appriciate your detailed review of both tools. The axial pressure on the tool bit is definitly better with the C-Series that is a fact.

 

[dieter]

Its going to be T/C 15 Series which is over 1kg lighter than my current Makita Tool. The Makita was a brilliant drill for many years but now the gear makes some noises and the batteries are not fresh anymore..

 

[jmbfestool]

I've attached the festool PDF leaflet below which I recived by e-Mail. You my see the differences compared to the facelifted drills. I know its not much but still...

Whats annoying is that it should not be a face lift! It should of been done on the first lot of new drills!  You cant tell me Festool did not know people would of liked a light on the drills or a batterie indicator or a belt clip.  

The first thing every one said to me when I showed them my T15 when I bought it on the day it was released was where is the light? where is the belt clip my new drill has a batterie indicator yours dont.  

I almost did not buy the drill because of these 3 things but I loved the ANGLE chuck and the offset and the power to size ratio so I decided to buy it any way but I did keep thinking its crap that it aint got a belt clip no light and batterie indicator.  In my opinion festool could of easily added all 3 features on the first generation drills but they just want to make more money out of use so hoping people will now buy another drill because of these extra features.

I think ill be one of those fools who will be buying the drill with the new features DAM IT!!!  im waiting though till all the faults have been corrected as we all know they will have problems im not making the same mistake again soo ill wait till its all sorted!

JMB

 

[dieter]

I totally agree with you JMB, the light is really a handy feature which should be integrated in the tools from the beginning on. However, the angle chuck is a fantastic option and is the reason why its going to be festool set.

 

[jmbfestool]

I totally agree with you JMB, the light is really a handy feature which should be integrated in the tools from the beginning on. However, the angle chuck is a fantastic option and is the reason why its going to be festool set.

At the rate your posting lol you will soon catch me up with the amount of posts posted. lol

Yes definitely  go with the SET  its a MUST its what makes the drill even more Special compared to other brands.

Just buy both one Set n one just bare if you can buy it bare you wont have to worry then about buying the wrong one

JMB

 

[dieter]

JMB, there is a awefull long list of new tools that must be bought in the next few months. I am restoring an old sailing yacht...its a real mess.