C12 battery choice?

[DaveM]

Like many others have probably done, I'm debating which battery option to select with the C12 drill.  I've read through the previous threads here on FOG and have gained some good info but I thought it would be worthwhile and interesting for current C12 owners and those considering the C12 to see results of an actual poll. 

For myself, I foresee using the C12 mostly with power access available, thus the 1.3 Ah is attractive for the lighter weight, but the downside is more frequent charging cycles and in the long term a shortened lifespan. 

I'm not a pro, so the C12 won't be in use everyday--thus the batteries would experience intermittent periods of inactivity.  I've come across various discussions debating the merits of NiCd vs. NiMH, and also Li ion (anything to the rumor of a Li ion C12 in the works?).  I'm now leaning towards NiCd after reading through a pretty competent technical discussion on the pros/cons of different battery chemistries here:
http://www.batteryuniversity.com/index.htm

(See Part One and Part Two for lots of interesting info.)

And a final question, for those with experience using the C12 with both the 1.3 and 2.4 (or 3.0), do the heavier batteries significantly alter the balance of the C12, better or worse, or is it no big deal?

Thanks for providing any comments on what choice you made.

Dave
 

 

[Dan Clark]

Dave,

I went with the 2.4Ah.  I wasn't sure which one to choose, but I thought it has the best overall balance of characteristics and power.  Then I went down to my dealer in Kent, WA.  They only had the 2.4Ah.  End of procrastination.

I'm happy with it, but I've never handled one with the other batteries.  That said, I'd jump at the opportunity to get an Li Ion upgrade kit for my C12. I hope one will be available that provides somewhere between 2.4 and 3.0 Ah with the weight somewhere between the 1.3 and 2.4 Ah NiCd. 

Regards,

Dan.

 

[Jerry Work]

Hi Dave,

Lots of discussions about battery technology and size but that is only one side of the story.  The more important issue is the efficiency of the drive train and motor techology - the consumers of the power coming from the battery.  I have all three batteries for my C12 and find the lightest 1.3 on the drill most often.  On the very energy efficient C12 which uses a three phase AC stepper motor rather than a DC brush style motor, it does as much real work as double that capacity battery will do on other brands I have owned.  Since the first Festool drill came into my studio they chased out all the other brands.  I use these drills for building fine furniture and use an impact driver for the rough construction stuff so my use may differ from yours.  While I'm sure there really is a difference in battery life, it is not evident in daily use.  So, my answer to your question would be get two of the 1.3s and drill/drive up a storm.  Enjoy!

Jerry

Like many others have probably done, I'm debating which battery option to select with the C12 drill.  I've read through the previous threads here on FOG and have gained some good info but I thought it would be worthwhile and interesting for current C12 owners and those considering the C12 to see results of an actual poll. 

For myself, I foresee using the C12 mostly with power access available, thus the 1.3 Ah is attractive for the lighter weight, but the downside is more frequent charging cycles and in the long term a shortened lifespan. 

I'm not a pro, so the C12 won't be in use everyday--thus the batteries would experience intermittent periods of inactivity.  I've come across various discussions debating the merits of NiCd vs. NiMH, and also Li ion (anything to the rumor of a Li ion C12 in the works?).  I'm now leaning towards NiCd after reading through a pretty competent technical discussion on the pros/cons of different battery chemistries here:
http://www.batteryuniversity.com/index.htm

(See Part One and Part Two for lots of interesting info.)

And a final question, for those with experience using the C12 with both the 1.3 and 2.4 (or 3.0), do the heavier batteries significantly alter the balance of the C12, better or worse, or is it no big deal?

Thanks for providing any comments on what choice you made.

Dave
 

 

[mastercabman]

Dave,i have both the 3.0 and the 2.4.I'm a cabinet installer and sometime build some cabinets.
first,difference in weight?not a whole lot.i couldn't tell you witch one i have in my hand.but i don't know how much lighter the 1.3 is compare to the 3.0 or 2.4. both,2.4 and 3.0 feel the same(same balance).
if you work with your drill on job site,then it might be better for you to get the 3.0,but if you just use your drill in your shop once in a while,get the 1.3 you will save some money,and if you ever want to get a better battery,you can add on later.i never use the 1.3 but i read good reviews on it.

 

[Tom Wales]

Hi, I use my c-12  with the 3.0 battery all the time. I wish I had got the 1.3 now. I'm not as young as I used to be and when intalling cabinets by myself the lighter weight would be nice. Bigger isn't always better, it just needs to be the right shade of green...
Tom in Soldotna, AK

 

[DaveM]

Thanks everyone for your comments so far.  Interesting that as I write this post, the 3.0 NiMH leads the voting, 8 to 7, over the 1.3 NiCd, with the 2.4 NiCd receiving 3 votes so far.  My expectation was that the 1.3 would have been the most popular by far but apparently not the case!

Dan--yes, I agree it would be great to have the option for the Li ion battery.  It seems likely to me that it will be made available at some point, given the rapid adoption of Li ion by other brands and Festool's statement that they're currently looking into it.  Based on what I've read, it would seem that a different charger would be required, should Festool decide to make an "upgrade kit" for existing C12 users. 

Jerry--thanks very much for your comments, I appreciate it.  I had not given enough consideration to the increased efficiency of the C12 motor design.  Based on your comments, and also the comments from mastercabman and Tom Wales, I'm now leaning strongly towards getting the 1.3 battery, I think this option will best fit my needs.  One reason I'm looking at the C12 is for the excellent power to weight ratio; I've got a Makita 18V and it gets to be a pain after a while when working from a ladder or overhead.
 

 

[Amateur]

Hi DaveM,
I have the C12 w/ 1.3 battery and every time I use it, I know I made the right choice. The balance and power are close to perfect.