c12 or t12+3

[Nikola_Vukovic]

Need a drill for cabinetmaking.

c12 with two 2.0ah ni-cd bat. and one 3.0ah ni-mh bat...12v
t12 with two 2.6ah li-Ion bat...10.8v

i know that amper/hour is for run time, what is about voltage? is it c12 stronger?

 

[pingvinlakrits]

I would definitely go for the T12+3 with them battery options you have there as a deciding factor. Fantastic drill. I would not bother with the NiCD batteries, they must be really old by now. The NiMH batteries are great if they are in good condition but if not, same there.  The C12 is strong, yes, but if the batteries are growing weak there is no advantage. The T12 can use the 12V NiMH batteries too and the T12 is a very strong machine too - plenty enough for cabinet making. 

You could pick up another battery down the line (NiMH or Li-Ion) but with those two batteries you will be fine.

I had the C12 for many years. I don't miss it anymore since I have the CXS and the T12. I find the T12 and CXS a great cabinet making pair but if I had only one I would go for the T12, the extra power comes in handy at times.

I think that with the option of buying a bare C18 without battery/charger there is really no need for a C12 or a C15 anymore: the C18 is the same size and can run all the batteries up down the line (except for the CXS batteries of course). I have the C18 as a "spare" machine and I feel confident that it replaces all the former C drills without any drawback.  If I had a few spare batteries in good condition I would rather buy a new bare C18 than a C12/C15.