C12 & paddle bit

[jkr1185]

Hello All;
I have a question for those of you with a C12- I am looking at purchasing one for drilling some 1" holes for running conduit with a paddle bit / hole saw in some 2x6 studwork, some of which is rather awkward/tight to get with a normal drill.  The C12 with its angle head chuck and compact size seem ideal for this.  As I have yet to actually try out the C12 in person as I am not near any festool dealers at the moment, how do you think it would be sufficient for drilling such holes?  I would also appreciate some recommendations as to which battery option would be best.  I like the idea of the lightweight 1.3Ah battery, but will I be constantly running back and forth to the charger?  Thanks in advance for your input,
-John

 

[vteknical]

Hi John,
I use the C12 and 1 1/2" blumol hole saw to cut two overlapping holes in sink base cabinets all the time.
The blumol is not the greatest hole saw but it's the only one I found with a quick 1/4 hex shank.

1" holes with a good spade/spoon bit should be childs play.  I have the 3a nimh battery, which at times I wish I had the 1.3 because of it's weight. (side note don't buy the Makita 7.2v stick impact driver if finesse is you thing, no speed control just full blast, which is a pain in the arse for cabinet work)

I can pretty much use my drill all day long on a 3a battery with no worries.  I don't know how many 1" holes the 1.3 bat would yield but if you have power available to for your charger the 1.3 should be fine because of the fast charging times.

I could not get by a job without my 90 deg attachment and my Fein-multimaster. 
Two tools that just make work life easier!

Victor

 

[richard.selwyn]

Have the C12 as well as the bigger (TDK?) and the old (CDD?) festool drill.  The C12 has obviously less ultimate oomph, but seems very easy on batteries - presumably due to the motor type.  Whilst not up to Li-ion standards, I don't think, even with the smaller battery that you'll be charging all the time.  hope this helps.

 

[pteubel]

John,

As a matter of fact, I use my C12 to drill 1" holes for wiring and compressor lines in my new shop last year for the same reason.... a regular drill couldn't fit in between the varied joist spacing. I used a 1" self-feeding auger bit (I personally don't like paddle bits) and while it was straining it worked ok. When I rewired my basement later, I did end up getting a Milwaukee right angle drill since I had to drill thru double joists. Made the job go alot faster.

 

[jkr1185]

Thanks guys for your input and helping to make my decision well informed.  Looks like the C12 would be perfect for what i'm trying to do, and would be a great drill to have as an all-rounder as well.  Thanks again,
-John

 

[Hoover]

If your drilling LOTS of holes, I would look at a right angle drill, the milwaukee is the best, Dewalt pretty good too.  If you want a lighter duty, I would go with the white 18v makitas, those are very small and compact and much more power than the festool.  Get the kit with the drill and impact driver for about $230 with charger and light.  For the paddle bits, get the irwin speedbor bits that have the three flutes.  Those are incredible.  Great balance, has the screw tip so it self feeds and the three flutes make it balanced unlike the regular paddle bits.  I just got the 6 bit set with the case for $24 from amazon.  The case isn't a cheapy, good and tough.  I won't buy anything but those for rough drilling again.

take care.