C15 Non-Set Availability

Dan Clark

Member
Joined
Jul 30, 2009
Messages
540
Shane,

I have the old C12 and love it.  It's my favorite Festool tool by far.   That's the good news...

The bad news is that after almost four years of heavy use, the batteries are going dead.   I need and want the new C15 (or maybe the C12) badly and soon.   While Brother Bob (Marino) offered to loan batteries to me, I don't feel comfortable with that.   And I don't want to waste money buying replacement batteries.

I looked at the T12/15.  Don't like the shape.

I looked at the CXS.  It looks like a nice little drill.   Unfortunately the operative term is "little"...   It doesn't have the torque I want and the Jacobs chuck only takes a 5/16" bit.   It's also "little" on features.  I.e., it lacks an eccentric chuck, takes a smaller, non-standard right-angle chuck, and it lacks a brushless motor and an electronic clutch.  

Also, the latest catalog only lists the "Set" version of the C12/15.   Since I already have the right-angle and eccentric chucks, it would a waste of money to buy the set.  I need the "non-Set" version.  

When will the non-Set C12/15 be available?  I need it badly.

Dan.

p.s. If I can't get the C12/15 fairly soon, I'll be forced to buy a major brand throwaway drill.  And that's also waste of money.
 
Dan Clark said:
Also, the latest catalog only lists the "Set" version of the C12/15.   Since I already have the right-angle and eccentric chucks, it would a waste of money to buy the set.  I need the "non-Set" version.   

Negative. On page 120 of the 2011 catalog, the item number under the C12/15 at the top of the page are the non-set. The set part numbers are in the lower left corner.

Product availability is being updated in this thread:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/eta-for-new-product-introductions-in-na/

Which is stickied for everyone's convenience.
 
Shane Holland said:
Dan Clark said:
Also, the latest catalog only lists the "Set" version of the C12/15.   Since I already have the right-angle and eccentric chucks, it would a waste of money to buy the set.  I need the "non-Set" version.  

Negative. On page 120 of the 2011 catalog, the item number under the C12/15 at the top of the page are the non-set. The set part numbers are in the lower left corner.

Product availability is being updated in this thread:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/eta-for-new-product-introductions-in-na/

Which is stickied for everyone's convenience.
Shane,

Take a look at the C12 on page 120.  The C12 part number in the top left and the bottom left are the same - "564 362".

My C12 won't last until fall.  Looks like I'll have to throw away money on a non-Festool drill.  Please tell Festool corporate that there are some extremely unhappy C12 customers over here.

Dan.
 
Shane Holland said:
Dan Clark said:
Take a look at the C12 on page 120.  The C12 part number in the top left and the bottom left are the same - "564 362".

Sorry, Dan. Long day... I forgot there was a misprint in the catalog for those. Correct product numbers are on the new drill micro site.

http://drills.festoolusa.com/cordless-drills/models/overview/
Shane,

I definitely understand long day.   It's only 1:45 here and it's been a long day already.  

Also, I just edited my response above.   Please pass along to corporate.   I'm very unhappy about the delay in getting the new C12/15.

Regards,

Dan.

p.s. While most Americans try to go for the biggest, my current C12 is the STRONGEST drill I've ever seen for its size.   When the new drill comes out, I don't know if I can justify the extra weight of the C15 over the C12.
 
Dan:

Are you aware that the batteries came down in price, ($70)?

Your used C 12 with good batteries is still pretty valuable, I sold mine and regret it occasionally. It would also make a great second drill when the new version comes out.

Tom
 
Dan,

Just buy a replacement nicad battery for the time being… after all, it won't be a waste as it will fit on the new drills and there may be times when you want the cold weather performance of a nicad over a lithy…

Trust me, I too am waiting for the new drills. The new c15 will be my first, but seeing as I work outside part of the time, I have been debating picking up a nicad battery. 

From one Dan to another
 
Tom,

Thanks.  One of my goals is to simplify.  I'd much rather have the new C12 or C15 with just the LiIon batteries, but if I can get one NiCD 1.3 that can be used with the new drills then I can get some continuing use out of it.

Regards,

Dan.
 
Ah, the plot thickens...

The only batteries I know of that are currently available for the C 12 are the 3.0 Ah NiMH batteries. They are $70 @. That's the bad news. The good new is that they last longer between charges.

You may find a dealer that has some of the NiCD's or someone that wants to trade?

Tom
 
Tom Bellemare said:
Ah, the plot thickens...

The only batteries I know of that are currently available for the C 12 are the 3.0 Ah NiMH batteries. They are $70 @. That's the bad news. The good new is that they last longer between charges.

You may find a dealer that has some of the NiCD's or someone that wants to trade?

Tom

I thought Festool would have a supply of battery's around for quite a while after the C-12 is obsolete.

I would like to pick up a 1.3 and 3.0 since I have the 2.4.

I forgot about being able to use the Nicad's on the C-15, that solves my despise for Lithium tools in the cold weather.

Any idea if they are just temporarily out of stock at Festool?
 
NiCd batteries were discontinued due to environmental restrictions in Europe. We will continue to carry and offer the NiMH.
 
Dan,

Stop feeling uncomfortable. I can "loan" you the batteries. It's not as if I don't have any other Festool drills floatin' around! ;)

Bob
 
Bob Marino said:
Dan,

Stop feeling uncomfortable. I can "loan" you the batteries. It's not as if I don't have any other Festool drills floatin' around! ;)

Bob
Bob,

Again, I appreciate the offer.  In any case, I just ordered an NiMH battery to use until Festool ships the C12/C15.

To give you an idea how strongly I feel around about the CXS and C12/C15 drills...  If I was given a CXS for free, I would give it back.  OTOH, if the C12/C15 was available for preorder right now, even though it's probably six months before delivery, I would order one today.

Regards,

Dan.
 
Shane Holland said:
NiCd batteries were discontinued due to environmental restrictions in Europe. We will continue to carry and offer the NiMH.

What? Really?  So in like 10 years it will be banned here too. 

Can you guys start making them in lead again? [big grin]
 
Shane Holland said:
NiCd batteries were discontinued due to environmental restrictions in Europe. We will continue to carry and offer the NiMH.

I take it they never have cold weather in Europe?

From what I'm reading, NiMH is the worst performer in the cold, and has a shorter lifetime than nicad in terms of how many times it can be recharged before it starts losing its ability to hold a charge.

Of course, some of those same articles claim that LiIon is best in cold weather...  seem to be mixed reports on that one.
 
So if I understand this correctly, the NiCads for the C12 are no longer available or will soon be no longer available, but Festool will still be supporting the drill with NiMh batteries for some period of time? Also, the present generation NiCads will power a new generation drill of the same voltage but the new generation battery cannot be used on the older drill?

Not complaining, just looking for clarification.
 
greg mann said:
So if I understand this correctly, the NiCads for the C12 are no longer available or will soon be no longer available, but Festool will still be supporting the drill with NiMh batteries for some period of time? Also, the present generation NiCads will power a new generation drill of the same voltage but the new generation battery cannot be used on the older drill?

Correct on both counts.

We will continue to make batteries for the older (now discontinued) C12 drills. Our policy is to support a discounted tool for a minimum of 7 years.

Page 125 in the new catalog has a cross reference for drills and battery compatibility. See below.

[attachimg=#1]
 
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