C15 or C18

tealgreen

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May 31, 2015
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Hi guys, my first post here. I’m in the market for a new drill, and have my mind set on a Festool C-style. I had the opportunity to use a C12 years ago and was really impressed with its ergonomics. It felt extremely comfortable and I have been thinking of buying one ever since. Now that the C12 has been discontinued it comes down to either the C15 or C18. The CXS isn’t an option, because I have to be able to use it for different tasks like drilling in stainless steel as wel as using it as an ordinary screwdriver, and sometimes also hole-sawing. I work in maintenance at a hotel and the work I do can be very diverse.

The C15 would be far more than sufficient for my use, i have been using a Makita 14,4V for years with success. But I noticed that the C18 also has the option for a smaller 2,6 Ah battery, which will trim of some weight and size of the drill. As far as I can discover there is no such option for the C15, at least not in The Netherlands.

If al things being equal, disregarding weight and size difference, will there be any convenience for the C15 over the C18? Or are they both the same, with the C18 having just an extra stretch in power?

With kind regards,
David
 
I'm personally surprised 15v platforms still exist. The difference in weight is negligible (0.1 kg in this instance), doesn't put out as much power, at about the same price.

I know Europeans love excess amount of choice (how many engines can you buy in your standard VW Golf?), but sooner or later you'll figure out economies of scale.  [tongue]
 
Most ideal is the C 18 Basic with a separate 18V-2.6 Ah battery.
Alas the 2.6 Ah battery is not sold in a Plus or Set version.
 
The form factor is the same throughout the (10,8)12V to 18V range and the C18 accepts all batteries down range so the C12 and C15 are redundant as I see it, if the need arises for a new unit. Even if you were to buy a new battery for an older unit you can still use it on the C18 - without it being a lesser machine than what you already have.

This image tells the story: the C12 with the 1,5Ah battery vs the C18/2,6Ah battery: same size even though the C18 has a larger Ah battery, more torque and it accepts all batteries down range except CXS batteries.

Weight is roughly the same (forgot to weigh them in) with the C18 coming off as feeling the same as the C12. Both are my machines:

C12C18_zpsxurc1ava.jpg
 
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I cannot decide for you, but I can say my C15 has sufficient power for my needs up until any heavy construction. See video from around 50 seconds onwards.

My only disappointment is the 2.6 amp batt does not come in 15V. Depending on your needs this may be the decider for you to purchase the C18.

 
I have a CSX, a C12 and a T18. Since I bought the T18, it and the CSX are my go to drills. The T18 is far lighter and handier than I had expected. I can't see a use in my work for the PDC, but will look closely at the TSX if it ever gets here.
 
I have the C18 set and purchased the optional smaller battery. I love it.  I use it for drilling pocket holes, screwing 5/16 x 4 ½ Spax lags with more speed than my 20 volt Dewalt impact driver.
 
With motor and battery technology where it is today, there's really no value in Festool offering the same form factor in 15 and 18. I predict the arrival of the C18 will spell the ultimate end of the C15 as well as the end to any 15V Festoons. That said, Festool are good at honouring their service and parts for a lengthy period.

Unless you had other 15V's from Festool, don't even think about the C15 ... go straight to the C18.

I have many Festool cordless tools and the C15 and Ti15 are the only 15V's I have. If Festool introduced a Ti18 tomorrow, both my C15 and Ti15 would be for sale. I'll probable keep the 3 extra 15V batteries though, they're handy to extend the life of the Syslites.

So as far as predictions go, how about a Ti18 within 12 months !! [wink] [big grin]
 
So as far as predictions go, how about a Ti18 within 12 months !! [wink] [big grin]

And the appearance of the C18 down hear quite soon, would also be good!
 
  Am I missing something , who sells the c18 in the uk? or is it not on the market yet.

  Clive.
 
Untidy shop: the difference in power between the C15 and the C18 is "only" 5 Nm so the difference in power is perhaps not enough for anyone owning the C15 to trade up. The C15 is plenty strong.

For new buyers it makes no sense to get a C15 since the system integration would be better with the 18V machines: they share battery and can use lower V batteries too. Festool now prices the new charger and batteries so they match set prices should you buy a "Basic" machine.
 
Your secret is safe with us... ;)

Note to potential upgraders out there: since the C12/C15 and C18 all "look the same" you can always sneak a C18 in unnoticed.
Just remove the tag and smear it down a little with dust and she'll be none the wiser...

Note: don't replace a Classic Sys with a T-Loc - she will notice.
 
Guess what it arrived while my wife was still here, and she's still smiling. [wink]

I have the PDC and the CXS, but I needed a drill between for larger screws and the offset chuck which I'll order soon. When fitting kitchens the adjustment screws for the wall cupboard are close to the side of the cabinet and it's always awkward getting square on to the screw.

I use the PDC mainly for drilling holes, due to the fast speed.

 

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Untidy Shop said:
[size=13pt]

My only disappointment is the 2.6 amp batt does not come in 15V. Depending on your needs this may be the decider for you to purchase the C18.

    If you want a smaller battery for the C15 , track down a 12v battery.

Seth
 
I think the new Systainer is great. It is the first screwdriver Systainer I actually use.

Untidy shop: too bad you aren't based on this side of the puddle. I have more small sized 12V batteries than I have use for (four of them but I only use two) and could have gotten you one or two dirt cheap. The 12V batteries work fine on the C15.
 
[size=13pt]Thanks Henrick and Seth for your advice (and offer).

To me, though somewhat ignorant in electronics, it would not be too difficult for Festool to develop a 15v 2.6 amp battery based on the 18v version. As they continue to make the C15 available, this should be considered. Of course a reasonable assumption is that shortly the C15 will be phased out, [probably after the C18 becomes available down here].

I reiterate that I am very happy with my C15. [smile]

[size=8pt][member=1619]SRSemenza[/member] [member=2085]Henrik R / Pingvinlakrits[/member]
 
The C15 is a great machine. You will not wear it out I am sure so I can see your need for a smaller battery. 

I do think it would be too costly for Festool to churn out a new batch of 2,6Ah 14,4V batteries for the C15/T15 since most people are interested in high Ah batteries and they seem to be phasing out the line in favor of the 18V machines. I don't think they would sell too many of them to be honest. The C12 batteries work fine - if you find one at the right price. Of course they are "only" 1,5Ah. Should you get a good deal on one it is an option though.

I think it is a fair assumption that the C15 will be phased out shortly in your neck of the woods. Over here the C15 is already gone from most shops and the C12 is gone too, together with the T12+3.  I don't think that the C12 will be missed by many now that the C18 is shipping. Since I do have both I kind of feel like "why did I bother with the C12?" but then that 50% discount sign flashes by in my memory and then I go - yeah, that's right...  [big grin]
 
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