C15 or Ti15 for DIY'er

[saracen]

Hey Folks,

This is my first post, so go easy on me.  I read through some older posts in regard to the C15 and Ti15 and although I'm leaning toward the C15, I'm still a bit unsure.   Basically, I'm just looking for what the majority of the folks here would suggest buying.  I'm looking for one drill to have at home as a do-it-all type of drill.  Small home projects mostly.  I might be upgrading the wood planks on my deck to trex down the road, but that's about as heavy duty as I'll get.

Oh, one thing I forgot to mention is that for a bit more than the Ti15, I can buy the C15 with all three chucks, which is nice.  And my thought was, if I ever needed the Ti15, I could always add the basic to this set.  Thoughts?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Welcome to the FOG!  I think the C15 (or T15) is a better all purpose tool over an impact.  And, like you mentioned you can always grab the Ti down the road.

 

[PeterK]

If you can, try holding both the C and T series drills in your hand. Many have a preference for one or the other as the handle grip and balance is different while the functionality is identical. For my hands, the T fits much better.

 

[neth27]

Hey Folks,

This is my first post, so go easy on me.  I read through some older posts in regard to the C15 and Ti15 and although I'm leaning toward the C15, I'm still a bit unsure.   Basically, I'm just looking for what the majority of the folks here would suggest buying.  I'm looking for one drill to have at home as a do-it-all type of drill.  Small home projects mostly.  I might be upgrading the wood planks on my deck to trex down the road, but that's about as heavy duty as I'll get.

Oh, one thing I forgot to mention is that for a bit more than the Ti15, I can buy the C15 with all three chucks, which is nice.  And my thought was, if I ever needed the Ti15, I could always add the basic to this set.  Thoughts?

Thanks for your help.

For diy around the house get a combo 18v Makita, Dewalt  etc drill..

john..

 

[sgryd]

I have Ti15 and T12. Impact is nice to have, but I'd never manage with only the Ti15. If I'd do it again I think I'd put my money on a T15 and possibly the little one (is it "CX"?). The C-model has the wrong balance for my taste.

//Michael

 

[skids]

Brice nailed it, as usual...C handle all the way IMO. Once you get used to them you may never want another T handle anyway.

 

[saracen]

Thanks all for the help.

I want a Festool, not another brand.  I understand that many brands will suffice for my needs, but I'm biased toward 'made in Germany' products.  I was made in Germany myself.  Plus, I've never had one and would really like to try it out.

As far as T vs C, I'm going to see if the store I ordered the C15 from last night, is okay with me buying both and returning the one I like least.  
I was also chatting with Sean Ackerman of festoolproducts.com last night.  First of all, great guy.  He mentioned that in Europe folks prefer the C and in the US, the T.  I wonder why that is.  I think mostly we may like the T based on us being used to the shape (look and feel).  I'm leaning toward really trying out the C.  Plus it fits in the Ti15 basic case.

 

[neeleman]

By the way the C and T models wil fit the TI15 Basic systainer.
Also 3 batteries, the charger and 4 chunks as seen on the pictures below.

 

[saracen]

Ohhhh.  That's something I didn't know. Hmmm.  Might need to try out both before deciding.

 

[johninthecamper]

those pics side by side, the balance point difference is easy to see

 

[saracen]

I didn't realize that there is a Festool dealer near me.  I went and checked out both the C and T models and I'm really glad I did.  The C model has a completely different way of holding the grip (index finger on the side).  I honestly couldn't get used to it.  At least not in the few minutes of holding it.  I think my main concern is using the ring finger to pull the trigger.  I felt like I didn't have the same sensitivity as in my index finger and therefore less control over the speed.  Going to change over to the T.  I prefer the balance and ability to use the index finger better.  I think the trade-off (not having the grip over the axis) is okay with me.

 

[AlexThePalex]

He mentioned that in Europe folks prefer the C and in the US, the T.  I wonder why that is.

I wonder why that is too. Because I never noticed that. As far as I know, the T model is very popular here too.

 

[Makkus]

Just bought the TI15  [big grin]

-Mark

 

[BravoRomeo]

I have a combo of C15 and CXS for woodworking and home projects. The CXS was my first Festool drill, and I really liked the comfort-style handle, despite the non-traditional looks. When I decided I needed to add a big brother, I handled both the T15 and C15. I ended up with the C15, as in my hands, it felt the best - even lighter in weight. The grip on the T was a bit smaller around, and I have large hands. Balance-wise, I would think they'd both be equal once you engage a drill or driver tip into the work, which essentially becomes a live center. I can see how the T would be preferable to some folks.

 

[skipclemmons]

It depends on what you do.  I have a T15 for projects and it does well.  With 3 batteries, it will go all day with 2"drywall screws and treated lumber.  I have a CXS for small jobs and short screws and it works perfectly well for that.    Perfectly.  I used to use my T15 for that, but now I just save it for the big jobs.  On the whole, I rarely use the CXS, but it is a spectacular product for small screws and around the house.  It might be all you need.

 

[Kev]

I have a C15 and Ti15. This combo will do 95% of all of your drilling and screwing. Definitely start with the C15 or T15.

The Ti15 isn't the ultimate impact driver, but it is a great compliment to the Festool range. If I was ONLY buying and impact driver and had no desire for any other Festool tools, I'd probably buy a Hilti impact driver.

If you do a lot of small stuff you'll probably like the CXS too - I did  [smile]

Anywhere where you need a lot of grunt you may find yourself leaning to mains power tool - but that's probably going to be a rare event.

The T18 is a little over the top as a "go to" drill, it is that bit heavier and will lead to fatigue on a long job. (In this category I went for the Protool PDC 18 - real shame that's not commonly available in the US)

 

[saracen]

Thanks for all the help.  Definitely getting the 15, if C or T.  I'm leaning toward the T since I couldn't get used to the ring finger being the trigger finger.  A bit awkward for me.  I wish I could get used to it.  Seems people really love the C.

 

[saracen]

By the way, one thing I found interesting and am curious about is that there is no Ci15. 

 

[skids]

By the way, one thing I found interesting and am curious about is that there is no Ci15. 

Haha! You're learning! To put it nicely, Festool sets up their product line up VERY specifically. Fortunately, this is a good thing (I think). But..It's also what makes me want more than one of everything in each of the major categories they makes tools in.

So, with that said..Get em both! If not, get the C15 to start, an impact as your go-to isn't the best solution.

 

[saracen]

I have the T15 + 3 on order.  Couldn't get used to the C grip, unfortunately.  Really did want to like it.