CXS 18 , is it powerful enough?

[six-point socket II]

Would be pretty sad if the CXS 18 didn’t come with significant improvements over a drill/driver as old as the C12. Or to phrase it another way,  if the user didn’t find the upgrade worthwhile when comparing to the old unit.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[mino]

Would be pretty sad if the CXS 18 didn’t come with significant improvements over a drill/driver as old as the C12. Or to phrase it another way,  if the user didn’t find the upgrade worthwhile when comparing to the old unit.

Kind regards,
Oliver

Well, the C12 Li motor is the same as in the C18 .. which is still selling. Just was at a lower voltage.

By specs it *should* be within 10% of the CXS 18, has about twice the motor mass after all. So either the specs do not tell the power side of the story, or something else is amiss.

Thinking about, I believe it is the packs used.

The 3 older type 1.5 Ah cells likely do not give the full current needed for the C12 motor while the 5 new 3.1 Ah cells absolutely do. Using the heavier 6-cell 3.0 pack would likely even it out to match the specs. So case a closed probably.

EDIT:
IMO it does not change the calculus.

The CXS 12 would likely come on top of the C12 Li still (when gimped by the weaker pack). While being more compact.

It is a completely different discussion on what to get when one already has the original CXS (so does not need a small install driver) and when one does not have any such. I stand by my comment as related to the OP's "green field" situation.

 

[FestitaMakool]

I second what [member=4358]derekcohen[/member] describes.

What I like about the CXS18 is its handling. It’s way more comfortable than the C12-18 siblings. Most due to size and weight. Refinement is better on the C18 though, it’s also dead quiet compared to any other drills I’ve had.
That said, the CXS18 has a nice balance between size, weight, balance and power.
It is also the only C style gripped drill that handles equally well if you hold it like a T- handle drill or C-handle with your pointy finger on the side for more refined control when screwing.
The high frequency noice is also a tad lower in the band and therefore a bit more pleasant than its new 12V sibling at certain speeds (As [member=44099]Cheese[/member] here has pointed out in his “test” with the 12V)

 

[surfjungle]

Hi folks,

I have been obsessively eyeing up a lot of the Festool range lately, as my scope of work now is exclusively custom/high-end work. After 5 years of business, I can now niche out and start to pick my jobs.

I have a Midi I, and the TS60 - absolutely love both - but my question is about the CXS 18, and centrotec.

I get that everything Festool is basically amazing, and I should just buy it.... but I just got the Milwaukee m12 installation drill and 6.0 battery. It's a great little drill, but there's tons of play in the bits and its still underpowered to use it for more than tedious hardware installs. I keep having to go to a milwaukee m18 to drill fasteners into hardwood. I was looking at the cxs 18 but I wanted to make sure I can install screws into white oak without grabbing my big m18 drill. An example of this would be fitting hinges into a solid oak door jamb.

I've also been a bit hesitant to get into centrotec, as they are not as available as normal bits...but I suppose it's worth it to start slowly collecting if its that good.

I would love feedback from cxs 18 users 

Thanks,

Scott

I'm a hobbiest and bought the TXS12 and CXS12 along with the Centrotec installation package (the set in the Systainer) and am exceedingly happy with them. I use one for drilling, the other for driving and have found the Centrotec accessories to be high quality and designed to tight tolerances. It's also great to have them a single, standard Systainer with custom inserts and space for holding additional items / items in use on the job.

I've learned to use the smallest tool to get the job done and deliberately went out of my way to go for the TXS and CXS 12 rather than 18 despite having several 18 volt Festool batteries because those drills are small, lightweight, highly controllable yet just big enough to do what I need. If they cover your needs and you can afford it, I would invest in these drills. As to the Centrotec installation package, consider buying it if you use at least 60% on a reasonably regular basis. 

 

[Sauvecreates]

Thank you for everyone on their thoughts! Much appreciated!