CXS 18 Power

[Boski]

There is a CXS 18 drill that has recently been released I think, but there aren't any reviews available at the moment from what I can see? How does this stack up against a Dewalt driver in terms of power / driving capability?

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I have seen quite a few comments by people who really like it, but I'm not sure it would be quite fair to compare it to "regular" drills. The whole point of the XS in the name is Extra Small, it's a compact drill/driver for that particular use-case.
The thinking of moving it up to 18v? I'm not entirely sure, unless it is just to get it into the hands of guys who already have other 18v from Festool. In that way, it cuts down on the battery/charger issue, but does change it from the original (perfect) form at the same time.
Incidentally, I have heard that the T version is more powerful than the C. I don't know that from experience, and I'm not sure it makes sense? I would think that they were essentially identical, other than form-factor?

 

[Mini Me]

For workshop use can anyone tell me why they need any more than 12V drivers, I am sure there must be some but I haven't found them yet.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

For workshop use can anyone tell me why they need any more than 12V drivers, I am sure there must be some but I haven't found them yet.

While I personally agree that I much prefer the CXS for shop use (I have two) and even a lot of the home improvement stuff I do because of weight and size, there are folks who want to use the same battery and/or want a little more oomph in a similar package to the original CXS. It's nice to have choices.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

For workshop use can anyone tell me why they need any more than 12V drivers, I am sure there must be some but I haven't found them yet.

Oh, there are, but I have bigger drivers for that. I like my little CXS and hope they don't kill it off because of the new one. Add, sure, just don't take away. We have had enough of that lately.

 

[Coen]

For workshop use can anyone tell me why they need any more than 12V drivers, I am sure there must be some but I haven't found them yet.

Holesaws and the lack of kickback control on 12V machines.

 

[Mr Speaker]

For workshop use can anyone tell me why they need any more than 12V drivers, I am sure there must be some but I haven't found them yet.

Oh, there are, but I have bigger drivers for that. I like my little CXS and hope they don't kill it off because of the new one. Add, sure, just don't take away. We have had enough of that lately.

Festool came over to me with equipment to measure. I measured the noise on the CXS 18 and CXS 12, which both produce way more that the specified 83 sound power. its more than 93-96 dB sound power and I measured above 92 dB sound pressure at arm's length. You will need hearing protection, so my question was on the life expectancy of the 'old' CXS 10. It will be end of life at the end of 2023. IMO they will need to solve the inverter noise.

 

[Cheese]

Festool came over to me with equipment to measure. I measured the noise on the CXS 18 and CXS 12, which both produce way more that the specified 83 sound power. its more than 93-96 dB sound power and I measured above 92 dB sound pressure at arm's length. You will need hearing protection, so my question was on the life expectancy of the 'old' CXS 10. It will be end of life at the end of 2023. IMO they will need to solve the inverter noise.

Interesting...what was Festool's general reaction to the increased noise levels?

 

[Coen]

For workshop use can anyone tell me why they need any more than 12V drivers, I am sure there must be some but I haven't found them yet.

Oh, there are, but I have bigger drivers for that. I like my little CXS and hope they don't kill it off because of the new one. Add, sure, just don't take away. We have had enough of that lately.

Festool came over to me with equipment to measure. I measured the noise on the CXS 18 and CXS 12, which both produce way more that the specified 83 sound power. its more than 93-96 dB sound power and I measured above 92 dB sound pressure at arm's length. You will need hearing protection, so my question was on the life expectancy of the 'old' CXS 10. It will be end of life at the end of 2023. IMO they will need to solve the inverter noise.

Did you happen to let use the same measurement setup for other drills?

 

[Jim_in_PA]

There is a CXS 18 drill that has recently been released I think, but there aren't any reviews available at the moment from what I can see? How does this stack up against a Dewalt driver in terms of power / driving capability?

Bent's Woodworking has reviewed it on the 'Tube. Keep in mind that it's now officially announced, but only in pre-order status. Until it starts actually shipping, getting hands-on is going to be pretty much not gonna happen unless your local Festool retailer got lucky and had a pre-release tool to play with.

I'm actually on the fence about waiting to be able to try it in my hand first or just pre-ordering. For the latter, I could always return, but I'm doubtful that would happen.

 

[Boski]

I have the CSX18 now and love it, different use case for my Dewalts so still have them, but its a joy to use with all the centrotec bits.

 

[@bazaba]

For workshop use can anyone tell me why they need any more than 12V drivers, I am sure there must be some but I haven't found them yet.

Oh, there are, but I have bigger drivers for that. I like my little CXS and hope they don't kill it off because of the new one. Add, sure, just don't take away. We have had enough of that lately.

Festool came over to me with equipment to measure. I measured the noise on the CXS 18 and CXS 12, which both produce way more that the specified 83 sound power. its more than 93-96 dB sound power and I measured above 92 dB sound pressure at arm's length. You will need hearing protection, so my question was on the life expectancy of the 'old' CXS 10. It will be end of life at the end of 2023. IMO they will need to solve the inverter noise.

So they killing the old CXS by the end of 2023? dang

 

[woodferret]

Luckily the CXS doesn't require much extra stuff, so 10yrs should cover it.  Maybe in 5yrs, they'll come out with a CXSQ 12, Q for quiet