CXS dilemma

[TheTrooper]

I purchased a CXS about 2 weeks ago after debating between that and the C15.  I chose the CXS and figured it would accent my 3 year old Dewalt 20 volt impact, basic drill and hammer drill.  I like the feel of the drill but it seems to not fit into my day to day. I found myself needing to fix some squeaks in a subfloor today. I was being lazy and didn't want to get the impact out of my truck so I used the CXS. It did hold up but was very inefficient. I know it's the wrong drill for that particular task but would be amazing at installing ceiling fans and cabinet hardware. These tasks I do but only once in awhile.
So I'm wondering if I should exchange it for the c15 or just keep it since it's paid for and wasn't a wallet buster.  I did purchase a centrotec installers set with zobo bits (haven't used and will probably only use the zobo bits and stubbies. What do you guys think. I'm a hardwood &  tile flooring installer and I also build vanities and bookcases.

 

[Birdhunter]

I'm a serious hobby woodworker who also does commission work. I do anything from jewelry boxes, to furniture, to benches, to mantles.

My CSX and my T18 are the drills I use most often. The C12 is unused. The TI15 sees occasional use.

I use the CSX every time I can because it is so pleasure able to use.

I suggest you keep it.

 

[Theshipstore]

Trooper      I have to agree with Birdhunter, I use my CXS Drills building cabinets and during the installation quite often, I also have the C-15 I use when  have the need for drilling larger holes for door replacements
I would get the second C drill and use the cxs for your installs.
Hey who knows now with a C-18 being announced in The UK maybe worth a wait 

 

[Birdhunter]

I'd wait for an 18v.

 

[AlexThePalex]

You don't sound overly enthousiastic about the CXS. That's what the 30 day return policy is for.

 

[SoonerFan]

If you do not use it take it back within the 30 day window.  Not sure you would use the C15 over your legacy "basic drill".  I went with the CXS and the T18 and a Centrotec Set.  From my legacy stuff I kept my Dewalt impact that I only use when I have to have impact.

 

[TheTrooper]

I pretty much use the impact driver for everything, the hammer drill I've been using it to mix mortar with on a daily basis, the basic drill I use for drilling pocket holes because it's light. But I'm would rather move the CXS into that spot and as a general purpose and stay in my truck

 

[jallen03]

I'd trade it for the C15 or wait (although who knows how long) for the C18.  The electronic clutch is fantastic and I've read somewhere on this forum that the low speed control was better on the c15 over the cxs.

I've been using the c15 for my bathroom remodel...having the electronic clutch for driving subfloor and underlayment screws was really nice.  It also worked well for drywall.  Hardieboard worked but I realize now I'd rather use an impact for that...the drill would torque my wrist pretty good.

I will say that I'm a little upset that I bought the c15 in Jan and it is one of the few tools that went down in price!! :'(

 

[JUDOKA]

Hi ,i had a couple of CXS drills and I always taught that if it had more RPM's it would do the job for me . This is why I went with a C12 and the 1.5 A batteries . Got the last one from Lee Valley.
Hope this helps.

 

[elfick]

I was being lazy and didn't want to get the impact out of my truck so I used the CXS. It did hold up but was very inefficient. I know it's the wrong drill for that particular task but would be amazing at installing ceiling fans and cabinet hardware.

If you normally would have reached for an impact, it was the wrong job for the CXS.
Since I've gotten the CXS the only time my other drills get used is when I want impact or when I'm drilling larger than 8mm, but for those times I don't even consider the CXS. I have a T15/Ti15 set for those times.

Since you already have the working DeWalts and an Installers set, just keep using them. You can use the Centrotec adapter from the installers set in the DeWalt drill when you want to use Centrotec bits like the Zobos, which are absolutely amazing.

When you decide to go for a larger Festool drill, definitely go for the 18v so the batteries can be used in all the other 18v tools that are coming out.

 

[Jeff Zanin]

I am an amateur / hobbyist; when I first got the CXS I thought it was a toy, but I have come to choose it whenever I can.

A recent "honey-do" task involved replacing the slides on a number of kitchen drawers.  On the first drawer I used a Bosch impact which is a nice tool but too heavy, awkward and over-powered when working with small screws inside a finished cabinet.  For subsequent drawers I used my CXS which is small, lightweight and with a built-in light that helps to see what I am doing.  A major improvement in all respects.

I also have a 14.4V DeWalt impact, it gets used for deck and fence type work but for many tasks and particularly for work in tight areas the CXS is hard to beat for light to medium driving and drilling.

 

[jacko9]

I have the CXS and the T-18 which I use to build furniture.  I use the CXS almost every day and only bring out the T-18 when the job demands the larger size.

I suggest that you keep the CXS which I suspect will grow on you.

Jack

 

[TheTrooper]

Thanks guys. I believe I'm keeping it since it wasn't a ton and think I might add the c15. I really have a lot of needs for the eccentric chuck in my business. Too bad they don't make one for the CXS.

 

[TheTrooper]

Used the CXS today and was disappointed. I tried drilling a ¾ " hole with a paddle bit  in ⅞" English Oak and it kept shutting off. Fresh battery.  I'm guessing the C15 would have been the better choice.

 

[semenza]

Used the CXS today and was disappointed. I tried drilling a ¾ " hole with a paddle bit  in ⅞" English Oak and it kept shutting off. Fresh battery.  I'm guessing the C15 would have been the better choice.

Yeah, that is asking a lot of the CXS. It has a lot of umph for a little guy but .........

Yes, the C15 is going to handle that much better.

Seth

 

[jacko9]

3/4" hole in Oak is pushing the limit for the CXS, that's why I also bought the T-18. 

 

[SittingElf]

3/4" hole in Oak is pushing the limit for the CXS, that's why I also bought the T-18.

Ditto! [big grin]  (and a PDC and BHC! [tongue])

Frank

 

[elfick]

Used the CXS today and was disappointed. I tried drilling a ¾ " hole with a paddle bit  in ⅞" English Oak and it kept shutting off. Fresh battery.  I'm guessing the C15 would have been the better choice.

Though it is an expensive investment, I bet the CXS would have pushed a 3/4" Zobo. The Zobos cut so nice it seems to reduce the load on the drill.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Used the CXS today and was disappointed. I tried drilling a ¾ " hole with a paddle bit  in ⅞" English Oak and it kept shutting off. Fresh battery.  I'm guessing the C15 would have been the better choice.

Though it is an expensive investment, I bet the CXS would have pushed a 3/4" Zobo. The Zobos cut so nice it seems to reduce the load on the drill.

It will.

 

[Julian Tracy]

Had the CSX and wanted to love it, but like the poster above, it just doesn't spin fast enough to do any amount of drilling.  And I'm not speaking of trying to do 3/4" spade bits.  Most any drilling during kitchen cab installs benefit from a higher speed - whats the CSX max?  400rpm?

JT