CXS drill mini review

Mac

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Joined
May 26, 2009
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729
So after weeks of procrastination, I finally picked up the CXS drill yesterday. Luckily, my Dewalt 12v gave up the ghost last week so I had the perfect excuse. Well, I say it gave up the ghost; it was perfectly fine but had some sawdust on it, but my wife doesn't need to know that.  

Anyway, I know that you like pictures much better than my sparkling prose so I'll get on with it.

Here it is in the systainer. I bought the set version (£247 including VAT) which comes with the right angle attachment and a second battery. When I opened the systainer (new T-Loc...I like it well enough but I'm not doing cartwheels over the change from the classic systainer, truthfully), I swear that choirs of angels burst into joyful song.
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Here are the bits and bobs, all present and correct.
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A quick comparison with my TDK 15.6; soooo much lighter (I don't have the actual weights handy but imagine holding a melon in one hand, and a modest sized banana in the other and you'll not be far off) and more compact. Say what you like about it, but the CXS is a very cleverly designed tool.  The balance when you're holding it is perfect.
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Now, here's me holding it. You'll notice that I've got all my fingers in there, but bear in mind that I've got smallish hands. If you've got meatier paws you might struggle a little. For me it's fine though.
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However, here's how I find myself holding it...seems like I have more control this way (just the same as when you hold a plane or saw, I guess). This is cool because it means that if you DO have bigger hands, you won't need to chop a finger off in order to use this drill. Well, not unless you want to.
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Here's the battery, held in my diminutive hand for added effect...it's tiny and remarkably light. Having said that, I don't know how long a charge lasts yet as I've only just started playing around with it. If it runs dry after 15 minutes the joke will well and truly be on me.
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As you know, this drill has a trigger activiated light. Unlight the light on my 18v Dewalt which is pretty much completely blocked by the shadow of the chuck, this one is placed in such a way that the work space is very well lit. Here's me shining it, being careful not to look into it in case I lose my sight. OK, perhaps it's not THAT bright, but it's pretty impressive.
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And here's an action shot. I'm not entirely sure what that brown thing up in the corner is, but I'm suddenly wondering if it might be the egg-sack of a massive spider which I hadn't noticed before because my drill didn't have a light this good on it [crying]  .  I'll send my little girl in tomorrow to check, just in case.
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And finally, here it is dangling gracefully from my delightfully svelte hip. I can't imagine having to use this feature often, but it makes me feel a little bit like Han Solo in Star Wars so I figure I might wear it for my wife tonight and see what happens.
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So there you go, my first impressions. No buyer's remorse yet which is a good indication that this was a good purchase. I'll update as I get a bit more use in.

Cheers,
Rick

 
Mac ,

Nice review, only problem is that your workshop is too tidy and clean [big grin] [big grin]. Been thinking about the CXS but  can get a naked C15 for the same money. Think the CXS could be handy but wont have the grunt of the C15.(already got the T15 so i am good for the charger and different chucks)

Enjoy the new baby and congrats on your 500th post

Best John
 
The pics are far too big. Now I know it's a trend here as of lately to post pics that are twice the size of an average computer screen, but it sort of complicates stuff .....  [wink]
 
Alex said:
The pics are far too big. Now I know it's a trend here as of lately to post pics that are twice the size of an average computer screen, but it sort of complicates stuff .....  [wink]

There have been problems with the software that re-sizes the images for a couple of weeks now. Shane is aware of it & has fixed it a couple of times, but it keeps un-fixing itself... [blink]
 
Alex said:
The pics are far too big. Now I know it's a trend here as of lately to post pics that are twice the size of an average computer screen, but it sort of complicates stuff .....  [wink]

That's my fault. I upgraded to a new version of the module that is meant to auto-resize images on the forum. Well, it has a bug that causes an error and I haven't taken the opportunity to fix it yet. I'm transferring the forum software over to a new server as I type this and will work on sorting out the issues with the photo sizes once we're on the new server. Sorry for the mega-photos in the interim.

Thanks for the review, Rick.
 
I've fiddled around with the pictures and they're now a much better size.
[smile]

Rick
 
Good review Mac.  Before you know it Daisy will be able to be in the shop using that thing.  Now you need the RO90 and she'll be off to good start with her Festool collection. [thumbs up] 
 
Thanks Brice. My two older kids (7 year old boy and 6 year old girl) come into the workshop regularly to potter around and make things, so I suspect you're right. Lucky I like their company!

Cheers,
Rick
 
Wow Rick youve been splashing out lately  [eek]  Hope youve got enough left for that low angle smoother  [big grin]  Ive got some more Lie Nielsons I could tease you with so you are probably not done yet  ;)

I like the CXS.  At first i thought i would only use it ocasionally but now if its not to big a job i always go for the CXS.  I like the new T locks, an improvement in my opinion.

John, the C15 is lovely.  I dont have any of the T series drills but i like feel & shape of the C series.

Rick, too  much information.  I dont want to be thinking of you strutting into the bedroom with the CXS hanging off your kilt  [scratch chin] [ban]

Woodguy
 
woodguy7 said:
Wow Rick youve been splashing out lately  [eek]  Hope youve got enough left for that low angle smoother  [big grin]  Ive got some more Lie Nielsons I could tease you with so you are probably not done yet  ;)

I like the CXS.  At first i thought i would only use it ocasionally but now if its not to big a job i always go for the CXS.  I like the new T locks, an improvement in my opinion.

John, the C15 is lovely.  I dont have any of the T series drills but i like feel & shape of the C series.

Rick, too  much information.  I dont want to be thinking of you strutting into the bedroom with the CXS hanging off your kilt  [scratch chin] [ban]

Woodguy

Yeah, I've been feeling a bit spendy lately. I'm wondering if I should sever all contact with you now, just in case you continue to tempt me?  As for the kilt, I can hear it now...'Hey darling, is that a new extra small drill in your sporran, or are you just slightly pleased to see me?'

 
windmill man said:
Mac ,

Nice review, only problem is that your workshop is too tidy and clean [big grin] [big grin].

Best John

Haha, well, that's hobbyists for ya'.

Cheers John,
Rick
 
Servus, Rick,

thank you for the review.

Mac said:
The balance when you're holding it is perfect.

Really? Have you tested the balance of the CXS with the 8 mm FastFix chuck attached? Before I decided to purchase the C12 Li I had a close look at the various Festool cordless drills at a store. I was rather disappointed with the balance of the CXS. It felt quite front-heavy.

Regards,

Christian
 
Hi mac, received one of these today, I've had a little play with it and I'm quite impressed although something that's bothering me is, the hex shaft seems to rotate in a slightly eccentric motion and is amplified with a bit holder in causing say 1-2mm to rotate off centre, does yours rotate perfectly? Maybe I'm being fussy but this is supposed to be the benefit of the centrotec system?....
 
Dan1210 said:
Hi mac, received one of these today, I've had a little play with it and I'm quite impressed although something that's bothering me is, the hex shaft seems to rotate in a slightly eccentric motion and is amplified with a bit holder in causing say 1-2mm to rotate off centre, does yours rotate perfectly? Maybe I'm being fussy but this is supposed to be the benefit of the centrotec system?....

That was quick didn't you order it yesterday?

Nice review mac funny.

This aint a new thread to day so I don't know how I missed this only seen this thread today and it has had a few posts rather odd I missed it really!    It has me kinda leaning towards buying a CXS maybe because people are buying a festool tool I do not have  I feel left out!

Jmb
 
Hey jmb, yeh next day mate nice  [wink]  I really like the drill just as my post above is the only thing that concerns me, I'll shoot you a pm in a bit.
 
I wish the chuck capacity were a tad bigger. My 30mm forstner bits for euro hinges have a 10mm shank. I think the CSX can hold at most 7.9mm shank.  [crying]

Anyone know where I might be able to order  a 30mm with a slimmer shank?
 
Hey, I would not even attempt to cut a 30mm euro hinge with this drill, for euro hinges I use a 1/2 inch 30mm hinge router cutter for that, I think the drill is great used as intended and think the 8mm chuck isn't really an issue as I won't be doing anything more than pilots or small holes with the cxs.

I have a spear and Jackson cutter with a small shank I think that would fit, I'll have a look tmoz.
 
zapdafish said:
I wish the chuck capacity were a tad bigger. My 30mm forstner bits for euro hinges have a 10mm shank. I think the CSX can hold at most 7.9mm shank.  [crying]

Anyone know where I might be able to order  a 30mm with a slimmer shank?

I'm sure they are widely available I think mine is a hex or  round no bigger than 8mm though. 

Just a quick search in google
http://www.screwfix.com/p/forstner-bit-set-5-pc/17412?cm_mmc=GoogleBase-_-Datafeed-_-Tools-_-Forstner%20Bit%20Set%205%20Pc
 
Dan1210 said:
Hey, I would not even attempt to cut a 30mm euro hinge with this drill, for euro hinges I use a 1/2 inch 30mm hinge router cutter for that, I think the drill is great used as intended and think the 8mm chuck isn't really an issue as I won't be doing anything more than pilots or small holes with the cxs.

I have a spear and Jackson cutter with a small shank I think that would fit, I'll have a look tmoz.

Yeah, I'd agree with this...used within its capacities it's a great little drill, but when I need to use a bigger bit than the 8mm chuck can manage I use something else.
 
Dan1210 said:
Hi mac, received one of these today, I've had a little play with it and I'm quite impressed although something that's bothering me is, the hex shaft seems to rotate in a slightly eccentric motion and is amplified with a bit holder in causing say 1-2mm to rotate off centre, does yours rotate perfectly? Maybe I'm being fussy but this is supposed to be the benefit of the centrotec system?....

Hey Dan,

I don't remember noticing that in mine, and I think I would have. I'll check it out next time I pick it up though.
 
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