CXS motor replacement

hemlock

Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2012
Messages
139
My original (brushed motor) cxs is producing, what I would call an electric odor.  It still works, but seems a bit weaker (may be my imagination).  I've had it for almost 12 years and use it all the time....

I have read numerous posts that a motor replacement is the best/easiest option.  I've tracked down the part on EKAT and am ready to order it, but my question is for anyone who has replaced their motor, were there other parts of the assembly that you found you needed or should have ordered, besides just the motor, to make the job easier or better? 

Many thanks in advance....
 
A 12 year old CXS also has 12 year old batteries..... [unsure]
I think I would thank it for its lifetime of service and get a new one.

Just guessing, but I would think that you would be close to 50% of the cost of new, in your repair effort, and everything else is still 12 years old.
 
Normally I'd agree with you but that's a tough call, the motor only costs $57 while a new battery costs $73.  [blink]
 
But you can buy the "basic" and get the drill, 2 batteries, and charger for $285

The motor and 2 batteries is over $200, plus a Systainer.....not a tough call.

Sure the new batteries are not necessarily required today, but chances are....
 
[member=58857]Crazyraceguy[/member] I hear ya.  That is where I started, just get the new one...you are making me think twice now...it's a nicer sustainer too with the lid compartment...

Not sure what I will do....$57 to fix is really temping....but so is having the newer technology, batteries and design...hmmmm
 
I have the CXS18. And if either of my original CXS died, I would pay for the parts to fix them. They are unique and worth every penny.

I suggest getting it fixed or to watch the recon site for a new original cxs and snag it. In the meantime, see if you can find a store that has either the CXS12 or CXS18 and give those a try.

In my experience, the original units excel for all things “finish work”. I.e. hardware installs. Flat pack furniture assembly/install, etc without risk of having too much power to damage said hardware. The newer units have just enough bump in power that you do need to make sure that you have it set correctly as to not over tighten or inflict other damage when doing the finer types of work.  Just my $0.02

 
Crazyraceguy said:
But you can buy the "basic" and get the drill, 2 batteries, and charger for $285

The motor and 2 batteries is over $200, plus a Systainer.....not a tough call.

Sure the new batteries are not necessarily required today, but chances are...

Ya, another way to look at this is I owned the CXS with the original 1.5Ah batteries. I literally needed to keep at least one of those batteries on the battery charger at all times because the run time was abysmal. Even having 3 batteries, when I worked remotely, I'd bring all 3 batteries with me along with the battery charger.
So...if this drill has been "ridden hard and put away wet" for 12 years...then the batteries are probably near the end of their life anyways.  [blink]  So go forth and support the economy.  [smile]

 
jonnyrocket said:
In my experience, the original units excel for all things “finish work”. I.e. hardware installs. Flat pack furniture assembly/install, etc without risk of having too much power to damage said hardware. The newer units have just enough bump in power that you do need to make sure that you have it set correctly as to not over tighten or inflict other damage when doing the finer types of work.  Just my $0.02

I second this, and I have the same fear with the CXS12 myself.  I'm not sure if it's a lack of time-on-task with the CXS12 compared to the original CXS10, or the extra bump in power itself, but it's definitely at least 'a little of column (a), a little of column (b)"
 
The older ones are still available, which as has been said, are still an up-grade from the 1.5a early model.
I still have not gotten hands on experience with the new CXS12, but I love the 2.6a version.
 
Crazyraceguy said:
But you can buy the "basic" and get the drill, 2 batteries, and charger for $285

The motor and 2 batteries is over $200, plus a Systainer.....not a tough call.

Sure the new batteries are not necessarily required today, but chances are....

This last weekend, Festool recon had 3 different listings for the CXS 2.6 with 20% off. So an old style CXS with a year warranty for $230.  Certainly makes that repair/replace decision easier. [smile]
 
OK, all good thoughts. Thanks. Really helpful.  Been doing some research on the new cxs12. But I really agree with [member=66966]jonnyrocket[/member] and others, there is something about the original csx ergonomically and power wise that had me using it all the time these last 12 years. My go to. If I needed more power or had a bigger job, I’d grab my T18. So, FWIW I’m still leaning towards repair of mine or maybe finding a still available new one or reconed one, with the better 2.6 batteries. Appreciate the thoughts my original question generated. Helped a lot.  Great forum. Thanks.  [big grin]
 
So from your response, I'm hearing that you are also an owner of an early CSX with the 1.5 Ah batteries.

If that's the case...just purchase a CXS 2.6 on Festool recon and sell the old CXS for $75.  [big grin]  Just let it go.

Wow...you should be considered for Sainthood for putting up with those horrific 1.5 Ah batteries for 12 years.  Where's the pope when we need him?
 
[member=44099]Cheese[/member].  Yes. I thought many times about upgrading batteries but the need for a different systainer insert frustrated me. So I got really good at charging and recharging…

I’m fine with passing on my old one. I’m now convinced though that the form factor/power of the “original” cxs is a sweet spot—at least for me.  So yes as of today I’m looking on recon and other places for 2.6 cxs. 

Thanks for helping.  As for sainthood….a line from a Billy Joel song comes to mind… [smile]  [big grin]
 
Found one a my local woodcraft...brand new....3 yr warranty....mfg date 2/2023...not too bad.  Grabbed it.  [big grin]

Thanks for the good input and discussion...was very helpful.  [thumbs up]
 

Attachments

  • Hemlock CXS.jpg
    Hemlock CXS.jpg
    555.3 KB · Views: 151
hemlock said:
Found one a my local woodcraft...brand new....3 yr warranty....mfg date 2/2023...not too bad.  Grabbed it.  [big grin]

Thanks for the good input and discussion...was very helpful.  [thumbs up]

Glad it worked out for you!  Also, I agree with your earlier post on there is just something about the original CXS.  Like you I use mine all the time and like you grab the T18 when I must have the extra power. 

Happy drilling…..
 
Back
Top