CXS Review

[Stephen B]

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CXS  Review
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In March this year I purchased a CXS and I continue to be impressed with this very versatile drill/driver. Tasks in which it has played a significant role have included -

. repairing a collapsed IKEA wardrobe cabinet (See -  http://festoolownersgroup.com/home-improvement-other-projects/swedish-disaster/msg307546/#msg307546)
. modifying and installing wall cabinets
. installing sliding and hinged doors
. installing roller blinds and curtain rails, and
. removing and affixing some lighting systems.

With the Centrotec system; pre drill and then driving a screw is as simple as click, click. This certainly aids my productivity. I have also found the torque control is so refined that I have stopped using a hand screw driver in those 'delicate' situations.

Accessories I have found useful have included -
.  drill set, http://www.festool.com.au/epages/tooltechnic.sf/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/tooltechnic/Products/493648/SubProducts/493648
.  extension Philips #2 driver bits,  http://www.festool.com.au/epages/tooltechnic.sf/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/tooltechnic/Products/492530/SubProducts/492531
.  and depth stop, http://www.festool.com.au/epages/tooltechnic.sf/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/tooltechnic/Products/492523/SubProducts/492524

A highly recommended member of the a Festool family.  [smile]

 

[rljatl]

That's good to hear, since I just bought one about two weeks ago.  Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the CXS.

 

[leakyroof]

TOTALLY AGREE. I bought one for a friend as his first Festool[ I know, the enabling starts.... [big grin]]
Then I had to get one for myself.
I typically have a drill bit loaded in my T15+ and the driver bit in the CXS so no switching of bits/drills is needed in a project.
The CXS with its smaller size yet powerful motor drive still allows me to drive larger or long screws most of the time without reaching for the T15 while sneaking into tight quarters.
I did buy the right angle chuck, but have yet to use it since the CXS is slim enough to work right against something usually.

 

[mike68au]

I call my CXS " Rescue "  since it gets me out all sorts of situations that bigger drills can't get into and manual screwdrivers are to long for.

 

[Sparktrician]

Mine has been absolutely wonderful, especially for working inside cabinets with the 90° head to install drawer glides.  This has been a "No Regrets" purchase.  I often set it up with a 6" #2 Robertson bit from Atlas for assembling cabinets while the older C12 is used with the Kreg Jig setup alongside.  It's a wonderful combo.

[smile]

 

[adsjoin]

Best small drill/driver on the market I'd say. Packs a lot of umph for its size

 

[Stephen B]

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Thanks for looking at and commenting on your CSX and my review guys.

I am interested to read further thoughts from others regarding their CSX experiences.

Thanks.

 

[MichaelTanner]

I bought my CXS as an impulse, as it showed up one day on Craigslist. It was reduced enough from retail to make it worth the purchase.

I have been amazed to find it become my "go-to" drill. I rarely get out the 18 volt drills any more. It's amazingly comfortable, smooth, well designed, and surprisingly strong. It certainly has it's limits, but it covers a large percentage of the work I do on interiors. Yesterday, I had a concrete stair tread fail at a property. The stair needed to be removed for repair, and a temporary step fashioned. Essentially, I built a small stoop, with the tread and sides made of 2x12s. I was expecting a light day of interior repairs, and had my CXS, which drove 3 1/4" screws with no problem.

I like it enough to say that were I to lose my fairly substantial Festool collection, the CXS would be the first tool I would replace.

 

[ctfeet]

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CXS  Review
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I have also found the torque control is so refined that I have stopped using a hand screw driver in those 'delicate' situations.

Is the torque control the same electronic type as the T15 or is it a mechanical clutch?

 

[Stephen B]

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CXS  Review
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I have also found the torque control is so refined that I have stopped using a hand screw driver in those 'delicate' situations.

Is the torque control the same electronic type as the T15 or is it a mechanical clutch?

[size=12pt]

I am not able to answer this question and my research of the AUST., UK and USA websites has not provided an answer.  [unsure]. But the photographs suggest the CXS has a manual/mechanical clutch.

Perhaps Shane, Seth, Peter or others could answer ctfeet's question.  [smile]

 

[SittingElf]

Mechanical. No Beeps! [blink]

My wife asked if she could use it. I told her that would be grounds for divorce! [mad]
Gave her the part number and told her to get one for herself! [wink]

Cheers,
Frank

 

[festooltim]

You should think that through Frank with a divorce she will walk away with the CXS and the other half of your Festools. You should say of course you can. But under supervision of course.

 

[SittingElf]

You should think that through Frank with a divorce she will walk away with the CXS and the other half of your Festools. You should say of course you can. But under supervision of course.

Heh heh. My wife is a Lt. Col. in the U.S. Air Force and soon to be a full Colonel.

Under federal law, since I have been married to her for her whole career, if we were to be divorced, I only have to let the government know where to send me half of her retirement check each month!! [eek]  Nope... she ain't gonna dump me! [big grin]

Actually, I am very happily married and October 1st is our 20th Anniversary.  First and last marriage! [smile]

Cheers,

Frank

 

[festooltim]

Happy to hear that Frank. Same for me 20 years and 7 kids we can't afford to leave each other. Well same thing only different I guess. But yes happily married.

 

[VW mick]

Hey is this a new thread lol

I'm married 25 years next year

4 children and 5 grand children