CXS Satisfaction?

[Dan Clark]

I have the CXS. And an old C12, a Makita impact driver, a 3/8" high speed drill for Kreg screws, a Hilti drywall screw driver,  a 1/2" heavy duty drill, a mud mixer, and an SDS roto hammer.  And a drill press.  Each has its place.  Most of the time I reach for my CXS for drilling and smaller screws, and the Makita to drive bigger screws.  But the CXS is my go to drill.  I reach for the others after trying the CXS first.  The CXS is my favorite Festool.

Dan.

 

[ttime4four]

As a non-pro, I needed one drill that handle all that I could throw at it.  I purchased the CSX in advance of building an outdoor bbq table using Philippine mahogany.  I used kreg pocket screws for the frame construction (2.5" and 1.5" pockets / screws) and I found that the CSX would struggle to drill the holes and even have a hard time driving some of the screws.  I was also draining the battery every 20 mins or so.  I really wanted the CSX to work because it really is a thing of beauty.

The dealbreaker ended up being that the chuck would not hold my 3/8" and larger bits.  I could deal with the relative weakness of the drill for boring out holes in hardwood (using the slow speed was necessary in most cases), but not being able to use a bunch of my bits was too much.  Half way through the project, I returned the CSX and purchased the C15 with the right angle and eccentric attachments. 

 

The C15 just flies through the mahogany but it is much larger / heavier than the CSX.  My next Festool purchases will include the router and domino before considering the CSX again.

My $0.02 anyway.

 

[GhostFist]

The cxs wont do everything but it's a beauty for most things. I always said it's a good combo with one of the bigger drills. As your one and only, no it wont cut it.

 

[Tinker]

I have had the ancient CD 12 for many moons.  also several corded drills of various sizes up to a 1/2" HoleHawg with right angle head.  The CDX I have had for only a few months and it is my GO-TO-Drill.  I could live without some of the other drills, but not the CD 12 or especially, the CDX.
Tinker

 

[L.J]

As a non-pro, I needed one drill that handle all that I could throw at it.  I purchased the CSX in advance of building an outdoor bbq table using Philippine mahogany.  I used kreg pocket screws for the frame construction (2.5" and 1.5" pockets / screws) and I found that the CSX would struggle to drill the holes and even have a hard time driving some of the screws.  I was also draining the battery every 20 mins or so.  I really wanted the CSX to work because it really is a thing of beauty.

The dealbreaker ended up being that the chuck would not hold my 3/8" and larger bits.  I could deal with the relative weakness of the drill for boring out holes in hardwood (using the slow speed was necessary in most cases), but not being able to use a bunch of my bits was too much.  Half way through the project, I returned the CSX and purchased the C15 with the right angle and eccentric attachments. 

 

The C15 just flies through the mahogany but it is much larger / heavier than the CSX.  My next Festool purchases will include the router and domino before considering the CSX again.

My $0.02 anyway.

That's a really nice table for the Big Green Egg is it your own design ? Also your expectations were a little too high for the CXS.

 

[denovich]

I reluctantly got the old C12 with all the chucks as part of a package Festool deal (a woodworker passed away, I bought all the Festool gear.)  I felt it was too expensive for what it was and found the Centrotec bits annoying.  I already had the full Makita LXT kit, plus the pair of Makita 10.8v drivers.  Once I had the C12, I forced myself to use it.  I quickly learned to like it, but didn't care for the weight.  I found a buyer for my LXT gear and got a CXS.  The ergonomics are superior to anything else I've used... and that's it's major selling point.  I do wish I had an impact driver though, for the few big screws / easily stripped phillips heads I occasionally have to deal with.  The worst part about the CXS is that it pushed me to drop close to $400 on that damn Centrotec installer kit.  I'm happy with the end result, but never planned on dropping $1k on drills and accessories.

 

[hockey_magnet]

Since you already have the T15, I would recommend the CXS - as others have said, it will end up getting used MOST of the time. The ergonomics are outstanding. I did try one out but since I wanted one drill I could use for everything, I found it a little lacking in power/torque for heavy jobs plus the the lack of a full size chuck was an issue so I went with the C15 instead. You don't have that problem as you already have the T15. Based on my testing, I think the CXS would be an excellent choice for MOST driling/driving requirements and you will probably end up using it 90% of the time. I know I would if I had kept it.

Chris

 

[ttime4four]

That's a really nice table for the Big Green Egg is it your own design ? Also your expectations were a little too high for the CXS.

When making the purchase decision, I discussed my needs with the dealer and he suggested trying the CSX and if it didn't fully meet my needs - then I could always return/exchange it within the 30 day period.  I think that is one of the best "test drive" option out there.  I had suspected the CSX wouldn't cut it, but due to the form factor/weight/price - I wanted to give it a go.

For the table, I adapted an existing design from here (link).  In hindsight, the only change I would have made was to used 5/4 material in the horizontal framing.  I though it was great that the original designer used SketchUp and that helped me with the overall vision. 

Here's a shot post assembly and after two coats of Teak oil.

 

[Vindingo]

Thanks for all of your opinions.  I received it this morning, and fooled around with it for a few minutes.  I'm pretty sure the Kool-aid has gotten me.   

Vinny, I know Festool honestly wants you to try the the tools out if you're unsure.  Really, don't feel uneasy about retuning a tool on the 30 day return policy. 

Very happy with mine so far.  Is it safe to say that users being happy with their CXS is "common"?  [tongue]

[big grin] [big grin]

This has eased my qualms a bit. 

Apparently they are shipping with a new accessory  [poke]

 

[GhostFist]

I'm on set right now and the cxs is on my hip. 15 hour days, lots of crew in a tight set, cxs allows me to do my job quickly comfortably and quietly. Light it's a God send, and chuck agreeableness allow me to do stuff effortlessly that would otherwise be a huge PITA
..wouldn't be without it. Bringing my festool gear on set also guarantees me a larger weekly kit rental. So just having them around makes me money even if they just sit in the box.

 

[Vindingo]

I just saw Intelligent Workshop's post about the limited edition CXS.

Are we getting those over here?

 

 

[adubeau]

I just bought a CXS yesterday to replace my bosch PS10 (the batteries seem to going) even though I have not used it exstensivly, my first impression is very postive...

 

[fritter63]

Bringing my festool gear on set also guarantees me a larger weekly kit rental. So just having them around makes me money even if they just sit in the box.

??????

 

[GhostFist]

I get more money based on the value of my tools. Wage plus equipment rental, car rental, and cell phone

 

[Kev]

I get more money based on the value of my tools. Wage plus equipment rental, car rental, and cell phone

You'd look silly wearing four CXSs !

... Better conceal two of the under your jacket  [big grin]

 

[GhostFist]

Ha [big grin]

 

[Wood_Junkie]

Ha [big grin]

Love the CXS.  Used it extensively today building some shelving in my basement.  Drove 50+  #10, 2 1/2" screws in/through 2-by material without breaking a sweat.  And battery is still going strong.  I always reach for the CXS, even though I have a C12 and TDK12 handy.  It's SO lightweight and easy to handle.

 

[jacko9]

I just saw Intelligent Workshop's post about the limited edition CXS.

Are we getting those over here?

   

I don't know if we are but, I'll wait and see before I buy one. 

 

[BMH]

I have been resisting buying a CXS for some time. I have been doing a lot of cabinet work and the T15 was doing a good job, but was a little heavy and no light. One of this  weekend project was a setting a 100 stainless steel screws #6 3/4" with stainless steel washers. This was to secure the trim under four bench seats on a pontoon boat with limited clearance.  I gave in and got the CXS. Made the job so much easier and faster. Took an hour instead of 2 hours I scheduled for the project, most of it on my back and my head under the bench. I have been using it on multiple project this last couple of days and it is a winner.

The bad new with the Festool "working faster and smarter" my honey dew list are getting longer.

Bruce

 

[EvilNuff]

I like my CXS more than I anticipated when I purchased it and actually use it almost exclusively now for all my drilling needs.