CXS VS TXS

[Brice Burrell]

"When they make it brushless I am all over it."

I understand brushless is the new motor technology, but what would the user of the drill see compared to the motor with brushes? I do realize that, after long use, the brushes might have to be replaced.

Brushless motors are more efficient and that can translate into more power and/or longer run time compared to a similar brushed drill.  That is theoretical true but is determined by design and build quality.  I don't think we'll see a brushless CXS/TXS since these are entry level drills meant to meet more of a price point than be the highest quality design and build that you might expect from Festool.   

 

[pingvinlakrits]

Birdhunter: both Alex and Brice answered it for me brilliantly.

A properly implemented brushless motor in the CXS/TXS would push it just that little bit further to expand the working range to fit me just that much better, for all the above reasons. A wee bit stronger, better runtime and no brushes to wear out.

I wore out one CXS machine in three years intermittent use, it smells burnt out. I replaced both my CXS drills with two new ones when the 2,6Ah batteries arrived  and I was a little disappointed the new ones were not brushless. If Bosch can put a brushless motor in a 10.8V housing and make it fairly small I am convinced Festool can do it too.

In the mean time I have several brushless options so I am not missing out but IF Festool would upgrade the TXS/CXS in the next couple of years I would get a pair instantly. For me the T12+3 drill is the TXS on steroids and I use it more than the CXS. With a little more grunt the CXS would replace it.

 

[Holmz]

Having a brushless drill - It does seem like they have more torque and use the battery better.

 

[Russelljwatson]

Well, in the end I went for the TXS. It felt a bit more comfortable in the hand, plus, with the grip not in line with the rear of the drill body I thought it may fit into tight spaces! Thanks for all the advice guys. And the 2.6AH battery lasts ages!

 

[DB10]

  It's a shame when Festool brought out the new CXS & TXS drills that They didn't come in a sys1 with an attic lid, that would be a perfect set up for the small drill.
Unfortunately the plastic insert that the drill sits in is too high, if the drill sat a bit lower in a redesigned insert in the box then one could fit an attic lid to a sys 1, I know you could swap it over to a sys2 but I want to keep it as compact as possible with all the bits and drills in the lid like I do with the PDS.

 

[yetihunter]

The charger won't fit in a sys1 with an attic. 
I've got that setup, the charger stays at home.

 

[Mort]

Since I've been dragging my feet getting a CXS, then the TXS comes out, I've also been thinking about which to get. In the end, I'll probably go with the CXS. I like the balance when I've played with it in the store; by the picture it is noticeably shorter than the TXS and size matters in a compact drill; and I think it looks cooler. For almost $300 it should be brushless, but I have a brushless Milwaukee for when the going gets tough.

 

[Russelljwatson]

Since I've been dragging my feet getting a CXS, then the TXS comes out, I've also been thinking about which to get. In the end, I'll probably go with the CXS. I like the balance when I've played with it in the store; by the picture it is noticeably shorter than the TXS and size matters in a compact drill; and I think it looks cooler. For almost $300 it should be brushless, but I have a brushless Milwaukee for when the going gets tough.

Hi Mort,

They are both great drills. Believe it or not they are both exactly the same in length. The TXS IS approximately 3/8" taller though. Although I'm in the uk so the USA models may differ slightly

 

[#Tee]

for me the cxs and t18 makes all the others obsolete for now til i need the pdc.

 

[shdesign3]

I too wish the CXS was brushless. But it would jack the price up too high.

 

[Mort]

Hi Mort,

They are both great drills. Believe it or not they are both exactly the same in length. The TXS IS approximately 3/8" taller though. Although I'm in the uk so the USA models may differ slightly

I meant the height.

 

[SoonerFan]

for me the cxs and t18 makes all the others obsolete for now til i need the pdc.

+ 1

I have  CXS and a T18 +3 along with a Centrotec Set.  I kept a Dewalt impact drill which gets when I need an impact which is very seldom these days.

 

[#Tee]

for me the cxs and t18 makes all the others obsolete for now til i need the pdc.

+ 1

I have  CXS and a T18 +3 along with a Centrotec Set.  I kept a Dewalt impact drill which gets when I need an impact which is very seldom these days.

ya i kept my dewalt impact mostly for deck screws, anytime that thing gets used indoors ill need ear protection :'( impacts are nice but its very obnoxious  to the ppl around you [mad]

 

[Dwayne]

Picked up a CXS yesterday.  First Festool drill for us.  Like the form factor.  Now have to see what other centrotec items to pick up

 

[Davej]

The charger won't fit in a sys1 with an attic. 
I've got that setup, the charger stays at home.

It Will if you are prepared to butcher the attic lid a little.
I have cxs set in a 1 with attic.
Dave
But I did chuck the original insert as its not the best use of space for me .

 

[Leifer]

New poster here. Hello.

CXS vs TXS
I too, am trying to decide which one (Los Angeles, USA).

I have not held either model, so that may help me decide, when I go visit the dealer next week.
I would like something for tight spaces.
I have not found a "width" measurement of either, for comparison.
The TXS looks wider, it's widest point being it's bottom battery.
Is this so ?

Regarding the widths.....(just conceptualizing here)....if there was such time where I need to access a narrow area, I still need space for my hand (to hold the drill). Does this make the (any) slight tool width difference matter at all ?
My (average size) fingers still need to wrap around the grip....and that might make the TXS battery width....er....moot.

In other words: real-world width.....If the CXS+human fingers, adds to the width anyways, when in use, is the TXS+human fingers, any different ?

Also a consideration is C-grip (CSX) vs. T-grip (TXS).
A T-grip means you can "peer into" an awkward space, where the C-grip you don't get the depth of the T-grip...if the situation arises. (or use a bit extension)

Something not mentioned here, is with any of the C-grip style (like CXS), you can actually lock them up, using a cable lock through the grip. Nice option for a busy work-site with many workers, where tools can "disappear" even during a lunch break.
Overnight, pack and take your tools with you.

 

[Holmz]

New poster here. Hello.

CXS vs TXS
I too, am trying to decide which one (Los Angeles, USA).
...

What are you using now?
And for driving or driving?

All my friends with Panasonics love em for driving screws in drywall.

 

[MGB]

One thing I really like about the Cxs is easy bit changes. Grab the drill from belt and flip it upright. Can pull back the collar one handed and drop in a new bit.

Every time I use a t handle drill it doesn't feel right anymore.

 

[Leifer]

CXS vs TXS
I too, am trying to decide which one (Los Angeles, USA).
...

What are you using now?
And for driving or driving?

I have an older Makita set....drill and ratchet/clutch type screw driver(s). The cheap price got me there, years ago. One battery dead for some reason, after warrantee.

But I'll be buying an x18 or a PDX.....and a CSX or TXS soon.....as my new all-around set.

 

[Birdhunter]

I have both the TSX and the CSX with the CSX being one of the first Festool products I ever bought. Both are equally handy. I seem to end up with the TSX in my hand most often. If I have heavy work, the T18 gets picked. For lag bolts, the TI15 gets picked. Is is a dandy impact drill!  The poor little C12 never gets to play.