CXS18 - Initial Thoughts

[Boski]

I Have always been in two minds about this purchase as many have said / say, at the end of the day it is just a drill.

I have to say, although it doesn't do anything ground breaking in comparison to other drills, it is really is a nice bit of kit and does feel like the Rolls Royce of drills.

Smooth, surprising powerful, provides a lot of control, nice to handle and having the bits magnetically held on the front is really handy.

I'm surprised by its power when driving wooden screws, but will still use my Dewalt Impact when doing things such a driving coach bolts etc, so both drills have a use in the tool kit.

I did read some reviews about it being particularly loud but I didn't seem to notice it myself, but I have been using an impact for the last few days for some big bolt and screw.

 

[@bazaba]

Thanks for your initial thoughts. I figured it would be nice, but for me I do not think I will have a place for it. I have a brute force makita 18v impact, cxs for surgery, and TPC for high rpm drilling and some hammer time. How is the control compared to cxs if you happen to have one?

 

[Boski]

It's my first Festool drill, the others I have are the TOL dewalt impact and combi drill.

I really really like this drill and it has grown on me even more since using it in a workflow.

It's really handy having all the bits at the front, quick change system, and the control is really clean and precise.

The angles chuck came in handy when stripping a room and old shelves.

I did also get the wood drill bits which are also brilliant. 

I have started to notice the noise levels a bit more, but still nothing compared to my impact.

It is 100% a luxury item, I was on the fence, but glad I got it now.

 

[@bazaba]

I'm glad you like it. The TPC was a luxury tool for me and I enjoy it too and bought it since I already had batteries from tsc 55. The noise you mentioned is keeping me from being interested in the new cxs 12 for now.

 

[Boski]

In all honesty, the noise doesn't bother me too much.

It was more prevalent when stripping an old wardrobe, but I put some ear defenders on.

I used the Festool drill bits in the CXS18 this week; it was a real treat. I was skeptical about the drill bits (again) but they are super sharp, tear through wood in a satisfying way, and are held in place with magnetic in the case. They also fit into the top of the systainer.