Electric Drill

[Pykie]

Hi guys,

Considering buying a festool electric drill, I've currently got a Makita and I mainly bust it out for high torque applications, like holesawing locks through doors, holesawing 45mm hardwood, drilling holes in plate steel etc.

What would people reccomending as the best model from the new festool lineup of electric drills?

 

[neeleman]

Do you want a battery or corded version?
This DR 20 corded version gives the highest torque of 98 Nm and the set version also comes with a solid angled chuck.
Although it's an older model probably still usable.
If you want a battery powered version I'll opt for the DRC 18/4 with a torque of 60 Nm.

 

[Pykie]

I was considering a new corded drill.

 

[neeleman]

Festool only has 2 other corded models DR 18/4 and PD 18/4.
Torque of these models is less at 50 Nm but probably still good usable.
Compared to other brands it's a very compact machine, almost battery powered build.
And has Centrotec chucks as well.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I am totally not impressed by Festool's offering of corded drills. It is like they're not really interested in that market at all, and don't even try.

The DR20 is a huge beast, but does not even have a hammer function, so drilling in masonry is limited. Best used for the bigger jobs in wood during construction.

The only other drills they have are the small DR 18/4 and PD 20/4. They're too small for my taste, I don't like their ergonomics, and prefer the classic pistol grip with a longer body for a corded drill. I don't understand why Festool thinks smaller is always better.

So with Festool there's no other option between very small and very big.

If I was looking for a new corded drill I'd have a look at Metabo, their corded drills are still highly regarded.

 

[Birdhunter]

Just curious, but why would one want a corded drill?

 

[AlexThePalex]

For me, because it is more powerful than a cordless drill.

 

[anthonyz]

Just curious, but why would one want a corded drill?

If you are one who use a pocket hole set up with a dust collection port, it's nice to have the power of the electric drill, and if it's plugged into your CT, then the Vac comes on when you are drilling holes. I rarely use my pocked hole system, but on the rare occasions I do, the electric drill works great with that.

 

[Pykie]

For me, because it is more powerful than a cordless drill.

Exactly, im yet to find a cordless drill that doesnt struggle with holesaws.

Also Ive got a mortice lock jig that runs off a electric drills rpm's etc, plate steel as well requires electric drills.

 

[Holmz]

Just curious, but why would one want a corded drill?

It is either cordless for small handy stuff, or as Alex said... A corded... for real drilling.

 

[Cheese]

I use cordless drills all the time for holesaws. Recently during a bath remodel, I used a 4" holesaw on a Milwaukee M18 for cutting multiple holes in 2x material, and I also kept a 4 1/2" holesaw on a Festool C15 to cut the holes I needed through plaster for recessed lighting.

I only start to see problems when the holesaw is larger than 5" or if the battery isn't fully charged, then I've had issues. When they're over 5" in diameter, then I reach for the 1854 below.

[attachthumb=1]

This drill is usually attached to a 6"-7" auger for putting in fence posts.