Festool CXS - a new kid in town

I really like it from what I've seen. I'm hoping the Festool rep will have one I can get my hands on tomorrow...

The only downside for me isn't the length (after all if it's too long for a space you can use the right-angle chuck) but the fact that it doesn't appear to be compatible with the offset chuck.
 
Great video Michael, thank you for sharing it with us.  I'd love to see you make some more of a similar sort  [thanks]

I'm loving the look of this drill, and at this price will almost certainly buy one to go alongside my old TDK 15.6. 

Cheers,
Rick
 
Thanks again Mike for giving us a peek at a product that we will see in 6 to 9 months. Your video does help with getting the necessary information need to make a decision whether to wait or not.

Great video, thanks for making it...
 
Worth noting that the basic drill (?186 in the UK) only has one battery; the 'set' (incl. the chucks and two batts) is ?245 inc. VAT. I'm on the fence - I like the look of it, but I just don't think I'd use it enough; that 8mm chuck is a bit of a pi$$er as well - I've been caught out a couple of times not having the big drills with me, and being able to fit a 10mm bit into my 10.8v stuff has been useful.

I've bought most of my Festool stuff 'unseen', but I think this is something I'd want to get my hands on before deciding. Anyone know if Festool are planning to offer a 'bare' drill i.e. no batts or charger? I'd want a couple of these if I were to buy at all.

Cheers, Pete
 
Peterm said:
Anyone know if Festool are planning to offer a 'bare' drill i.e. no batts or charger? I'd want a couple of these if I were to buy at all.
Click to expand...

I doubt it. If you wanted a second, just buy the base version. Surely if you had 2 drills, you'd want a third battery anyway, wouldn't you? [blink]

Edit: Forgot to mention - if you did need a bigger chuck than the 8mm one supplied, then the standard Festool chuck will fit.
 
jonny round boy said:
I doubt it. If you wanted a second, just buy the base version. Surely if you had 2 drills, you'd want a third battery anyway, wouldn't you? [blink]
Click to expand...

Nope. My 10.8v stuff is my 'carry everywhere' kit; if I can't do it on one battery then I need my bigger kit - either the 12v or 18v, whatever. I was thinking that if I could buy the full CXS kit and a bare driver then there's no duplication. Buy two base kits and you end up with an extra charger - not to mention being 370 notes out of pocket...

Edit: Forgot to mention - if you did need a bigger chuck than the 8mm one supplied, then the standard Festool chuck will fit.
Click to expand...

Thanks - I didn't realise; I'd still have to buy one though...

Pete

Cheers, Pete
 
I saw one today at Elliots in Winchester. They were selling at (if I remember correctly) ?160, referring to it as a bargain. I can say it felt really nice in the hand (I have a C12) and nimble. I don't need two drills on the go at the same time and can do with my C12.
 
My dealer was insisting on sending me one he says I would love it he said I could send it him back if I didnt like it. Ummm

JMB
 
Some thoughts if I may chime in:

I bought the C12 Li a few weeks ago, to use at home. I have the C15 Li at work. They both work great though I do think the T12 is more comfortable to hold I appreciate the design of the C-series and I dislike the oversized battery on the T12 - it just makes it clumsy.

The CXS just found it's way home to me (if I had known it was coming I might have skipped the C12) and at first I was hesitant about it's versatility.

One thing that was a small concern was that the chuck will only allow for up to 8mm drill bits so if you wanted a 10mm drill you'd have to get one with the speed change bit end to fit it in the chuck. Bummer. But then I discovered that the standard chuck (of which I have three) fits... ...so no worries with that. The included chuck is smaller and I don't need more than 8mm it is the logical choice.

It is very light and powerful enough for most small tasks but I have yet to try it out for sheer power. Just now I will go and tear down a kitchen and will try it out with some bigger screws and see how far it gets. The C12 will supervise.  ;)

The angle chuck is flimsier than on the bigger siblings but it does the job - it will be used for small tasks in tight quarters anyway so I don't see a problem there.

Balance is very good, better than on the C12 I think. A little forward weight when the bigger chucks are attached but it does not affect the handling. With the bit straight in the machine it is very compact and it feels like the magnet is more powerful as I have not had the bit fall out yet (which it did all the time on the older C12) and when I was renovating some loudspeakers I really liked working with the CXS. Very tactile. The bit holder up front was convenient and the light was handy as well.

So far, no issues, will see in a couple of hours if it is too weak for some kitchen demolition though.

/ Henrik
 
After a few days of putting it to moderate work I can say I really like the CXS.

If I had known it would be coming I probably wouldn't had gotten the C12 Li, which I got for compatibility with the C15 Li I use at work and for home use.
The CXS sits better in hand, for my hands, than the C12/C15. I also find the T12/T15 grips more comfortable grips than the C12/C15 and why they would not make the grips as good on the C-series is beyond me. I did not like the sheer volume of the batteries on the T12 and I always place my screwdrivers/drills on their sides anyway so the big footprint doesn't appeal to me. Just makes them look and feel clumsy despite being light in weight.

The CXS is not powerful enough to substitute any of it's larger siblings and it has a lot of competition from the plethora of 10.8V drill/drivers from Bosch, Makita, AEG/Milwaukee, Ryobi etc.  For cost/performance it doesn't look to good for the CXS but it does balance well and I have used it for some precision tasks like mounting loudspeaker elements and it sits really well in hand. The light works well. At first I didn't like that the light goes off instantly when releasing the trigger but as you can activate it with a very slight pressure and keep it lit I got used to it and now I like it as it is.

With the drill chuck attached it is a bit unwieldy (for it's size) but still handles well enough. I think I might have liked the CXS with a bit holder that works like the other bit holders out there; with a collar to secure the bit. Using a bit drill it is annoying to have it slip out all the time. I understand that it does not work with the fast change but still, it is quirky. If you are really after a short drill/driver for cabinets there are better options out there, honestly.

I like the CXS though and see it as my first go to drill/driver for small tasks, the belt clip and bit holder on the front is better than on the larger models.

A slight thumbs up for the CXS is my early conclusion. It could have been a little stronger still though. 
 
What is up with the new systainers,  will the lock/stack with the existing ones? 

nice drill but I really wouldn't have much use for it.  I'm waiting for the C15.  i have a small 10.8 bosch,  90 degree drill already that I like.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

derekcohen
CXS-18 motor noise
Replies
14
Views
2K
Crazyraceguy
Crazyraceguy
boycabdesign
I designed a Track Saw Guide Rail Hinge for Festool and beyond!
Replies
11
Views
3K
boycabdesign
boycabdesign
N
Wait for the new CXS or look for a sale on the original version?
2 3
Replies
53
Views
37K
Jim_in_PA
Jim_in_PA
J
Warning: Woodpeckers Semble Clamps can Ruin Woodwork
Replies
5
Views
1K
leakyroof
leakyroof
S
New Festool Owner CT-MIDI-I is there a MIDI-II?
Replies
6
Views
613
Coen
C
Back
Top