Festool CXS vs. Bosch PS31-2A

[dinkjs]

So I was comparing these two drills

Bosch PS31-2A link
http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/BoschProductDetail.aspx?pid=PS31-2A#specs

And based on comparable info the CXS is 50 RPM faster at the low end but the Bosch is 100 RPM faster at the top end (350 for Bosch, 400 for CXS and 1300 for Bosch, 1200 for CXS)

Also the chuck size is bigger on the Bosch up to 3/8 compared to CXS at 5/16
The CXS comes in at roughly .25 lb lighter
Price comparison is a huge difference except the CXS comes with extras if you want the higher priced "set"

I already own the PS41 (impact) and the PS21 and they are phenomenal machines.  I guess I don't know if it justifies to myself going with the CXS when comparing these two drills not including the right angle attachment for the CXS

 

[Samo]

The CXS is definitely unique and I would recommend one.  I'm not a big Bosch fan but own all of the above.

Centrotec is another story  [cool]

 

[panelchat]

for me one of the big innovations on the cxs is the shape and handle. really nice to use, natural feeling extension of the hand, middle finger running the trigger, and no prob using it all day long.
i bought some hex shank bits for most of those sizes i need that are too big for the chuck it comes with.
another is the gentle trigger action it has, makes exacting work easy.

 

[RKA]

The big issue with the PS31 is excessive runout.  Of the three 12V Bosch tools the PS31 is the disappointment.

I've only toyed around with the CXS in the store, but as the others said, it feels great in the hand. 

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

I agree, the feel of the tool is comfortable, but the batteries don't stayed charged very long, either. Thankfully, they supply you with two batteries, so it's not really an issue.

 

[lawhoo]

I've had absolutely no problem with battery life in my CXS.  You're the first person I think I've seen with that complaint, so maybe you should contact Festool service.

 

[Jonhilgen]

I've had absolutely no problem with battery life in my CXS.  You're the first person I think I've seen with that complaint, so maybe you should contact Festool service.

Same here.  However, just recently I've noticed that I'm changing batteries more often during the day.  But since I've had my csx since it came out and I use it EVERY SINGLE DAY as a cabinet installer, I'm ok with it (and I plan on sending them in since they're still under warranty.)  the right angle chuck is incredible as well.

Regarding the Bosch, I've had them.  Ergonomics stink, and try standing one up without it falling over.  Battery life on the Bosch stinks too.

Jon 

 

[Samo]

The big issue with the PS31 is excessive runout.  Of the three 12V Bosch tools the PS31 is the disappointment.

I've only toyed around with the CXS in the store, but as the others said, it feels great in the hand.

I called the Bosch factory service center when I first got the little impact about runout.  Was told they are all gonna be the same.  Actual quote I'll never forget from the service dept. was " you know that's not a precision tool right? "

 

[RKA]

The big issue with the PS31 is excessive runout.  Of the three 12V Bosch tools the PS31 is the disappointment.

I've only toyed around with the CXS in the store, but as the others said, it feels great in the hand.

I called the Bosch factory service center when I first got the little impact about runout.  Was told they are all gonna be the same.  Actual quote I'll never forget from the service dept. was " you know that's not a precision tool right? "

LOL!  Maybe they should change the name to Fisher Price so we don't get confused. Everything else about it is acceptable given the price, except that it can't start a clean hole in hard materials.  Maybe they ought to put a disclaimer in their advertising and see how well it sells? 

 

[Davej]

The big issue with the PS31 is excessive runout.  Of the three 12V Bosch tools the PS31 is the disappointment.

I've only toyed around with the CXS in the store, but as the others said, it feels great in the hand.

I called the Bosch factory service center when I first got the little impact about runout.  Was told they are all gonna be the same.  Actual quote I'll never forget from the service dept. was " you know that's not a precision tool right? "
[/quote
LOL!  Maybe they should change the name to Fisher Price so we don't get confused. Everything else about it is acceptable given the price, except  that it can't start a clean hole in hard materials.  Maybe they ought to put a disclaimer in their advertising and see how well it sells? 

I always thought that the word 'Bosch ' was a disclaimer for quality as far as powertools are concerned  [huh]  Their 'white goods' are excellent though

 

[Wuffles]

I always thought that the word 'Bosch ' was a disclaimer for quality as far as powertools are concerned   [huh]  Their 'white goods' are excellent though

Their repair policy and service can be and quite often is exceptional though. Fedex guy turns up next day, your tool will most likely be with you again two or three days later. It's a shame that a few of their models are pap compared to the better ones. From experience, not a patch on the Festool quality, but then, my Bosch tools are for building work, not woodwork.

 

[RKA]

Sorry, that was meant to be tongue in cheek.  One tool isn't representative of the entire product line no more than one ignorant employee representative of an entire company.

 

[Flashman]

I've got one of the diddly Bosch 12v (measured as 10.8 in the UK). I don't use it every day but it's starting to feel a bit loose and I'll get the CXS soon. I just know that the build quality of the Festool will be so much better. When you consider the Systainer value, there's not much difference in cost.

 

[Samo]

Good points being made here guys.

I should probably say I still use my Bosch tools but I'm older and remember when the big Brut jackhammer and 1-1/2 rotary hammer where king.  

Bosch jigsaws used to be made in Switzerland.

Now the appliances, auto parts and tools are mostly junk.  Just another huge corporation.

I use the little 10.8 impact and it fits in a drawer in a Sortainer but I think the Milwaukee stuff may be better.

To be fair about the CXS, it is not a precision tool without some runout either but Festool, to there credit all but said so.

 

[overanalyze]

I have the baby Bosch drill and matching impact driver. I love them. Perfect for small tasks. Putting on door hinges, knobs, pulls, etc. I got them both in a kit for 129 bucks last year! Bought a third battery.

I have never played with a cxs.

 

[Wuffles]

Sorry, that was meant to be tongue in cheek.  One tool isn't representative of the entire product line no more than one ignorant employee representative of an entire company.

Sorry yes, I figured that. Was just defending them a little out of a misguided loyalty  [unsure]

Some of my most abused tools for building work are Bosch and I'd never entertained a Festool screwdriver before, probably as I have lots of Bosch batteries of varying voltages lying around. Unfortunately some of them after their accompanying tool has bitten the dust. Still, if I were starting a afresh I'd be looking at the CXS as the rest of my Festool gear is the business.

 

[jeep jake]

I had bad experiences with the little bosch drill I had. I gave it to a friend for free, I was really disappointed. If I was going to buy one right now I would definitely look at the Milwaukee m12 fuel stuff.

 

[GhostFist]

I've said this before. Had the first bosch 10v drill when it came out, lasted a year then died. Had the milwaukee when it came out, 1 year dead. Had a ridgid for 2 weeks (lifetime warranty! ) dead. Cxs since launch, still going strong, used daily.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Used the CSX today to install caster wheels...what a pleasure to use!

 

[mrboult]

How light and balanced is the CXS . . . .
This was happening the other day . . .when the Pozi head 'bites' into the screw a little the whole drill can just hang there. . .