Festool drills / drivers, Why?

[Josh2]

I just got a T18 Easy kit through the recon sale only for the batteries ([member=65062]DynaGlide[/member], isn't that the cheapest kit for the batteries).

My plan was to sell the drill maybe for $120 and keep the batteries. Would have been a cheap way to get two 4Ah batteries with bluetooth. Now that I have the drill, it's so much nicer than my Milwaukee M18 brushless (not the FUEL). The first thing I noticed was how quiet it is. The Milwaukee is super loud for a drill compared to the T18. Big difference for me. Second, the electronic torque setting through the dial in the back is much more precise. I also really like that there is a separate switch for drilling versus driving so you can leave the torque setting untouched when switching. Third, the overall feel is certainly better but I wouldn't have kept the T18 just for that.

My 2 cents from someone with a small collection of drills.

 

[DynaGlide]

I just got a T18 Easy kit through the recon sale only for the batteries ([member=65062]DynaGlide[/member], isn't that the cheapest kit for the batteries).

My plan was to sell the drill maybe for $120 and keep the batteries. Would have been a cheap way to get two 4Ah batteries with bluetooth. Now that I have the drill, it's so much nicer than my Milwaukee M18 brushless (not the FUEL). The first thing I noticed was how quiet it is. The Milwaukee is super loud for a drill compared to the T18. Big difference for me. Second, the electronic torque setting through the dial in the back is much more precise. I also really like that there is a separate switch for drilling versus driving so you can leave the torque setting untouched when switching. Third, the overall feel is certainly better but I wouldn't have kept the T18 just for that.

My 2 cents from someone with a small collection of drills.

[member=72953]Josh2[/member] Yes, it's the cheapest. I got the recon as well. IIRC they were about $40 difference. I figure if I'm going to get a T18 I'm going to want the one with the interchangeable chucks which is why I opted for the impact instead.

 

[Rick Herrick]

I just picked up the TID 18 set. Not because I particularly wanted the TID 18 but because it was the cheapest path to getting into the 18V batteries for the Vecturo. It's a nice enough impact, feels good in the hand. Had I not needed the 18V batteries, I would've gotten a Milwaukee Surge instead.

[member=65062]DynaGlide[/member] I am following that same thought process.  I have the Vecturo coming this week and I wanted another drill with same battery config.  I still don't know enough about the features of each drill.  The only for sure thing is I don't need a noisy hammer drill.  Can you tell me which T18 set you got?  I also saw the T 18 E but I don't know what the E stands for.  I do have simple drilling needs, nothing special but this set below looks to be a good choice for me.

Festool 576494 Screw&drill Set TID18 HPC 4,0I-Set T18

 

[DynaGlide]

[member=72312]Rick Herrick[/member] The TID 18 is their noisy impact driver. Probably what you want to avoid. That's what I bought.

The T18 E stands for Easy IIRC, it has nice features like electronic clutch but sacrifices the ability to put different chucks, like the CXS or the T18 +3, for example. It has a fixed jacobs chuck.

 

[zachjowi]

I just got a T18 Easy kit through the recon sale only for the batteries ([member=65062]DynaGlide[/member], isn't that the cheapest kit for the batteries).

My plan was to sell the drill maybe for $120 and keep the batteries. Would have been a cheap way to get two 4Ah batteries with bluetooth. Now that I have the drill, it's so much nicer than my Milwaukee M18 brushless (not the FUEL). The first thing I noticed was how quiet it is. The Milwaukee is super loud for a drill compared to the T18. Big difference for me. Second, the electronic torque setting through the dial in the back is much more precise. I also really like that there is a separate switch for drilling versus driving so you can leave the torque setting untouched when switching. Third, the overall feel is certainly better but I wouldn't have kept the T18 just for that.

My 2 cents from someone with a small collection of drills.

I'd be interested in that drill if you sell it.

 

[JeremyH.]

CXS is the best. It's the best tool purchase I've made. The ergonomics, quality, long lasting, and accessories make it amazing. The clutch system is a dream for when you need to do light work (other drills just plain suck at that).

It's way stronger than you think it is... I've driven plenty of long screws into studs and such. Short of decking there isn't really any reason why it couldn't be anyone's number one drill.

I've debated grabbing Makita's smaller brushless black combo several times, or even a Festool combo but... I just haven't required having anything else yet. Going towards 6 years now (I don't even like saying that, but it's true).

 

[Rick Herrick]

I just got a T18 Easy kit through the recon sale only for the batteries

[member=72953]Josh2[/member] Hey Josh, on that T18 E, can you tell me if this model has a clutch? 

 

[Josh2]

I just got a T18 Easy kit through the recon sale only for the batteries

[member=72953]Josh2[/member] Hey Josh, on that T18 E, can you tell me if this model has a clutch?

It has the dial in the back for electronic torque control (not sure if you still call it clutch). No traditional clutch in the front. I think that is the same as the standard T18+3. Does that answer your question?

 

[Josh2]

I am tempted to keep it but will DM if I change my mind over the next 3 days.

I just got a T18 Easy kit through the recon sale only for the batteries ([member=65062]DynaGlide[/member], isn't that the cheapest kit for the batteries).

My plan was to sell the drill maybe for $120 and keep the batteries. Would have been a cheap way to get two 4Ah batteries with bluetooth. Now that I have the drill, it's so much nicer than my Milwaukee M18 brushless (not the FUEL). The first thing I noticed was how quiet it is. The Milwaukee is super loud for a drill compared to the T18. Big difference for me. Second, the electronic torque setting through the dial in the back is much more precise. I also really like that there is a separate switch for drilling versus driving so you can leave the torque setting untouched when switching. Third, the overall feel is certainly better but I wouldn't have kept the T18 just for that.

My 2 cents from someone with a small collection of drills.

I'd be interested in that drill if you sell it.

 

[Rick Herrick]

It has the dial in the back for electronic torque control (not sure if you still call it clutch). No traditional clutch in the front. I think that is the same as the standard T18+3. Does that answer your question?

Thanks Josh.  I have to admit my lack of skill in this area (most areas I am finding out...).  I don't know if clutch is the proper term but what I am looking for is the function to change a dial so that when the screw gets so far down (flush preferable), it stops driving it anymore and makes different noise.

I hope the T 18 E has this because for $300 I get 2 more batteries and, essentially, another drill and systainer for $60 since the batteries list at $120 a piece.  But even if it doesn't, I still have plenty of drills that do.

 

[Josh2]

Yes, the T18 E has that functionality. What you are talking is the drill clutch to control the torque. On most drills, it's behind the chuck in the front of the drill. On the T18 it's a small dial on the back of the drill and is arguably (more precise, you can switch between drilling and driving without changing the setting).

Maybe there is T18 E left on the recon sales, which would bring the price down to about $240 but reduce warranty to 1 year.

It has the dial in the back for electronic torque control (not sure if you still call it clutch). No traditional clutch in the front. I think that is the same as the standard T18+3. Does that answer your question?

Thanks Josh.  I have to admit my lack of skill in this area (most areas I am finding out...).  I don't know if clutch is the proper term but what I am looking for is the function to change a dial so that when the screw gets so far down (flush preferable), it stops driving it anymore and makes different noise.

I hope the T 18 E has this because for $300 I get 2 more batteries and, essentially, another drill and systainer for $60 since the batteries list at $120 a piece.  But even if it doesn't, I still have plenty of drills that do.

 

[Rick Herrick]

Yes, the T18 E has that functionality. What you are talking is the drill clutch to control the torque. On most drills, it's behind the chuck in the front of the drill. On the T18 it's a small dial on the back of the drill and is arguably (more precise, you can switch between drilling and driving without changing the setting).

Maybe there is T18 E left on the recon sales, which would bring the price down to about $240 but reduce warranty to 1 year.

Hi Josh, thanks for checking that, and the explanation, very helpful.  I think I am one of the few that doesn't jump on the recon site.  For the extra $60 I can get my 30 days, 3 years and its brand new.  Thanks for your help.

 

[mino]

It has the dial in the back for electronic torque control (not sure if you still call it clutch). No traditional clutch in the front. I think that is the same as the standard T18+3. Does that answer your question?

Thanks Josh.  I have to admit my lack of skill in this area (most areas I am finding out...).  I don't know if clutch is the proper term but what I am looking for is the function to change a dial so that when the screw gets so far down (flush preferable), it stops driving it anymore and makes different noise.

I hope the T 18 E has this because for $300 I get 2 more batteries and, essentially, another drill and systainer for $60 since the batteries list at $120 a piece.  But even if it doesn't, I still have plenty of drills that do.

Get the T18.
Scratch this.
Just checked the US prices. The  T18E Plus option is very much a "tool for free" scenario. Impossible to argue against that.

original:
Not for Centrotec per se. But for getting 2 QUICK-change chucks. One for screw bits, Jacobs for drill bits. This alone is well worth the price difference.

You may decide to expand on that or not. But it is well worth the price difference between 18e and "18 proper". Worst case, you can still sell it along ...

 

[Coen]

The trigger on the Festool drills is just very nice. If you want a trigger that starts at 1000 rpm you can always buy a Dewalt drill..

 

[Rick Herrick]

I ordered the T 18 E yesterday and found the Festool Live video that was specifically for this drill.  Answered a lot of questions, glad I found it.

Festool Live Episode 10 - T 18 E

 

[Bugsysiegals]

Well, I received my Recon CXS Compact Cordless Drill Set today.  First impressions ...

• Trigger Control - Even with gentle trigger application my M12 kicks on pretty high RPM.  The CXS has such fine low RPM control I doubt I'll ever need to hand fasten anything again!
  
• Ergonomics - It's comfortable and well balanced.  I had a hard time keeping the Parf Guide Drill Jig level on top of the rule when drilling my MFT top with M12 drill.  I suspect the light weight and balance of the CXS will eliminate this issue altogether even allowing to more easily drill perpendicular holes.
  
• Clutch - It feels good but it's to early to tell if is superior here also.
  
• Centrotec - I'm not sure how much better this is but most important for me is that the included adapter works with 1/4" bits.  You can use Centrotec and 1/4" without any additional purchase!
  
• Magnet - I never have a flat head when I need one so magnetic bit storage is great but more importantly the Centrotec adapter magnetizes all my non magnetized bits!

I never thought I'd buy any Festool cordless drill/impacts but am thankful to all of you for the positive feedback on the CXS ... it's such a nice drill I'm ready to take it around the house just looking for something to adjust or use it on even if it doesn't need it!

Are there any tips/sets you recommend I pickup for it?

 

[Cheese]

Are there any tips/sets you recommend I pickup for it?

Make sure you have the higher 2.6 Ah battery as the original 1.5 Ah battery goes away pretty quickly.

 

[FestitaMakool]

Congrats Bugsysiegals!

Your first impressions is very much what most think when using such thoughtfully built tool.
A drill just spins a shaft, so really any can do. But from there and to a drill that has many fantastic qualities, such as comfort, a superbly sensitive trigger, gearbox that suits extremely well, a motor that’s quiet and on top of that a very fine tuned controller for the torque control.
Add to that a very light and compact package, that fits most hands.

Did you get the kit with the angle attachment?
The bit holder it comes with is very good, there are some longer ones, as well as the locking bit holder you might add later.

 

[Bugsysiegals]

Unless somebody opened the batteries I've two 2.6 batteries.  Thanks!

 

[Bugsysiegals]

Congrats Bugsysiegals!

Your first impressions is very much what most think when using such thoughtfully built tool.
A drill just spins a shaft, so really any can do. But from there and to a drill that has many fantastic qualities, such as comfort, a superbly sensitive trigger, gearbox that suits extremely well, a motor that’s quiet and on top of that a very fine tuned controller for the torque control.
Add to that a very light and compact package, that fits most hands.

Did you get the kit with the angle attachment?
The bit holder it comes with is very good, there are some longer ones, as well as the locking bit holder you might add later.

Thanks, and I did get the kit with the angle attachment ... I didn't think it would be very useful for me until I was tightening some drawer handles and left the adapter downstairs which meant I had to unload the drawers ... next time I'm on this task I know to grab it!

Are the pieces you mention Festool or aftermarket products?