Festool T18+3 Set

[JLMS2010]

Hi all,
First off let me say that I have several Festool tools and love them all!  I've always used Milwaukee's M18 drill, impacts, multitool, etc...I've been looking at purchasing a Festool drill for a while now and finally decided to take the plunge.  It's my first cordless Festool tool.  My first thoughts of using the drill for a cabinet installation were great.  The battery lasted the entire day.  It did last much longer than my Milwaukee's (2.0AH).  It is much quieter and overall much smoother.  Obviously, I like the systainers instead of a bag, but I'm really struggling with the cost difference.  I know I have 30 days to try to it out and I do like it a lot, but I am having a hard time justifying the cost.  It's almost double the Milwaukee Fuel Hammer Drill/Impact combo.  Have any of you had this same reservation?  Thanks! 

To clarify I have the newer set with the 3.1ah battery.

 

[gary_va]

I hate to break the news to you, but you're approaching a slippery slope!

1. First it's the T18 because it's well engineered, powerful, and the +3 accessories are all extremely useful.

2. Then it's a C18 to see what the C-handle fuss is all about. Shoot buckets, C-handle geometry does exactly what everyone says it does. Okay, well at least the T18 gizmos are compatible so I'm still doing fine.

3. Then it's a CXS because sometimes you just don't need the Mac-Daddy drivers. You discover it's the most comfortable bit spinner you own and find yourself using it more than all others but of course now you've committed to another line of batteries and accessories.

Welcome to Festool Drill/Driver hell. (interesting...I didn't type heck, the software adjusted my prose).

If 20-years-in-the-future you comes to your shop offering tool-buying advice, is he saying buy the quieter, smoother and arguably more enjoyable one to use, or is he telling you to buy the lower cost one that isn't quite all that but still spins bits in a circle?

Always a tough call but I don't like the thought of trying to convince future me I was okay with buying something that I just didn't enjoy 100% every time I picked it up.

 

[JLMS2010]

I hate to break the news to you, but you're approaching a slippery slope!

1. First it's the T18 because it's well engineered, powerful, and the +3 accessories are all extremely useful.

2. Then it's a C18 to see what the C-handle fuss is all about. Shoot buckets, C-handle geometry does exactly what everyone says it does. Okay, well at least the T18 gizmos are compatible so I'm still doing fine.

3. Then it's a CXS because sometimes you just don't need the Mac-Daddy drivers. You discover it's the most comfortable bit spinner you own and find yourself using it more than all others but of course now you've committed to another line of batteries and accessories.

Welcome to Festool Drill/Driver heck. (interesting...I didn't type heck, the software adjusted my prose).

If 20-years-in-the-future you comes to your shop offering tool-buying advice, is he saying buy the quieter, smoother and arguably more enjoyable one to use, or is he telling you to buy the lower cost one that isn't quite all that but still spins bits in a circle?

Always a tough call but I don't like the thought of trying to convince future me I was okay with buying something that I just didn't enjoy 100% every time I picked it up.

A very slippery slope indeed. I was actually thinking I’ll just buy the C18 basic. But why stop there?  I might as well get the PDC also.  Lol. I’m fairly sure I wouldn’t buy the CSX.

I do enjoy using it more so than the Milwaukee I had. But is that because I’m trying to tell myself I just spent $700 on a drill? Lol maybe partly...

I’m very disappointed that these battery can’t be used in the sanders. 

 

[Jim_in_PA]

I agree with Gary...I started with the 12v set years ago. Then I bought the CSX (which I use the most of all because it's so light and maneuverable, but surprisingly powerful, too) And I recently acquired the 15v set in pristine condition "for a song far shorter than new price". My old DeWalt 14.4 feels very lonely most of the time...

But seriously, the "system" just works. You will forget the initial cost after awhile, too.

 

[ear3]

Look on the bright side.  You've just cut a few hundred off the price of a TSC by already having the batteries.

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

As much as I’m a festool fan, I’ve never been a lover of their drills, or ever been tempted to buy any.
When it comes to cordless drill, driver and impacts, I’m firmly Makita. Comfortable, powerful, durable with great battery life. That’s all that matters to me.

 

[JLMS2010]

Quick update. I decided to return it. I used it a fair amount and while it is quite and nice to handle I couldn’t justify the cost.  The right angle adapter is nice and better than the $15 I already have. Maybe someday I’ll buy the Festool drill, but for now I bought the Milwaukee 2997-22PO.  Home Depot priced matched amazon, which I was surprised, but I got it for $354 after tax. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...-2-Tool-with-PACKOUT-Case-2997-22PO/307940396
I’ve had Milwaukee tools for a while and really like them.  I’ve haven’t had any problems expect my cordless brad nailer which Milwaukee did a great job of servicing very quickly.