Flex vs The RSC

[onocoffee]

Last week, I got the last Recip saw at my local Lowe’s when they were evicting Flex for $90. And since I had read other threads here on FOG that the RSC is, essentially, the Flex, I had to put them head to head.

I probably won’t get to doing a side by side comparison until the weekend but I did borrow my friends brand new RSC (he hasn’t even used it yet). Of course, the Festool dust nozzle doesn’t fit on the Flex shoe, but would the RSC show swap to the Flex?

Looks like it’s going to be quite an interesting comparison!

 

[luvmytoolz]

What's the weight ratio like?

I'm not complaining but I'm starting to get a bit of gorilla arm with the RSC, quite heavier than my cheapo Ozito.

 

[Cheese]

What's the weight ratio like?

I'm not complaining but I'm starting to get a bit of gorilla arm with the RSC, quite heavier than my cheapo Ozito.

That's exactly the reason I haven't purchased the RSC...the Milwaukee's I own are heavy enough.

Just a note, in those comparison photos the Flex & RSC look like 2 completely different animals. There's nothing that looks even remotely similar between the two. Maybe Flex offers a premium line of products that would have more of a kinsmanship with the RSC?

 

[Michael Kellough]

I’m with Cheese. It takes a lot of imagination to think those tools are the same, except in purpose.

 

[Lincoln]

You need to compare to the Euro range of Flex professional tools (red colour) not the consumer/handyman range (black/grey)

 

[onocoffee]

What's the weight ratio like?

I'm not complaining but I'm starting to get a bit of gorilla arm with the RSC, quite heavier than my cheapo Ozito.

It's not as heavy as the RSC. Maybe a couple pounds lighter. Every time I handle the RSC, I envision myself lifting a Colonial Marines Pulse Rifle because it's so beefy.

Just a note, in those comparison photos the Flex & RSC look like 2 completely different animals. There's nothing that looks even remotely similar between the two. Maybe Flex offers a premium line of products that would have more of a kinsmanship with the RSC?

In person, I think there's definitely some similarities. The locking collar for the blade (mind you, I'm coming from a 1990s-era DeWalt 18v recip), the shoe is replaceable, the controls. As I get into it, I'll get more of a feel how different or similar the two are.

I’m with Cheese. It takes a lot of imagination to think those tools are the same, except in purpose.

My curiousity was piqued because of the threads here on FOG about the two. If they have similar performance, that would be a strong argument for the Flex - especially if dust collection is a concern.

Turns out, the Table 10725061 is $28.30 and the RSC-AV adapter is $21.20 - so the Flex can be kitted to utilize the CT dust extractors for about fifty bucks.

But I think you guys might be right. There's similarity but look at the schematics there seems to be some noticeable differences. However, I'm not that technically knowledgeable, so your eyes will be better at knowing what the drawings show.

 

[Cheese]

Check out the drive systems...they're completely different. It also looks like the RSC has a counterbalance/vibration reduction mechanism.

 

[usernumber1]

wrong flex, folks

I think Flex has since made a newer model even https://www.flex-tools.com/en/products/cordless-tools/18-0-v/rs-29-18-0-c


However, this one matches quite well -

RSP DW 18.0-EC C - FLEX

www.flex-tools.com

https://hub.flex-tools.com/_f/755/755fdbfa0b45287eab129b93395eca6a38af5d82/PRO_DOC_EXP_RSP-DW-18-0-EC.pdf

 

[luvmytoolz]

@usernumber1 That latest parts breakdown looks pretty identical!

The newer cordless Flex looks nice however!

 

[Michael Kellough]

If the RSP schematic is for the red Flex, where is the side mounted blade aggression (couldn’t remember the word is “pendulum”) switch? Looks more like the schematic for the Festool version.

What batteries does the red Flex use?

 

[usernumber1]

If the RSP schematic is for the red Flex, where is the side mounted blade aggression switch? Looks more like the schematic for the Festool version.

What batteries does the red Flex use?

there are two red flex versions. one of them is identical to festool

here's the batteries https://www.flex-tools.com/en/accessories/accessories-for-cordless-tools/dummy-akku-18v

the red flex even has their own grabo

VLP 18.0/2.5 Set - FLEX

www.flex-tools.com

and their vacuum looks like a mirka

S 44 - FLEX

www.flex-tools.com

 

[rvieceli]

@usernumber1 the reason it looks similar to the Mirka is because both are Nilfisk Attix vacuums. Nilfisk OEMs the Nilfisk Attix in different colors for other brands.

I have the Flex version and really like it. basically, they are just rebranded Nilfisk units. I can't really see any difference.

https://www.zoro.com/nilfisk-attix-44-dust-extractor-shop-vacuum-11-gal-ptfe-4260-lmin-1-12-hp-107412125/i/G7915516/

Ron

 

[luvmytoolz]

It's almost getting to the point we need a matrix to match up all the equivalent OEM/rebranded tools to help with purchasing new gear!

 

[Michael Kellough]

I was curious to see if the red Flex cordless tools used the Bosch multi-platform battery, but it isn’t compatible.

 

[mino]

What would be cool if someone could check if their new 4-speed drill - another version of the Fein/Festool TDC/TPC 18 series - would take Centrotec chucks as far as shaft diameter goes. They use the "ball detents" approach for locking their chucks but I believe there is still a hex inside. So the only diff one cannot address in small shop conditions would be the shaft diameter.

https://www.flex-tools.com/en/products/cordless-tools/18-0-v/dd-4g-18-0-ec-c


I am seriously looking at getting a TPC and upgrading it with the Flex gearbox .. unfortunately the gearbox assembly includes the non-Centrotec shaft and I do not see splitting the assembly as a good idea. As it is now, the TPC 18 would be a downgrade to my DRC 18/4 on weight, speed and hard torque. All of which I care about.

What I like about this Flex iteration:
- more soft torque (+10% over TPC)
- more speed (+10% over TPC)
Both thanks to a wider-range gearing similar to how DRC/PDC 18/4 had it /as compared to the TPC/
- way more hard torque thanks to more lenient electronics letting the motor loose, it makes the drill into one of those 120 Nm beasts
- a proper quick-extension extensible secondary handle for hard work and/or when stability is paramount. I love this on my DR 20, these strong drills scream for it when used to their capacity.

Anyone up to get one to report ?

 

[onocoffee]

Well, I finally got down to it: pitting the Flex FX2271 against the Festool RSC 18, with my old DeWalt DW938 as the "control."

I've had the 938 since new in 1998 and it has served me well but was starting to feel a bit "long in the tooth" and with the DeWalt and Milwaukee blades, they would sometimes wiggle the hex screw that held them in place. I think I said this before, but my original intent was to wait until the 938 died and then get the RSC - then Lowes kicking Flex to the curb happened, and I remembered the FOG thread discussing how Festool went to Flex for the RSC.

And like the schematics above showed, the F2271 and the RSC 18 are a bit different. In direct comparison, the RSC is the superior saw in terms of Beast-ness: fast cutting speed, low vibration and just tore through both particulate and pine pallet supports.

I've mainly been using the recip saw to cut down pallets for shop projects and since I need to make some shop cabinets, plywood pallets are a great source that's free. I used all three saws and made similar cuts to tear apart the pallets using Festool Wood Universal 305mm 4,3 blades in each.

While the RSC was handily the tops, the DeWalt with the Festool blade performed admirably and not too far behind the other two. If I didn't get the Flex, I could see myself using the DeWalt for a while to come - with the Festool blades (they were that much better).

But the 2271 was really great. A tad bit slower. A tad bit more vibration. And 1.6 pounds lighter. If the RSC is essentially a clone of the Flex flagship RS 29, then the F2271 is the little brother - and the little brother is tagging close behind.

I even swapped in the Festool DC components onto the 2271 and the DC was pretty much the same as the RSC.

I tend to think of the RSC as a Colonial Marines Pulse Cannon and perhaps the 2271 is the Colonial Marines SAW (squad automatic weapon).

Note: there were four pallets in total. Three of them had the particulate supports and one had pine supports. The RSC blade has more wear because I did enjoy using it and I have to return it tomorrow.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Glad you're pleased with the Flex. That makes it another bargain.

 

[Cheese]

One of the issues that determines ease of cutting for Sawzall type tools is the stroke length. Just curious if you know the stroke lengths of each tool?

 

[onocoffee]

One of the issues that determines ease of cutting for Sawzall type tools is the stroke length. Just curious if you know the stroke lengths of each tool?

Yes, both the F2271 and RSC 18 have 32mm strokes. I will also presume that the RS29 also has a 32mm stroke.

 

[Cheese]

Yes, both the F2271 and RSC 18 have 32mm strokes. I will also presume that the RS29 also has a 32mm stroke.

Interestingly enough, that 32mm stroke length appears to still be the current maximum. FWIW...Milwaukee first adopted the 32mm stroke length back in 1996 and it still seems to be amongst us. I wonder what the constraints are that preclude the lengthening of the stroke length?