How to choose between T15 / T18 / Quadrive DRC ?

[reivol]

Hi everyone,

As a lot of people I've come to festool through the TS 55. Beautiful Tool !!
The next festool step for me will be to get a cordless drill driver (and the next one will be a carvex but that's another story).

The use of it will be for wood drilling / screwdring on house construction work sites : joinery / wood flooring and wood framing. It will also be used on kitchen furniture assembly and ocassionaly it may help on some structural wood work.

I can't decide between T15+3, the T18+3 or the quadrive DRC model.
I have the feeling the T15 may be sufficient and I like it's relative lightness but I'm afraid to be limited and frustrated at some time with it.
At the opposite the quadrive may certainly do all the hard work, but I'm afraid it can feel too heavy at the end of the day and be less precise (too muche torque) for the lighter work.
The T18+3 may perhaps be a good compromise ?

What's your opinion on this ?

Thanks in advance for your kind answers
Regards

 

[butzla]

First off,  [welcome] to the forum!
I recently was on the same boat as you.  Although being from the US, the Quadrive is not an option.   I was thinking the T-15 for the same reasons as you, lightness...also being able to interchange batteries if I bought the impact later on down the road.  But Shane pointed out to me at JLC last year, the T-18 is but a mere few ounces heavier.  And deciding that I probably wouldn't buy the impact in the future, I opted for the T-18 4.2 Ah and have no regrets.  It's done everything I've asked without complaint.  A nice compliment to the T-18 is the CXS for turning screws.  It's hard to say which one I like better.

 

[gsdvorak]

+1 on the T18 and the CXS together.  My uses are slightly different- I build furniture- I have had the CXS for a couple years and recently opted for the T18 over the T15.  I cannot think of a better combination of drills- T18 seems very balanced for me.  I loved my old drills but my Bosch drills never see the light of day now.

I recently added the Centrotec set and it makes a great 'stack'.

Gerry

 

[jonny round boy]

I replaced my T12 with the PDC when that came out. I have no regrets, but would make the following points:

It is considerably heavier than the T18, though personally I don't really notice the extra weight;
It is bulkier than the T18. It uses a different right angle chuck, which is sturdier but again more bulky. It won't get into as tight a space as a T18;
There is no offset chuck available for it, though I've not personally found that to be a problem;
The hammer mode is ridiculously loud, but it's bearable if you only have a few holes to do & don't want to get a proper SDS drill out. If you have a lot to do then the noise will get tiresome (but if you've a lot to do, you really need an SDS).

I have it paired with an 18V cordless Carvex, which makes a great combo. If you're even thinking about adding a CXS at some point, then I'd definitely go for the PDC over the T18. The PDC with the CXS will cover every eventuality you're ever likely to come across...

Jonathan

 

[Kev]

I cover the spectrum with CXS + C15 + PDC18-4 and a Ti15 for rattle.

I don't think there's a one drill that does all, but the T18 would probably be the best compromise if you wanted max power.

To me, the C15 just offers superior control, the CXS is really light and flexible ... and the PDC18-4 does the beastly stuff.

FWIW, the Ti15 isn't a substitute for any of the above, but it's a pretty good impact driver and it fits with all of the other Festool stuff.

 

[jacko9]

I have the CSX and I love it for light duty work.  My DeWalt 14V drill served me well but, now one of the two batteries is dead and the other doesn't hold a charge very long so I'm looking for a Festool drill to replace it.  I'm interested in this thread to see if the T18 fits the bill for me.

Jack

 

[Timtool]

With the amount of 18v tools that just came out i would go for the T18 to eventually interchange batteries later, though i have the T15 and think it's really great and never short of power.
If you already have a real SDS tool to drill in concrete then i wouldn't go for the PDC, if you only occasionally drill in concrete then you are better off with a T drill, and if you often drill in concrete then a PDC is not up to the task and you need a real SDS hammer.

 

[Kev]

With the amount of 18v tools that just came out i would go for the T18 to eventually interchange batteries later, though i have the T15 and think it's really great and never short of power.
If you already have a real SDS tool to drill in concrete then i wouldn't go for the PDC, if you only occasionally drill in concrete then you are better off with a T drill, and if you often drill in concrete then a PDC is not up to the task and you need a real SDS hammer.

I'd agree with that, the PDC is good for plugs, but I'd switch to the SDS for bolts or anything else.

 

[reivol]

Thank you all for your answers,

If I sum up,
- The Quadrive may be a good choice if you have some / a lot amount of concrete work, though a SDS drill may be a better choice in that matter.
- the lightest work might very well be done by a CSX
- for everything else, the T18 is good.

So the best combination for my kind of wood work might be CSX + T18... Let's go for it !

Thanks again

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I was looking at CXS vs. C12 and was able to pick a C12 up even though they are being discontinued in North America.  I think that is not the case in Europe, but I liked the balance, feel and brushless motor and it is still a small footprint, although not as small as a CXS.  I am happy with it so far and it compliments my T15.  For general woodworking and metal working this has been a great combination.  If I have concrete then an SDS or hamemr drill would be great -- the PDC is not in North America yet.

Scot

 

[mac sparrow]

Interesting, I share your confusion.  If you are able to visit a Festool dealer to chat through your requirements and maybe try a drill or two whilst your there, perhaps that would help?

They all have their strengths I'm sure.