I can only get one - C 18, T 18, PDC?

[MikeDVB]

Hello!

Currently I’m using a Dewalt “hammer” drill 20v max and their impact driver. They work ok but the Dewalt sometimes seems to “lock up” where it just doesn’t apply torque at low speed.

I was at my festool dealer and I was trying out the cordless drills and they’re all silky smooth and seem far more refined.

That said I can only afford to get one right now. Which do you think would be best?

The C18 is more compact where as the T18 is more like what I’m used to using.

I do like the impact feature of my Dewalt but I can continue using it if I want as I’ve had no issues with it.

The PDC has more gearing options and is bigger and heavier and far stronger. The weight doesn’t really bother me. I don’t think I need the “hammer” as I have a dedicated SKS hammer drill.

This would be primarily for woodworking / drilling in wood / driving screws.

 

[grobkuschelig]

I suggest to go from your intended use.
For drilling in wood and screwing in wood, I would strongly recommend the T18/C18.

It seems you have covered what the PDC offers with your DeWalts.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I'd go for the T18.

Perfect for woodworking, you don't need the bulkiness and power of the PDC, and the C18, well, that's just and odd shape. As I got a T15 and a C12 I've become used to the C shape, but I still much prefer my T15.

 

[MikeDVB]

That was my thought - but I’m still not sure why to choose C18 over T18 they seem to be the same thing in a slightly different form factor to me.

 

[grobkuschelig]

Check them out at the dealer.
Mainly it comes down to ergonomics.

I like the C18, because you can grip it in a way that allows you to point your index finger in line with the drill/Drive axis.

This seems to help a lot with alignment, at least from my experience. Also the bigger bit storage and the ability to easier take the drill anywhere by just holding it by the „C“ keeps me on that design...

YMMV.

 

[waho6o9]

"The C18 is more compact where as the T18 is more like what I’m used to using."

There's your answer. ^ T18

MY C12s rock as does the PDC, can't go wrong with any of them it's more as it's more of a subjective thing.

 

[mrboult]

I've owned every form factor, ended up with two T18s. 

The C18 is not necessarily more compact when your hand is connected to the back of it. With the T18 your hand is underneath the drill body out of the way. And with the jacobs chuck on I find the C18 very front heavy.

 

[Birdhunter]

I have a C15, TI15, CSX, TSX, and a T18. If only one, it would be the T18. If two, T18 and TSX. Although never a big seller, the TI15 is a decent light to medium hammer drill.

Buy the T18 but look at the TSX. It’s a joy to use.

Buy the full up kit. The accessories are excellent and greatly expand the drill’s functionality.

 

[sancho57]

I have the C12 and C 18.

They are more than enough to do what I use them for.

 

[MikeDVB]

I picked up the full T18 kit. This thing is smooth.

 

[RJNeal]

Congrats to your new T18. Enjoy.
I like the C 15 and purchase a t18 a few years back off the recon. Rack. Right after the purchase Festool came out with the C18. O wells
Rick.

 

[MikeDVB]

Now to just get used to it. I’m used to the slip clutch of most other drills. This electric torque is interesting - slows down the drill.

Any tips?

 

[MikeDVB]

I'm going to go ahead and order an extra jacobs chuck for the drill so that I can have a driver and drill bit in each chuck and can swap the chucks quickly between tasks.

I also went ahead and got the Centrotec to normal bit holder [Festool 492648 Centrotec Quick Release Bit Holder BHS 65mm] so that hopefully I can use my hex drill bits and regular bits in the eccentric chuck and the like - we'll see how nice it is.

It does look like Festool is releasing a nice mini systainer next month with a lot of bits - but beyond that - any other bits/accessories recommended for a Festool drill?

I'm honestly fine using a couple jacobs chucks - but would like to have more centrotec stuff .

 

[semenza]

I'm going to go ahead and order an extra jacobs chuck for the drill so that I can have a driver and drill bit in each chuck and can swap the chucks quickly between tasks.

I also went ahead and got the Centrotec to normal bit holder [Festool 492648 Centrotec Quick Release Bit Holder BHS 65mm] so that hopefully I can use my hex drill bits and regular bits in the eccentric chuck and the like - we'll see how nice it is.

It does look like Festool is releasing a nice mini systainer next month with a lot of bits - but beyond that - any other bits/accessories recommended for a Festool drill?

I'm honestly fine using a couple jacobs chucks - but would like to have more centrotec stuff .

I am a Centrotec user as much as possible. I really like the compact , light weight, built-in quick change. Also you do not risk a spinning chuck rubbing on the side of something. Between Festool and Snappy made Centrotec you can get about 90% of what is commonly used in furniture (not counting boring big holes for chair legs and such), built-ins, and finish carpentry in Centrotec.

Also the eccentric chuck is actually regular hex NOT Centrotec. 

Seth

 

[MikeDVB]

I am a Centrotec user as much as possible. I really like the compact , light weight, built-in quick change.

Indeed - I'm wanting to get centrotec bits for sure but also want to be able to use what I already had prior up until the point I get a good set of centrotec bits.

Between Festool and Snappy made Centrotec you can get about 90% of what is commonly used in furniture (not counting boring big holes for chair legs and such), built-ins, and finish carpentry in Centrotec.

Yeah I've been looking and building my 'wish list' .

Also the eccentric chuck is actually regular hex NOT Centrotec.

Interesting - I tried a regular bit and I couldn't get it to go in but maybe I was being too ginger with it.

 

[semenza]

Also the eccentric chuck is actually regular hex NOT Centrotec.

Interesting - I tried a regular bit and I couldn't get it to go in but maybe I was being too ginger with it.
[/quote]

    Forgot to say regular ball detent.  Pull collar back, insert bit, release collar.

Seth

 

[AlexThePalex]

I also try to use as much centrotec as possible, it works much nicer and faster than a Jacobs chuck.

Silly thing is, I now only use the Jacobs chuck for the smallest bits possible because Festool doesn't make a 2 and a 1 mm bit.

As for the electronic slip clutch, I'm not so fond of that on my T15, I get inconsistent depths with them, so I just learned to do it by eye.

 

[sancho57]

the drill comes with a centrotec extension that you can put different bits in that dont have to be centrotec.

I use primarily #2 sqare drive screws. You can get centrotec square drive bits from woodcraft, amazon.

As far as the new mini installers set thats going to be released in Oct, I ordered the systainer with the clear lid thinking I can buy the bits I use the most and make my own assortment.

You can buy the festool centrotec drills from any dealer, I perfer to use the ones that frequent here such as Bob Marino or Toolnut , Anderson plywood etc.

They seem to be the most knowledgable and give the best service.

If you are using the jacobs chuck, I bought a nice drill assortment from fischer.

Theres a thread on it.

I suggest you take your time, buy what you need when you need it.