Looking for my 2nd drill

[LeeGinAZ]

I currently have a CSX that I really like, but it doesn't have the power to drive larger fasteners.  I have been using my old Dewalt 18v Impact driver for larger stuff, but the drill gave out, so I can either replace just the drill and keep with the dewalt, or upgrade to one of the larger Festool driver/drills.

I am only looking to buy one more for now.  Is the t18 going to be what I need, or would I be better off with the t15 or t15 combo?  I use the driver functions more than the drill.  I will be using it to drive 3 1/2" screws and 4-5" spax lag bolts mostly.  The csx works great for smaller fasteners.

Lee

 

[Throwback7r]

I know the TI15 gets a lot of Hate in the Festool world but I really like mine, the beeping when really driving it hard is no fun but it cut a 6 inch hole through 2.25 inches of wood and drives 4 inch screws no problem.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I think I would get another impact driver for that kind of work. You could try Festool's version in 15 volt. If I were getting another drill I would opt for a 15 volt or 18 volt. And of course with the impact you could pair it up in one Systainer and share batteries with a 15 volt option in either C or D.

 

[duburban]

I'm shopping for a milwaukee M18 fuel for my dad. My research shows that its the highest performing impact on the market right now. It looks like a screamer in SIde by side tests.

Don't get the festool impact. Just look at the power ratings vs cost, its ridiculous.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I'm with Scott, get another impact driver, and a real one, not the Ti15 from Festool. Almost any 15 or 18 volt impact driver from brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee or Panasonic will outperform the Ti15 with the size of screws you want to drive.

Festools' normal drills like the  T15 or T18 will have no problems with those screws either, but they will not be as fast and comfortable as a real impact driver. They wil be more quiet though.

 

[NHSP759]

I really like my Ti15 but....Im a hobbyist and DiY dude.  My Ti15 does a great job all around, ive driven 4" lags into treated lumber without pilots not porblem-o.  I have used the M18 Fuel impact and it really is a powerful (more than my Ti15) machine and is substantially cheaper but my platform is now Festool and changing is not really in my future. 

 

[Iceclimber]

My .02 cents...

Go with the Fuel 18V stuff.

I had the fuel stuff before i went all Festool nuts in the last few months.

I purchased the CXS as a specialty drill for cabinet installation and fine drilling/screwing work in tight spaces. I love the drill it surprised the shit outa me as it really does much more than i thought it would. The added comfort due to the light weight and ergonomics may be its most valuable asset imop and is worth every penny spent on it.

On the other hand as tempted as i am to have all matching blue and green tools and just want another excuse to buy more Festools i just cant justify it? The reality is the Milwaukee fuel tools are awesome in their own right. I have the circular saw, the impact and hammer drill kit, the sawsall, flashlight, stupid little shop vac and the radio. I don't regret one of them other than the vac now that i have CT's in tow all the time. They are crazy powerful, the batters last a long ass time and charge quick.

Plus it allows me to leave my Festools as home much of the time and preserve the. For the fine shop based finish type work they are deserving of vrs being tossed around and abused the way job site tools i inevitable are. Babying your tools ona jobsite only last so long imop. Its kinda like the honeymoon phase

 

[Slartibartfass]

PDC 18/4 Li 4,2 Set XL QUADRIVE, thats the one I will eventually get next year (NAINA though.....)

 

[Wooden Skye]

PDC 18/4 Li 4,2 Set XL QUADRIVE, thats the one I will eventually get next year (NAINA though.....)

I have the CXS, but agree this will be the only drill I drop the funds on.

 

[sae]

I did about two months worth of research before picking a brand about 13 months ago since this decision will probably stay with me for the next 10-20 years, this is where I am today.

If I were to do it again starting now, I'd probably do the same. DeWalt only gives half a crap about brushless it seems and they're being left behind. Makita added some new brushless, but their price point nor warranty is as nice. Bosch cordless is still budding, I'd like to see greater breadth of tools.

5 year warranty, free shipping to and from Milwaukee. Don't think it gets much better than that.

 

[sae]

And I agree with other comments that you should get an impact driver for larger hardware.

I actually break out the impact wrench when doing huge stuff. The little 1/4" hex will "only" do 100 ft-lbs (but is also ~2 lbs), I break out the 3/8" square drive w/ the quick change hex adapter to do larger lags.

They make a 700 ft-lb gun too that's more geared towards automotive work, but you can use it to drive huge augers and foot long lags if you want as well.

 

[elfick]

I have been using my old Dewalt 18v Impact driver for larger stuff, but the drill gave out, so I can either replace just the drill and keep with the dewalt, or upgrade to one of the larger Festool driver/drills.

So are you saying you had a Dewalt drill and impact set and the drill died so you are left with just an impact?
If that's the case, I'd just keep that for now. Unless you are drilling huge holes, the CXS should be fine for your drilling needs. Then you can save your cash to get a PDC when it's available in the US.
If you have to have a big drill now, I'd skip the T15/TI15. Either get a T18 so you can buy into the 18v Festool or just replace your busted dewalt to continue to use those batteries (and then get the PDC at a later time)  ;D

 

[rljatl]

I am doing what elfick suggested above, only with my old non-brushless Bosch impact driver.  I have the CXS, Bosch impact, and plan to buy the PDC when available.

 

[Slartibartfass]

Unfortuantely the ETA was recently changed from early 2015 to "No idea when....".

Call to action for me....

 

[ear3]

+1 for the Milwaukee Fuel.  I don't have any Festool drills, however, so I can't speak as to the comparison.  It seemed like forever before I had to swap out the battery for the first time.

When I was at the Vecturo demo over at Ace Tool on Long Island, the rep gave a similar answer to the one mentioned above on the PDC ETA, viz., that it's now open ended, though they are still "shooting" for 2015.  The PDC would be the one I would get if I were going to go for a Festool drill, or failing that, if they ever came out with a brushless CXS.

 

[rljatl]

Hint, hint to Festool...

If you ever do design a brushless CSX, please design it so that the brushless motor can be retrofitted to the non-brushless CXS.  Thanks.  ;D

 

[Staniam]

I'm with the guys suggesting an impact driver. I work for the orange box and use the Milwaukee m18 Fuel impact driver every day on tool repairs and building projects. I haven't used an impact better when it comes to ergonomics and power and I've used a lot of different brands.

Now if you're  looking for a drill driver then the T15 or T18 would be great choices depending on the power you need. At home I'm running 12v with the CXS, T12 and M12 Fuel Impact t Driver which cover all my needs.

Hope that helps.

 

[fin]

we seem to be getting the quadrive drill coming in a bit cheaper than it used too. infact a lot of festool stuff does seem to be getting slightly cheaper now. not much like.

 

[Slartibartfass]

PDC 18/4 Li 4,2 Set XL QUADRIVE, thats the one I will eventually get next year (NAINA though.....)

So much for next year........

 

[Just F Me]

I'm waiting for the PDC next year too.  Till then, My 18V Makita is fine.  I just wish the adjustable speed was not so sensitive.  It always seems full power or not