Need some help getting over the hump on buying a Festool drill

fifo28

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Nov 29, 2010
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I have a number of Festool tools and each is what I would expect.  They each have better features, better dc or just better ergonomics aside from the fact that they all work extremely well together.  The one tool I often look at and I just don't get it is the drill.  Yes I have drills that cost much less than the Festool.  I have read the reviews on the Festool and yes the technology is MUCH better and smarter.  But at the end of the day is it a worthwhile investment?  How long does it really last - and more importantly how long do the batteries really last?  Do I need to invest in all new bits etc (I already have so many drill bits and 1/4" hex drive accessories)?

Just looking to get some real world experience from you guys that may have thought the same way and took the plunge.

Thanks
 
fifo28 said:
I have a number of Festool tools and each is what I would expect.  They each have better features, better dc or just better ergonomics aside from the fact that they all work extremely well together.  The one tool I often look at and I just don't get it is the drill.  Yes I have drills that cost much less than the Festool.  I have read the reviews on the Festool and yes the technology is MUCH better and smarter.  But at the end of the day is it a worthwhile investment?  How long does it really last - and more importantly how long do the batteries really last?  Do I need to invest in all new bits etc (I already have so many drill bits and 1/4" hex drive accessories)?

Just looking to get some real world experience from you guys that may have thought the same way and took the plunge.

Thanks

Depending on what you do the drill will either be the smartest of all your purchases or you just won't care about it. If you don't see any value in the right angle heard, offset head, or drywall driver then don't buy the drill. The batteries are as good as batteries get, period. The drills are quite robust (although, while a few amongst us have had differing experiences, most seem to agree with me on this). But, it is the attachments that make the drill so valuable and pleasant to use. Getting into corners, blind spots, between panels and such that regular drill have no chance at doing is the end game for me. These are problem solving tools and the electronics and ergonomics are way ahead of everybody else. AFAIK, no one else has an electronic clutch or battery and motor protecting sensors like Festool's.

The C12 is my most used Festool.
 
I don't have one yet.  I am waiting for the C15.

If you are a professional remodeling carpenter, then just the quick change right angle chuck will be worth it.

If you are not a pro remodeler, then I doubt it would ever be worth the $300-$400 extra over the makitas
 
greg mann said:
fifo28 said:
I have a number of Festool tools and each is what I would expect.  They each have better features, better dc or just better ergonomics aside from the fact that they all work extremely well together.  The one tool I often look at and I just don't get it is the drill.  Yes I have drills that cost much less than the Festool.  I have read the reviews on the Festool and yes the technology is MUCH better and smarter.  But at the end of the day is it a worthwhile investment?  How long does it really last - and more importantly how long do the batteries really last?  Do I need to invest in all new bits etc (I already have so many drill bits and 1/4" hex drive accessories)?

Just looking to get some real world experience from you guys that may have thought the same way and took the plunge.

Thanks

Depending on what you do the drill will either be the smartest of all your purchases or you just won't care about it. If you don't see any value in the right angle heard, offset head, or drywall driver then don't buy the drill. The batteries are as good as batteries get, period. The drills are quite robust (although, while a few amongst us have had differing experiences, most seem to agree with me on this). But, it is the attachments that make the drill so valuable and pleasant to use. Getting into corners, blind spots, between panels and such that regular drill have no chance at doing is the end game for me. These are problem solving tools and the electronics and ergonomics are way ahead of everybody else. AFAIK, no one else has an electronic clutch or battery and motor protecting sensors like Festool's.

The C12 is my most used Festool.

I agree completely with the heads etc.  Over time I have collected a right angle drill and a drywall gun so I am less amazed by the attachments, BUT I can see the beenfit compeltely.  And its easier to have the same drill in hand than go get the right angle drill.
 
Do I need to invest in all new bits etc (I already have so many drill bits and 1/4" hex drive accessories)?

No, the T 15 comes with a keyless chuck just like most drills. It also comes with a Centrotec Starter Kit, which gives you a 1/4" hex bit adapter.

The drill, charger, and batteries are warrantied for 3 years.

Tom
 
What finally sold me on the idea (although I haven't got one yet), is that I can replace my drill, impact driver, right angle drill, and drywall gun with just the one Tx+3 set.

True, to be fair, I have a drywall setting bit that can go in a regular drill for preset depth, so maybe that's not an entirely fair justification.

Now the question is, should I go T15 or wait for the T18?

And I'm still on the fence about the CXS. Can it replace my impact driver?
 
I sat on the fence over the drill for years.  Then bought one on a whim.  Boy was I surprised!  I make furniture, so there is a lot of work in tight spaces.  The eccentric chuck saves the day.  Batteries (NiCad) last way longer than similar batteries on my Bosch drill.  Unless you really, really want a Lithium battery, the older model drills are on sale at a very sweet price - if any are left. 
Your old bits will work fine, although centrotec is so cool you may want to pick some up - I'm addicted.  The imperial centrotec set has some incredibly good (sharp, smooth cutting, clean holes) bits.
None of the drills is an impact driver, though - so if this is important you might get dissapointed.  On the other hand, my TDK 12 drives three inch screws into hard maple like butter, so my impact driver sits on the shelf.
 
I have just bought the T18+3 and the CSX with the angled head etc.
Used them to screw down Oak floor also used my impact driver
The T18 is tough and will drill holes and screw in screws all day just like any impact driver will but! It's quiet it fits your hand much better than the impact drivers
The CSX isn't as tough as the T18 obviously. I used it to drill out 1/2" pocket holes under the radiators using the angled head also screwed same holes brilliant little machine
It is now hooked on my belt all the time 
 
I was in the camp that said no way am I going to spend that much on a drill. I have a Milwaukee impact and hammer drill and was completely satisfied with them.

Then I ordered the T-15 for the right angle and eccentric chuck. When I received the T-15 drill I was not too impressed and I only used it once in a while on the first few jobs.

Now moving forward six months It is my go to drill. I use it for everything except kreg pocket screw drill bit and hole saws bits.

And I still use my impact for many screws as I feel it draws the wood together better.

Also people really like the light weightiness and balance of the drill is the first comment I get from a first user.

Festool If you make a quiet Impact I will buy one :)
 
I think that most people are missing the point about what Festool tools gives you.Is a long running tool.I had my C12's for over 5 years now, and no signes of wearring out!!  It runs just like new!
I install cabinets and uses the c12 all day,everyday.
A little over a year ago i bought 2 new batteries.Other than that,it keeps on driving/drilling.
 
mastercabman said:
I think that most people are missing the point about what Festool tools gives you.Is a long running tool.I had my C12's for over 5 years now, and no signes of wearring out!!  It runs just like new!
I install cabinets and uses the c12 all day,everyday.
A little over a year ago i bought 2 new batteries.Other than that,it keeps on driving/drilling.

That's good to hear. As I have killed every Ryobi Drill in 90 days They start on fire for me. And Dewalts only last me a little over a year.

 
I got a T15 in January and I have been very impressed.  The Eccentric head also fits hex bits.  This drill is light weight, smooth and extremely powerful and the electronic clutch is amazing -- a simple beep when you have reached the setting and no gears grinding as with other drills.  The batteries do last a long time, but for me the ability to fit it in so many tight places is the real benefit of this drill.  Having the attachements and the overall size of this drill has allowed me to use it in places that would not be possible with other drills.  My most recent example was drilling holes in the inside of narrow 3 inch drawers I am making on a new desk.  The eccentric chuck and the small length of the drill allowed me to drill holes right next to the edge of each drawer so that I could place screws out of the way to attach the drawer fronts.  This drill has paid for itself on this project.

Scot
 
fritter63 said:
What finally sold me on the idea (although I haven't got one yet), is that I can replace my drill, impact driver, right angle drill, and drywall gun with just the one Tx+3 set.

True, to be fair, I have a drywall setting bit that can go in a regular drill for preset depth, so maybe that's not an entirely fair justification.

Now the question is, should I go T15 or wait for the T18?

And I'm still on the fence about the CXS. Can it replace my impact driver?

I have had my C12 with the 3 AH NiMH batteries for just over 3 years.  While I use a number of different drills and impact drivers depending on what I'm doing, I love using that C12 on many things.  NONE of the Festool drills are made to replace an impact driver.  Also, an impact driver doesn't always replace a drill.  There are appropriate times when you need to drive screws (non-brass) or lag bolts into wood without taxing the drill motor, so speed becomes an issue.  The impact drivers also develop a lot more torque than battery powered drills.
I have used my C12 with the drywall screw chuck and found it to be a little underpowered.  I'm sure when I get a C15,  that will improve.  It's very handy having all the attachments and quick change capability within one tool.  Of course in this country, we can't get the Protool line so I use my big Milwaukee for all small hammerdrilling tasks or really big drill bits and hole saws.  We'll find out some time this year, but I'm sure my Milwaukee 2611-24 will out power a T18, but it is a heavy beast.
 
I put a large pre made kitchen together last week and with the pre drilling (used the T15 50% and another drill the for the rest) and, taking off all the doors, installing all the cabs and building a wall for the island I changed batteries twice!
Used the right angle and eccentric, could not be happier with the drill. And soooooo much quieter than the bosch impactor, don't get me wrong I love that impact, but i bet it will be replaced by the T18 [wink]

I have also altered some of my non Festool bits to fit the Centrotec, that way I don't have to use the chuck.

There were 25 cabinets
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when the drill don't fit,

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go to just the bit!

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They are simply the best cordless drills I have every owned or used.

Panasonic's are just as good but lack all the additional chucks that Festool offers.

Those chucks have saved my butt so many times I can't count.
 
I have had people comment that when some one comes to tare out my work in 50 years that they are going to be pissed and wonder how those screw got there in the first place.

I Drilled to rows of shelf peg holes in a 5 inch opening on a base cabinet I would not have been able to do that with a right angle drill with chuck. I can do things that where not possible for me before the T-15
 
For me, it's the centrotec set that makes the drill such a pleasure to use. The set should be in North America in some incarnation later this year. I just switch bits and drivers so easily and quickly.

It was the last Festool I bought after the sander, router, domino, TS55 etc. but I don't regret buying it for a second.
 
I second what Richard said.  I love the centrotec system.  It makes changing bits out so fast there really is no need for a second drill when going from drilling to screwing and back.  I have had mine for over a year and have yet to use the right angle or eccentric attachments but I wouldn't trade this drill for anything.  It's light, powerful and very comfortable to use.  Even the plastic case they use is special.  It's got a unique feel to it that's easy on the hand.  Like everything Festool, it's expensive, very expensive I should say, but once you use it, it all makes sense.
 
Get a used one (spring for a new battery if needed).  If it's not for you, resell it on Ebay and you'll about break even.

The right angle attachment and the offset attachment are worth it IMHO.  As a simple home handy man, I now have 4 (or 5) portable drills and the two I used the most are the Festool ones. 

Mark
 
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