New Drill - Recommendations needed on which model(s)

[Kev]

Just as an aside, when you consider the form factor chosen for Festool's newest drills (T18, Ti15) it's pretty obvious which style Festool considers more popular.

Image a C18 or Ci15 ? ... Not likely.

The T's initially came out without lights - so you can see how the thinking gradually evolved.

 

[fifo28]

The perfect combination is the CXS and the T-18, all your bases are covered.  If you are only going to get one HOLD them first.  I was interested in the C drills but when I held them I did not like them. 

 

[PeterK]

I agree the CXS and T18 are the ideal combo. I had 2 of the original C drills and really liked them but they just never fit my hands well. The T drills fit far better and are more comfortable - to me. I wear a size 9-10 glove if that helps. If at all possible, you need to handle both drills prior to purchase or if in doubt go with the T for more power. I have not heard anyone say the T drill did not fit their hand just that they might have a preference to the C for pressure on the bit. I have heard several say the C does not fit their hand so seems the T drill series are almost guaranteed to satisfy. Don't bother with the T12 or C12 as they are just 10.8 volt batteries. I have both the T12 and T15 and see no advantage at all to the T12.

 

[FulThrotl]

Everyone has a budget these days, but i have set aside $700 for this

a T-18 kit is $650. buy it, take it and use it for a month, if you
aren't happy, take it back and get a different one.

note: you probably won't bring it back. nobody ever does.

 

[Timtool]

a T-18 kit is $650. buy it, take it and use it for a month, if you
aren't happy, take it back and get a different one.

note: you probably won't bring it back. nobody ever does.

Your probably right, though i don't know what the fine print on the 30 days return policy says in the states, but in europe it says the tool can show signs of light use, but no damage or traces of abuse. While thats doable with most tools, with drills it's quite impossible. I took my T15 2 days on a jobsite to install windows, it fell several times off my belt clip (the hook is too small IMO), a window tipped over and fell on it, etc... After those two days it' in worse shape than my 1 year old CXS which hasn't left the shop.
I went for the T15 and don't regret it, according to the specs it's just a few Nm under the T18, so i don't know if the difference in power actually shows, so far i haven't came across a task it couldn't handle, and the battery life is excellent. During one week of jobsite work installing windows and building a 3 car carport with shed with thousands of screws, i started the week with a 2/3 full battery, and ended it with the second battery still 2/3 rd full! While the others with their DeWalt 18v also brand new had to switch batteries at least once a day. And i can say my T15 saw alot more use because they frequently borrowed it since i always had it on my belt.

 

[barnowl]

This is the ONE case that I don't prefer Festool.

TS saw, sanders, routers, dominoes, jigsaws, dust extractors, Kapex, YES, emphatically.

But not drills. I don't see any advantage. 

IMHO, a Makita or Bosch drill and impact driver kit is the way to go.

 

[Kev]

This is the ONE case that I don't prefer Festool.

TS saw, sanders, routers, dominoes, jigsaws, dust extractors, Kapex, YES, emphatically.

But not drills. I don't see any advantage. 

IMHO, a Makita or Bosch drill and impact driver kit is the way to go.

That's your personal choice and that's fair enough.

From my perspective I wouldn't go back to either Bosch or Makita if they were giving them away - that's how much better I feel the Festool (and Protool) offerings are.

I'd probably go Dewalt, Hilti, Metabo, etc way before either of your choices - again, personal choice.

 

[nydesign]

This is the ONE case that I don't prefer Festool.

TS saw, sanders, routers, dominoes, jigsaws, dust extractors, Kapex, YES, emphatically.

But not drills. I don't see any advantage. 

IMHO, a Makita or Bosch drill and impact driver kit is the way to go.

I brought my new CXS to a job site last summer and was cursed at by the guys working there with me. They were upset using the CXS next to the perfectly good makitas we had,
the CXS made them feel like junk. Now they had to go spend money on the CXS  [big grin]

 

[Emer Construction]

This is the ONE case that I don't prefer Festool.

TS saw, sanders, routers, dominoes, jigsaws, dust extractors, Kapex, YES, emphatically.

But not drills. I don't see any advantage. 

IMHO, a Makita or Bosch drill and impact driver kit is the way to go.

I agree.  Forgot my makitas the other day...just had my t15...reminded me how much i dislike it (vs an impact)

 

[GPowers]

All the different chucks are a big advantage of the Festool drills.  Plus the chucks are interchangeable between all the drills except the CXS.

 

[Steve R]

I have other brand drills and I like them...but now that I'm into Festool and have tired the Festool drills I don't see any problem with them fitting my hands.

As far as impact drive goes..... I don't own one yet... have tried them....but dang if you don't have ear protection in/on... you might as well order hearing aids at the same time you buy the drill.

I was going into a condo the other day and was over a 150 away from the building and could hear an impact drill working on one of the 5 floors.

Building in the burbs or your own shop fine ..... but using impact with you don't need it in a multi family building .... NOT GOOD CUSTOMER/NEIGHBOR RELATIONS.

The CXS would be the best replacement for my daily go to drill/driver, only downside to it is that the battery won't work with the soon to come Syslite

The 90 head for the other drills is what makes me want Festool drills 

What I need from Festool drills before impact is hammer drill options...  remodeling older homes leads to cinder block walls in the basement and the cement floors that are too brittle for power charges, so you drill.

The only negative to Festool drills is that they stack stuff in the systainers..... HELLO.... you make sorttainers with drawers!!!! Fine to have top open but don't make me have to pull a level of stuff to get to the one thing on a lower level!!!!!  Put the stuff in underneath in a drawer instead!!!!  Charge me more for it, as that is cheaper than every fricking day...having to move the dang black plastic levels 10 times a day.... Okay rant over...

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Ken Nagrod]

All the different chucks are a big advantage of the Festool drills.  Plus the chucks are interchangeable between all the drills except the CXS.

Only the right angle chuck, offset chuck and the drywall chuck are not interchangeable between the CXS and the other Festool drills.

I'm sure Festool had a good reason, but I think a lot of people would have preferred the CXS's keyless chuck to go to 3/8" instead of 5/16" / 8mm.  At least you can use the larger keyless chuck from the bigger drills.

 

[mike metz]

I had a chance to check out all the models at the local woodcraft today (not really local about 50 miles away) seems like I'm going to go with the t18 as it felt so powerful and fit my hand like a glove. i really liked the c15 but my hands were to big for it and it just feels awkward. thanks to all that gave some input!

 

[karlfife]

I need to chime in here because this 'dead horse' needs another beating:

I was always a T-Handle guy.  When the original C12 came out with its quasi pistol-grip style handle, I decided to buy it anyway.  I LOVED the drill, but didn't exactly love the handle style for all of the subtle "balance" reasons everyone has already mentioned.  Still, it was my only choice when I bought it, so It was an easy decision.

Later, when the T-15 came out I upgraded, thinking I was going to be in hog-heaven.  BUT instead began using the T handle only to realized the brilliance and efficiency of the C-style handle.

Fundamentally, what everyone has said is right:  It's absolutely a matter of personal preference, BUT NOT the way you might think. To use an analogy; most people may find upright bicycle handle bars to be the most comfortable, but only one style (the lower aerodynamic ones) will help you win the race.

Before having had experience with both tools, if you'd asked me I'd have easily told you I like the T handle best.  If I'd have drilled some sample holes in a store, I'd have said the same.  BUT, if you'd asked me to work with each for a week of varied tasks, I easily tell you I prefer the C handle. 

In my case, after moving BACK to the T-Handle I saw (by contrast) that the off-axis thrust of the T handle significantly increases cam-out when driving screws (unless you torque into it with your wrist) and it also increases attention needed when drilling to prevent lateral force on the bit/hole in situations.  The C Handle was  slightly less natural to pick up and hold but far more natural when holding it in position for work, and doing actual work.  For me, that easily trumps the 'better balance' of the T handle design.

I also found (to my great surprise) that the T-handle seems slightly more awkward in cramped spaces.  I thought it would surely be the opposite.  It does not surprise me that the nimble, efficient CSX is of the pistol-grip design.

Just my 2¢.

-Karl

 

[oldie]

+1 karlfife - think you've expressed the 'C' grip advantage very well.
Exactly my own experience.

Yes - if you stand in free air, and wave the two different types around, the pistol grip is far superior in balance.
But..when using the 'C' grip - it's somehow easier to line up, and apply the necessary force - seems more natural.
That's why I prefer for confined spaces as well.
And, imho, does reduce 'strain' on the wrist - which I find advantageous the older my wrists become  [smile]

Use other makes of drills for heavier work, eg sds hammering.

Richard