New Fein 2017 models

[pingvinlakrits]

They are here now folks...

The new 18V Fein line up has been added to the Fein web site.
Seems like they are scheduled to start shipping in July.
https://fein.com/en_uk/drilling/cordless-screwdrivers/

I had to read a paragraph twice - it turns out that the 18V drills can actually use the 12V batteries - it is a multibattery platform for 12-18V Fein batteries.

EDIT: a few of the drills are multi-voltage and runs on both 12V and 18V batteries. Among them a this new two speed drill and a new compact impact drill:
https://fein.com/en_uk/drilling/cordless-screwdrivers/abs-18-qc-0355057/

EDIT: and this multivolt impact:
https://fein.com/en_uk/fastening/impact-wrenches/ascd-18-200-w4-select-0359703/

Likes/dislikes in the new line up?

One thing that struck me as odd is that the right angle chuck has yet to appear on the web site or in a set package.
It can't be far away though. Since the drills start to ship in a few months the right angle chuck might surface around that time. 

 

[antss]

dislikes:

NAINA

 

[pingvinlakrits]

True that! Feel sorry for you guys...

Four new Impacts, this one caught my eye; Impact 210 Nm that runs on both 12/18V:
https://fein.com/en_uk/fastening/impact-wrenches/ascd-18-200-w4-select-0359703/

Seems that "only" some of the new 18V machines are multi-voltage - it does make sense. If you buy into the most powerful range of the line up you are probably not to keen on the 12V batteries anyway.

But the two I have found so far hits the ticket for me - for sure.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

And a new 12V impact:
https://fein.com/en_uk/fastening/impact-wrenches/ascd-12-150-w4-select-0359701/

Made in Germany perhaps?
Looks more refined than my Chinese Fein 12V impact (which by the way does not disappoint).

EDIT: it would make more sense to buy the dual platform impact over this one if the price is similar.
The multi-voltage drill has better specs and is probably as strong as the 12V one with a 12V battery fitted.

Since they run on the same charger it would make perfect sense to add the 18V drill and 18V impact and get an 18V battery and run it on the same charger as I already have and have my three 12V batteries as back up or when the (presumably) higher available torque becomes necessary.

The main draw back is that the Fein drills are not Centrotec compatible as the Metabo/Mafell 10.8/18V are, in the sense you can fit the Centrotec but chuck, drill bits and drill chucks straight on to the machine on the latter.

As a stand alone drill and driver line up the Fein offerings are excellent though. A slight cross platform possibility with batteries and same Quick In chuck. 

 

[rljatl]

I am still confused about Centrotec compatibility.  Can anyone shed some light please?

 

[charley1968]

Centrotec chuck fits both Mafell and Metabo drills. So one can use all centrotec accessories on Mafell/Metabo drills. But not the reverse: you can't use bitholders, chucks made by Mafell/Metabo on Ft drills

 

[rljatl]

Centrotec chuck fits both Mafell and Metabo drills. So one can use all centrotec accessories on Mafell/Metabo drills. But not the reverse: you can't use bitholders, chucks made by Mafell/Metabo on Ft drills

Ok, thanks and now I see your point above in reply #3 that the new Fein drills are not Centrotec compatible.  Rats.  Which brings up another question...

I think it is fairly well known that Fein and Festool have had a collaborative relationship in the past (Vecturo).  Wonder if by any chance Festool will get a version of these new Fein offerings?

 

[pingvinlakrits]

RobBob: I think it is highly unlikely that Festool will offer some rebadged Fein drills in their line up due to the Festool tradition of coming up with their own drills - which they have done successfully.  Since Fein are launching a new line up I think they would like to run it a few years before letting anyone in on the recipe.

But, Festool could do with an impact and the Fein offering would look good in Festool casing.  [smile]

As for the Vecturo; Fein did a number on Festool by giving them the old Supercut blade platform and then going over to Starlock in collaboration with Bosch not too long after - and not inviting Festool in that process.

I do think and hope Festool will be offering the Vecturo in 18V based on the Fein 18V Supercut machine - but I think they might have to stick with Supercut/Vecturo blades for several reasons.

 

[rljatl]

As for the Vecturo; Fein did a number on Festool by giving them the old Supercut blade platform and then going over to Starlock in collaboration with Bosch not too long after - and not inviting Festool in that process.

I was thinking that too after reading about all the new Fein multi-tool offerings that were announced so soon after the Vecturo came out.  Would be interesting to know if Festool leadership is bothered by Fein's new tools and their relationship with Bosch.

Hopefully, Festool will learn from it and begin to innovate on their own without relying on another company.  Fein seems to have a plan to expand their product line.  Wonder if they will come out with products that compete with Festool, such as a track saw, Domino or other competitor to Festool tools?

 

[pingvinlakrits]

I don't have any predictions that are rock solid but to the best of my knowledge there has always been a fairly widespread collaboration between Bosch, Festool, Mafell, Fein and Metabo and possibly other German manufacturers over the years.

From one source that has actually met members of the Festool family it seems Bosch, Mafell, Festool and Fein are on very good terms with each other.

Fein has quite a long history of making tools but have showed no interest in jigsaws for woodworking though the have metal jigsaws with fixed soles in their line up. They have never been a mainstream carpentry manufacturer so I would not hold my breath for a track saw.

The Domino is a true "Festool only" product. I can't see Festool allowing any other company in on that though there are other quite innovative and unusual machines out there from others, like Metabo LF724s, and Mafell DD40G, that have products that are unique and fills a niche.

Once you start digging deeper you realize that many tools have been out in circulation under different brand names and sometimes the product you think is "the original" is simply a rebadged product from another manufacturer.

There was a thread on FOG on this topic. Interesting reading.

 

[antss]

I'm not sure Fein "froze out" Festool on the new platform.  Are you certain they weren't invited ?

Maybe they were invited , but declined.  [unsure]

Supercut has been out at least 8 years, so it's not like Fein pulled a bait and switch.  Starlock was just announced late last year.

Fein already competes with Festool in some places - Vacuums, Sanders, Drills, and Screwguns. 

I think Festool does innovate on their own.  Domino, the LR32 system, Conturo, Centrotec, the Plunge saw is their baby too.  I think Rotex is their doing also.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

Supercut has been out well over twelve years - if not more. I know I have had a Supercut since march 2005 - and I am not sure it was all new even then. That was just the year I bought my first.

Fein and Bosch were developing the new Starlock platform together. I don't know whether it was offered to Festool but I am sure Festool was not involved in the development. Invited? Don't know. Festool "only" have the Vecturo so they are not a given partner for developing a new platform. Perhaps licensing the platform is too expensive for Festool or maybe Bosch and Fein wanted exclusive rights for the first couple of years to sell blades.

Supercut/Vecturo fitting is a very good one and since you can get a original Fein Supercut adapter to use all Starlock blades I don't think Vecturo owners need to worry.

I have that adapter and it is very solid.

 

[Rip Van Winkle]

Fein has been manufacturing oscillating cutting tools since 1967.

The Fein oscillating tools with the more powerful motors and larger oscillating arc are usually the variation of the oscillating tools refered to as the "Supercut". I'm not sure whether Fein was manufacturing saw blades for the larger tools this far back, but the larger hexagonal drive design used in the older "Supercut" tools goes back to at least 1985 judging by patents for windshield sealant cutting blades.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

RVW: thanks for the info.

I saw the "original" Fein from 1967 on their website and knew that Supercut was used in the windshield replacement industry - but as far back as 1985 is impressive...

 

[Holz-Her]

And a new 12V impact:
https://fein.com/en_uk/fastening/impact-wrenches/ascd-12-150-w4-select-0359701/

Made in Germany perhaps?
Looks more refined than my Chinese Fein 12V impact (which by the way does not disappoint).

yes, made in Germany. The other new 12 and 18 volt tools too.