New Festool owner dilemma: Return CXS for C12 or C15?

[hockey_magnet]

I really prefer the ergonomics of the C  - totally subjective - and it will do anything I need. I think if I ever needed that little bit of extra torque, I would prefer to drag out my old Bosch corded drill rather than subject a $600 or $700 tool to that kind of punishment. A good example was last summer I was doing a timber landscaping retaining wall and had to drill about 100 - 3/8"holes in 10x10 timbers in muddy, sloppy conditions. I wouldn't have used a C15 or T18 for that. The Torque of the C15 is so close to the T18, It wouldn't make any difference in the normal sort of stuff I work on.

I guess if you could only have one you made the right choice with the c 15. personally I would have upped it for the t. 18 as it's probably the most versitile drill festool offers

 

[tbellemare]

Festool drills protect themselves. You don't have to worry about hurting them - unless you drop them off a ladder...

Tom

 

[GhostFist]

The reason i say the t-18 is most versatile is due to the added torque. This is still an extremely light drill considering it's power, and of course all of the chuck attachments which are simply amazing. Personally i own a t-15 and am more than happy with it. I've not really run into any torque issues with it but added umpf is never a bad thing especially since you're not trading for size and weight. As far as durability, I'm carefull with my tools but they do take a kicking, I'm a professional and they're used daily either in the shop or outdoors for heavier applications. While my T-15 is still young (only a few months) I expect it to hold up to professional use for the money i spent on it. We'll see what time says

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I was so sure about getting new C 15, but after handling all of them, that T 18 weight difference doesn't seem to be noticeable to me and you do have the added benefit of MORE POWER  [smile]  I really like that one.

What's comfortable for me, might not be for someone else, so I don't think I should tell you what drill is right for you.  You have to spend time with all the models, first deciding on the grip (C or T) and the weight considering the longest amount of time and typical amount of time you'll be holding it.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Festool drills protect themselves. You don't have to worry about hurting them - unless you drop them off a ladder...

Tom

My two T15 drills have taken some nasty tumbles and they only have suffered superficial damage.  Some of the things they've been through, numerous falls from a six foot step ladder, a fall off a second story roof (landing in dirt and bounced down a steep hill into the street below) and I forgot one out in the pouring rain for about an hour.  These drill are tough guys.    

 

[AlexThePalex]

Festool drills protect themselves. You don't have to worry about hurting them - unless you drop them off a ladder...

Been there, done that. T15's still going strong. Only thing with Festool drills - they become ugly very quickly. The exterior coating is not as sturdy as its innards.  I always take care to put them away standing up on the battery, not laying them on the side. They scratch like crazy.

 

[hockey_magnet]

Thanks, I know they're tough and can take a pounding, I'm not worried about them failing.  I just choose not to subject them to a pounding if it's really unnecessary. I can handle using it 98% of the time instead of 100% (And they're so darned pretty  ;D )

 

[hockey_magnet]

Based on my experience so far with the C15, it is more than equal to the 18v Milwaukee, maybe it's just from handling the much heavier Milwaukee but the C15 feels very light and comfortable - maybe not to the extent of the CXS but I'm not driving screws or drilling holes in arm extended positions all day long so I don't think weight will be an issue for me. I did try the CXS out so I can tell how much difference there is in the feel and I think I'll still appreciate having to use just the one drill rather than two. Certainly only a personal opinion.

14.4 volts are for me the intermediary drills, i have one and use it for drilling holes only. For most of my uses they are overpowered and too heavy to be handy, and for some other uses like lag screws, large spade bits or drilling the euro hinge cups they are underpowered. I feel it when i take it to a jobsite, it just doesn't have enough guts to be there.

A C15 is probably the better choice if you have no other drill, but if i had an 18v i would have kept the CXS.
Now you have a heavy 18V and an intermediary 14V, you can do anything with those but at some point i think you will want something lighter for comfort.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Based on my experience so far with the C15, it is more than equal to the 18v Milwaukee, maybe it's just from handling the much heavier Milwaukee but the C15 feels very light and comfortable - maybe not to the extent of the CXS but I'm not driving screws or drilling holes in arm extended positions all day long so I don't think weight will be an issue for me. I did try the CXS out so I can tell how much difference there is in the feel and I think I'll still appreciate having to use just the one drill rather than two. Certainly only a personal opinion.

14.4 volts are for me the intermediary drills, i have one and use it for drilling holes only. For most of my uses they are overpowered and too heavy to be handy, and for some other uses like lag screws, large spade bits or drilling the euro hinge cups they are underpowered. I feel it when i take it to a jobsite, it just doesn't have enough guts to be there.

A C15 is probably the better choice if you have no other drill, but if i had an 18v i would have kept the CXS.
Now you have a heavy 18V and an intermediary 14V, you can do anything with those but at some point i think you will want something lighter for comfort.

Chris,

You should specific about the exact model Milwaukee drill and the amp/hr 18 volt battery you are comparing it to, so we have a clear understanding.  Thanks.

 

[hockey_magnet]

Sorry about that, I didn't think it was that important - It's a Milwaukee Power Plus 18 V Nicad 2.4 Amp/Hr all metal chuck, It's a pretty substantial drill> The batteries are pretty new. I have to say it has been a very reliable tool but is much heavier than the C15 and more importantly, not nearly as precise and under control when driving screws. ,

Chris

Based on my experience so far with the C15, it is more than equal to the 18v Milwaukee, maybe it's just from handling the much heavier Milwaukee but the C15 feels very light and comfortable - maybe not to the extent of the CXS but I'm not driving screws or drilling holes in arm extended positions all day long so I don't think weight will be an issue for me. I did try the CXS out so I can tell how much difference there is in the feel and I think I'll still appreciate having to use just the one drill rather than two. Certainly only a personal opinion.

14.4 volts are for me the intermediary drills, i have one and use it for drilling holes only. For most of my uses they are overpowered and too heavy to be handy, and for some other uses like lag screws, large spade bits or drilling the euro hinge cups they are underpowered. I feel it when i take it to a jobsite, it just doesn't have enough guts to be there.

A C15 is probably the better choice if you have no other drill, but if i had an 18v i would have kept the CXS.
Now you have a heavy 18V and an intermediary 14V, you can do anything with those but at some point i think you will want something lighter for comfort.

Chris,

You should specific about the exact model Milwaukee drill and the amp/hr 18 volt battery you are comparing it to, so we have a clear understanding.  Thanks.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Thanks Chris.  Even though there's no model number, I can tell it's an older drill back in the NiCd line.  If you ever get the opportunity, compare the Milwaukee 2611-24 or the less powerful 2602-22 and let me know what you think.  At some point I will get around to doing a drill comparison and include at least their most powerful 18v model, the 2611.

 

[hockey_magnet]

I checked again - it's the 0524-20 1/2 inch hammer drill which is the precursor to the 2611-24 but the batteries are new. The weight is about 5.5 lbs - I'm not that into specs but I  think the 2611 has more torque. Regardless it's a good drill, made in USA. all metal chuck, reversible battery, etc. but HEAVY

Thanks Chris.  Even though there's no model number, I can tell it's an older drill back in the NiCd line.  If you ever get the opportunity, compare the Milwaukee 2611-24 or the less powerful 2602-22 and let me know what you think.  At some point I will get around to doing a drill comparison and include at least their most powerful 18v model, the 2611.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Yeah, I thought that was it.  The 2611 started their newly designed 4 pole brushless motors with wads of torque using the newer and newest LiIon batteries.  It can ONLY take the larger 18v (highest amp/hr) battery as it has a bigger motor than all of the other current Milwaukee drills.  I love that they have a side handle for it, cause it sure helps with the power.  It's only my opinion right now, but I still feel it's the king of 18 volt drills.  I can't wait to get a bunch together for a real test.

Just to add something relevent, the Milwaukee 2611 is not the drill I would want to carry around with me most of the day.  I reserve it for stuff that I would normally have used a corded AC powered drill for.  If I were to pick a drill for all around use, even though I don't own it yet, I'd cast my vote for the Festool T 18.  It just feels perfect for all around use and has the Festool features that no other drill offers.