Plumber help! - C18

[RAW85]

Hi guys,

I'm a plumber in the UK and currently own the CXS which was brought "spur of the moment" and not used much.

I currently own 18v Bosch professional impact, combi, sds, jig and circular saw etc etc.

The impact and combi are slowly dying on me and so I was looking at the Festool C18 as an all-in-one drill solution (not for drilling masonry) along side the CXS

I will be using the C18 for screwing a range of screws up to 100mm, holesawing to 152mm through 18mm chipboard and spade end bits up to 40mm but mainly 25mm and drilling tiles 6 and 8mm holes.

The elbow attachments will help drilling through joists etc.

Will the C18 be suitable and powerful enough for all these applications? 

Any help or advice will be gratefully received.

Thanks RAW

 

[sae]

Slowly dying probably means it just needs new brushes, which would cost a few quid.

Sounds like you'd want a little more than the C18 for what you're asking though. Maybe the DRC if you want to stick to Festool?

 

[RAW85]

Thanks for your reply. 

Seen currently watching youtube videos, seeing people abusing the C18 - seems pretty hardcore!

 

[jimbouk]

I have the pdc/drc and although very happy with it if I were buying now it would be metabo all the way. Great range in 18v and proper beasts.

cheers
   

 

[RAW85]

Thanks.

I was looking at Milwaukee but have heard mixed reviews.

 

[bobfog]

Thanks.

I was looking at Milwaukee but have heard mixed reviews.

I have quite a few 18v Milwaukee Fuel tools. The only criticisms I have are that the drill is quite heavy, but I attribute this to build quality, it's not like they'd stick a lump of lead inside it for the sake of it. And the impact driver forward/reverse switch is a little too loose and can be unintentionally nudged when working.

Other than they're fantastic, powerful and rugged tools.

 

[RAW85]

Cheers!

So anyone had much experience with the C-18?

 

[Birdhunter]

I own the T18. Same as the C18 functionally.

It's a great drill with tremendous torque.

I think the C18 would be good for all your described uses except drilling tiles. I don't ever drill tiles so I cannot comment on that capability.

It is my understanding that with the TI15 gone, Festool doesn't sell a true impact drill.

 

[RAW85]

Thank you for your comments.

Drilling tiles are easy with the right drill bit.  My current 18V bosch on low setting does this and I'd imagine the CXS would be able to aswell.

I really like the look of the C-18 over the PDC and DRC.    The C size is very comfortable.

 

[AlexThePalex]

The C18 would do most of the things you require.

Not sure about a 152 mm hole saw though, I don't find the Festool cordless drills that succesful with hole saws, except maybe the PDC 18.

 

[Throwback7r]

I doubt it will do any sort of hole sawing. I would stick to milwaukee drill.

 

[Jimmy FineCut]

I have the t18 drill and have used it with a 100mm hole saw to cut a hole in some 18mm chipboard and birch ply and it managed it no problem. I wouldn't want to be doing it all day though.

I would say the c18 would handle it fine too as chipboard isn't the hardest material to cut!

For the tiles I have a few Irwin multi use drill bits which are amazing for drilling the odd hole in ceramic tile or brick.

 

[tjbnwi]

I use a T15 that's at least 5 years old. I use the 90° adapter to turn 2.5" hole saws and spade bits through framing members weekly. Never had an issue.

I've cored through rim boards with a 6" carbide tipped hole saw for vents with the T-15.

This is a 5.5" hole saw used for recessed light holes. One battery of unknown charge, 10 holes, about 30 seconds s hole.

Tom

 

[jimbouk]

I use a T15 that's at least 5 years old. I use the 90° adapter to turn 2.5" hole saws and spade bits through framing members weekly. Never had an issue.

I've cored through rim boards with a 6" carbide tipped hole saw for vents with the T-15.

This is a 5.5" hole saw used for recessed light holes. One battery of unknown charge, 10 holes, about 30 seconds s hole.

Tom

Interesting I doubt the pdc would do that!

cheers
   

 

[Jbmccombe]

Bosch makes an 18 volt unit with exchangeable chucks, including a 90 degree check and SDS hammer which would match your current 18v battery platform

 

[RAW85]

Thank you all - I think I'm moving towards the PDC for the extra power. 

 

[RAW85]

Also how does the CXS and PDC compare size wise?

 

[AlexThePalex]

Also how does the CXS and PDC compare size wise?

Like David and Goliath.

 

[RAW85]

Great! Perfect partnership?

 

[RAW85]

Does the PDC have a belt clip?