Should I get a Festool Drill/Impact driver?

[MattFerreras]

Hey Guys,

My Makita drill and impact are getting old and need to be replaced fairly soon.

I saw that Festool is offering 30% Off the TI-15. Which is really the reason for this post. Is this a drill that is worth getting even though it is not 18v and is discontinued?

My other option is getting a Milwaukee Drill/Impact Set.

Thanks for the input.

Matt

 

[Just F Me]

I don't have a Ti-15 impact, but I heard mix reviews about it.  Some people are happy with it, some people don't like the fact that it's just a 15V. 

I guess when people want impact, they want IMPACT, so that needs to be a 18v.  Supposedly, the PDC 18 is coming out this year to the US and some other things...beats me.  I have a T18 and it's awesome.  I know it's not an impact, but it's still awesome.

 

[SoonerFan]

I have a T18 and it's awesome.  I know it's not an impact, but it's still awesome.

I have a T18 as well and concur that it is great although not impact.  I got a Centrotec set when I switched to Festool drills.  Only thing I kept from my Dewalt drill/driver days was an impact driver.  Have not needed since I switched to Festool so it's really just a hedge a potential future need.

 

[sae]

I guess when people want impact, they want IMPACT, so that needs to be a 18v.  Supposedly, the PDC 18 is coming out this year to the US and some other things...beats me.

PDC is a totally different product though? It's axial hammering (like an SDS), not torsional like the Ti15.

 

[sae]

And the voltage...well it doesn't seem like they're using all the power that should be available on a brushless 15v platform?

The Ti15 put out 885 in-lbs, most 12v ones are around 900 in-lbs, the 12v brushless ones will touch 1200 in-lbs. For drills, you can debate if max torque is desired, but for an impact, torque is king. Seems like Festool has never been one to chase max torque in class, but the impact driver market is almost entirely defined by torque. Rotation speed doesn't mean squat if your torque is peanuts.

Hopefully Festool is pulling this out and revising it into a better product, and not just giving up on impacts entirely because they really are a game changer. I reach for my 12v impact more than anything because I know I won't strain my wrist using it.

 

[carlb40]

I have the Ti15 and have not noticed any loss of performance over my old 18v lxt impact. I like the variable speed option on it and use it all the time. It only gets used as an impact as i also have the C15 to partner it.  [smile]

 

[charley1968]

I don't own a Ti but i think Festool drivers are too expensive for my taste.
So, i'd probably go the Milwaukee-way, because the Ti lacks oompf if you compare to the Milwaukee.

 

[roblg3]

If you need to drive 5 inch or longer lag screws regularly you'll be disappointed.  I enjoy my C15 Ti15 combo, but they are NOT heavy duty.

 

[MattFerreras]

Thanks for the feed back. After further review there is no speed option which I want so I'm not going for the festool.

 

[ajcoholic]

The TI15 does have a speed control.

I have been using mine for one full year now, daily, in my cabinet/furniture shop.  I have several other heavier duty drivers but I purchased the Festool T15-3 and TI15 last January to try them out in my shop. 

Although I have read a lot of negative comments RE the TI15, mine has served me well.

Perhaps people are expecting too much from a mid size driver, which is more suited to driving smaller fasteners in a shop than large screws and bolts in construction?  I find it a perfect tool for assembly and hardware installation using mainly screws in the #6 and #8 size in 1/2" to 2" lengths.

I take the TI15/T15 set out on installations as well. 

Andrew J. Coholic

 

[MattFerreras]

Do you mean there is a hard speed selection as in a 1 setting and a 2 setting? Or you mean there is speed control via the trigger?

 

[Staniam]

Here's a nice video review of the Ti15. It should tell you, as well as show you everything you'd wanna know. There's also a much more in depth video from Half Inch Shy which should be in the related videos of the one I am posting here.

 

[ajcoholic]

Do you mean there is a hard speed selection as in a 1 setting and a 2 setting? Or you mean there is speed control via the trigger?

There is a wheel down on the rear of the grip above the battery to dial in max speed.  Plus of course the trigger is progressive.

I was using it all day today to install drawer slides.  I turn down the speed when I am driving a lot of small screws.

 

[MattFerreras]

Interesting...

My current impact and drill are getting a little tired but still work. Would you recommend this drill for all woodworking tasks?

 

[ajcoholic]

Interesting...

My current impact and drill are getting a little tired but still work. Would you recommend this drill for all woodworking tasks?

No.  If you want to drive 3/8" x 3" lag bolts its not the tool for the job.  But for 99% of furniture and cabinet work I'd say yes.

Its light and compact and the accessories are nice.  Most of what I use in the shop are like #8 x 1 1/2" or 2" screws, or smaller for hardware.  Sure it will handle larger screws (#10x3") but not really designed for more than that or to drive larger, longer screws all day.

Much like how for many jobs in the shop where I am drilling small holes (1/8" or 3/16") a 12 or 15 V drill is nicer to use and suited to the job instead of a large, heavy 18V with a 1/2" chuck.  The TI15 is suited to medium duty work.  Not for driving tapcons, lagbolts, etc

 

[MattFerreras]

Understood. Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to have to think some more on this.

 

[EV]

I've just joined a new Joinery shop, They manufacture allot of staircases, doors, windows and frames. So I thought I need to buy an Impact driver and My initial thought was a TI15 to compliment my T15+3 Set I already own. Or should I go for PDC 18/4 Quadrille. Largest fasteners I've seen on their shelf are the 6x150mm. Will TI15 be ok with this size of fastners? Driving Long screws with my T15 into oak or sapele will strain both drill an my wrist.

Any thoughts are welcome but please none of this third parties (Bosch, Makita) malarkey. Im a SYSTEM believer. Just want something as an alternative if TI15 is no good, but must be from Festool range.

Regards

EV