TDK12 vs C12

[bruegf]

I had been considering getting one of the closeout C12's but procrastinated long enough that there are none left according to Shane's list. 

I did notice that there are still some TDK12's left and was wondering what the differences were besides the obvious t vs d handle configuration.

Thanks

Fred

 

[Frank-Jan]

The TDK's don't have the brushless motor that the C12 and the Li-Ion T's have. (but they do use the same centrotec heads)

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Fred, the C 12 was never on the list.  It was the TDK 12 and TDK 15.

 

[bruegf]

Ah.... well I suppose that's good, because now I don't feel so bad that I procrastinated

Fred

 

[bruegf]

Thanks, Frank-Jan

Since my usage is hobbyist, I don't forsee any issues with having brushes.    Are the 2 drills fairly equal in terms of power and battery life?

Fred

 

[peter halle]

Fred,

I got a TDK 12 for Christmas last year with the 2.4 nicads when they first went on clearance.  I had wanted the C12 but when it is a gift from the wife, logic dictates that one must not grimace. Initially I didn't care for it, but it is now my go to cordless.  After Christmas I will be taking out of the trailer all the other cordless drills except and will only carry one corded just in case.  One of the things that I like about it in comparison to other cordless drills that I have owned is that the speed control is outstanding on mine.  You want 30 revolutions a minute, you can educate your finger.  Charging the batteries takes a little longer than I would like, but maybe I have been spoiled by 15 minute chargers.

It is still a premium cordless drill at a better price.

Peter

 

[Frank-Jan]

Only tools I have had to replace the brushes on are angle grinders and rotary hammers. The advantages (the way I see it, I'm not a technician )of a brushless motor in a cordless drill are that they run longer on a single charge, and that they have an electronic clutch.

I don't have a TDK nor a C12, but I do have a 18v protool cordless, which uses the same technology as the current festool T-drills; and I replaced our makita impact drivers with brushless versions aswell (allthough that was more due to the slightly better ergonomics, and that the new versions come in a systainer )

 

[Jesus Aleman]

I asked this same question a few months ago.  I was going to go for the TDK12 set, but I just found a good deal on the C12 so I went for it.  I believe that the electronics/motor combo on the C12 are more efficient so you get more power transfered compared to the TDK12.  Balance is different as well.  The C12 is touted as a lifetime drill because of the motor and electronic protection.  However, I think that lifetime ends when you can no longer buy new batteries.  Some people rave about the TDK, some others have brought up issues with power and battery life.    As I said, I was ready to jump for the TDK12 Set.  The chucks sell for 100 a piece if purchased individually, thus 307-200=107 for a drill.  The chucks are awesome.

JGA.

 

[bruegf]

Thanks everyone.  The TDK 12 was not a drill that I've ever seriously considered, but at the current price I'm very tempted as I've really wanted the eccentric and right angle chucks but haven't been ready to drop almost $600 for the new drill.  I just need to decide if the price is worth the tradeoffs or whether after using it a few months I'll end up wishing I'd put the $300 towards a new T15+3.

Maybe it will become clear if I procrastinate a bit longer.........

Fred