Tell me about my C12 drill

[derekcohen]

About 4 years ago (perhaps a little more), I purchased a Festool C12 drill along with the kit of accessories. Here is the drill ..

There are two reasons I am posting this drill here: the first is to get an idea of how old it is, whether it is a current model, if still made, or whether the C12 has been replaced altogether. How do others rate this model? I could be in the market for a second drill (my current other is a 20-year old Panasonic 12v, which is a great drill, but ageing). I like the lightness and balance of the C12, but it is noticeably less powerful than the Panasonic. This will lead me into the second question in a while.

More photos ..

The second question is about the battery. One of the reasons the C12 is light is that the battery is small. In this case, I have two of these ...

As you see, 10.8v and 1300Ah. By contrast, I have just ordered two batteries for the Panasonic, and these are 12v and 3000Ah.

The question I have is what battery range can this drill use? I gather there are 2000Ah around as well as 5000+Ah. I understand the latter come with a weight penalty. I am not after power at the expense of mobility. I only use the drill in the workshop when building furniture. Does increased Ah increase power as well as longevity?

Further, is it possible to use a higher voltage in the drill? Is 10.8v the same as 12v? (This drill is sold in Australia, which may be different to the same version sold in the USA). Can the drill use a 15v or 18v battery (without damage, of course)?

Here is the charger ...

and the battery connection ...

Looking forward to replies.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[semenza]

The C12 is no longer available. The C18 has replaced it.  You can use any amp hour Festool 12v (same form factor) battery in it. You can not use the higher voltage batteries.  BUT lower voltage batteries can be used in the higher voltage tools. So if you got a new C18 the 12v batteries could be used in it.  A note on size and weight ........................  there is a compact (same size as the 1.3 12v) battery in 18v available as well as the higher amp hour 18v batteries.

Seth

 

[derekcohen]

Thanks Seth.

Question: is the 10.8v the same as the 12v battery? That is, if a replacement battery states it is 12v, will this be usable/suitable in this 10.8v drill?

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[jeh]

I think the 12v's is nominal and the batteries are really 10.8v's. I have other drills, but still use this one regularly. You can buy replacement batteries for it (at least I did about a year ago). This drill is better than the 15v drills of that era.

Update: Mine must have been NOS and I am regrouping on availability of the Festool version. There are replacements available without the branding. They look nearly identical and I would not be surprised if they were not the OEM as it is highly unlikely Festool makes batteries.

I'd be interested to know if anyone has had experience with the identical looking no name batteries.