Thoughts on the new CXS?

[bwehman]

I personally love the idea of the CXS using the same battery as all other tools. Kind of curious what it feels like IRL compared to the current (or old?) CXS.
https://www.festool.com/products/new-products/new-products/576882---cxs-18-basic

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Since I love my two existing 10.xV CSX drill/drivers, I'd have to seriously consider this new one for bigger jobs. I like the C-handle format...it's very comfortable for me compared to the T15 and other brand drill/drivers I own. Of course, I'd have to buy the while "plus" kit because I do not have any existing 18v Festool products.

 

[grobkuschelig]

I‘m a little afraid it might be too close to the current C18, which I like, but not love.
Would have preferred a „smaller form factor“, even shorter than the CXS, to better allow access in small places.

But I can’t wait to get one into my hands.

 

[Bencan]

Ya I’m really interested in this. As long as they make it close to as compact at the current cxs this thing is gonna be a hit. I don’t think the larger batteries will be too much of a problem, current cxs easy is one of my fav festool tools so let’s hope they get this right

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rhoyer]

I personally love the idea of the CXS using the same battery as all other tools.

No kidding. The separate batteries have kept me away from it for years. I like to have as few chargers and things to keep charged up as possible.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

I personally love the idea of the CXS using the same battery as all other tools.

No kidding. The separate batteries have kept me away from it for years. I like to have as few chargers and things to keep charged up as possible.

I can appreciate that for sure. However, the small CXS does have a size and weight balance advantage for assembly and "shop" type operation. That's one of the reasons I have two of them. I don't want to have to use a heavy tool to do what is essentially light work, especially with my hands and wrists. The appeal of the new 18v CXS is the format for me. I view it as a potential replacement for my T15 that I bought used for "heavier" work a few years ago. There's nothing wrong with the "T" form factor for sure, but I find the "C" form factor more comfortable "for me" and it would be nice to have the oomph of the 18v tool with a similar feel to my primary drill/drivers.

 

[rhoyer]

I have had a large collection of m12 tools for a long time and really like them. I have had the Milwaukee installers driver since it came out but before I bought it I purchased, and ended up returning, a c18 and CXS. I was ready to make the jump from buying new m12s to buying whatever Festool battery powered tools came around. Knowing the cxs would always be a 1-off battery turned me off to that and I just scrapped that idea. I’d be a lot more inclined to take the leap if all the tools in the system end up using the same battery.

 

[Mr Speaker]

I read that the new CXS 18 is only slightly heavier than the CXS 2.7 (1100 g vs 900 g). But as far as I can see now it is a lot higher (3 cm higher that the CXS 2.7 and 20 lower than the C 18). I use my CXS daily both in the shop and on site. I rarely need more torque, but it does happen and then I need to bring my TPC 18 (or TID 18). I gave my C18 to my ex in our settlement because the CXS is my go to. But that was mainly because of the 5.2 Ah battery weight.

I replied on another post with a CXS 12 picture, that looks ideal, but is likely a hoax. using one battery, well one battery charger one platform and three different batteries (5.2, 5.0 with BT and 4.0 with BT), would be gold.

I like my CXS 2.7 for the small size and ergonomics, it is easy the most used Festool i have (and i have like 40 power tools registered). I will have to go a brick and mortar store to test drive, and then I feel obligated to buy there. 

 

[Jim_in_PA]

I'm also looking forward to at least "test driving" the 18v version. The form factor is just so comfortable for me as I previously noted. The two little ones I own plus a bigger one for big jobs would be a nice combination. It would also give a start to the 18v ecosystem in case I want other Festool battery operated tools in the future. The 15v (and even older 12v I use in the house) don't bring that capability.

 

[Cheese]

I'm hoping the CXS 12 is a real thing but I can't find an ounce of information about it on the web.
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/...ing-cxs-txs-18/msg691495/?topicseen#msg691495

I'd purchase one in a heartbeat and probably keep the older CXS 10.8 also. If this is the real deal, I sure hope they raised the max RPM speed from 1200, even only a 200 RPM increase would make a difference when drilling small diameter holes.

 

[xedos]

My thoughts are meh, at best.

The CXS18 is just the newest iteration of the C18 which has been around for decades.  Only now, the marketplace gets to be confused because the nomenclature is being melded.  CXS was the small drill in 12v.  Now , looks like they want to position them as CXS12 and CXS18.  Not a fan personally , but they didn't ask me and it's not my co.

On the cxs12 my thoughts are .....better late than never with a 12v EC drill and they are still lagging behind everyone else in terms of battery capacity and other tools to run off of the 12v pack. 

 

[slavi.yordanov]

The C18 is the most awkward drill I have ever used for screw driving. It’s bulky and heavy. That CXS18 doesn’t seem much smaller either, so I don’t think it will be as comfortable as the old CXS.

If the 12V CXS is real, then it makes more sense as a replacement for the original CXS.

Also CXS18 and TXS18 have less torque than the C/T18, so they are not exactly a replacement either.

On Festool’s website it says they will
be available in May, but no pricing yet [emoji848]

 

[hacke11]

Hi,

I got the chance to test the new CXS and TXS here in germany at one of the shows.

You cannot compare the C18 to the CXS18 in comfort of use. The CXS18 is as comfortable as the small 10.8v version. The trigger is not weirdly positioned as on the c18.

The CXS18 is taller then the CXS but it is almost 2,5cm shorter so you get into tight spaces a lot better. Lets not talk about the TXS, that thing is 10,5cm without any chucks, extreamly small, compact and high powered for its size.

Sadly this video is german, but you can still see the comparison of size between the drills and tests.

Video here

For some reason, video seems not to show up. youtu.be/w1IHB_KEMrQ

 

[jonnyrocket]

 

[squall_line]

That was a pretty good video.  That guy looks like my old boss, strangely enough.

I can see now how removing the slip clutch and changing to an electronic clutch really shortened the body of the tool.

I'm still curious about the CXS 12 and TXS 12 shown in that video from California.  If they're fake, they're really good fakes.  I wouldn't be surprised if they were prototypes meant to get feedback and figure out viability, but that seems very unlike Festool (or, honestly, any manufacturer in a public event like that).

 

[Mr Speaker]

That German video was nice. He did however use the CXS wrong. You need to have your middle finger on the trigger. I sold my C18 for the reason he gives though. The C18 had the 5.2 Ah battery and was a bit heavy. Especially on a ladder. And I did order the CXS 18. It is going to be my on site piece. I will report back.

 

[derekcohen]

My thoughts are meh, at best.

The CXS18 is just the newest iteration of the C18 which has been around for decades.  Only now, the marketplace gets to be confused because the nomenclature is being melded.  CXS was the small drill in 12v.  Now , looks like they want to position them as CXS12 and CXS18.  Not a fan personally , but they didn't ask me and it's not my co.

On the cxs12 my thoughts are .....better late than never with a 12v EC drill and they are still lagging behind everyone else in terms of battery capacity and other tools to run off of the 12v pack.

What obscures the benefits for me is that manufactures will elect to define power the way they prefer. For example, I have a C12, which in Australia (where I live) and Europe is advertised as a 10.8v and in the USA as 12v. It is lighter than, but not as powerful as, a 25-year old Panasonic 12v.

Apparently, 14.4v can be marketed as 18v. I wonder what the C15 was?

For workshop and home use, it is rare that I need an 18v. I did purchase a PDC 18/4 Quad drive. But it is a large mother, and made usable by keeping its weight low with a small battery.

I can see the attraction of 18v for site work, but not for the workshop, where 10.8v is sufficient.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[HighlandMarine]

I have had a large collection of m12 tools for a long time and really like them. I have had the Milwaukee installers driver since it came out but before I bought it I purchased, and ended up returning, a c18 and CXS. I was ready to make the jump from buying new m12s to buying whatever Festool battery powered tools came around. Knowing the cxs would always be a 1-off battery turned me off to that and I just scrapped that idea. I’d be a lot more inclined to take the leap if all the tools in the system end up using the same battery.

Second this. Love the M12 install driver, was turned off by the single purpose battery/charger on the original festool, and am in the M12 and M18 ecosystems already.

 

[darita]

I have had a large collection of m12 tools for a long time and really like them. I have had the Milwaukee installers driver since it came out but before I bought it I purchased, and ended up returning, a c18 and CXS. I was ready to make the jump from buying new m12s to buying whatever Festool battery powered tools came around. Knowing the cxs would always be a 1-off battery turned me off to that and I just scrapped that idea. I’d be a lot more inclined to take the leap if all the tools in the system end up using the same battery.

Second this. Love the M12 install driver, was turned off by the single purpose battery/charger on the original festool, and am in the M12 and M18 ecosystems already.

I do wish Milwaukee would come out with an M18 drill/driver in that form factor.  For some reason, the whole drill/driver line of Festools confuses the hell out of me.  I don't know which one is which or what's old and what's new and what batteries work with what.

 

[bwehman]

I have had a large collection of m12 tools for a long time and really like them. I have had the Milwaukee installers driver since it came out but before I bought it I purchased, and ended up returning, a c18 and CXS. I was ready to make the jump from buying new m12s to buying whatever Festool battery powered tools came around. Knowing the cxs would always be a 1-off battery turned me off to that and I just scrapped that idea. I’d be a lot more inclined to take the leap if all the tools in the system end up using the same battery.

Second this. Love the M12 install driver, was turned off by the single purpose battery/charger on the original festool, and am in the M12 and M18 ecosystems already.

I do wish Milwaukee would come out with an M18 drill/driver in that form factor.  For some reason, the whole drill/driver line of Festools confuses the heck out of me.  I don't know which one is which or what's old and what's new and what batteries work with what.

2022 and 2023 were/are big years for new releases for their drills. Normally it's not so confusing trying to figure out what's new vs what's old. Prior to 2022, the drill lineup was pretty much the same for years. Basically, all tools take the same 18v battery except for the sanders and the little TXS/CXS drill.