TXS over the CXS

[parablade]

G'day, sports!  So, after weeks of consigning my wife to being a Google widow, I'd like to thank everyone here on FOG, and authors on YouTube and the myriad of tool reviews and forums around the world, for helping this humble DIYer make the (hopefully) right decision. You've helped me realise the missus and I don't need to be wielding an 18V cordless to assemble the pending Ikea kitchen and that 10.8-12V brushless is the go. Also that a simple corded hammer drill will cover the few holes we'll need to hang the overhead units and a small bunch of other tasks down the line. And, most importantly for members here, it's the 10.8V blue+green machine that beat the latest 12V teal offering, being only 25 Aussie dollars more but with the added benefit of the switchable chucks set.  So the final decision was - C handle or T.  Long story short - we went the T.  Why?  For no better reason than I believe the placement of the LED light low down on the T's battery will cast less of a shadow onto the target than it would higher up on the C's handle.  We'll find out how good or bad all this hands-off research has been when it arrives next week (sadly UPS / Amazon drones don't operate here).  Cheers, mates!

 

[bobfog]

G'day, sports!  So, after weeks of consigning my wife to being a Google widow, I'd like to thank everyone here on FOG, and authors on YouTube and the myriad of tool reviews and forums around the world, for helping this humble DIYer make the (hopefully) right decision. You've helped me realise the missus and I don't need to be wielding an 18V cordless to assemble the pending Ikea kitchen and that 10.8-12V brushless is the go. Also that a simple corded hammer drill will cover the few holes we'll need to hang the overhead units and a small bunch of other tasks down the line. And, most importantly for members here, it's the 10.8V blue+green machine that beat the latest 12V teal offering, being only 25 Aussie dollars more but with the added benefit of the switchable chucks set.  So the final decision was - C handle or T.  Long story short - we went the T.  Why?  For no better reason than I believe the placement of the LED light low down on the T's battery will cast less of a shadow onto the target than it would higher up on the C's handle.  We'll find out how good or bad all this hands-off research has been when it arrives next week (sadly UPS / Amazon drones don't operate here).  Cheers, mates!

Hope you enjoy your purchase. T vs C is a personal choice and really just shades of grey, they're both great little drills. However they aren't brushless as you seem to suggest in the opening of your post.

 

[parablade]

Now I'm depressed.

 

[bobfog]

On a joking note. Your signature of "Research thrice - buy once" seems a little ironic now.

On a serious note. I agonised over my decision to buy a CXS and one major sticking point was the fact that for the price it wasn't brushless. But since I've had it I don't really care, it's a pleasure to use and doesn't lack power, also judging from the lack of complaints on the FOG, they seem to go on forever so no issues with longevity, etc. I think it's one of those things that's more of a sticking point on paper, rather than in real life usage.

 

[parablade]

Yup, could it be any more ironic?! Old age and fat thumbs.  Thank you for the pat on the back, after the kick in the bollox.  You're right, of course.  The chances of me burning out the brushes are pretty low.  Just disappointed that Festool are marketing something with brushes as being "latest" tech.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I think the brushless tech is a little overblown.  Brushed motors have been around for a very long with a proven track record.  Even if you burn out the brushes, and that is a pretty big if, you replace them for a few bucks/quid.

As Bob mentioned the CXS or TXS really is a personal choice.  It's best to get your hands on these drills and try them out in person if possible.  Good luck. 

 

[weekendwarrior]

Since the TXS/CXS 10.8V batteries don't have any compatibility with the rest of the Festool product offering, why limit yourself to Festool for your small form factor drill?

The Milwaukee 12V line has a plethora of cheaper, high quality tools all using the same 12V batteries.  Plus, many are BRUSHLESS!

I think I'd only get the TXS/CXS for a matching systainer and potential Centrotec overlap with their Festool bigger brothers, which I don't own.  In reality, any money you save on Milwaukee could go to a red Tanos systainer if it really matters to have a stack of plastic containers.

Edit: Take a look at this thread:http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/wood-magazine-12v-cordless-drill-shop-test/

 

[parablade]

Since the TXS/CXS 10.8V batteries don't have any compatibility with the rest of the Festool product offering, why limit yourself to Festool for your small form factor drill?

The Milwaukee 12V line has a plethora of cheaper, high quality tools all using the same 12V batteries.  Plus, many are BRUSHLESS!

I think I'd only get the TXS/CXS for a matching systainer and potential Centrotec overlap with their Festool bigger brothers, which I don't own.  In reality, any money you save on Milwaukee could go to a red Tanos systainer if it really matters to have a stack of plastic containers.

Edit: Take a look at this thread:http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/wood-magazine-12v-cordless-drill-shop-test/

Thank you Pizza_Steve and acknowledged but, because the missus will be helping with the kitchen assembly,  the Milwaukee M12 along with the Bosch Blue equivalent have increased grip girth to take their batteries which are uncomfortable for small hands.  The brushless Makita CXT was the best alternative but the TXS wins with its right angle chuck (which for fitting Ikea kitchens will be a time saver).

 

[mkasdin]

I own a TSX. I had the same issue C vs. T. I'm glad I got the T handle it feels light in the hand and no run out. So when you drill a 5/16" hole it stays true and doesn't hog out the hole like my Milwaukee 12v. The Milwaukee is great for stuff like mixing paint with a paddle, etc. and yes the chuck is big. If your boring down on the drill for hanging cabinets or assembling the C handle wins. In Europe the C handle is preferred in USA we lean toward the T handle.

 

[Michael Kellough]

I think the brushless tech is a little overblown.  Brushed motors have been around for a very long with a proven track record.  Even if you burn out the brushes, and that is a pretty big if, you replace them for a few bucks/quid.

As Bob mentioned the CXS or TXS really is a personal choice.  It's best to get your hands on these drills and try them out in person if possible.  Good luck.

I've been using cordless tools since they ran on 7.2 volt NiCad batteries and I've never had to replace brushes. The batteries always die first and the cost replacing is usually higher than buying the latest kit during promotions. The most appealing thing about the brushless hype is that they require less power to do the same work.

 

[parablade]

And from what I've read and YouTubed - there's compelling evidence of achieving 40% more duration off the same battery.  Murphy's Law says Festool will launch a brushless TXS 31 days after this one arrives (still chugging through AusPost).

 

[bobfog]

And from what I've read and YouTubed - there's compelling evidence of achieving 40% more duration off the same battery.  Murphy's Law says Festool will launch a brushless TXS 31 days after this one arrives (still chugging through AusPost).

You're right, 40% more battery life  does seem like a well established figure for brushless motors. I had the same internal debate before I bought my CXS.

However in real life use, I've never had both batteries run out during a working day when off grid and when on grid the one on the charger always fully charged before the one on the tool has run out. You have to remember that the CXS/TXS are light to medium duty drills and for such work 2 x 2.6ah batteries is pretty generous. Pound for pound, based on my usage pattern the 5.0ah battery in my brushless 18v Milwaukee gets changed more often than the 2.6ah battery in my brushed CXS!

 

[Brice Burrell]

And from what I've read and YouTubed - there's compelling evidence of achieving 40% more duration off the same battery.  Murphy's Law says Festool will launch a brushless TXS 31 days after this one arrives (still chugging through AusPost).

I don't think we're going see the C/TXS updated to brushless any time soon, if at all.  These are Festool's entry level drills and are priced accordingly.  Think of these as gateway tools, so Festool is trying to keep them priced to help draw people in.  Making the drills brushless would add the cost (in theory, in practice, I'm not so sure). 

 

[parablade]

TXS - 1, Roof Gutters - Nil
After 6 days snailmailing across half of Australia, we're relieved to finally take receipt today from C&L Tool Centre Brisbane.  Initial impressions were slightly dampened thanks to (what appears to be) moisture damage to the insides and the user manual, the Systainer looks like it's done the rounds too.  The tool itself, however, is the most ergonomic of any we've yet handled and the styling is way cooler than the current rage for lightsabres.  The chuck changing is as slick and intuitive as anticipated and the LED light perfectly illuminates the target without chuck-shadow as hoped.  BUT... the Centrotec hex-bit holder (in the right angle chuck) rotates in a skewed /wobbly manner along its axis; and in use, my thumb finds the reverse button with annoying regularity.
So, to its 1st job - fixing the busted roof gutter before the next torrential downpour:  Exec Summary = there is no way I could have achieved this by myself (with no acrow prop, half hanging off the ladder, lifting the roof gutter full of water with one hand while operating the right angle posidrive by feel alone in the other) with any other tool.  Main lesson learnt = invest in Robertson screws ASAP.  Job done and $120 tradesman fee already saved off the purchase price of $415 (Australian).  V happy chappy.  Great to join all you crazy Festool nutz.

 

[antss]

Brice, I disagree with you on the entry level pricing rational.
When has that ever been festool's m.o. ?

Bosch introduced brushless tech to their 10-12v platform and it added like $20 retail to the price. Festool would still sell a lot of those drills with that kind of increase. And just think how many of the fan club would then add to the collection adding more sales.

My opinion is they just make a conscious decesion not to really compete in that small drill arena. They totall missed the boat there - while Miluwaukee and Bosch and were pioneers. Even Metabo was an early entry , though their offering was pretty whimpy. Makita even jumped in before Festool came calling.

And , either you're a market leader or you're not. Doubtful Festool ever considers playing pricing games to garner market share. 

 

[parablade]

BBQ - Nil, TXS - 2
Not exactly the toughest or longest job (dismantling for maintenace) but, again, that's entirely thanks to that right angle chuck.  Smoooookiiiiing!

 

[kixnbux]

Love my cxs. Got rid of dewalt 12v after buying it. It's awesome!!! ( I do have the PDC and centrotec set which are great additions btw! )

 

[DiscoStu]

I bought a CXS when I had 2x18v drills and an impact driver. I didn't really need it. However it's my go to drill I use it all the time. Why do we want big heavy powerful drills for most things? Sure if I am doing decking or major lumps of wood and huge screws I'd go for my Impact but most of the time I grab my lovely CXS. Only today I needed to remove a cistern from the wall. I used the right angle head on my CXS and did it without any effort. I love it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[parablade]

Not being a professional I have the luxury of waiting for the TXS to fail before upping the voltage (or going corded) which begs the question DRC or T 18+3? Please does anyone know if there's a thread already posted on this? Cheers

 

[ajmdecorators]

Yeah have to agree I got a cxs last week and it's brilliant, a million times better than the makitas and milwaukees I have had recently