Video Review of Festool CXS Drill/Driver Set (564274)

[Administrator_JSVN]

Just so all of you understand, a big part of the weight difference between the old C12 and the new C12 LiIon is the battery pack.  The new one is really 10.8 volts like the CXS.  The old one is a true 12 volt pack (NiCd, NiMH).  That's because LiIon cells have a different voltage per cell and a reduced weight.

Ken, I think there's a different reason. One of Lithium Ion's main advantages is weight. It's the cell type (chemistry) that saves weight, not the modest difference in voltage. A 12v Lithium Ion pack would still be substantially lighter than the same pack in NiCd or NiMH.

Paul-Marcel pointed it out, but just to reiterate... the C12 LiIon will have a 1.5Ah battery pack which saves a lot of weight over the 3.0Ah pack on the new C15/T12/T15/T18. Essentially half the battery capacity and thus weight.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Just so all of you understand, a big part of the weight difference between the old C12 and the new C12 LiIon is the battery pack.  The new one is really 10.8 volts like the CXS.  The old one is a true 12 volt pack (NiCd, NiMH).  That's because LiIon cells have a different voltage per cell and a reduced weight.

Ken, I think there's a different reason. One of Lithium Ion's main advantages is weight. It's the cell type (chemistry) that saves weight, not the modest difference in voltage. A 12v Lithium Ion pack would still be substantially lighter than the same pack in NiCd or NiMH.

Paul-Marcel pointed it out, but just to reiterate... the C12 LiIon will have a 1.5Ah battery pack which saves a lot of weight over the 3.0Ah pack on the new C15/T12/T15/T18. Essentially half the battery capacity and thus weight.

That's what I was saying there.  Maybe it didn't come across correctly.  I totally agree with your post, Shane.  I was not trying to make a comparison of the amp/hour differences between the CXS packs and the old or new C12, just to clarify that.  I just didn't want people to get the wrong idea that LiIon and the CXS was an easy  straightforward comparison.  You have to consider all the facts when weighing the differences and what may be right for you.  I will say this.  I think I had a change of heart when I actually got the CXS in my hand compared to "reading" about it.

 

[rookie08]

All right so maybe a silly question so I apologize up front, but the new C12, due to the D design, is on my which list when it makes it over.

For those with the C12 working on site (ie not in a workshop environment) where I'll be using a belt or a vest with a drill holster, what do you use to "holster" the C12?  

I don't believe it would fit into a regular drill holster as those are made for a "pistol grip - L shape design.  The belt clip on the battery is a nice idea, but it seems it might be awkward (or even dangerous) to you, those below, but especially to the new green toy!  [wink]) if you are up on scaffolding or a ladder, and trying to clip the drill to your belt all day between uses.

Any ideas???

Thanks!

 

[Ken Nagrod]

All right so maybe a silly question so I apologize up front, but the new C12, due to the D design, is on my which list when it makes it over.

For those with the C12 working on site (ie not in a workshop environment) where I'll be using a belt or a vest with a drill holster, what do you use to "holster" the C12?  

I don't believe it would fit into a regular drill holster as those are made for a "pistol grip - L shape design.  The belt clip on the battery is a nice idea, but it seems it might be awkward (or even dangerous) to you, those below, but especially to the new green toy!  [wink]) if you are up on scaffolding or a ladder, and trying to clip the drill to your belt all day between uses.

Any ideas???

Thanks!

I use one of those wrap around bungee things that hooks into a plastic belt clip on my C12.  Never had any issues other than keeping an eye on the ball when dropping it into the clip.  I think it was labeled under Werner ladder company.  Got it at the d-pot.

 

[jonny round boy]

All right so maybe a silly question so I apologize up front, but the new C12, due to the D design, is on my which list when it makes it over.

For those with the C12 working on site (ie not in a workshop environment) where I'll be using a belt or a vest with a drill holster, what do you use to "holster" the C12?  

I don't believe it would fit into a regular drill holster as those are made for a "pistol grip - L shape design.  The belt clip on the battery is a nice idea, but it seems it might be awkward (or even dangerous) to you, those below, but especially to the new green toy!  [wink]) if you are up on scaffolding or a ladder, and trying to clip the drill to your belt all day between uses.

Any ideas???

Thanks!

The new versions have built-in belt clips.

 

[rookie08]

Great idea Ken, I'm going to look into that.  I wonder if Festool will come out with something specific in addition to their belt clip as they seem to be going after a larger market for their drills now, (CXS)

Shane, I'd be willing to be a tester on a C12 holster!  [big grin]

James

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Great videos, as always, Paul Marcel.  And thanks for the tip about Montana drill bits.  I ordered a set and tried them out this a.m.  They truly live up to their slogan "Cuts wood a new one."  Nice clean 1/2 inch holes in 2 1/2 inch thick cherry and the bit didn't even heat up.

 

[Dan Clark]

Paul,

Nice review of the CXS.  Even nicer review of the C12!  From what I can see, the only advantage of the CXS is light weight and a bit smaller size.  

The current C12 is one of Festool's hidden gems.   I've beaten the tar out of mine with all of the available chucks and it keeps coming back for more.  Mine got so much use that one of the batteries finally gave up the ghost and I had to buy a new battery even though I'm going to buy a new LiIon C12 or C15.    

Speaking of the new C15, while it weighs about 50% more than the CXS, it's in a whole other class.   While the max wood/steel torque rating 10/16 Nm for the CXS, it is 25/40 Nm for the C15.   Likewise rpm is higher for the C15.    Bigger benefits for me are the brushless motor on the C15 and the ability to use all of the current C12's chucks (I have all of them).  

If Festool packaged a battery Carvex and a C15, it would be an excellent combination that I would buy immediately.  I hope that Festool can get all of the Carvex and C15 issues worked out quickly.   I need these tools.

Regards,

Dan.

 

[EvilNuff]

I'm in the market for a new drill but am waiting for the new C12s.  I just find that I need 1/2" chuck capacity too much to go for the CXS.  If it had a bigger chuck I'd sure be tempted though.

 

[tiralie]

Thanks for the review Paul.
Sold me.

BTW, I know you like your BC Japanese saws but I was wondering what are those ones in background on the magnetic strip in video 2?

I visited your website (as directed) and your video review of the JMPv2 and jewlery box build was very entertaining.

Thanks again.
Tim

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I'm in the market for a new drill but am waiting for the new C12s.  I just find that I need 1/2" chuck capacity too much to go for the CXS.  If it had a bigger chuck I'd sure be tempted though.

You CAN fit the larger chuck on the CXS if you needed to.  Just don't overload the drill with too large a bit.

 

[PaulMarcel]

Thanks for the review Paul.
Sold me.

BTW, I know you like your BC Japanese saws but I was wondering what are those ones in background on the magnetic strip in video 2?

I visited your website (as directed) and your video review of the JMPv2 and jewlery box build was very entertaining.

Thanks again.
Tim

Thanks, Tim... the ones on the mag-strip behind me above the bench are Veritas saws, a dozuki and flush-trim saw.  I use these a lot, too.  The Veritas have fatter blades than the BC saws.  The BC blades are just 0.009" kerfs whereas the Veritas are 0.015".  All of them cut very well. BC had a special on a set of Japanese saws long ago when I grabbed the others.

 

[mikey2]

I plan to wait for a C15 Li - that will get me 2 more 14.4v batteries I can use with my T15+3, and will not need to set up a second battery charger.  I can get just the C15 drill, not the full kit, as the eccentric chuck and right angle chuck from the T15 will also work with the C15.

 

[jmbfestool]

All right so maybe a silly question so I apologize up front, but the new C12, due to the D design, is on my which list when it makes it over.

For those with the C12 working on site (ie not in a workshop environment) where I'll be using a belt or a vest with a drill holster, what do you use to "holster" the C12?  

I don't believe it would fit into a regular drill holster as those are made for a "pistol grip - L shape design.  The belt clip on the battery is a nice idea, but it seems it might be awkward (or even dangerous) to you, those below, but especially to the new green toy!  [wink]) if you are up on scaffolding or a ladder, and trying to clip the drill to your belt all day between uses.

Any ideas???

Thanks!

I use one of those wrap around bungee things that hooks into a plastic belt clip on my C12.  Never had any issues other than keeping an eye on the ball when dropping it into the clip.  I think it was labeled under Werner ladder company.  Got it at the d-pot.

I got some of them with the belt clip! I also have the ladder adapter some where.  I never used these and dont think I ever will!  Saying that though they are good just never used them! I did put the bungee thing on my T15 but found I couldnt really rap it around any where without doing my head in PLUS made the drill look ugly as it look like it had a ..... on top! 

Get the jumbo brand what ever they are called if you do get them cus I payed ... cnt remember pretty cheap any way like £10 or something with 5 bungee straps from axminister AGES AGES AGES ago.  A alot cheaper than festool one which was at the time like £25quid with just one bungee strap RIP OFF!

JMB

 

[Brice Burrell]

I got some of them with the belt clip! I also have the ladder adapter some where.  I never used these and dont think I ever will!  Saying that though they are good just never used them! I did put the bungee thing on my T15 but found I couldnt really rap it around any where without doing my head in PLUS made the drill look ugly as it look like it had a ..... on top! 

Get the jumbo brand what ever they are called if you do get them cus I payed ... cnt remember pretty cheap any way like £10 or something with 5 bungee straps from axminister AGES AGES AGES ago.  A alot cheaper than festool one which was at the time like £25quid with just one bungee strap RIP OFF!

JMB

This is what it's like trying to figure out some of JMB's posts.

[tongue]

 

[peter halle]

I got some of them with the belt clip! I also have the ladder adapter some where.  I never used these and dont think I ever will!  Saying that though they are good just never used them! I did put the bungee thing on my T15 but found I couldnt really rap it around any where without doing my head in PLUS made the drill look ugly as it look like it had a ..... on top!  

Get the jumbo brand what ever they are called if you do get them cus I payed ... cnt remember pretty cheap any way like £10 or something with 5 bungee straps from axminister AGES AGES AGES ago.  A alot cheaper than festool one which was at the time like £25quid with just one bungee strap RIP OFF!

JMB

This is what it's like trying to figure out some of JMB's posts.

[tongue]

Brice,

Save yourself.  JMB is talking about the Festool ball and bungee tool holders that were available a few years ago here and appeared to be special editions of the Werner ladder ones.  He apparently found another product that was cheaper.

See.  Wasn't that less painful. [scared]

Peter

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I got some of them with the belt clip! I also have the ladder adapter some where.  I never used these and dont think I ever will!  Saying that though they are good just never used them! I did put the bungee thing on my T15 but found I couldnt really rap it around any where without doing my head in PLUS made the drill look ugly as it look like it had a ..... on top! 

Get the jumbo brand what ever they are called if you do get them cus I payed ... cnt remember pretty cheap any way like £10 or something with 5 bungee straps from axminister AGES AGES AGES ago.  A alot cheaper than festool one which was at the time like £25quid with just one bungee strap RIP OFF!

JMB

This is what it's like trying to figure out some of JMB's posts.

[tongue]

[laughing]  [laughing]  [laughing]

Try sniffing Elmers instead of model glue before you read his posts.  [big grin]

 

[Brice Burrell]

[laughing]  [laughing]  [laughing]

Try sniffing Elmers instead of model glue before you read his posts.  [big grin]

Oh no, don't try to turn this around on me..... [tongue]