Wait for the new CXS or look for a sale on the original version?

[Lincoln]

I honestly don’t get the obsession for the old CXS. Yes it’s small and light, but at the same time pretty long. Light cuts off right after releasing the trigger. You can’t really drill holes with it, other than cabinetry with fostener bit. Forget about driving 2-3” screw to install your cabinets. Simply said, it’s really good at a few specific tasks.

I got the new 18V version 2 months ago, and it’s much stronger, not that much heavier and it’s very well balanced. I can use all 18v batteries for it as well. Spins faster as mentioned and you can actually drill with it.

Also check out Milwaukee M12 Surge or Bosch Flexiclick 12V. The Bosch is super versatile and compact, plenty strong (sinks 3.25” framing screws) and relatively cheap for what you get. Also has offset chuck, which comes in handy sometimes. Last time I check they have bundled it with their multi-tool for $150

The Milwaukee is quiet, strong and compact. Best drill for driving up to 4” screws in my opinion.

I agree, probably the most over rated tool in Festool's line up. I had one for a while, but gladly got rid of it and replaced with a C18.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I'm apparently one of those over-raters. I think the original CXS is fantastic, for what I do with it.
It's definitely not an every task drill, not even close, but for the small things I need it to do, great.
I install hardware, and insert pocket screws with it mostly. It also covers the occasional mistake in order of operations, which requires a right-angle drill/driver.
I have 18v Makita drills and impact drivers for the bigger jobs.

 

[Mini Me]

When it comes to hand held cordless drills I am in the "a drill is a drill" category, they all drill round holes and apart from 18v V's 12V any of them do much the same job. In the workshop 12v does everything and 18v is rarely used and the only reason I have two Protool Quad Drives is that Festool held a fire sale when they killed the brand in Oz they were discounted by about $600 each so I grabbed two. I have a C12 also and the only reason I have that clunker is it was the only brushless 12v drill I could buy at the time, it gets used occasionally and while it works it won't get thrown out.

 

[derekcohen]

If I was starting out from scratch or needing to replace a no-longer-working drill, the new CSX would be on my list. From accounts it is light and powerful. Sounds good.

If I was a pro, needing to work ergonomically, a light, powerful and versatile drill would be reasonable to seek out to replace aging, unwieldy tools. After all, this is a professional tool used to make a living.

As an amateur, the thought of the latest-and-greatest tool is for those that follow fashion. Or it would need some justification, such as my 20-year old Panasonic 12v is bloody heavy. However, in truth, the Panasonic may be “heavier”, but it works well (cordless drills are only needed briefly in a workshop) and a there are other tool priorities. I do have a Festool C12. I like that it is lighter, but it is not better.

Needs vs wants …

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[woodferret]

I use the CXS mainly as a glorified screwdriver that can occasionally drill through soft materials.  If I'm doing a framing lumber job, I've got better tools for that.  Luckily for me, all drill/drivers are relatively close by.  I can understand for EDCs, then someone might gravitate towards a more mid-range all-rounder.  I've also got those too, but will grab the CXS for most tasks I do. 

Likewise, I grab a small trim router for roundovers and not the OF1400.  To put things in perspective. 

 

[slavi.yordanov]

I use the CXS mainly as a glorified screwdriver that can occasionally drill through soft materials.  If I'm doing a framing lumber job, I've got better tools for that.  Luckily for me, all drill/drivers are relatively close by.  I can understand for EDCs, then someone might gravitate towards a more mid-range all-rounder.  I've also got those too, but will grab the CXS for most tasks I do. 

Likewise, I grab a small trim router for roundovers and not the OF1400.  To put things in perspective.

I’m make a living with my tools, and also remodel my house when not at work. I have just remodeled my last two bedrooms.

I had to run some wires for outlets (drill holes in framing), hang drywall, screw down osb, and a bit of framing. The old CSX wouldn’t be able to handle all that. None of the other drills I have mentioned would have a problem with these tasks. The new CSX 18 is actually pretty good at hanging drywall with the depth chuck.

 

[mino]

I’m make a living with my tools, and also remodel my house when not at work. I have just remodeled my last two bedrooms.

I had to run some wires for outlets (drill holes in framing), hang drywall, screw down osb, and a bit of framing. The old CSX wouldn’t be able to handle all that. None of the other drills I have mentioned would have a problem with these tasks. The new CSX 18 is actually pretty good at hanging drywall with the depth chuck.

All things you "complain" about are about raw power.

But the CXS series were never about raw power. Not even the NiCD version from the 1990s.

I have the C12 Li and with a 3-cell pack it is about 80 g heavier than the CXS 18 with 5-cell and has about the same power. I see the new CXS 18 as a replacement more of the EOL C12 Li than of the CXS 10.8.

 

[Spandex]

I honestly don’t get the obsession for the old CXS. Yes it’s small and light, but at the same time pretty long. Light cuts off right after releasing the trigger. You can’t really drill holes with it, other than cabinetry with fostener bit. Forget about driving 2-3” screw to install your cabinets. Simply said, it’s really good at a few specific tasks.

Can’t drill holes with it? In my old house (brick built Victorian, from around 1900) I could, and frequently would, use the CXS for drilling into masonry. If I used the PDC with hammer action, there was always a risk of blowing the soft bricks, but a masonry bit in the CXS was controllable and more than up to the job.

I battened about 7m of wall for plasterboard, using nothing but the CXS (so multiple holes in masonry per batten, and then driving all the screws). And that’s not because I didn’t have a choice - my BHC, PDC and C18 stayed in the workshop.

I’m in an even older house with stone walls now, so I need an SDS to put holes in those, but in my old house I would rarely use anything other than the CXS. It’s just so pleasant to use, and takes up so little space in a tool bag, you hardly know it’s there.

 

[HighlandMarine]

What online vendors do you guys recommend buying from? I checked last night and they all seen to be the same price point. I wasn't sure which one to go with. I'm based in the US.

US Tool and Fastener! Ryan and Joe are awesome guys to deal with, super knowledgeable, fast shipping, (They’re based out of Worscester, MA)

 

[Jim_in_PA]

It's only "overrated" if it's not the right tool for "you". For me, it's the right tool. I like it. It's comfortable to use...I have bad hands and wrists so the lighter weight, compactness and handle shape works for me. That's why I have two of them.

 

[slavi.yordanov]

I’m make a living with my tools, and also remodel my house when not at work. I have just remodeled my last two bedrooms.

I had to run some wires for outlets (drill holes in framing), hang drywall, screw down osb, and a bit of framing. The old CSX wouldn’t be able to handle all that. None of the other drills I have mentioned would have a problem with these tasks. The new CSX 18 is actually pretty good at hanging drywall with the depth chuck.

All things you "complain" about are about raw power.

But the CXS series were never about raw power. Not even the NiCD version from the 1990s.

I have the C12 Li and with a 3-cell pack it is about 80 g heavier than the CXS 18 with 5-cell and has about the same power. I see the new CXS 18 as a replacement more of the EOL C12 Li than of the CXS 10.8.

Not only it lacks power, it’s also pretty long, and uses battery that no other tool uses. As with any tool it depends how it’s going to be used.

I’m not saying the CXS18 is a direct replacement, if anything the upcoming CXS12 is. But OP is asking for a drill that can handle all kinds of projects during a house remodel. And for me, the old CXS is not that drill, that’s why I recommended him to get the 18V version or wait for the new 12V. The 18V batteries can also be used on the OSC18, another indispensable tool for renovations.

 

[Spandex]

But OP is asking for a drill that can handle all kinds of projects during a house remodel.

Well, not quite. The OP says they’re doing a house remodel and are wanting to install some cabinets. They also say they’re looking for a new small and light drill/driver. They don’t say this specific drill has to cope with everything a remodel throws up. They don’t say if they already have access to heavier duty drills (he says he has Milwaukee M18 tools).

 

[mino]

... But OP is asking for a drill that can handle all kinds of projects during a house remodel. ...

And that would be a fundamentally wrong question ref. CXS. New or old.

In theory, the TPC 18 would be the "universal" one. But it is STILL the wrong answer as there is a huge difference in "can be used for" and "is a good idea to use for".

All I wanted to emhasize that, based on your requirements, you should probably have never looked at the original CXS series to begin. It is a unique tool in the priorities which were put atop in its design 30 years ago. Mind you, the CXS abtteries are fully compatible with its predecessors which were on the market before even the concept of a "battery platform" existed. Most other toomakers switched 5-6 "platforms" in the tools of the CXS semblance.

Basically, the moment you start comparing the original CXS with *anything* else on the market, you are already asking the wrong question. It is one of those tools you either absolutely WANT or they are absolutely useless for you with pretty much nothing in between. An 1950s cruiser you can buy anew in the time of Tesla cars ... if you want it, you just want it and you know it. If not, it is completely pointless to even think about.

If you see the depth and power as "faults" you are looking at it completely wrong. They are the price to pay for a light, smooth, quiet and supper-controllable driver.
The "new" CXS 12/18 series are the living proof why the CXS was not updated for so long. The tech simply did not and does not allow to signifficanly improve on the original analogue mechano-electric design without compromising on ergonomy. We suspect that here on this forum many time. Not the suspicion was confirmed 100%. One just cannot have all three of ergonomy, size and power. At least one of the three needs to give in.

CXS 10.8, the "power" and (partially) the size gave in to ergonomy.
In the C12 Li, the "size" gave in.
In the CXS18 the "ergonomy" had to give in.

These three are actually 3 different tools in their focus/niche and "comparing" them beyond observing these focus differences is just pointless. It is like telling someone that his 911 is a not a good truck .. Yeah! Indeed it is not!

The same way a CXS 10.8 is not a "good drill" ... Indeed! It is but a driver which can drill when in a pinch.

As for the OP, the original question was if "original" CXS for a discount or a "new one with the assumption the new one maybe can be used as a universal drill. There the simple answer is, the new one cannot be used as such  - one still needs a proper drill - hence there is no point getting it. While getting the original CXS still makes sense simply because of how unique it is - if fitting ones usage/preferences.

If someone asked me for a Festool option, I would unequivocally say that the TPC 18 + CXS 10.8 combo is the dream choice for a hobby user. If budget is tight, then the TPC 18 only. The 3600 rpm top speed is a game changer, it has enough grunt for general work and enough finesse to screw well too.

 

[woodferret]

Keep in mind OP also already had M18 and M12 drills and drivers.  While the M12s can get very close on the lower end, there's still a gap band that fits the CXS.  CXS12 straddles into the M12 range more, and seemingly picks up the undesirable (at least to me) quirks that extended powerhouse has.

 

[northman]

I spent the last two days priming and painting the first floor of my house today and I missed most of these discussions since I was away from my computer.  I really appreciate all of the advice and the spirited debate regarding the pros and cons of the CXS (new and old).  I ended up ordering the CXS 10.8v from beavertools.com and it arrived today.  I haven't even had a chance to open the box yet but I look forward to having a cup of coffee tomorrow morning and opening it up. 

I have some Milwaukee M18 tools (impact driver, drill, hammer drill, circular saw) and M12 tools (jigsaw, multi-tool).  I know I could have went with the Milwaukee M12 surge impact driver but I wanted to try out a Festool tool and I had my eye on the CXS for various reason.  Some logical, some not.  Whenever I decide to do a project myself instead of hiring someone else to do it, I usually treat myself to a new tool that I can use in the project.  My current project involves making built-in cabinets/shelves in my living room.  The CXS is my treat to myself and will be used for this project.  This is my first cabinet building project but I'm looking forward to it.

Now that I have jumped down this DIY carpentry rabbit hole, I think I want to buy a table saw....

 

[mrboult]

All I wanted to emhasize that, based on your requirements, you should probably have never looked at the original CXS series to begin. It is a unique tool in the priorities which were put atop in its design 30 years ago. Mind you, the CXS abtteries are fully compatible with its predecessors which were on the market before even the concept of a "battery platform" existed. Most other toomakers switched 5-6 "platforms" in the tools of the CXS semblance.

Original CXS was released  around 2010. I don't know what you are talking about that was 30 years ago? There have never been any other tools that took the CXS batteries. And by 2010, and far earlier, most manufacturers like Makita and Dewalt had long established standardised battery platforms that worked across their (limited by todays standards) tool range.

Moving on. . .

The original CXS is a true wonder of a drill. The only issue it has is weak power compared to most cordless drills from the last 15 years, regardless of 12v, 15, or 18v. This is seen by many as a non-issue as the CXS is intended for the lighter duty tasks where precision and easy of use is more important. Like installing cabinetry hardware.

I sold my CXS because I would always feel the need to take the T18 along on every job/task anyway, just incase I needed to sink a 100mm screw, or drill a 35mm Forstner bit (things the CXS mostly can't achieve depending on material/situation)
And with the T18 being so bloody controllable and precise anyway, plus light weight with the 3.0ah batteries, the CXS just felt like an unnecessary thing to be moving around with me.

But I alway said that if they made the CXS compatible with charger and chucks from the bigger drills (ie my T18 drills) then I'd buy another in a heartbeat. Because being able to just have the drill with battery knocking around, without the need to bring or keep track of it's own systainer with charger and chucks, means it fits into my day to day much more easily.
I being persnickety obviously, but when your working life involves constantly moving and organising your tools kits for the job/day, the little details matter.

 

[Michael Kellough]

I saw a CXS demonstration years ago and they used it to drive 6mm by 100mm timber screws into softwood. It seemed like abuse to me and I’ve never done it with my CXS but it proved the little guy is tougher he looks.

My only complaint is it’s a bit long and with the smooth plastic handle it often slips out of position my dry skinned hand.

 

[Cheese]

I saw a CXS demonstration years ago and they used it to drive 6mm by 100mm timber screws into softwood. It seemed like abuse to me and I’ve never done it with my CXS but it proved the little guy is tougher he looks.

My only complaint is it’s a bit long and with the smooth plastic handle it often slips out of position my dry skinned hand.

That's exactly why I purchased mine, when the local Festool rep performed that demo at Woodcraft.  [smile]

About 2 months later the same rep was again at Woodcraft and while performing other tasks, he was "accidentally" knocking the SysLite off of a 4' ladder on to the concrete floor. Well after the SysLite hit the ground for the 6th time (and he turned it on each time after it hit the floor) I'd had enough and purchased my first SysLite.  [smile]  Those type of demos are effective, I don't know why they aren't used more often. [blink]

 

[OhNoMrBill]

Rockler must be trying to get rid of their CSX stock. I have received 5 or 6 emails in the last 2 months with it being thr first item they want you to buy. No discount however.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Rockler must be trying to get rid of their CSX stock. I have received 5 or 6 emails in the last 2 months with it being thr first item they want you to buy. No discount however.

It's a very, very rare thing for there to be any kind of discount available on a Festool product, even if it's going to be replaced with a new version. Festool pretty much keeps their authorized dealers fixed on list price across the board.