Festool CXS Cordless Drill Driver - Product Tour

[@pennyroyal3813]

Each Festool review you do shows the limitations of my present tools. Thanks for this spot on review.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Penny, I have spent a lot of time researching the tools that I want to buy and I have spent a lot of money on Festool as a result. I will do my best to show you the way ! Peter

[@abigfatelephant1]

Hi Peter, I'm really enjoying your videos and I love the way you describe things in such a clear, precise manner. Your enthusiasm for woodworking is infectious! I recently became a Festool convert and I've just bought the CXS drill after watching your review. I'm absolutely delighted with it and like you, I would not hesitate in recommending it to anybody. Keep up the good work. Gary

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Gary, Many thanks for the very kind words and the feedback. I really do love the CXS except when I dropped it whilst standing on a stool and I put my foot out to break its fall. I broke its fall really well and the drill was not damaged at all. But, rather than absorbing its momentum with my nicely padded shoe it caught my shin and ploughed a rather deep furrow with the pozi point bit that I had in the CXS at the time - a small price to pay for an unscratched tool. Cheers. Peter

[@markjarman7819]

I’m absolutely in love with my cxs. It’s a perfect design and now my go tool. Another great video peter👍

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Mark, I agree entirely. Cheers. Peter

[@jakefallon2335]

Great review Peter. Got mine from Nuts & Bolts yesterday. Very pleased with it. Will be even better once it beds in so it's not so stiff to change chucks. Interesting to note that the newer 2.6amp batteries they now come with no longer have the tail that inserts into the front column.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Steve, Yes, I got mine just before the new one came out but I am delighted none the less. Enjoy. Peter

[@Cameron2874]

Just picked up mine today as watching this in the past you convinced me it would be perfect addition to my makita impact driver and drill I use already. Got a couple of kitchens to fit over Xmas, new year so will be put to good use very shortly. One thing I did notice though was it took just under an hour to charge each battery and not 25min like you said but maybe that was just because it was first charge. Keep up the great videos

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I can't remember how I got that 25 minute figure. It may have been from the instructions or from experience - my CXS was the original one with the lower capacity battery. Anyway, it is difficult to use up the juice of one battery whilst the other charges. Cheers. Peter

[@ChrisPeters1]

I am just about to fit five kitchens and you have convinced me to buy this instead of using my Makita impact driver. Very helpful videos from a normal unprotencous man and good luck in your work and keep the great videos coming !

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Chris Peters Hi Chris, First thank you for saying such kind things - that really helps. My experience of kitchen fitting is that the impact driver is a bit of overkill. The CXS (the one in the video is now the old model) is a very gutsy machine and would be my machine of choice were I still doing kitchens. Also, take a look at the Space Plug video kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2rRlpivYtmrfNU as they really do make base cabinet fitting very easy. Cheers. Peter

[@DalyMalcolm]

Thanks Peter. Good advice I'll check them out, also I'll be looking out for that video, I'll find that very interesting to watch.

[@ChrisPeters1]

I am just about to fit five kitchens and you have convinced me to buy this instead of using my Makita impact driver. Very helpful videos from a normal unprotencous managed luck in your work and keep the great videos coming !

[@loadzofhobbies4219]

Thorough demo as usual Peter. Thanks

[@shinrah4772]

Great review like always. I bought myself a GSR 10,8 from Bosch a while back which is the same volt class and also very compact, and I fully agree that small machines like that are equipped to do 90% of the tasks normal people will require them to do. The advancement in battery technology aswell as brushless motors really make these small machines into tough beasts. I have an old 14,4V Li-Ion driver from a couple of years ago and the GSR easily outperforms it when it comes to power although it´s half the size and weight.

[@damasydia]

Great review...just picked one up today...didn't get a lot of time to use it so watching more reviews before bed

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+damasydia I know the feeling - I always go on watching the videos even after I have bought whatever it might be. If you think about it, once the purchase is made one should stop reading or watching reviews just in case ! Enjoy the CXS - I use mine every day and it is as good now as it was on day one. Peter

[@skeetyschannel2114]

Hi Peter, Thanks for the walk through on the CSX, until recently I thought Festool was overpriced but then I had the chance to use some of their tools and am converted. I bought a Domino 500 earlier this year and love it. My mate bought a CSX last weekend and I had chance to compare it with my 10.8v DeWalt impact driver and 18v drill driver whilst making a bed of nails for spraying projects. It was 100 50mm x 4mm screws at 25mm centres, all predrilled with 3mm holes into 18mm MDF. I put the first couple of rows in with the DeWalt and then switched to the CSX. The CSX was not lacking in torque at all and put the remaining 80 screws in without issue, with the 18v DeWalt I would have to have taken a break due to the weight of it. The CSX is really well balanced, slightly nose heavy which I like. In short this will definitely be the next tool I purchase :)

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Skeety's Channel I am delighted that you have discovered the true worth of Festool - it took me a while but I am, like many others, completely hooked on the brand. The CXS is simply the best. Peter

[@skeetyschannel2114]

New Brit Workshop I also forgot to mention how cool the CSX was after driving 80 screws! Heat is wasted energy so should be good for battery life :)

[@LetMeFixThis]

Peter, thank you very much for the excellent presentation. Very helpful indeed. Cheers!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Chris, Many thanks. Peter

[@robmazzitelli]

Great video, Peter. I recently discovered your channel and really enjoy your content. Thank you!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Robert Mazzitelli Hi Robert, Thank you and welcome to The New Brit Workshop. Peter

[@ChrisPeters1]

Many thanks for the link Peter I have just ordered 50 of each they look very useful

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Chris Peters Where did you order them from? It would be useful for other people to know. Cheers. Peter

[@blackemmons]

Peter, First, let me say I really enjoy your reviews as well as your project videos. The English nomenclature really adds to the enjoyment for me. The metric thing is sometimes confusing but we should have changed our system years ago. I have had the CXS since it came out here and it is the only drill I use unless I need to drill a hole that is larger than it can handle. It is a dream to use after wrestling with the normal 12V, 14.4V and 18V I use to use all the time. I use them on an “as needed” basis now. As far as the extra $$’s, I have many Festool tools now, and I find them worth every penny if is within one’s budget. Looking forward to the next review. Thanks, JimE -USA

[@NewBritWorkshop]

blackemmons Hi Jim, That is a good insight into the value for money that Festool represents. I have had to build up my tool ownership slowly, like most people I am sure, but the Festool items are well worth the wait. Peter

[@frankcornegge]

Hi Peter, I see you operating the drill with your index finger. I find that if you operate it with your middle finger and put your index finger on the machine, pointing in the drilling direction, it adds to the precision and stability of drilling. Additionally, because of the way it sits in your hand that way, makes the machine feel even lighter than it already is. Cheers and thanks for the good review.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

fmrcemb That is interesting...in one of my out-takes I saw myself doing just that and I thought that it looked odd. But I think that you have a point and people should try it and see how they get on. Peter

[@mattprzybylski19]

When I was at my local Woodcraft the person showing me he CXS said to hold it just as you described and said that's what they taught at the Festool training when using this drill for the very reasons you specified.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Matt Przybylski Many thanks Matt - but did you buy one? Peter

[@mattprzybylski19]

New Brit Workshop Not yet :) I was not wanting to take the Centrotec plunge but with the current 40% off recon sale I ended up buying the T15 and TI15. The CXS is next and I'll be fully well into the Centrotec koolaid by then.

[@alekseikampen9821]

Hallo Peter. Ich habe heute mit bekommen, wie interessanter Mensch du bist. "...computer programmer, soldier, security analyst and a cabinet maker + photography and writing..." Volle Respekt. Alles Gute. Aleksei

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Aleksei Kampen Hi Aleksei, Vielen Dank . Ich versuche, mein Bestes zu tun und helfen, so viele Menschen wie ich kann. Cheers. Peter

[@alekseikampen9821]

Hallo Peter. Gratuliere, du hast wieder ein neues Super "Spielzeug". Ich bin sehr neidisch. Sendung wie immer, gut. Alles Gute.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Aleksei Kampen Ja, es ist fantastisch. Vielen Dank . Peter

[@dougneaves8445]

I have Festool C12. The Forward - Reverse slide switch, has a trigger lock at its mid position. Forward - Lock - Reverse. I was wondering if these later Festool drills have retained this feature? It is probably worth mentioning, as this is a vital safety feature. Very good videos, as you well know! Very watchable, and most informative, you would not put them on You Tube is they were not up to your standard. Thank you Sir

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Doug Neaves Hi Doug, As far as I know all Festool drills have this feature - it makes sense as it will not then run accidentally when the van goes over a bump. Many thanks for your kind words. Peter

[@blueyhanson6253]

Love mine.. a really easy to handle versatile drill.The batteries in mine are different - no long stalk - but same power etc.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Yes, mine is the original. The new one is the same weight and feel but with the new battery which also fits the TXS. Peter

[@andyfann01]

thanks for the review. did you know what's the difference between cxs and txs? just it's look?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+Andy Fan Certainly the body shapes are different but the only other difference is their batteries. The Txs has a greater battery capacity. All the other figures (speeds, power etc) are the same. Obviously with a bigger battery the Txs goes for longer. Peter

[@skeetyschannel2114]

Hi Peter, Pulled the trigger on the CXS set today along with the extended Centrotec PZ2 and PZ3 as I have an office move to do tomorrow and as part of it have to remove a lot of networking equipment from a rack and then re-install it. Probably around 200 unscrew operations and 200 plus screwing operations. Making good a wall that I put a hole through for mains and data cables. My arm would be aching a LOT doing this with an 18v DeWalt. Will be my goto tool for lots of things now :) Have you tried the offline adapter?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Skeety's Channel What is the "offline adapter" ? If you mean the right angle gadget then yes I have. Good luck with office move tomorrow. Peter

[@skeetyschannel2114]

New Brit Workshop This is the item i'm referring to: ronin-group.org/graphics/shop/festool_offset_chuck.jpg I meant to say offset!!!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Skeety's Channel The CXS has the right angle adapter and a chuck but no offset adapter. Some of the other Festool drills have an offset adapter. It may fit the CXS though. Peter

[@nippychippy]

.your on fire this month with the reviews Peter 😄 that is my go to drill and it's my favourite drill I have thanks for the review. A quick question I am fitting a kitchen at moment with my cxs he he but I have to fit oak work tops I remember you did a review on surfix set with your ro90 which have was there any thing you had to do to make it work ie you ro150 sand paper with I don't have the ro150 yet I and don't think i will get one

[@NewBritWorkshop]

nippychippy Hi Robert, I did not have the RO150 when I did the Surfix review. Just use the RO90 in the normal way and, because the area is probably quite large for that machine, just make sure you do not miss any areas. Vacuum well after sanding and use the RO150 vlies cut to shape. Obviously this might be the time to consider getting the RO150 ! Peter

[@nippychippy]

Ha ha ye I wish I could get one what did you do about the sand paper did you cut them or order some for the ro90 and dies it need to be 180 Rubin and 240 brilliant

[@NewBritWorkshop]

nippychippy I already had some of those grades - In the days when there was no discount I managed to get consumables thrown in. Peter

[@nippychippy]

Cheers ordered today

[@JohnnyMotel99]

Hi Peter, I'm curious to understand how torque on the CXS compares to other manufacture's 10.8v drivers. Looking at say Bosch or Metabo, they both quote 30+ nM for hard torque and mid teens for soft torque. Whereas the CXS has hard and soft numbers in the mid teens. What's your take on this? Also, is the 8mm chuck a hindrance? All my brad bits over 10mm have a 10mm shaft for the chuck.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Rob Dunford Hi Rob, I must admit that I went through a similar thought process to you a while back but it was no big deal when I started to use the CXS. I have had other makes of drill/driver with more torque but in a smaller machine you do not really want to be doing the toughest of jobs. In the CXS video you can see what the machine is capable of also, if you look at reviews that I have done for larger drill/drivers, you will see that when I try and use the higher torque it gets a bit uncomfortable. So, for me, the CXS works perfectly. The 8mm versus 10 mm chuck is again not a big issue. I drill probably 95% under 6 mm. If one has the advantage of the Festool bits with Centrotec fittings then the CXS can take you wherever you want to go. Peter

[@JohnnyMotel99]

New Brit Workshop Thanks for the info. I notice that the chuck Festool supply now is 10mm or so it seems.

[@kirkmccoy9729]

Would it be weird to say I'm in love with this drill/driver??? But I am. I have 5 Makita's. excellent drills and impacts, I have a lot of Makita and a couple Dewalts and on Milwaki that was my favorite. This drill... for it's purpose is amazing. I find myself fondeling it like I do my favorite 1911's:-)

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+Kirk Williams I know exactly what you mean and I love mine too. It is the sweetest drill-driver anyone could imagine. Peter

[@kirkmccoy9729]

Peter, I'm watching your CMS router table video. Just un boxed mine today for my 1400 router, also just unboxed a kapex... it's Christmas here today... Happy Easter! But, I wanted to know where you got that measuring devise you used to set the height of your bit? Thank you:-)

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+Kirk Williams Hi Kirk, I used to have a cheap and cheerful gadget from Trend that cost about $8 but it was not accurate enough. I now have a digital height gauge from igaging. I bought it from Lee Valley. Peter

[@kirkmccoy9729]

Thank you Peter:-)

[@DalyMalcolm]

Hi peter, great video, I really like your editing, what kind of software do you use? I've tried Sony Vegas, quite a lot to learn, editing is much harder than the woodwork... Malcolm

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Malcolm Daly Hi Malcolm, I use Adobe Premiere Elements 12 but I do not like its titling at all. I also have Adobe CS5 in which I create all of the titles and any diagrams. This allows me to create a title or diagram on a transparent background, import it in the .psd format and overlay it where needed in the video. I may make a video about this process at some later date. If you are buying any software that is important to you avoid anything that has its application files in a "cloud" and certainly never store any data that is important to your business or to you personally anywhere other than a place where you can access it even when the internet is down or after a storage service provider goes bust. Peter

[@EarlPartridge]

Got me one today!! Thanks for the video! /Henrik

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Henrik, Lucky chap. Well done. Peter

[@dulenikolic9219]

da covek odmah pozeli da je ima fantasticna je

[@Wellspicedchaffinch]

13:19 I would like to have friends that would tolerate me demonstrating a Festool CXS to them 😂 but alas, I have none. Screws do get hot though don't they :-)

[@gerrymc76]

Hi, were you an Egghead by any chance?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Gerry, No, but I did pass the Mensa test once. Peter

[@frangitofrangito]

Hey Peter! Greetings from Canada. I've enjoyed your videos tremendously and have learned much from them! I'm also the admin of a Facebook page called The Half Lap Joint, where I've shared many of your videos. If your have the time, please visit it! Thanks!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Many thanks for the information Fran. Peter

[@kevinohara8671]

Iv got to have one what a company festool is lol

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Kevin, Their tools may be expensive but they are still excellent value. Cheers. Peter