Is the Festool CXS still worth it in 2023?

[@lowellsmith3413]

I have two CXS and one TXS. You can’t beat the control, smoothness and finesse of these drivers and they are my go to for all sorts of applications. I have larger 18 V drivers for driving 3 inch plus screws but most of the work I do is 2 inch and smaller. In my opinion, the best in it’s class.

[@carbb5760]

Big fan of the cxs, one of my favourite festool offerings. Could it use an update, maybe. For me it’s significantly better than the Milwaukee installation driver. Better does not always mean more power…

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I don’t own many Festool tools, but have used several. I have used their tracksaws… they are nice but I ended up going with Dewalt for Track Size prices, and the ability to use with my router. I own one of their Dust Extractors and I love it… but like the CXS there are way more options for that now than there were at the time I bought the Festool. Festool tools are quality made… I will pay more money for a quality tool over a subpar tool, but I will also pay less for a quality tool over a maybe slightly more quality tool. Especially if it’s significantly less. Thanks for the video. I love the M12 Installation Driver and have never used a CXS… so this was interesting. The bits would be the biggest thing that would make it a “No” from me. Happy New Year 👍

[@TinkerWithTools]

The bits is a big disappointment for me too. I knew about it going into it but it really underperformed in bit retention. I want to try some of their newer 18v drills and such and the sanders and dust extractors seem to be in my future. But for track saws I ended up pre ordering the Milwaukee. Can wait for that thing to show up!

[@bread-gz3rl]

If I need fine woodworking tools I'd buy makita lol

[@RWingoS7]

@Tinker With Tools The Festool sanders are life changing. They are on a while other level compared to anything you can buy in a Lowe's or Home Depot. I started with an ETS EC 125 with a tiny Shop Vac fir dust extraction and it blew my mind. Adding a Festool dust extractor after that, I thought might be stupid, but it also absolutely blew my mind. I now even use my CT15 dust extractor as my primary house vacuum, it's that good. I just bought the CXS because I needed a smaller drill that is easier for me to handle, and while the price hurt, I am happy with the tool. I will say that the sanders and dust extraction overall seem to be where Festool is a game changer (unless you are a pro who invests in the while ecosystem, then it's the compatibility and the system itself that is the best part). Great video, thank you for sharing!

[@chuckgrumble5440]

i have tons of drill/drivers and im about to buy a second cxs, its that good.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Have you tried or considered the new 18v version?

[@chuckgrumble5440]

@@TinkerWithTools I have considered it but I heard it has an annoying squeal to it and people have tested it and indeed it is in a range which is annoying to humans. My 18v makita takes care of all the heavy work or I have the TPC from festool. They are coming out with a new cxs 12v which has the same noise but might be more manageable.

[@cliffsteinberg21]

As a CXS owner it is a phenomenal tool for certain kinds of work. Usually delicate jobs like assembly, finishing carpentry or install work. If you need grunt and power from a smaller drill it is not the one. Personally I do fiddly work like picture hanging, home repairs and flatpack assembly. If it is control and precision you need in a small package it can't be beaten. The most important distinction about Festool CXS or TXS is that the Centrotec system with their tiny Centrotec chuck gives extra precision and smoothness because the end of the bit that inserts into the chuck seats right into the heart of the drill so there is next to no rattle or movement and all the power drives directly to the tip. None of the competitors have this feature. It also makes the whole head of the drill moving back from the drill bit slimmer than most I always wanted to get a TXS to work alongside my CXS but have numerous Makita 12v tools including the drill driver DF032DSAJ which is excellent. I am very interested in the new CXS/TXS 18v announced and will almost certainly pick up the TXS18 when it arrives as already have one Festool 18v tool with charger and batteries. A brushless even smaller 12v drill with a bit more power would be good though too 😀

[@TinkerWithTools]

I'll be getting the new 18v version when it comes out as well! Great insight about the chuck!

[@charleselkins4546]

I like Festool. I own several tools that are unique to Festool, e.g., the Domino, the mid- range router to use with the Festool line boring LR 32 system, and a fine CT36 dust extractor. The details built into their tools make them very useful at times. That said, I find the drill offerings underwhelming and have so far resisted. I have enough Milwaukee cordless drills which I find very well made and cost effective.

[@psyk3r863]

Just in case anyone reads this (it is a bit late). Festool are launching an updated CXS and TXS this year (2023) which will be 18v. This is in Australia but I assume everywhere will get them.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Correct. The updated 18v versions are out now in the USA. But as usual they are quite $$$$. The original version was just over $300 USD... the new 18v version in the kit is over $500.

[@hrundgren4352]

I have two of them, great but a little lacking in second gear in grunt. The lack of power is actually handy at times. Heads up for the new 18V CXS which is released in May 2023. Slimmer and lighter than the C18, brushless motor and significantly more power than the CXS. Larger than the CXS though.

[@TinkerWithTools]

That will be of interest for sure.

[@matthewwong7639]

Thank you for the heads up. You saved my from buying the old CXS. I already have 18v Festool batteries (from the cordless Tracksaw) and getting the new 18v version will save me on batteries and a charger. Thank you kind stranger.

[@nickgrant28]

Just to add to the comment on the new cxs 18 being released in May, they're also releasing the newer one in a 12v aswell 😉

[@hrundgren4352]

I did get one of each, replacing my older drills. The TXS 18 is supernice. The CXS 18 is very fine, and way nicer than the C18 but I think the new CXS 12 will be the best partner to the TXS 18 for me. Apparently it will use the existing 18V chargers. Battery is shorter but will fit the charger. Rpm on the new CXS is up to 1600/min. I look forward to the release.

[@hrundgren4352]

@@nickgrant28 Yes, saw that! Looks promisimg and it seems to use the 18V charger too! I did get the CXS 18 and the TXS 18. The TXS feels best out of the two and I look forward to the CXS 12 brushless.

[@tomhammond89]

What i feel like everyone misses about festool is how nice the centertec drill bits operate. It is a drill press precision alignment. And i wish everything would switch over to centertec. Snappy does make bits for them, but in the end i think festools bits are far better, and i don't mind the price. But i do wish they would make a more compact and powerful drill to stay competitive. Especially since Milwaukee has the high output batteries, which makes their 12volt feel like an 18volt.

[@TinkerWithTools]

The centertec system is nice, but even at my local festool retailer, the selection of bits that I can just drop in and pick up is limited. I can buy them online but even then the cost and the availability starts to add to the speed bumps to festool ownership. Maybe that's why you see people go with an all or nothing approach with Festool.

[@Griffinwoodworks]

Yes. Drink the green kool aid. It’s delicious. 😂 Seriously, you’re absolutely right, any Festool tool isn’t about power, it’s about finesse and finish.

[@TinkerWithTools]

They are really nice tools. They just have a different mission than “more power!” But this one needs an update.

[@Griffinwoodworks]

@@TinkerWithTools yes it does. I got a Bosch 1617 router for Christmas and they could update those as well. It doesn’t even have any leds lol.

[@AaronGeller]

@@TinkerWithTools is not the C18 the updated version?

[@chrisfyfe9212]

Craftsmanship wise , to put it mildly , I’m pragmatic , and tend to build stuff , using the Brick Shithouse model !

[@TinkerWithTools]

@@AaronGeller I guess I was looking more for another 12v size version but I hadn’t thought of it that way.

[@dfs7979]

So I have been on a Festool kick for a while now. I started with the new CT MIDI vac and was so impressed with the fact that dust doesn't get everywhere in the bin like other vacs. I do own the new TPC drill and TID impact and really enjoy using them. That said, I would not invest in a CXS / TXS until they are updated to be brushless. I had the M12 installation driver for a while but I couldn't get over the forward/reverse switch placement and it also felt very front heavy with the attachments installed. I ran the Bosch for a while and while it is much better than the Milwaukee I still don't like the fat grip. I'm now using the DeWalt as my daily drill/driver. I was even able to fit the Centrotech chuck on it so that I can share bits with my TPC. All that said, the DeWalt does still lack some refinement. I'm fairly certain that when there is a TXS refresh I will make the switch. Also, while I do understand and appreciate the benefits of Centrotec, someone needs to make a standard quick change hex chuck for Festool drills. The Bosch has the best one of the lot as it is slim and lightweight.

[@TinkerWithTools]

The TPC and TID are on my list to get in the next few months.

[@AaronGeller]

Why is the brushed motor a deal breaker for you?

[@TinkerWithTools]

@@AaronGeller more than the fact that it’s a brushed motor vs a brushless motor, its the fact that the brushless motor is representative of an older tool. The competition I showcased in the video have all passed it up in speed and power and do so at sometimes half the cost. As a value proposition it’s harder and harder to make a case for the CXS in 2023. Still love the drill. Spent the day using it today but also trying to provide a complete picture for those that might be considering buying it.

[@dfs7979]

@@AaronGeller Because I'd prefer to use it as a daily driver. Now that most new 12v tools have brushless motors they are are powerful enough to be used for 90% of what I do. The current TXS / CXS might get me about 50 to 60%. The other thing is the angle adapter is really odd. My hope would be that a redesign would allow for use of the new angle adapter I have with my TPC. Finally, it's lacking the offset adapter which is one that I use quite often on the DeWalt.

[@AaronGeller]

@@TinkerWithTools so I spent a lot of time researching the CXS (your video was helpful, thank you by the way) and one thing I learned is that the brushed motor seems to provide better torque at the lower RPMs than the brushless would - kind of how a diesel engine provides more torque at lower RPMs. It definitely is an older tool where basically only the battery has been updated. For most long time users, they don’t really see how the drill would be better as it does exactly what it’s designed for. They created a more powerful drill in the same form factor with all the new updates and people STILL prefer the CXS. I own and operate a full time portrait studio and I use a camera from 2010… in 2023. Why? It literally does everything it needs to do (it could use 16 instead of 12 megapixels) and the newer cameras really only offer more megapixels but for making the sizes that we do, it’s not necessary to have more than 12 megapixels about 95% of the time.

[@jasonclark5484]

Pleae do a review of the NEW CXS 12 that comes out on Sep 6th and compare it to the old one and the Milwaukee. Thanks

[@TinkerWithTools]

I’ll see what I can do.

[@jasonclark5484]

I just saw your Intro video for the new CXS12, Thank you and really looking forward to the comparison video. Keep the the great work.@@TinkerWithTools

[@JoeDeGuidopastorforchrist]

So the CXS is great in its category. It’s an installation driver. Meaning that this is great for a handyman or maintenance worker. I love it.

[@CliftonSteinberg-dw5rn]

I just came across a video showing a brand new updated 12v CXS! Anyone seen or heard about this?

[@TinkerWithTools]

I have seen the new 18v CXS with a similar form factor just bigger. Is that what you were seeing? It’s out now just a little $$$ for my current budget.

[@bdm1000]

I really don't even see the use of these small light duty drill/drivers for MOST people who are using these things for light assembly work such as cabinets and bookshelves (which is why most people use the Festool CXS). My 20v Dewalt DCF887 impact driver, for example, has a "precision drive" setting specifically for this kind of work, and for all practical purposes, it's just as light and "compact" and has a right angle attachment (DWARA60). You can also certainly drill with it and it's on the same platform as my other 20v and 60v tools. I think the only advantage to having a 12v drill/driver over an impact driver is when you need to have two drill/drivers so you're not constantly going back and forth between drilling pilot holes and driving screws. Most of the time I am predrilling all my holes before driving screws, however, so that doesn't matter to me.

[@prspastor]

Yeah, I get that for sure. For me, I like Makita’s sub-compact drill for the fine work I do in fine furniture making. It’s light, ergonomic, and easy to control when drilling small holes when attaching tabletops, etc.

[@OCREPIPES]

Thank you for review! How you tried to put the Dewalt Hex head on the Festool? Might need some modification I assume, but more importantly is the shaft the same diameter?

[@TinkerWithTools]

I haven’t tried modifying bits but standard quarter inch bits will not work on the centrotec. You have to use the magnetic bit holder that is include.

[@harlanborders943]

Try a 4 on the m12 fuel install tool. Makes it a different tool in my experience think it’s better than the 6

[@TinkerWithTools]

I agree. Went with 2 ah batteries in this video because that was the most comparable in this video.

[@dfs7979]

IMO once you move away from the 2.0 M12 batteries you start to give up the compact / light weight benefits of a 12v platform. At that point why not just have an 18v tool.

[@glenarseneau4796]

Can we get a review on the new CAT power tools

[@TinkerWithTools]

I don’t have them currently. I can put them on my list but there are other tools that rank higher on my list of future purchases at the moment.

[@milleradam98]

Off topic of the video, but what's your thoughts on the new DeWalt dcf845? It's seems to be getting hype but my opinion the specs aren't mind-blowing. Also been hearing a lot of noise about the new CAT tools, but again specs are even more underwhelming. Would you consider testing the cat hammer drill? I think it's only rated at 700 inch-lb, maybe I'm missing something but *yawn*

[@TinkerWithTools]

For the DCF845, I think it will be the best performing impact but I don't think they were looking to try and steal the crown from Milauwkee or Flex. I could be wrong. I have been really impressed with the impact wrenches and even the drivers they have released recently. As for CAT, I don't have any immediate plans to test them. They will likely make their way to the channel in the future. But they aren't super impressive specs, they aren't readily available in stores, and I seriously doubt how many would be interested in them on the channel. If I start to see more interest, then perhaps I would expedite it.

[@milleradam98]

@@TinkerWithTools I was more curious about the CAT than anything, I seen a few other channels making a big deal about them and couldn't understand why

[@TinkerWithTools]

@@milleradam98 which channels if you don’t mind me asking?

[@milleradam98]

@@TinkerWithTools vcg construction joined with tool review zone yesterday with a big episode, they mostly talked about CAT battery tech, which is cool but in my opinion if the tools don't stack up to the battery tech then who cares? But on the flip side I haven't seen them tested which is why I asked you about it. Then mastering mayhem talks about them alot. Actually mastering mayhem put out a video this morning putting up damn near every impact driver you can name against the Milwaukee gen 4, it beat everything but the flex (tie), but that CAT impact from what I seen came in 3rd or 4th, obviously that's not scientific just eyeballing, it was respectable. Makes me wonder about the hammer drill

[@iangregoryhome]

Why are you demonstrating driving screws in drill mode!?

[@TinkerWithTools]

When trying to showcase the power has it compares to the other tools, it makes sure the clutch isn't a factor in that.

[@kevinklepp5894]

I think there great quality tools they are well made kind of like Bosch wood working tools still very quality

[@TinkerWithTools]

It’s a very nice tool. Just not going to be a powerhouse. I will still enjoy using it just only for certain tasks.

[@chuckgrumble5440]

i have a bosch flexclik and its pretty good but prefer the cxs and if you ever grip one in person you will see. its like a velveeta covered handshake

[@zanechristenson3436]

No, the answer is no lol. 600 dollars realistically… as why would you not get the bits. I think charging that price and not updating it to brushless is to disregard your customers and know they will buy it just to have that festool brand name on it. What amount of control do you need when drilling or driving? A quarter turn at a time? Or does it wax screws for you to prevent splitting lol. Praising it for control begins to look like a reaching defense for a slow underpowered tool. This is a particular pet peeve of mine with high end brands… if you’re going to have that esteem and charge that money, then charge your 600 but offer the tool that has the most power and control in this category. Not to mention it and the other being the only tools that use the batteries. A question though: what amount of benefit does having a low runout driver bit offer? I can get behind the drill bits to a certain point for cabinetry the other is mildly confusing as you are basically splined to fastener so the center is the center

[@TinkerWithTools]

To you point, i think for most people, most drills are going to be precise enough. There is something about festool products that are just nice to use, I will give them that. This one in 2013 or whenever it came out was very nice to use, with time, there are no products that are reasonably close on precision but far more powerful!

[@chuckgrumble5440]

i thought the same until i tried one.

[@zanechristenson3436]

@@chuckgrumble5440 I’m not against “overpriced” tools by any stretch. I own multiple starrett rules that cost me more than most common folks would pay for a lifetime of measuring tools lol. But I’m okay with those as they are truly of exceptional quality and accuracy. The big issue here is the lack of updating, leaving very very easily accessible power, performance, and durability via less heat on the table. It is as easy as using a different mass produced dc motor and you will lose zero of the quality you enjoy. That’s all.

[@chuckgrumble5440]

@@zanechristenson3436 they are updating it and it will be here in the US this year. The only drawback is its not as quiet.

[@chrisfyfe9212]

No , too underpowered. , I go with Milwaukee installation driver . BTW , I have owned one ( gave it to a Woodworking Geek / movie set dresser !

[@chuckgrumble5440]

id rather use my makita 18v than milwaukee installation driver due to button on top and it flops around like a dolphin

[@chrisfyfe9212]

@@chuckgrumble5440 Where I live , Makita isn’t as frequently stocked as other makes , I go back a long way back with them ( 7.2 and 9.6 NiCad days ) . Anyway , I prefer to stick with readily available , broad lines .( I used to be in battery / charger hell , what with owning stuff of various makes . ) . Milwaukee is well supported , easy to find , and like the Old Lee Enfield , good enuff . Not a Dewalt fan , want to keep battery/ charger systems as simple as possible , so basically my best option .

[@exigauner]

In august comes there new txs and cxs 12 brushless drills in Germany, with new 12v battery system and new 12v Tools. In USA maybe 6 months later👍

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks for passing that info on

[@bread-gz3rl]

There's a CSX In my woodshop class, 18v blue ryobi drills have more power lmao

[@AaronGeller]

10v vs 18v, well of course. The C18 is the updated version of the CXS with 18v

[@charleselkins4546]

@@AaronGeller Unfortunately you bring up a Festool product that may be truly overpriced. The significantly larger C18 with 2 batteries and the three chucks is priced at $555 as of January 4, 2023. It is hard to justify this cost when many fine Milwaukee, Makita, or Dewalt drills which are arguably better cost a fraction of this amount.

[@AaronGeller]

@@charleselkins4546 I don't know how it can be overpriced... it might be more so that you don't see the value in it for the price. Many people don't see why they should spend more than $50-$60 on a drill and they think Milwaukee, Makita, or Dewalt drills are overpriced.

[@iamthenotbenamed365]

in terms of OVER-PRICING FESTOOL (made in GERMANIA) is Comparable to WOODPECKERS (made in AMERICA), some-thing 'you-AMERICANS' know to Appreciate ...

[@riba2233]

I think all of their tools are overpriced. I know that their system has some advantages, but they mean nothing if the tools themselves are not powerful enough, which they are certainly not. Also the whole cult thing is a bit off-putting. And I have to say that I cannot believe that Makita still doesn't have the installation driver in their cxt line, but I think I saw some patents

[@TinkerWithTools]

I only have a random orbit sander and this tool. Both are very nice and the sander works better than other sanders I have tried. This tool is old and it shows but it’s still nice to use. As for CXT, Makita should do more with the whole lineup but they seem content to leave it as is.

[@AaronGeller]

What do you mean by “overpriced”? What about them is overpriced?

[@riba2233]

@@AaronGeller idk, the price? It is a fact that they are overpriced, especially their battery tools which suck if we are honest

[@AaronGeller]

@@riba2233 have you ever owned festool tools? I asked what makes them overpriced and answering “price” doesn’t make any sense. Everything which can be bought has a price but not everything with a price is considered “overpriced.” So what about them makes them overpriced? I own their cordless track-saw and I really like it. Many tools brands have their own following and many of those people can be quite zealous but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t give different brands a look. I own 8 Festool tools along with Ridgid tools and I do over all really like the Festool line. I figure if they last me at least 10 years, the cost difference isn’t very much especially if all the extras add up and compound over time.

[@AaronGeller]

Actually 12 of their tools. I miscounted. Some of them, yes, I do think they’re overpriced because of several factors: material and design. Their systainer boxes should be cheaper as it’s basically a plastic box that interlocks with others. Their MFT table probably should be $100 cheaper. Some of the accessories should have been included. So I never said some of their tools or accessories are overpriced in the sense that they could be a little cheaper since very little R&D went into them, low amount of human labor involved, and cost of material. That being said, I probably spend $40 a month on apple cider which I enjoy and I also spend $65-$100 a month on eating out. So I’m going to spend my money somewhere. What I can say is that for the most part, Festool tools are built well and they offer a 3 year warranty and a 30 day return policy. Most people who are festool fans used to be festool haters. I never saw myself as into festool until I got their track saw. It was only about $200 more than Makita and I thought “oh what the heck, why not spring for it?”

[@petermacander5039]

There is NO Festool tool or accessory really worth its outrageous price.

[@EditioCastigata]

Festool has not been the rational choice for me for anything really. And a proprietary system that doesn't lead other than in worst price - hard pass.

[@charleselkins4546]

You can't get a Domino joiner, which can easily produce permanent or with the domino connectors knock-down joints, or an LR 32 line boring system anywhere else. Can a very useful tool be overpriced? Maybe, but those two Festool products are not.

[@EditioCastigata]

@@charleselkins4546 I have a jig for my router to produce holes domino-style inserts.

[@AaronGeller]

@@EditioCastigata one certainly doesn’t need the festool domino to make a floating tenon, but it does speed up production with less setup.

[@EditioCastigata]

@@AaronGeller Thanks. I am not interested in buying any tools from Festool.

[@AaronGeller]

@@EditioCastigata that’s cool 😎

[@RonKillian]

Sorry, but how is this a good test? The festool is 10 volts, all the rest are 12-18 volts. You can also not judge performance compared to all the others, it is not a con. Not apples to oranges. I have the CXS and love it, but I have proper expectations. You also can not compare price. Also, talking like Festool might not be around? Geez. Need some knowledge about FT before doing a video like this.

[@TinkerWithTools]

All of the tools in the video are of the same voltage. Festool rates the CXS by its nominal voltage, not the max, like the other brands. Strangely enough, the new CXS 12 is advertised as a 12v tool but on the tool itself still lists the same nominal voltage. At the end of the day, if you are happy with the CXS, then great. But power does matter to some and it's one of the factors that I felt was important in considering buying that tool in 2023. But luckily Festool has made us both happy by introducing their new 12v lineup with the promise of more tools in the future.

[@ognyandimitrov1379]

no