Festool hammer drill...thoughts?

Has anybody used this thing? Thoughts? Holes per a battery in granite? It looks awesome!

https://www.shopfestool.com/cordless-hammerdrill-bhc-18-li-basic-574724/

EDIT: I am not looking for advice on other drills. I already have a drill and I am just wanting to hear about personal experience with the festool hammer drill after seeing some people using one on a large variety of rock types

Um, what looks awesome about it?

Compare to Bosch, Milwaukee options.....that are far cheaper.

I rock a 20V brushless Dewalt that you can get around $250 with 2 4ah lithium batteries.

I have a new Bosch 18v bulldog. I just drilled 41 3/8 x 4" holes in bullet granite on one battery. The 41st was as strong as the first, it shut down on #42.

It's not particularly cheap, I threw down about $400 for the tool, two batts, and charger. The brushless motor is a game changer. It's worth the $ to me as I have more uses for it than just placing climbing bolts.

Harumpfster Boondoggle wrote: Um, what looks awesome about it?

Compare to Bosch, Milwaukee options.....that are far cheaper.

I rock a 20V brushless Dewalt that you can get around $250 with 2 4ah lithium batteries.

comparable size to the Bosch 18v compact but more powerful 

Scott E wrote:

comparable size to the Bosch 18v compact but more powerful 

Slightly lighter than the Bosch but not more powerful. Smaller battery capacity (5.2 vs 6.3 Ah) and impact energy (1.33 ft/lb vs 1.9 for the Bosch). In my experience the impact energy is what matters since batteries now that high capacity batteries are getting super cheap (the 6.3 Ah Bosch can be found for $50).

For reference, I just drilled 18 1/2" x 4-1/2" holes in solid limestone with the Bosch and the battery was showing 3 out of its 5 lights. 

Boissal . wrote:

Slightly lighter than the Bosch but not more powerful. Smaller battery capacity (5.2 vs 6.3 Ah) and impact energy (1.33 ft/lb vs 1.9 for the Bosch). In my experience the impact energy is what matters since batteries now that high capacity batteries are getting super cheap (the 6.3 Ah Bosch can be found for $50).

For reference, I just drilled 18 1/2" x 4-1/2" holes in solid limestone with the Bosch and the battery was showing 3 out of its 5 lights. 

This is the bosch compact 18v that I am referring to. It has 0.7 ft-lbs of impact energy. I already have a 36v bosch for rap bolting sport crags. I am in the market  for something very compact for an international trip with big approaches.  https://www.cpooutlets.com/bosch-rhs181bl-18v-cordless-lithium-ion-compact-sds-plus-rotary-hammer--tool-only--with-l-boxx-2-and-exact-fit-insert/bshnrhs181bl,default,pd.html

Festool has great wood working tools, but aside from that I have not been impressed with their other equipment.

Scott E wrote:

This is the bosch compact 18v that I am referring to. It has 0.7 ft-lbs of impact energy. I already have a 36v bosch. Just looking for something very compact for an international trip with big approaches.  https://www.cpooutlets.com/bosch-rhs181bl-18v-cordless-lithium-ion-compact-sds-plus-rotary-hammer--tool-only--with-l-boxx-2-and-exact-fit-insert/bshnrhs181bl,default,pd.html

If that 1.33 ft-lbs of impact is real then yes, much more powerful in a very compact package.

After that, just not familiar with the maker....?

(sorry to put you through this but if you had stated all specs it would have saved everyone some time and energy).

Harumpfster Boondoggle wrote: (sorry to put you through this but if you had stated all specs it would have saved everyone some time and energy).

Just looking for a first hand opinion on the Festool. Not advice on other drills 

Scott E wrote:

This is the bosch compact 18v that I am referring to. It has 0.7 ft-lbs of impact energy. I already have a 36v bosch for rap bolting sport crags. I am in the market  for something very compact for an international trip with big approaches.  https://www.cpooutlets.com/bosch-rhs181bl-18v-cordless-lithium-ion-compact-sds-plus-rotary-hammer--tool-only--with-l-boxx-2-and-exact-fit-insert/bshnrhs181bl,default,pd.html

Sorry, thought you were referring to the older "compact" Bosch which is the 36V workhorse everyone has worked with for years. Comparing to the model Bruno-CX posted about (the one I have) the weight difference of the body isn't that significant but the Festool looks more smaller. Guess it comes down to room in the pack and battery weight. And the type of rock you're drilling on your trip. The little Bosch works well enough in limestone and soft volcanic choss... 

Festool is primo by any standard, but you have to pay for it. I have about 8-10 festool power tools and I would never consider taking one up on a wall. They're way too nice, and far too expensive to get epoxy on, or to get slammed into the wall on accident. If you got it though, f it. Let us know how much better it is.

caughtinside wrote:

He asked if anyone had used it.  If you're interested in saving time and energy, consider posting less.

He asked for "thoughts" and he got them.

If he wants thoughts from experienced drillers then the best way to do it is to post the specs instead of making others dig for them.

If you dont like it, then read less. Oh wait you already do....;p.

Scott E wrote:

This is the bosch compact 18v that I am referring to. It has 0.7 ft-lbs of impact energy. I already have a 36v bosch for rap bolting sport crags. I am in the market  for something very compact for an international trip with big approaches.  https://www.cpooutlets.com/bosch-rhs181bl-18v-cordless-lithium-ion-compact-sds-plus-rotary-hammer--tool-only--with-l-boxx-2-and-exact-fit-insert/bshnrhs181bl,default,pd.html

That bosch is micro sized, both in weight and power. It's only 3lb 8oz. Actually the festool compares much closer to the bulldog GBH18V 

The festool is 5lb 11oz

The Bosch bulldog 18v clocks in at 6 lb 5oz

Remember you can get the bulldog with a battery for $300 from CPO or others. Replacement batteries are cheap.
Festool batteries run $100 a pop. You also have the charger to account for. You're looking at well over double the money to get into the festool at the end of the day. You're saving 10 ounces and getting less power.

A general comment on festool, they do a few things really well and get a lot of hype for it with a rabid fan base of weirdos. Go festool if you're looking at dust collection, fast/easy floating tenons (domino, awesome idea), sanders with better dust collection and less vibration into your hands. Other than that in their product line things are vastly overpriced and honestly not any better quality than contractor grade from the big yellow brand or bosch. Take the kapex miter saw, double the cost of everything comparable, the handle design leads to carpal tunnel issues and the motors shit out in less than a year if used by an actual professional.  

Makes sense that the weight would have to be up there to deliver more power.  Fundamentally the weight of the drill factors into energy delivered by the hammer.

I've used the compact Bosch and the lack of power is noticeable but the weight can't really be beat though there are fans of both mikita and Milwaukee options that are similar weight. 

Nick Drake wrote: A general comment on festool, they do a few things really well and get a lot of hype for it with a rabid fan base of weirdos. Go festool if you're looking at dust collection, fast/easy floating tenons (domino, awesome idea), sanders with better dust collection and less vibration into your hands. Other than that in their product line things are vastly overpriced and honestly not any better quality than contractor grade from the big yellow brand or bosch. Take the kapex miter saw, double the cost of everything comparable, the handle design leads to carpal tunnel issues and the motors shit out in less than a year if used by an actual professional.  

The miter saw is amazing. I've been using mine for about 5 years. Works like new, and lives in my work van, not in a shop. Best miter saw I've ever used. But, you may be right. Ive used the impact and drill set, and i prefer my 18v Bosch, considering the price difference. All that said, I've never once regretted buying a festool.

I bought it for work years ago and was stoked on how light it was, it’s ergonomics, it’s battery life, power and the fact the kit came with two and a charger.  It worked really well but it’s expensive.  There’s a reason I don’t own one personally and am a firm believer in Makita.

sean burke wrote: I bought it for work years ago and was stoked on how light it was, it’s ergonomics, it’s battery life, power and the fact the kit came with two and a charger.  It worked really well but it’s expensive.  There’s a reason I don’t own one personally and am a firm believer in Makita.

Go on. There's weirdos out here that need to know more.

https://www.cpomilwaukee.com/milwaukee-2416-22xc-m12-fuel-lithium-ion-5-8-in--sds-plus-rotary-hammer-kit-with-2-xc-batteries/miln2416-22xc,default,pd.html

My official position on the subject. Wait for a good deal on that set. It's been an unbelievable performer. The batteries blow my mind. Never killed the 6Ah in a day, and get about 10-14, 4+" holes with the 4Ah. But, I'm also in sandstone. I'd be willing to bet though that it could be used with similarly good results in granite. The motor, or striking geometry is perfected it seems.

I'd consider festool when someone starts paying me to use it out there.

Ive had the same Festool drill in question for three years now Scott E...PM me and I'll get you my phone # if you prefer a conversation to a circling jerk fest. Basically it is high quality...more expensive...and doesn't hit as hard as other drills. It has performed flawlessly over the past three years. Approaching 500 holes drilled I'd reckon.  Getting 14x 5 inch deep  1/2" diameter holes in granite per charge. 20 3/8 4" deep holes in granite. Hasn't changed despite dozens upon dozens of charges. Batteries charge rapidly. Drill with single battery attached weighs about 5.5 lbs. I couldn't be happier with it.

Some people prefer BMW to Chevrolet. They both drill holes. I drive a Ford Ranger so I can drill with a Festool.

I named it the Wildekaiser.

bheller wrote:

Ive had the same Festool drill in question for three years now Scott E...PM me and I'll get you my phone # if you prefer a conversation to a circling jerk fest. Basically it is high quality...more expensive...and doesn't hit as hard as other drills. It has performed flawlessly over the past three years. Approaching 500 holes drilled I'd reckon.  Getting 14x 5 inch deep  1/2" diameter holes in granite per charge. 20 3/8 4" deep holes in granite. Hasn't changed despite dozens upon dozens of charges. Batteries charge rapidly. Drill with single battery attached weighs about 5.5 lbs. I couldn't be happier with it.

Some people prefer BMW to Chevrolet. They both drill holes. I drive a Ford Ranger so I can drill with a Festool.

I named it the Wildekaiser.

So my question is where are all these granite routes going up?

bus driver wrote:

So my question is where are all these granite routes going up?

Exactly what I was wondering...

And if you want a lighter drill, whats wrong with the M12? Just curious.