Festool’s Cordless Angle Grinder Tackles Tough Remodeling Jobs
The Festool AGC 18 is an angle grinder that joins the ranks of Festool’s cordless 18V solutions. The word is that Festool has designed the new grinder to be durable, versatile, and easy to use.
10-Second Summary
- Model Number: AGC 18
- 100% encased brushless motor sealed off from dirt and debris
- Keyless arbor nut and guard change
- Variable speed settings: 4500-8500 RPM
- Soft start-up
- Ergonomic design with minimal vibration
- Price: $375 (bare tool); $625 (kit)
What They Say About the Festool AGC 18
“Professional remodelers tackle tough jobs and need a grinder that can hold up under the harshest conditions. The AGC’s rugged motor casement combined with time-saving and convenient features – such as the unique battery position for quick-cutoff operations — means the work flows smoother with better results, thanks to this versatile tool.”
—Rick Bush, Vice President of Marketing for Festool
What’s the Big Deal?
Festool has been known for its precision engineering and high-quality workmanship, and it looks like the AGC 18 cordless angle grinder will carry on that tradition. It features a brushless motor that Festool has enclosed for better dust resistance. There’s a variable speed dial that lets you push the motor anywhere between 4500 and 8500 RPM.
The design also points toward an emphasis on comfortability and ease-of-use. Festool starts by giving the AGC 18 a battery position that keeps it out of the way in tighter spots.
Festool also tells us that the tool will run smoothly with minimal vibrations.
It even includes a tool-free arbor nut for quick and easy blade changes, as well as a guard that can be removed without tools.
Additional Features
- Soft start-up
- Electronic overload protection
- Restart protection
- Motor brake
Pricing
You can purchase the Festool AGC 18 in a few different configurations. The basic setup – which includes the tool, the Systainer case, a guard, and an auxiliary handle – will run you $375.
The more comprehensive setup that includes two 5.2Ah batteries and a rapid charger, as well as all the aforementioned accessories, will retail for $625. Either option includes Festool’s 3-2-1 program: a 3-year limited warranty on the tool, 2-day standard repair time, and a 1-month money-back guarantee.
A Few Thoughts
Festool is well-known for its high-quality and precision woodworking tools and they have a handful of general construction tools as well. It looks like the product development team is getting serious about expanding in the GC category.
What’s unique about the Festool cordless angle grinder is the relationship between its handle and the grinder head. It’s been turned 90º, putting its most familiar grip in a position for vertical cutting and grinding rather than horizontal.
We love the tool-free arbor nut. It reminds us of Hilti’s Kwik Lock version but with a pivoting tab that helps you get some extra leverage. You still get a spanner wrench in case it gets overtightened. It might not be as fool-proof as Bosch’s X-Lock system, but it’s a nice upgrade nonetheless.
We’re anxious to get our hands on it see how well Festool’s ergonomics play out under load along with their vibration reduction. Any initial thoughts? Feel free to share them in the comments below!
