C18 wobbly drive

[archijohn]

I just purchased a new C18.  When its functions were being explained in the store, the salesperson noticed that the bit holder in the Centrotec chuck wobbled.  He switched it out with a new one from the sales floor and it lessened the movement.  However, I'm still concerned if it isn't in the drive mechanism and maybe not being properly balanced.

I'm a novice with power tools, but when I save up for a tool, I try to get the best quality I can.

Should I be concerned about the C18 I have?

 

[ScotF]

If in doubt, take it back and exchange it - I have a C18 and I do not have any wobble.

 

[AlexThePalex]

This is normal, it is not the drive shaft that wobbles, but the bit in the shaft has a minute amount of play, this is by design.

 

[Birdhunter]

If this was my drill, I’d verify the drive shaft did not have any wobble (run out). I have 5 Festool drills and none of them have any observable run out. If I use the bit holder with the magnet in the bottom, I do see some wobble. The slight wobble has never affected usage. I have a couple of small Bosch drills and their bit holders also have some  slight wobble.

 

[RKA]

Alex is right, it’s just the bitholder.  You’ll notice there is side to side play in that bit when it’s seated in the bit holder.  Spin it, note the amount of wobble, shift the bit and spin it again and you’ll see a change in the amount of wobble.  That’s normal.

Regardless, get a large centrotec brad point bit, put it in the drill and you’ll notice a very different result.  Any perceived runout will just be the light reflecting off the machined facets on the center point.  You should be able to put the center point into wood (not the spurs at the edge of the bit) and detect zero wobble in the drill as you spin it.

 

[archijohn]

Thanks everyone for your responses.  I put in an extended length drill bit into the keyless chuck attachment and there was no visual wobble.

Greatly appreciate all your feedback and suggestions.

Thanks again - Archijohn