CXS centrotec wobble

[zafunk]

I bought a CXS on Friday for work - I'm a cabinet installer. I really liked the size, weight and features of the CXS, so it wasn't a hard decision to make. Unfortunately, anything plugged into the centrotec chuck wobbles! I took it back to Lee Valley in the hopes of exchanging for a new one, but they were out of stock. I went over my problems with the sales person who agreed that there was a noticeable wobble. We had a look at the showroom/demonstration drill and the wobbling was worse. I decided to return the drill and accessories (a 5 mil centrotec bit and Centrotec Quick Release Bit Holder).

I headed over to KMS tools, another Festool dealer. They only had one CXS in the store. It too had the same problem. The rep there found that taking the bit out, turning it, then re-seating it in the chuck would increase or decrease the wobble, but it never totally went away. We tried different bits, but the results were the same.

Have I just hit a bad run of tools, or is this a common problem with the CXS? I really love the package and the price is right, but it's completely useless if it can't run true. I didn't notice a problem with the right angle driver or the Jacobs chuck, only the centrotec and centrotec accessories.

 

[nclemmons]

I get no wobble with my CXS - that is noticeable to me anyway.

neil

 

[Davej]

My cxs is spot on , no wobble at all , maybe theres a rogue batch

 

[Brice Burrell]

First, welcome to the FOG!  My CXS is good too.  It is one from the first batch at release.  I suppose there could be more runout in recent models.  I do find it hard to believe Festool would allow a whole batch of drills to make to market with excessive runout, to the point of being useless.  My guess is your useless comment isn't meant as literal??  Do you use the drill to confirm that is was indeed useless?  There would have to be an absurd amount of runout for it to be useless.

I understand if you aren't comfortable buying a tool that doesn't meet your standards.  However, I'm trying to figure out how bad the problem really is.      

 

[zafunk]

Yup, I drove a few screws with the drill and it shakes due to the wobble. The sales gut at KMS held a bit against a hard surface and ran the drill. It too shook while in operation. Maybe I'm too fussy, but this - to me - is unacceptable in any drill/driver. I've used Makita's over the years and never experienced this sort of problem.

Both the Lee Valley and KMS reps. agreed that it didn't seem normal. At KMS, we tried another centrotec chuck from a T15. Same result.
The KMS rep. said he's talk to Festool and call me when they get new stock... and hopefully an answer.

As an installer, I use a drill all day long. I wanted too love this drill. The size, weight, features were all perfect. The reason I bit the bullet on Friday is because the switch on my Makita broke. Figured that now is the time to take the plunge. My plan was to fix the Makita and keep it on hand for heavier drilling and use the CXS for lighter duty chores. I'm actually pretty bummed that it didn't work out. I've wanted this drill for a while.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Yup, I drove a few screws with the drill and it shakes due to the wobble. The sales gut at KMS held a bit against a hard surface and ran the drill. It too shook while in operation. Maybe I'm too fussy, but this - to me - is unacceptable in any drill/driver. I've used Makita's over the years and never experienced this sort of problem.

Both the Lee Valley and KMS reps. agreed that it didn't seem normal. At KMS, we tried another centrotec chuck from a T15. Same result.
The KMS rep. said he's talk to Festool and call me when they get new stock... and hopefully an answer.

As an installer, I use a drill all day long. I wanted too love this drill. The size, weight, features were all perfect. The reason I bit the bullet on Friday is because the switch on my Makita broke. Figured that now is the time to take the plunge. My plan was to fix the Makita and keep it on hand for heavier drilling and use the CXS for lighter duty chores. I'm actually pretty bummed that it didn't work out. I've wanted this drill for a while.

Did you try those bits in the T15?

 

[zafunk]

Did you try those bits in the T15?

No. The Centrotec bits I bought with the drill had been returned to Lee Valley at the same time as the drill. I'll have to wait and see if KMS calls me back.

 

[No Clue]

I just ran across this post and I wanted to chime in here. I returned a TI15 a couple of weeks ago for the exact same reason. I took it back to the store and the other two they had in stock both had the same issue. My sales guy called Festool and this was apparently the first time they had heard of the issue. He ordered some more drills and said he would call me if they were ok.
Like another poster said, I like everything about this drill and was really looking forward to it. I have an old Dewalt that is steady as a rock but I really like the feel of the Festool drill and the accessories that come with it. So I am pretty bummed and thought about trying to live with it but decided not to.
I don't think I am too picky but was really surprised to see this apparent defect in a festool. All of my others are nearly perfect.

 

[fritter63]

I posted a couple vids of this wobble when I got my CXS . I was told I was seeing things....

Unfortunately I've deleted the vids

 

[zafunk]

Just to follow up. I've been through two other drills since I started this post (A Makita and Bosch). I didn't like either for various reasons, so I revisited Festool. This time I bought a C15. Had it a week now and I can confidently say that it's a keeper. I've ordered the installer's set to compliment it.

I hope to revisit the CXS in the new year as I would really like a lighter/smaller drill.

Now Festool, why can't you make Centrotec drill bit holders in imperial sizes like the metric ones? I really find it hard to believe there isn't enough demand to make it viable.

 

[fesfrank]

I have this same problem with my older c12 ni cd drill.  I have had it for three years now and just started to notice it about a year ago.  It has fallen several times and I accounted it to that.  unless I just havent noticed it.  I have to check but I believe it only wobbles with the centrotec chuck. 

 

[ScotF]

Just to follow up. I've been through two other drills since I started this post (A Makita and Bosch). I didn't like either for various reasons, so I revisited Festool. This time I bought a C15. Had it a week now and I can confidently say that it's a keeper. I've ordered the installer's set to compliment it.

I hope to revisit the CXS in the new year as I would really like a lighter/smaller drill.

Now Festool, why can't you make Centrotec drill bit holders in imperial sizes like the metric ones? I really find it hard to believe there isn't enough demand to make it viable.

Glad you found a drill that is working for you and thanks for the updated post.  I have thought about adding a CXS to my line up but have not pulled the trigger. 

Scot

 

[jlyons]

My CXS is good.  I would recommend it for sure for cabinet installs.  it would be perfect.