Domino XL 700 slowing down and stopping

[darylo]

Hi,
I have purchased a Domino XL and it is effectively unusable. I have been using it on walnut plunging 70mm and on its first use from new I succeeded in making 8 mortices out of 40 required. It was hooked up to a dust extractor at all times and extraction was running effectively. At this point the domino simply ground slowly to a halt 15mm into the 9th. I felt the motor and it was not running hot, I disconnected the power and checked that the chisel was moving freely (it was). I left the unit disconnected for about 15mins and tried again and it seemed to be OK but I only got 10mm further.

I then moved onto other things and it was 5 days later that I came back to it and this time all was good for 3 further mortices before things repeated.

Now before you suggest simply bringing it back to the retailer, it is not that simple. I purchased it in the UK and brought it to the UAE where I live (there is no local distributor/service centre from what I can find). So I would like to determine if there is something I can do / try before shipping it 3500miles back to the UK.

Is there a set of conditions under which the XL 700 should behave in this way? Could it just be poor brushes? If so can I replace them myself?

I have a table I confidently committed to building for Christmas and it is proving to be a bit of an inflexible deadline!

Cheers,
Daryl

 

[greg mann]

Is the plug-it cord securely in place? On a new tool they can be deceptively stiff. The collar needs about a quarter turn rotation after insertion. You may be experiencing a poor connection. Try removing and re-attaching a couple times to make sure it is fully engaged.

 

[darylo]

Hi Greg,
I am afraid not, it is one of the first things I checked and it is securely locked in place. I have been trying a number of things and each time I disconnect the power at the unit and reconnect. I also changed power outlet and checked other tools on the same power outlet and all was fine for them.

Currently it is running very slowly for about 15sec and then stops. If I toggle the power switch it restarts rotating immaculately and again runs for 15sec or so before stopping. I can repeat this perhaps indefinitely. There is no smell of burn or anything like that.

I also disconnected it from the power and left the power switch in the on position for 10mins or so and had no improvement.

With the chisel removed I have started it and when it stopped I tried hand turning the chisel arm to see if it would restart powered rotation but absolutely nothing.

Cheers,
Daryl

 

[ajones]

Both the domino's seem to be very reliable hardly any issues reported here. it could be any one of a number if issues

I doubt there is an alternative to sending it in to festool for repair

 

[Wooden Skye]

I would get on the phone with the service department, taking time over the phone to hopefully fix would be better than sending the 3500 miles.  It sounds like most of the things I would have thought of you tried.  The first time I used my DF500 domino, I didn't fully engage the on/off switch and it would briefly start and not run for any length of time. Chalked up to beginners error.

I know you mentioned trying other outlets and tools, but could those tools have a lower power draw than the domino and basically it is shorting out (shutting down as a precaution)? 

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Even though it doesn't seem likely, it sounds like its getting the wrong voltage. It doesn't seem to make sense if UAE is the same as UK power system, but the symptoms would be what I would expect if you were giving it 120 volts. You're not using a step-down tranny are you?

 

[darylo]

Hi,

I agree it sounds like the motor is operating on reduced voltage, were it battery powered I would be blaming it.
Power here is nominally identical to the UK 220-240V 50Hz, The UAE even uses the same sockets as the UK.

On the two occasions I have tried using it one was in a workshop and the second at home and they are on different parts of the power grid, both 220-240V. As I said on both occasions it worked fine initially.

Daryl

 

[Rick Christopherson]

If you've eliminated everything else, it unfortunately looks like a bad controller in the Domino. Make sure you've eliminated the vac as a possible cause.

Is the wall plug 2-prong or 3-prong? Domino is a 2-wire tool, but if it has a 3-prong plug, maybe something got miswired in the cord. That's a huge stretch, but just trying to think of everything before you have to send it back.

 

[dibnah]

Hi

My Domino did the same and also came from the UK
I know exactly how you feel and at one point I was contenplating sending my machine on a 12000 mile repair trip!
After an epic 10 month battle with Festool I managed to get it repaired.
This was the diagnosis, I hope it might be some help

On inspection item 10000427 - the PTC resistor, was found to have been pushed in too far making contact with the armature(most likely on assembly), resulting in a blown component. We will order a new part and complete assembly of the tool on receipt.

Cheers Dibnah

 

[ajones]

Well thats interesting,It may well be worth having a look and see if it is the same issue should be easy enough to spot. then the new part could be ordered.

 

[Monju123]

On the 9th mortise that I was cutting with my new 700, the motor cut off. If I turned the switch off and then on, it would run for three or four seconds. I contacted Fest service and they had me ship it in. They told me that the armature had to be replaced. It has worked fine in limited use since I got it back. I was disappointed in having the problem, but very pleased with Festool's handling of the problem.
I got a hat too.

 

[JeffS]

I have almost the exact same problem.  I live in Curacao and ordered my XL from Amazon.  On first use it shuts down all by itself.  I checked and rechecked all the usual suspects.  Does anyone know what part needs to be ordered to fix the problem (armature?).  To send it back for repairs and have it sent here again would likely cost 90% of a new one.  I also have an order for over 80 doors and windows that I was planning on using it for asap!

 

[Holmz]

...
To send it back for repairs and have it sent here again would likely cost 90% of a new one.
...

Unless it is out of warranty it  should only be a small amount for shipping each way.