DWC 18-4500 jamming

[aas]

Title says it all really - my new DWC 18-4500 is jamming, i.e. not returning to position so jamming in the compressed position, mainly when doing ceilings as dust gets into the mech - bad design!

I've had Makita cordless autofeed for over 10 years, needed to clean them out once a year or so due to a build up of dust (
I don't do a lot of drywall). Otherwise, after I did a little mod to them, they worked flawlessly.

I've already had to clean this out and lubricate it 3 times in 2 months. It's not the screw strips (currently have a stock of Senco), it jams even when there are no screw strips in it.

I got the Festool for the 'Auto' mode, which is very good. Also spins 500rpm faster than the Makita's.

Other problems - the AF55 (autofeed attachment), is just held in place by nylon sprubng loaded balls - this is rubbish. A couple of times the screw has not fully gone in for whatever reason, the AF55 snags on the screw as it is removed and detaches itself from the DWC, only stopped from crashing to the floor by the long screwdriver bit.

Also it feels heavy. I'm not sure whether to get the 2.6Ah battery to see if it is more useable like that, (add the 5.2Ah's to a basic kit for another tool), or cut my losses and try something else.

Anyone else with the same problems?

 

[neeleman]

In the past I have used a Senco DS 202, a Protool DWC 12-4000 and now have the Festool DWC 18-4500 version.
Mainly because of battery compatibility with other 18V machines and the automode which comes in quite handy.
I never had any problems with the design of the autofeed attachment.

I've also used it with the latest 18-2.6 Ah battery and that's more convenient to handle (like the 12-4000).
I find the 5.2 batteries from Festool to bulky/heavy compared to other manufacturers.
I mainly use them for the battery-hungry machines like the BHC and PSC.
But I like my drill/screwdrivers to be strong but lightweight if possible and use T 18-2.6 or CXS/TXS.

I should return the DWC to Festool and let them have a look at it.

 

[aas]

OK, I will do in a couple of weeks when I'm done with a bit of drywall I must do here.

I'll also go ahead and order the 2.6Ah battery to give it a go.

Have you had problems with the loose fitment of the AF55 onto the body of the DWC? I like the Makita solution with the wing nut that firmly tightens the autofeed onto the body.

 

[neeleman]

Yes the connection of the AF 55 to the body is a little loose. I think the plastic ball bearings are the cause.
But if they had used metal instead the AF 55 should come off more difficult.
And then it couldn't be swapped easily with the depth stop, which I never use BTW.
But I never had it come off even when a screw is jammed and you pull back the gun from ceiling/wall.

 

[aas]

OK, thanks for replying.

I was screwing a small piece of drywall to finish the corner of a ceiling, usually I use my electric lifter, but as it was small, I was holding it with one hand, DWC in the other, and it jams after one screw!.. so I gave the DWC a very small shake to free it up, and the AF55 detached from the DWC!.. not a great situation to be in!

I will get it back to Festool, I think there is a problem.

 

[Phil Beckley]

Title says it all really - my new DWC 18-4500 is jamming, i.e. not returning to position so jamming in the compressed position, mainly when doing ceilings as dust gets into the mech - bad design!

I've had Makita cordless autofeed for over 10 years, needed to clean them out once a year or so due to a build up of dust (
I don't do a lot of drywall). Otherwise, after I did a little mod to them, they worked flawlessly.

I've already had to clean this out and lubricate it 3 times in 2 months. It's not the screw strips (currently have a stock of Senco), it jams even when there are no screw strips in it.

I got the Festool for the 'Auto' mode, which is very good. Also spins 500rpm faster than the Makita's.

Other problems - the AF55 (autofeed attachment), is just held in place by nylon sprubng loaded balls - this is rubbish. A couple of times the screw has not fully gone in for whatever reason, the AF55 snags on the screw as it is removed and detaches itself from the DWC, only stopped from crashing to the floor by the long screwdriver bit.

Also it feels heavy. I'm not sure whether to get the 2.6Ah battery to see if it is more useable like that, (add the 5.2Ah's to a basic kit for another tool), or cut my losses and try something else.

Anyone else with the same problems?

Hi
An obvious place to check but it is worth doing.
Check that the return spring is seated fully on the circular section on the main body of the magazine.
rg
Phil

 

[aas]

Hello,
Yes the return spring seems to be well seated, thanks.