Festool C18 grinding noise on low speed

[slavi.yordanov]

So two weeks ago my C18 stopped working. It would light up, but the clutch would kick in and will not turn the shaft. I have sent it to Festool, and I just got it back. Based on the paperwork, they changed the motor assembly and cleaned it up.

The problem is that now on slow speed it sounds like something is grinding, and doesn't feel as 'festool smooth'. As a comparison my T18 sounds completely different. On high speed you can't really tell though and I really don't use the C18 for delicate stuff.. I would really hate to send it back, I try to limit online purchases and shipping stuff in general. Considering the amount of money I paid for it though, I'm not quite happy with the service. Also one of the tension springs they use for the buttons was stuck on the front magnet. I wonder if they overlooked something while putting it back together.

Questions is should I send it back, or open it up to see if it is an easy fix? It would be another two weeks if I send it back, which is not the end of the world but..


It actually sounds quite bad on the video.  [big grin]

 

[ScotF]

I would send it back if it were mine. That does not sound normal.

 

[mrboult]

Yikes. I wouldn’t consider keeping it like that for a second. Sorry, bad luck

 

[jeh]

Is that a rhetorical question? No need to think about it or questions oneself...send it back.

 

[Breubaer]

Hi, I have a similar issue. Purchased two C18 and their sound is completely different. One is pure Festool music but the other one makes a grinding, ticking noise. You can feel the vibrations.



The right C18 just returned from a checkup in Wendlingen. The report says that the gearbox and motor are in order and the sound is ‚perfectly normal‘. I am puzzled…

 

[grobkuschelig]

That‘s why you have a return window for a purchase.
If it’s not up to your own standards get it back and get a different one.

That’s what I would do at least. [emoji56]

 

[Breubaer]

The return window closed some days ago. That‘s why I hoped that Festool would repair it, but according to the service everything is fine.
At least it works, but it is not the quality that you would expect of a 600+ € set.