New CXS keyless chuck concern

[Iwood75]

I bought a CXS drill about a week ago and am not satisfied with its keyless chuck. 

When drilling 1/4" holes (#2 speed) in hard maple, the jaws occasionally lose their grip on the bit. I'm manually tightening the chuck with all the torque I can muster but it only tightens so far before it begins to turn with the motor. Is this common with the CXS? Or, is it me? I also own DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Bosch cordless drills and have not experienced this problem with any of their keyless chucks. I'm seriously considering taking the CXS back and getting a C15 or T15 instead. Question is... might the larger chuck have a similar quirk? Certainly don't want to spend an additional $300 only to find that the larger drill has a similar issue.

Until recently, there were 3 Festool dealers relatively nearby and 2 were set-up for demos. One (Cayce) has gone out of business. The second (Woodcraft) is up for sale, winding down their stock and presently has no drills in stock. And the 3rd retailer (Capital) – where I bought the CXS – is not set up for demos. So, since I can't try before I buy, I'm hoping you guys can share your experiences/thoughts. 

I understand that some Festool drills had chuck issues in the past but I thought they have been rectified.

Thanks in advance.  Joel 

 

[Nick C]

I have a CSX. It's a light-duty "finesse" drill. 1/4" into hard maple is asking a lot--too much, in my opinion. The more powerful cordless drills have more robust keyless chucks, usually with a ratcheting action. I owned the predecessor to the T15 for many years. Much bigger chuck, and much tighter grip. In addition to the CSX, I currently have a Milwaukee M12 drill, that has a fairly substantial ratcheting chuck for a 12V tool. The motor will stall before the chuck lets go--and I'm not sure that's a good thing. I suggest getting a more powerful drill. I'm sure you will be very happy with the T15. It's on my list, too.

 

[campbellcraft]

I did a small job in Balt. In late Oct. and needed a few supplies.  I found Cayce at a new location on Greenspring Dr. I of course don't know if this second location was the one you found closed. Hope you solve your problem.

 

[fatroman]

It's not just you. I've had that occasionally on my CXS and the T12+3 chucks.

In fairness, more often than not it's when I'm trying to back out without switching to reverse. Round shank bits, so it's not that the jaws are catching the shank points instead of the flats shanks, or anything like that.

Perhaps try the centrotec drill bits instead? I can vouch for the goodness of the imperial set.

 

[Iwood75]

Nick and fatroman, thanks for your replies. Glad to hear that I wouldn't have the same problem with Festool's larger drills. Incidentally, the chuck on my 12v Bosch drill held tight while testing in the same boards/same bits. I expected the CXS to at least match Bosch's small drill. The main reason I bought the CXS – and am considering the T15 – is for their right angle, quick swop, etc. capabilities that my large DeWalt and "finese" Bosch don't offer.

campbellcraft, Cayce recently moved to that smaller Greenspring Drive location and stayed open for only a short time. Unfortunately, they are now out of business. It was very convenient for me to run by Cayce or Woodcraft to pick up consumables as needed. But Woodcraft is letting their stock deplete, Cayce is gone. The remaining choice for immediate purchases – Capital – is far from my normal travel pattern, doesn't have demos set-up, etc. And, I don't yet know if they have a comprehensive stock of abrasives/Dominoes, etc. This sudden change in retail accessibility will really impact my enjoyment of my Festool investments. Probably many other Baltimore Festees too.  Festool, are you working on it?  [eek]