WTFestool!?!?!?!

[roblg3]

Ok, so 2 weeks ago my 6 month old ct started acting up.  It took enough time getting it straight that i bought another.  during that time, 2days later, my 4 month old C15 burned up and scalded my hand.  Ok 1st time to send something in for service, no big hairy deal, even though it's reasonably still new.  Now today, i started using for real my reconditioned LS130 and it slowed, changed sound, i heard a clack and motion stops....
I buy FESTOOL because they're innovative, well made and have great service.
My question is, has anyone noticed a drop in quality lately?  I really hope I just hit a couple of bums.  I know the great service team will fix it up and get it back to me, but my comfort is shaken.

 

[duburban]

oh dang

 

[roblg3]

funny, your statement about the saw is soooo true [wink]

 

[duburban]

me?

 

[Kevin McConville]

me?

the statement in your signature

 

[duburban]

got it.

So are you abusing these tools or what?

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Not sure if you'll take my word for it, but...

There's been no change in quality from a manufacturing or components perspective.

It wouldn't apply to your cordless drill, but it makes me think there might be some dirty power in your shop. The service guys could give you a better idea of what happened after looking at the tools.

Could just be some bad luck.  [unsure]

 

[roblg3]

Shane.  Could you please help me understand "dirty power"?  This is a circuit I pulled from a new 20amp breaker using 12 gauge wire.  It is an older home with an older panel, but my circuit is reasonably new.i had my mini which now seems to be functioning well and a 3 gallon air compressor plugged into it.  The compressor was only cycling when the sander and mini were off.  I've not had any troubles with my absolute favorite tool RO90 during the same work hours.  Just the ls130 pooped.  I also had used ets150/5 during the same without any issue.  I have used many tools on this circuit over time come to think of it.  I still want to understand dirty power please?

 

[duburban]

Hire a really geeky electrician if you want details. It may be worth sticking a multimeter into the circuit to see what its reading. I'd bet you've been using that power source with other tools for some time though?

 

[roblg3]

I feel a little better,  I discussed exactly how I was using the tool to service and was told I was not abusing it.  I always try to ease into my work and let the tool do its job and try not to beat up tools I like.  I save tossing crap around for jackhammers and such

 

[jamanjeval]

Don't feel bad. Even if you were using the tool near its limits, a good tool shouldn't be damaged so long as it is being used for its intended purpose. As far as power quality goes, a quality power tool should be able to coexist with any other properly operating piece of equipment. Power surges and brownouts are a fact of life a designer needs to deal with.

I want to compliment Festool for not sanitizing the forums. Allowing these problems to be exposed and dealt with in public shows an admirable attitude toward customer service and confidence in their products.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Just to clarify my statement about the power... I was discrediting that as being a possibility by saying that it couldn't be the cause since your drill was having trouble and is cordless.

I know there have been instances where someone might try to run a Kapex on a thin gauge extension cord that's 200 feet long. No go.

Glad you got in touch with the service team. They will take good care of you and hopefully restore your faith in our tools. Again, sorry for the issues. I can understand why your confidence might be shaken.

Shane

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I beat the crap out of mine, going on 7 years and never an issue. 

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I beat the crap out of mine, going on 7 years and never an issue.

Stop being modest, Darcy. You treat them worse than that!  [tongue] Nice score on the recent stationary tools.

 

[overanalyze]

I beat the crap out of mine, going on 7 years and never an issue.

Stop being modest, Darcy. You treat them worse than that!  [tongue] Nice score on the recent stationary tools.

And he isn't shy about it. Definitely a good poster boy for the tools!

 

[Kev]

I beat the crap out of mine, going on 7 years and never an issue.

Stop being modest, Darcy. You treat them worse than that!  [tongue] Nice score on the recent stationary tools.

And he isn't shy about it. Definitely a good poster boy for the tools!

You've seen him in a swimsuit too?

The "common" thing here statistically is your location, so looking into your power could be a good thing moving forward.

 

[roblg3]

Thanks folks, but I am more often mobile than not.  I am interested in checking my power supply now though.

 

[jamanjeval]

Thanks folks, but I am more often mobile than not.  I am interested in checking my power supply now though.

Use something like this http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/extech/electricaltesters/ct70.htm that checks the line under load conditions.