Thread: CT33E Problem

Well this episode has been interesting.

I took the CT33E to a Festool outlet that I have frequented for over a decade. I received a quote for $550 - motor replacement was required.

Now my math may not be stellar but $330 list price for a motor assembly (Festool web site) and $220 labour! To put this into context, it is exactly the same amount of work to replace brushes (quoted $75 previously by same shop).

I brought this to the attention of the service dept to please explain how undoing exactly the same four screws warrants $75 for one task but $220 for another. I was told politely to go elsewhere if I wasn't happy - and charged $33 for the experience (I didn't proceed with the repair).

I dropped into an alternate Festool service centre where the CT33E was put on the bench immediately. Both the motor assembly and electronics module were found to be faulty. This repair ended up costing $550.

What I find galling, in no particular order is:
- my CT33E suffered major component failure after a life of light duty.
I own other "premium" brand appliances that work a lot harder than my CT33E - Asko/Miele dishwasher, front loader, dryer, oven... no failures in over 15 years.
- inconsistent labour charges for the "same" work
- $220 to undo four Torx screws
- incorrect diagnosis by the first shop
- having to pay for what proved to be an incorrect diagnosis

I am pleased with my experience with the second Festool shop and ended up purchasing a Domino kit at a great price.

I will be formally complaining to the first shop. What good it will do - I don't know...

hi, sorry to hear about the trouble you have had with your festool vac, i know how it feels when quality tools break down for no apparent reason.

did you consider buying a new ct-33, the best price i could find was $1030. i opted for the ct-22, cost me $913.

good luck , justin.

Hi Justin,

Yes I considered scrapping my CT33E but to what gain? The most expensive components are the electronics and the motor assembly. If I bought a new CT I'd only be paying for new plastic.

Cheers, MM

BTW Those were good prices you were quoted. I could not find a CT33E anywhere near that price in Sydney.

Originally Posted by MultiplexMan

I have a CT33E that developed a fault. It is a 1999 model and has worked flawlessly mainly with MDF and plywood (and a short stint connected to a Festool surface renovator doing render work).

I went to use it and no go. Either in manual or with the auto switch. You can hear the motor turn over, arcing sound and then stop. Repeated this ONCE to confirm and unplugged the unit.

I rang the Festool tech and he suggested perhaps the brushes. Since it was long out of warranty I decided to give it a go - quote was $75 labour for brush change out! Picked up the brushes last week and went off home.

Well, tilt the top, push forward, flip it over, undo four Torx screws and presto access to motor. Unclip two fly leads and with motor on bench simply slide out the brush holders. $75 for 5 min work I know service centres have overheads but come on!

It turns out the brushes were not required as the existing once were still in "as new" condition. The motor is arcing suggesting an internal motor fault. Priced a new motor (Festool Vic and online) assembly $330 inc GST so I am prepared for the worst.

Question:
- any other long time users of the CT series report any faults/failures with their motors? Whilst ten years is a good run, I have electrical gear that is several decades old and still going.

BTW - the unit is cleaned and stored away at the end of the day and used 90% in a workshop environment. The CT is fitted with a long life bag. Usage would be described as light.

The motor cost sounds like a resonable deal compared to the price of a new CT33E unit. If you amortise the cost over 10 hears its still less than an $1 per week!

Sounds a bit unlucky that it wasnt the brushes, usually it is the brushes in those situations...sometimes it can also be caused from the brushes not making proper contact with the armature,make sure the brushes travel bake and forth easilly.You can get after market motors that may range from $110 - $220 depending on quality, that might be a better option since you were able to get to the brushes ok. Our service department charges approx $40-65 for that type of a repair & comes with a 3month warranty from us.

cheers,


team VEK TOOLS
www.vektools.com.au