Brand New Ro150--What happened here?

[R. Thornhill]

Well after 1 hour (of and on) of blissful sanding, switching back and forth in each mode, and marveling at the progress I'm making on my old painted walls,  I suddenly encounter this situation that has put a halt to the project.

What happened here? It appears this rubber gasket has become unseated somehow. Should this be happening on a tool with only 1 hour of total usage? Any advice or tips on how to rectify the matter? It appears this piece was bonded somehow with some kind of adhesive that has broken free.

I hesitate to attempt a removal of the sanding pad because a) I don't know if it's designed to be removed and b)I thought I'd tap into the wealth of knowledge on this board before doing anything.

Thanks in advance.

-Thornhill

 

[Brice Burrell]

Thats the sanding brake, it is a rubber gasket that is made to slow down the RPMs of the pad, it is a ware item that needs to be replaced once in a while. I've never had any of my sanding brakes come loose before. Check out your manual, first for removing the sanding pad, then the section for the sanding brake, you may well be able to put the sanding brake back on. Good luck, let us know how it works out.

 

[bruegf]

The sanding pad is removable.  My RO125 has a green button near the plugit socket to lock the shaft for removing the pad.

Fred

 

[Anthony]

To remove the sanding pad of the RO 150 FEW, press in the green button in you image - the one just above the sanding brake blow out. Press it and twist off the sanding pad. Check you manual for exact instructions, especially when putting the pad back on.

 

[R. Thornhill]

Thanks all for the tips. Shortly after posting the message, I double checked my manual and noticed the instructions regarding the pad.
Looks like in that short period of use, old paint/wallpaper residue started to cake up on the top of the sanding pad/inside of the rubber gasket. A bit strange, since upon initial inspection the buildup resembled dried caulking. Although a very small part of the gasket has a cut (I imagine from coming loose while the sander was in operation) I managed to clean all the buildup from the gasket and pad and put everything back together. The 150 is now back in business, although I think it would be prudent to replace the gasket fairly soon due to the cut

Still odd about how the old paint buildup practically bonded itself to the pad.

Thank again guys. I love the 150 (and the CT22).

 

[Eli]

Still odd about how the old paint buildup practically bonded itself to the pad.

Sounds like a little too much heat.

 

[R. Thornhill]

Sounds like a little too much heat.

Running it too long/too fast perhaps? What would you recommend to reduce the heat gain?

 

[John Langevin]

Did your new Rotex come with an extra pad brake? My RO150 came with an extra, I've used the sander a lot for over three years and never had to change it.

 

[R. Thornhill]

Nick, I'll give that a try. I was using a Cristal pad at speeds 4-6 back and forth through the two modes.

John, Actually my Rotex did not come with an extra pad.

Thanks again everyone for the help--everything appears to be on the up an up.

 

[Alko]

I'm popping this thread i bit - I'm having an issue slightly related to the thread subject. The sanding pad (soft) on my recently bought (used but almost mint condition) Rotex RO 150 FEQ wont come off! I switch the top button to aggressive/rotex mode as stated in the manual, and then press the pad release button while turning the bad (counter clockwise). It just wont release.... I'm able to turn the pad a little to the left until it makes a clicking sound, but it is impossible to lift off the pad. Should it be that hard?

Best Regads/
Alko

 

[CharlesWilson]

Sounds like Bruno, at the factory, put it on.

 

[romlee]

I had the same problem with my 150.  I almost threw it across the room.

Try this:  install a sanding disc (80 or so grit) and place the sander (unplugged) on a piece of scrap plank (larger than the sander) that's been clamped down (the clamping elements on an MFT work well but any clamp will do it).  Hold the sanding head firmly to the plank (the sanding disc provides traction) while pressing the sanding head lock button and, using the body of the 150 as a lever, push to unlock. 

Otherwise you might have to call Bruno and set up a house call.

Rom

 

[Brice Burrell]

This is common with Rotex sander, well not just the sanders but all Festool products. From the factory things are installed very tight. And for those of you that are new to Festool the guy at the factory, his name is Gunther, "Gunther the gorilla".

 

[Alko]

Ok, perfect - thanks for answering so quickly! I was getting quite worried as I had bought it quite cheap used. I'll try the tip as soon as i get some 80 grit sanding disc...

/Alko

 

[romlee]

Try any grit.  You should have enough traction.

R