Changing pads Rotex 150

[jk92147]

Hi all, I have a new Rotex 150. I am having trouble changing to another sanding pad. The stock pad that comes with the unit is the soft pad and I have no difficulty removing and replacing this pad. However, can not place the hard pad or the polishing pad on the unit despite extreme twisting pressure while in Rotex mode and pressing lock button in.  Please help.

 

[peter halle]

Please don't let this question be insulting - The pads are usually pretty easy to attach.  Are the seating but just not locking in place?

Peter

 

[jk92147]

Yes. I have no problem with the soft pad that came with the sander. I cannot turn the hard or polishing pad to the right after placing them on the spindle just as I place the soft pad on the spindle without problems.  Jack

 

[sancho57]

Ive had some difficulty simular to what you're describing attaching a new pad to my RO150. it can be done, I think is aligning the 3 cams on the sander with the slots on the pad. Took me a while but I got it done

 

[Xoncention]

Ive had some difficulty simular to what you're describing attaching a new pad to my RO150. it can be done, I think is aligning the 3 cams on the sander with the slots on the pad. Took me a while but I got it done

I have found that after you have changed them a few times, they get easier.  There may be a small distortion in the base affecting the ease of engaging.  Look carefully and see if there are any burrs or brighter spots on the cams.  If you cannot get it to work, then ask a colleague to try.  If this does not resolve the matter, take your Rotex and bases with you to show your retailer the issue you are having and see if they can work it out.  If they are stumped, then they can replace it as a faulty component.  Even the Germans get it wrong - sometimes...  [embarassed]

 

[jk92147]

Thanks so much. I will take the sander and the pad to my Festool retailer and see what they can do. Jack

 

[mrFinpgh]

I ran into the same thing with my hard pad.

There is a fastener when you remove the pad, that I think controls the tightness of the cams.  I gave that a small twist and it gave me enough clearance to get the hard pad on.  When I removed the pad, I tightened the screw back a little bit more and then replaced the pad.  Now, the pad doesn't seem to have a problem (still very tight fit, but I don't need to muscle it).

-Adam

 

[sancho57]

Thanks for the info could you possibly show a photo of the fastener your talk about?

I don't swap between pads because of the hassle of switching them.

 

[mrFinpgh]

Sorry it's taken so long to get back to you.  Very busy month so far.

Anyways, here's the bit I'm speaking of:

[attachimg=1]

It's just the center part with the hex head.  I loosened it slightly and got the hard pad on, then re-snugged it back about 1/2 as far as I loosened it.  I removed the hard pad, and then replaced it on and tightened it a little further, and then removed the pad again.

I suspect that what I did was deform the hard pad's plastic nubs just enough to allow for a very snug but doable fit.

Best,
Adam