Converting RAS 180 to Pollux 180?

[Danie]

Could the RAS 180 also be used as a polisher when fitting the polistick pads of the Pollux 180 or the Shinex RAP 150? I noticed that the rotational speed of the RAS 180 is 800 – 4000 rpm, which is faster that the rotational speed of the Pollux 180 (800 - 2400 rpm). I suppose that one should use the lower settings of the RAS 180 in this regard. Both machines have a 1500W motor.

Looking forward to hearing from more experienced users.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Both machines have the exact same rotary movement. So you're good in that regard. You already looked at the RPM difference of both machines, just keep it in the range of the Pollux, and you should also be fine.

The idea is that you should never go too fast for the material you're polishing or you can burn it. Different materials have different optimal speeds to polish at, just make sure you checked the proper speed before you start.

The Pollux has a throttle switch to make it easy to start slowly. I guess you can mimick this with the RAS' speed dial. Make sure you always start out slowly to prevent gauges or burning. Fiddling with the RAS' speed dial might not be as easy as the Pollux' switch, make sure you always keep the tool moving.

 

[Danie]

Thank you very much for your response! The throttle switch is indeed an advantage.

The Pollux 180 looks exactly like the FLex L 602 VR, has the same wattage but differs in rotational speed, namely 800 - 2400 rpm in relation to the 400 to 2400 rpm of the Flex L 602 VR. I suppose the lower rotational speed of the FLex L 602 VR and high torque makes it lesser prone to burn the paint in the hands of a novice user. The Pollux 180 offers a larger variety in the 800 - 2400 rpm zone than the FLex L 602 VR and the RAS 180.

I find it rather interesting that the FLex L 602 VR is also listed as a sander on the Flex website. However, the FLex L 602 VR and the Pollux 180 lack the higher rotational speed of the RAS which seems to be a requirement for sanding "clean" wood, sanding off dry cracked paint, removing rust from painted metal parts and removing anti-fouling coats according to the instruction manual of the RAS 180.

Therefore, I conclude in theory that the RAS could be used as a polisher at lower rotational speeds (1-3) providing that one starts slowly. It also seems that the Pollux would have more limitations when utilized as a sander. I hope it makes sense!

 

[AlexThePalex]

The Pollux has less RPM than the RAS, but if you use it as a rotary sander, there's not that much difference either. Don't underestimate how fast rotary sanding works, you'll be able to work quite fast with 2400 RPM. But for sanding, the RAS has the dust shroud, and that helps a lot to catch dust, while the Pollux will spred it everywhere. I own the smaller RAS 115, and sanding without the shroud is simply horrible.

So if you want to do both polishing and sanding with one tool, just ask yourself which task you'll be doing most, and then get the tool that fits that best.