Dust and Rotex 90

[Michael1960]

Yesterday I removed the sanding pad off my RO150.  I noticed how clean the housing beneath the pad was.  In contrast there is always a build up of dust behind the pad on my Rotex 90.  It's gets really caked on and I have to scrape it off.  It was recently repaired and the service guys said it was really dusty.  Does the dust build up matter? 
I'd appreciate any feedback

 

[Kev]

I think it matters if it builds up to the point of being a blockage or restricting airflow in a way the the tool gets too hot.

Are you sanding different materials with the RO90?, stuff that's potential more moist?

 

[Holmz]

On moving parts there is some potential for the dust build up to cause the balance to change.
It would also not aid in the flow.

If the places where it is sticking is rough, then smoothing it out could help to mitigate it sticking.
It make be that static is attracting it to the plastic, and it may be possible to use some wax on the surfaces to minimize the sticking.

Also what you are sanding probably makes a difference. If it is some gummy paint, then that could be a clue.

 

[ear3]

In my experience  the buildup you're  talking about is fairly normal on the RO90, and it doesn't really depend on the type of material you're working  with.  I think the issue is exacerbated when the pad is partially off the surface for longer stretches, as mine tends to be since I often use the RO90 for contoured surfaces. That said, I've never noticed it affecting the sander or the finish, though I clean that part out fairly frequently.

 

[DB10]

I've noticed the caked on dust on my RO90, could be something to do with the compact design under the pad.

 

[bkharman]

Yep. Have had that "issue" from day 1. It never has bothered me one bit. I stop the tool, twist off the pad, turn the vac to manual, take a coffee stirrer and clean it out. Put the pad back on and switch it to auto. 10 seconds worth of work after about 4 hours of sanding is "no maintenance" in my book.

The 90 is one of my most beloved Festools... Along with my CMS/MFT... My Domino...etc, etc. ;^)

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[Brent Taylor]

I take the heads off after every use, just part of the routine.  I have always been a neat freak when it comes to tools and job sites, it's safer, makes clients happier and saves me time and money in the long run.  (Tools last longer when they are kept clean, that's way I still have most of the tools I bought back in the 70's and 80's.)  My local Festool dealer told me that my stuff looks brand new,  compared to the other equipment they send in for repair.  I look at it as an investment,  if my tools are down they aren't making me money, that makes Mama unhappy, that's not a good thing.

 

[Michael1960]

Thanks for the feedback.
When I recently used the Rotex 150 it was for a few hours of sanding Tasmanian Oak and there was no dust accumulation.  I'll check for dust build up in the Rotex 90 next time I sand this timber. 
I clean the dust out of the head after use as I suspect when it's 'caked' on it could be reducing air flow.