Es 125 Broken?

[brianwoodturner]

I recently dropped my ES125 that I've owned and loved for about 10 years.  All that appears to have been damaged is the plastic part if the pad split so I picked up a new pad but now the thing doesn't seem to be sanding at all.  When I turn it on it looks like the pad is bearly spinning but mostly just vibrating.  I can't honestly say I've ever looked at the pad running before but I thought it rotated.  When I do place it on the wood, it seems to slow down and after taking the vacuum off to verify, there's no perceptible dust spewing from the dust port.  I can testify that before I dropped it, dust did spew from the port if the vacuum or bag wasn't installed.  Otherwise it seems fine, doesn't have excessive vibration, sounds fine, looks fine. Any ideas what's wrong?  Anybody else that can testify that I should be able to see the pad rotating?

 

[Brice Burrell]

First welcome to the FOG Brian!

The pad not spinning when held in the air is normal.  When you start sanding you should see the pad spin, it just needs a little downward pressure to start to spin.  I'm not sure what to say about the dust not coming out of the port.  I would think if you broke the fan that helps push the dust out of the port you'd know, vibration, rattling, something to indicate there was something broken inside.

It wouldn't hurt to give Festool a call and see if they can offer some assistance. 

 

[brianwoodturner]

No dust seems to come out of the port because it doesn't appear to be sanding at all.  Me 1/4 sheet palm sander makes more dust now.

 

[TomE]

I also just replaced the pad on my ES 125 and the new pad did rub the dust apron a little more than I was used to.

Turned on the sander and the pad rotated slowly at first but applying it to a surface to test sand off a pencil mark.... all was good.
Did not pay any attention to dust output, the bag did  'puff out' per normal however.

I suspect you have something else going on if it won't sand.