ES 125 EQ Plus Sander Problem

[mchristo]

I own this sander and was using it today when the screws that attach the sanding pad just started popping out. 

I noticed this when I was replacing a sanding disc and three of the four screws had come completely out and were lying in the cavity.  I tried to replace them but the threads were all stripped. 

I did replace the sanding pad about 2 years ago, and its been fine since then until now.

Any idea what would cause them to spontaneously strip out like that?

I've attached a photo of the sander with the sanding pad removed.  you can see the one screw I replaced in its original hole, the other 3 are all stripped out. 

Can i get replacement parts for this sander?

 

[semenza]

Hi,

Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

I am not sure what may have caused the problem with the screws. But I am sure that a call to Festool service will get it figured out.

The phone number is in my sig line below.

Seth

 

[Brice Burrell]

Welcome to the FOG.  I don't think it was spontaneous, I suspect the screws may have been cross threaded and over the two years they have managed to strip.  Once there was only one screw left the problem became (more) obvious.  As Seth mentioned Festool service will be able to make a repair or you'll be able to order the part(s) from them. 

 

[mchristo]

Thanks everyone for the info.
The screws were absolutely NOT cross thread. I know how to put in a screw. Also the holes where the screw has to go through the pad are tight and deep enough to make cross threading next to impossible. Especially three times.

 

[mchristo]

I just wanted to follow through with this post.  I just spoke with Chris in Customer service then Lester at Festool.  the Flange that is stripped "happens from time to time" according to Chris.  I can order the part...for $55.  The sander itself is $185 for a brand new one.  My sander is around 8 years old, and has seen hobby woodworker use in that time.  I take good care of my tools.  This is the first power tool that I have ever "worn out" in over 20 years of woodworking, and the last Festool I'll ever own.  The fact that they charge 30% of the replacement cost for a simple flange with a means that these are 'disposable'  tools.  When I bought the most expensive sander in its class I would not have guessed it would wind up in the bin 8 years later.  I'll keep the systainer for my new Bosch sander, but it probably comes with one already.  On the other hand I could probably part it out and make some $$$.  The power cord is $40.   

 

[dicktill]

There are a couple of repair techniques you could try on the flange.

First is buying a Helicoil kit for perhaps $30, and using those. You might have to make the inserts shorter though, but that can be accomplished by sliding an old putty knife between coils, and cutting with a Dremel cutoff wheel. Cut gently/carefully so as to not create a burr.

Second is an epoxy like repair. My memory on this is a tad fuzzy, but I think Loctite or similar good brand has a kit with three parts. Two parts make an epoxy. The third part is a release agent. You clean the stripped female threads, mix the epoxy and put a little bit of it in the stripped threads, apply the release agent to the screw or bolt or stud, and then insert that. An hour or so later you remove the screw or bolt or stud, and voila, the female threads reappear.

Good luck, Dick

 

[JPF Woodworking]

Very ironic to read this today as I just today sent my ES 125 to Festool  to repair this very problem. In fact I think I also talked to Chris just before placing the sander in the mail. My question was simply, "is this tool worth repairing?" His reply was a resounding YES! But the point is well made here with the (apparent) part costing $ 55. I'll post later the resulting cost of this repair. I have already spent $14 to ship the tool to Indiana.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Had this same problem with my ETS 125, one thread was stripped. I welded the hole shut, bored it out and tapped it again.