Ets 125 awful performance

[BCConstruction]

Got a question guys. Seems a few reviews say this sanders not smooth yet some say its real smooth. Is this user error on my part. I just can't control this thing or keep it smooth. This is without the vac attached and does the same thing with vac attached.

Watch the vid and tell me if this is normal?

 

[AlexThePalex]

Is this a brand new sander and how long have you used it? This sander greatly profits from a break-in period of about 8 hours sanding.

 

[semenza]

    Unless it is just not coming through on the audio very well, it sounds to me like something is wrong with it. That clattery sound.  ???  Is the pad attached correctly? Firmly? Maybe it is askew?

Seth

 

[epicxt]

Is the board braced/weighted down/clamped in any way?  The clattery noise in the video sounds like the board rattling against the asphalt it's resting on.  I've had similar noise generated when I've sanded with the rotex sanders or the ets 125 on something that wasn't secured.

Hope you get this figured out as that sander should be one of the smoothest in Festool's lineup!

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Barri,

Sanding on asphalt without the board secured could be contributing to the issue, if I'm seeing the video correctly.

If this happens even when the board is secured, I suspect there's an issue with that sander. You could exchange with your dealer if it's been in the last 30 days, otherwise let me know and I can assist you with getting it sent for repair.

Shane

 

[duburban]

the asphalt is doing the sanding and the sander is doing the oscillating.

 

[wow]

the asphalt is doing the sanding and the sander is doing the oscillating.

Yep - that's my take as well. You can see the board moving on the asphalt, which means the sander abrasive is grabbing and moving the board, and the only (majority of) sanding is happening on the underside.

Clamp that board down properly and report back, please?

 

[deepcreek]

I suspended my ETS 125 from a rope in my shop and ran it for 8-10 hours to break it in.  It made a huge difference.

Also, the stroke is so small that you cannot put any downward pressure on the sander when using it.  Just let it float and so its thing.

It's intended to be a fine finish sander and I only use mine with 180 grit and up.

The sound it makes should be smoooooooooth just like the results.

 

[BCConstruction]

Makes no difference if its sanding a glued down oak floor, a butchers block counter or a piece of scrape on the MFT. In the video I'm kneeling on the material on the asphalt. Any movement in the board if from the sander vibrating so much its moving me too. What's strange is not of my other sanders act that way on that same board or floors. Its a carpenter friends sander and I was surprised to here him saying he uses his dewalt sander but owns a festool sander. He uses it mainly on floor finishing in tight spaces and he just can't keep it under control next to baseboards and cabinets. I will let him know about the running in. I was even thinking about getting one for my self but hopefully it don't perform like that.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

As mentioned, it could be a warped pad or the pad may not be installed properly. But, it's also possible there's a problem with the sander, such as an issue with the counterbalance.

Have your friend get in touch with me via email or call our service number and we'll get it fixed. Very atypical behavior.

 

[mouppe]

No way that's anything to do with a break-in period. The sander should not do that if the workpiece is secured properly.

Send it in or go to a store and check out a new one in person.

I can leave my ets 125 running hands free on a board and if barely moves.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

It may also be worth removing the pad and checking the pad brake for damage and underneath the pad for debris.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

And check the back of the pad , the plastic part , for cracks. Sometimes you have to slightly flex the pad to see cracks.

 

[tjbnwi]

Barri, I can't believe you asked the question. Of course there is a problem with that sander. Check the pad, if that's tight exchange it if it is within the 30 day window, if not, have it serviced.

Two other things, way to much hand pressure on the sander and sanding raw wood is not the ETS-125 is best for.

Tom

 

[BCConstruction]

He's gonna go pay a visit 2 the dealer. If he don't get far with that I will get him to give you a shout Shane.

Tom I thought it shouldn't be that way but I have zero experience with that sander. I did like its side though. Prob gonna grab one for me self soon.

 

[wrightwoodwork]

I don't have any festool sanders. To me it don't sound right. It sound like the pad is not connected to the machine 100% and is vibrating. Does the pad or shaft feel loose in any way that feels different to your other sanders. Personally I would try refixing the pad and it still the same take it pack for a service