Hi fineartboxes
You say you have a problem; leading to your being ‘disappointed’ with your Festool ETS150 sander. For sure can understand high level of frustration with this issue.
Can I start over?
If I’ve understood correctly - your disappointment relates to the abrasive disc flying off the pad; rather than the general performance of the ETS150 – when discs are holding ok?
My next ‘just curious’ thinking is – what’s the time line of when the pads started to fail holding the abrasive?
The first pad gave up the ghost after a few years? If so, might be considered acceptable – ultimately pads are consumables; whilst acknowledging your assertion of light use.
You state the second pad lasted 5/6 months; would agree that, with proper use, might be unacceptable – again, accepting your assertion of light use.
Reckon two primary reasons for a pad failing to hold abrasive. Contamination, such as dust on the pad surface / on the underside of abrasive disc, and/or, the pad not ‘gripping’ the abrasive because the velcro ‘hooks’ maybe just plain worn out / with excessive heat compromising the ability of the pad ‘hooks’ to hang onto the abrasive.
Would you agree?
Given your insistence that no contamination – that’s leaves plain worn out – with perhaps, excessive heat of pad contributing; and accepting that the second pad, in particular, not a ‘duff’ one.
Do you make ‘fine art boxes’ – some images of your work would be appreciated.
Is it possible that doing a lot of ‘edge’ sanding – can sometimes lead to localised overheating of a pad.
Assume your dust extraction ok – again lack of may contribute to overheating of pad.
Assume you haven’t got a bearing, in sander, running so hot that affecting pad.
No intention to “teach granny to suck eggs” – but what can we say?
Agree that best to speak to Festool themselves.
Good luck.
Richard (UK)
[Edit: Be great if let us know how get on - will add to our collective knowledge - cheers]
