ETS EC150 won't start, any ideas?

[wobblycogs]

Hi, my ETS EC150/5 E random orbit sander decided to kick the bucket the other day. I'm decidedly unhappy about this because while it's about four and half years old it's not done much work - it's not even finished the fifty box of 80 grit paper I bought when I got it.

Obviously it's out of warranty and a goodwill appeal to Festool seems to have fallen on deaf ears. The way I see it that leaves me with three options:

[list type=decimal]
[*]Self Repair: It seems there's two main circuit boards inside, one for power and speed control and the other for driving the motor. My assumption at the moment is that it's one of these that has failed. The problem is they are about £110 each so I'd rather not be guessing which is faulty, is one known to fail more often?
[*]Service: I could send it off for repair but my research leads me to believe that'll be at least £200 if it's one of the circuit boards and for that price I might as well just replace both boards myself.
[*]Sell: I could stick it on ebay for spares or repair. I honestly have no idea how much I'd get and ebay hasn't been very helpful in that regard.
[/list]

I'm honestly a bit stuck with this decision. None of the options are great.

 

[Paul_HKI]

Hi, my ETS EC150/5 E random orbit sander decided to kick the bucket the other day. I'm decidedly unhappy about this because while it's about four and half years old it's not done much work - it's not even finished the fifty box of 80 grit paper I bought when I got it.

Obviously it's out of warranty and a goodwill appeal to Festool seems to have fallen on deaf ears. The way I see it that leaves me with three options:

• Self Repair: It seems there's two main circuit boards inside, one for power and speed control and the other for driving the motor. My assumption at the moment is that it's one of these that has failed. The problem is they are about £110 each so I'd rather not be guessing which is faulty, is one known to fail more often?
• Service: I could send it off for repair but my research leads me to believe that'll be at least £200 if it's one of the circuit boards and for that price I might as well just replace both boards myself.
• Sell: I could stick it on ebay for spares or repair. I honestly have no idea how much I'd get and ebay hasn't been very helpful in that regard.

I'm honestly a bit stuck with this decision. None of the options are great.

Send it in for repair.  They'll provide a quote to complete the repair which you can approve or reject.  Part swapping isn't smart at that price per control board/module.  Just get them to determine cost to repair, decide if you want to have it repaired or not.

The repair is likely to work out costing less than the cost of a replacement you'll be happy with, less the 'for spares or repair' value of selling the knackered one. 

There's also the reality that once they see it in person and can determine whether or not it has had very light use, that is the point in time when goodwill can be a factor.  Until then, you're likely viewed as a guy with a faulty sander looking for a freebie.  Clean it lightly, pack it carefully, send it in with a cover note attached.  If you don't kick and scream too much, and it really has had little use, the folks handling it are generally fair minded people who want to help.

Just keep it pleasant in your interactions.  They can draw the line under any chance of 'looking after you' as we say if you're impolite.  You know yourself how that goes though.

 

[WastedP]

There was a specific problem with the ETS EC sanders.  I think if you send it in and they determine the problem is their problem, they may take care of it for you.

The Festool letter from back in June is attached.

 

[wobblycogs]

Thanks, that's sound advice.

I hadn't realized that sending it in to get a quote for repair was free. I'll definitely be sending it in as a first step. I'll cross my fingers it's something simple like the switch!

I'll go and have a look for that letter from June too.

Thanks

 

[Paul_HKI]

And also, welcome to FOG!