General Sander Question

[Mike Goetzke]

I've only used my two sanders for a couple of weekends (Rotex 150 & ETS 150/3 EQ). I really like the their performance and the life of the paper.

I notice on both sanders that dust accumulates between the pad and paper from the center outward. If I vacuum the pad and paper they are good as new. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong? I have the vacuum (CT-33) set at a fairly low speed.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[chrisrosenb]

I have 2 RO 150s & an RO 125. I have never noticed more than just a film of dust between the sandpaper & pads. I do run my CT22 at full speed. But I always have 2 sanders connected  to the vac. I would suggest increasing the vac speed until the dust is no longer there. 

 

[Bob Childress]

Pretty much normal. If you think about it, hook and loop paper does not make an airtight seal with the pad, so you will get a bit of loose dust in there. It is typically a thin film and easily blown (or sucked) off.

 

[Jim Becker]

I agree with Chris...up the speed setting a bit for best results. I run mine about half way much of the time and get very little loose dust accumulation on the abrasives.

 

[nickao]

Its totally normal and actually shows the dust collection in conjunction with the sander is working correctly.

 

[Mike Goetzke]

Thanks for the replies. I'll try the vac. setting higher, I kept it low since I read a few posts suggesting setting it low to prevent hopping. One other thing I was glad I didn't notice - my Rotex gets warm but never hot like a few have experienced. Before I took the plunge and bought these sanders and the vac. I saw many posts about these Festool products making sanding almost enjoyable. I wouldn't go that far but I think on my current project I have a much better finish that I would have had with my old ROS's. The lack of dust, large dia. pad, and lack of hand/wrist fatigue prevented me from taking short cuts.

Mike