Help with Rotex 150E Please

[ejfud]

Bought one of these used. I figured I was taking a big chance from the get go, but for the price I rolled the dice. I just ordered the 150/3 with CT22 combo and I thought this would be a nice addition.

When it arrived my fears were realized. It does not seem to want to go into Rotex mode. I also can't seem to get the pad off. Is there some trick that I'm missing, or is it just the allen wrench to the nut in the middle of the pad?

Lastly, is Festool service all done through one location or are there local service centers.

Thanks for any help guys.

Gary

 

[Ned]

Hi Gary,

If your Rotex is "like new", there's probably nothing wrong.

The knob to shift from ROTary to EXcentric was incredibly stiff on my Rotex when I got it.  Soon smoothed out.

The screw attaching the pad is installed at the factory by Gunther the Gorilla.  I worried that maybe it was a left-hand thread.  It's not.  Just really, really tight.

Ned

 

[ejfud]

Ned it is the older version and the knob for the switching between modes moves fine, it just never goes into direct drive.

I'll have to work harder on the pad bolt. Man those Germans are strong.

Gary

 

[Bob Marino]

Bought one of these used. I figured I was taking a big chance from the get go, but for the price I rolled the dice. I just ordered the 150/3 with CT22 combo and I thought this would be a nice addition.

When it arrived my fears were realized. It does not seem to want to go into Rotex mode. I also can't seem to get the pad off. Is there some trick that I'm missing, or is it just the allen wrench to the nut in the middle of the pad?

Lastly, is Festool service all done through one location or are there local service centers.

Thanks for any help guys.

Gary

Gary,

There are two Festool service centers - one in Goleta, California and one in Lebanon, Indianna.
Ned is correct - those screws for the pads were put on very tightly.

Bob

 

[Ned]

knob for the switching between modes moves fine, it just never goes into direct drive.

Gary--

I just had a thought.  If you don't have another Rotex for comparison, it may be that yours is working fine, but you don't know what to expect.

In Ex mode, you can turn the pad around by hand, just like an ordinary random orbit sander.

In Rot mode, you can still turn the pad, but there is a great deal more resistance.  The motion isn't nearly as free as in Ex, and it isn't simply rotating.  A Rotex pad never just spins.

It definitely sounds different in Rot mode.  I think of it as growling.

And last, it feels different in Rot mode.  Better keep two hands on it.  Ex mode's like any other ROS.

Try to compare it with another Rotex before you ship it off for service.  Even a new model Rotex should give you a clear idea of how the two modes differ.

HTH,
Ned

 

[ejfud]

Good idea Ned. I'll check one out tomorrow.

The hard part for me is going to get the old pad off. I can't get it to move at all.

Gary

 

[mysterium]

Ah.....

Just put some 24 grit on the pad....

If you go for a dance.....

;D

 

[ejfud]

Yep it does not go into EX mode, stays in RO.

I guess I'll be calling service tomorrow to get her fixed.

Still have not been able to get that darn old pad off either.

Gary