How much is the RO 150 supposed to shake?

[Fredrick]

Hi!

Very exited when I recieved my first Festool gear a couple of weeks ago. With it came a Rotex 150, and unfortunately I cant say that I'm satisfied with it this far.

It might just be that I'm not used to the power it packs, but for me it shakes a whole lot. Skipping, pushing and dragging across the workpiece. I've had workpieces come loose from decent clamps just because of the Rotex.

Same result in both Rotex and "regular" mode, tested with paper from 80-320, and tested with speed set to 1. Basically all of them left me with the same result. I've also tried pushing it down towards the workpiece, or just let it glide on top.

What am I doing wrong? To me it feels like even with the speed at 1 its insanely strong.

 

[Bikeboy80]

Where do you have the dc set? Too much suction could cause some erratic behavior.

 

[Fredrick]

Wow, I didnt think of that at all. My CTL26 is set to max (been doing some routing that requires it). Will probably test this later today!

Thanks

 

[Michael Kellough]

This doesn't apply as much at the courser grits but keep in mind that the finest results are obtained with less pressure on the abrasive. This means don't press down on the sander and use little or no suction from the vac. (At the high grits less dust is produced so less suction is required)

 

[CharlesWilson]

And don't forget, there is a break in period for the RO sanders before the gearbox settles down. This is referred to in a number of topics in this forum.

Charles

 

[Scott B.]

Same result in both Rotex and "regular" mode, tested with paper from 80-320, and tested with speed set to 1.

Keep the speed up 4-6, depending on task. It really just takes some time for you to get used to it, and for it to get comfortable in its own shoes.

Here is a video with the 125 in Rotex and one handed operation. Same applies to the 150, just bigger.



Edit: Here is a really old video with the 150 doing a similar deal. Apologies for the awful quality...cam in left hand, sander in right  [scared]

 

[Stone Message]

The Rotex 150 is an incredible sanding machine. I have not found any problems with my CT being on max and have not experienced any need for a 'run-in' period.

This machine is a gentle giant - I have used it with 120 grit on thin veneered MDF, you can control it one handed (although a second hand on the hose outlet area is advised) and it will do just what you want.

I did a demo/review video a while ago which might help the originator.



Peter

 

[Stephen B]

[size=10pt]

Following other FOG posts, I have found vac at 1/2 or less and one hand on top of gear housing ie over sanding disc, and other hand holding just in front of power plug works best. Similar to holding a Domino 500 really, but with a much lighter touch.

With experience, I have found that I can use it one handed also (not in ROTEX mode), but the two handed technique promotes balance and even distribution of the sanding disc. I did not run mine in, and it is just under ten hours in use. I have used both hard and standard pads and it has also been used for buffing an oil finish with a lambswool pad.

It has replaced a Metabo 450 ( soon for sale) and I am very impressed.

 

[Fredrick]

Hi!

Did some more testing, and it seems I made things harder for myself with the high speed on the vac. Also its a pretty poor environment where I dont have a proper worktable (yet), so its all a bit shaky. Adding to that the small dimension of the workpiece i tested made everything very hard to handle.

Thanks for posting the videoes. Just wanted to say Peter, I've enjoyed several of your videoes and find them very informative

I'll just keep using the Fein for my current project, and then save the Rotex for later!

 

[fp1337]

I have a lot of shaking in rotex mode on my RO 90, it really takes concentration to keep it from bouncing around. That thing is not well balanced IMO. They should have built it up instead of to the side. No problems in vibration mode. I end up using vibrations most of the time. Makes me wonder if I should have bought a regular square sander. Hopefully the RO 125/150 is better.

 

[Stone Message]

If you imagine a large disc rotating at speed and you bring it down onto a flat surface. Whichever part of the disc edge touches that surface first will cause the it to go off to one side quite rapidly. The only way to bring the thing down without any violent sideways movement is to ensure that it comes down evenly. The Rotex family, even the wonderful RO90, are quite forgiving and you have a degree or so of tolerance. It is a matter of practice making perfect. At first it may not be easy but you will master it in time - it is well worth the effort. My whole approach to sanding has changed since switching to the Rotex 90 and 150.

Peter