How often do y’all replace Sanding Pads?

[Bill Chang]

I have had two pads fail in the span of 3 days.

RO125 Hard Pad part # 492127
RO90 Hard Pad part # 495623

I was sanding Walnut in Rotex Mode on the RO125 when the pad basically disintegrated and flung foam padding everywhere.

While I was waiting for the delivery of the new pad I started using my RO90 to continue working.  Probably ran it for 30 minutes and the next day came back to discover the foam pad also split.

I understand these are considered “consumables” but to have two failures like this and not even under what I consider hard use is not a good start for my weekend.  [sad]

 

[AlexThePalex]

The hard pads don't have foam?

I've had two soft pads disintegrate after I had them for 7 or 8 years. The foam ages and becomes brittle. A hard pad I had broke after 4 because the hook & loop on it was worn.

 

[ear3]

That's totally not normal.  The only pad I've had to change on any of my festool sanders so far is for the RTS400, where the velcro got partially melted.

Are you using dust collection?  Or perhaps you are preternaturally strong and unknowingly press the sanding pad into the surface with excessive force?  [tongue]

I have had two pads fail in the span of 3 days.

RO125 Hard Pad part # 492127
RO90 Hard Pad part # 495623

I was sanding Walnut in Rotex Mode on the RO125 when the pad basically disintegrated and flung foam padding everywhere.

While I was waiting for the delivery of the new pad I started using my RO90 to continue working.  Probably ran it for 30 minutes and the next day came back to discover the foam pad also split.

I understand these are considered “consumables” but to have two failures like this and not even under what I consider hard use is not a good start for my weekend.  [sad]

 

[PeterK]

For me, when the base foam of the pad starts turning yellow-ish it will be shortly after that the foam breaks down. When it happens it happens quickly in my experience. Very frustrating to be sure. Also has happened to my older Porter Cable sanders so not just a Festool thing. I used to think it was caused by usage and so I purchased backup pads but they failed quickly when put into use after sitting on a shelf for a few years.

 

[Bill Chang]

I’m guessing just age of the pads, they are probably 3-4 years old.  I’ll get back to it next week when the new pads come in, keeping my fingers crossed!

 

[Jim_in_PA]

I generally have gotten a 3-4 years out of mine but expect that interval to decrease a little now that I'm in my shop a lot more post-retirement from full time work and starting a formal business. Usually, the pads "wear out" due to heat from friction which degrades the H&L fingers, etc. If a pad is disintegrating like mentioned...that sounds like something else is amiss, honestly.