Jerky RTS400

[mdelrossi]

Just picked up a RTS400 and I'm a little disappointed. It's sporadically jerky. I guess its going back [sad]
Vacum on different settings speed on different settings doesn't make a difference.
Any ideas would be welcome.

The RO90 on the other hand glides like an ice skater.
http://studio6r.com/Woodworking/jerky_rts400.mov

 

[leakyroof]

Try vacuum set to lowest setting, and speed control set to 4.

 

[Cort]

Just picked up a RTS400 and I'm a little disappointed. It's sporadically jerky. I guess its going back [sad]
Vacum on different settings speed on different settings doesn't make a difference.
Any ideas would be welcome.

The RO90 on the other hand glides like an ice skater.
http://studio6r.com/Woodworking/jerky_rts400.mov

Just curious.  What abrasive are you using?  Are you using a Festool CT extractor or a shop vac?  In my experience, the RTS 400 is a great little sander, but it can be jerky if there is too much suction applied.  This is especially pronounced with higher grits on smoother surfaces.  One must dial the dust extractor way down.  Try the sander without any dust collection and see if it is still jerky.  If the sander is still jerk without any dust collection then maybe the sander is somehow defective.  It definitely should not be the way it is in your video.

 

[mdelrossi]

I started with minimal suction on my midi.
Working with 120-180 grit

 

[Cort]

If the sander is still jerky without suction, then send it back.  But don't give up on this model.  It is really a great little sander.  Maybe you got a stinker.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Please, don't immediately be put off by this, this jerky behaviour is normal for a brand new RTS400. This is one of those sanders you need to break in.

Because the carbon brushes aren't properly seated yet, the sander can't reach it's full power. Fresh brushes are square, and they need to wear a bit to get the round shape of the rotor.

Breaking them in can take a while though, Festool recommends a good 8 hours of use. A popular method here on the forum to do this fast is to hang the sander on a rope and let it run constantly for 8 hours. Don't worry about the long time, the sander can take it, no problem.

After the break in period the sander should behave a lot better. But if it still doesn't work right by then, it's time to get in contact with your dealer.   

Don't give up on the RTS too quickly. It is a very nice sander.

 

[NBK]

I am having problems with mine also but it leaving squiggle marks  even without dust collection.  I have had the jumps also but mostly when the piece was not securely down to a table. 

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

What speed setting on the sander? Generally, for wood applications, I would always recommend using 6. Otherwise, the sander may not work as expected because it cannot overcome the friction of the abrasive.

Have you run it on any material other than that piece of ply?

Shane

 

[mdelrossi]

Not yet, had other things come up but I'l be trying it next week.

 

[sancho57]

Not yet, had other things come up but I'l be trying it next week.

If had the same issue myself. 

I attributed it to technique.

But I have heard of festool sanders requiring a break in period to.

I really like that little sander.