New Festool Sander - Weird Smell

[deepcreek]

I just bought a brand new RTS400 and it smells like an electric model train set when I run it.  Kind of an ionized electric motor smell.  It does not feel unusually warm.

I have a stable of Festool sanders (RO150, ETS150, RO90, LS130, & RAS) and don't recall any of them producing this smell during the break in period.

Is this normal or do I need to call Festool USA on Monday?

I've only had it 24 hours and can exchange it although my local Woodcraft only had the one in stock.

Thanks!

Joe

 

[deepcreek]

Interesting that no one else has experienced this.

I decided the model train smell might be due to the break in process.

To speed things up, I did the rope-a-dope trick and ran the sander suspended from the ceiling.  After several hours, I checked on it and could not stand the accumulated smell in my shop.

I took it outside and hung it from a plant hook on my porch for the rest of the time.

I'm hoping this will "fix" it.

 

[canadamike]

Joe,

I have several Festool sanders and have not experienced the smell you mentioned. But when I push some of my battery tools too hard, I do experience that, it is likely ozone being produced by arcing from the brushes. Just a guess, I think the brushes are not seated well.

I would take advantage of the 30 day replacement period.

Nice work and website, by the way!

 

[leakyroof]

Sounds like something isn't right- I would return it if it continues to emit that smell.
[eek]

 

[deepcreek]

My partner spoke with Festool repair service this morning.  He was told that in some cases the brushes are rough from the factory and may produce a noticeable smell as they wear into the armature.  If the sander continues to produce an odor after the break in period or it changes to one of burnt wiring, we should return it or send it in for service.

I do not recall any of my other Festool tools doing this and am a little bit taken aback that a company like Festool would explain it away as being caused by something coming "rough from the factory".

I have never understood why a premium product being sold at a premium price requires the purchaser to endure a break in period in order for it to work properly.  Hence my earlier reference to the "Rope-A-Dope" trick (and I'm not talking about Ali-Foreman).

Thanks,

Joe

 

[copcarcollector]

Return it to the dealer you bought it from and exchange / get a new one. Your original post was a few days ago so you should be well within the 30 day period.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

I had a similar experience with the DSC 125 grinder I bought - very weird smell at first.  I thought something was wrong in the room I was in - then I realized the whiff was out of the Systainer!  Still after some use it still smells but the machine worked fine.

I hope it wears off when I am "breaking in" the machine.