New RO 90 sander started to make an odd noise

[Vec]

I picked up an RO 90 last week and set about sanding. Maybe 10 hours of use in it started to make an odd noise that I don't think it made before. I first started hearing it when I was starting and stopping it. I also found a few speeds where it does it all the time.

Here's what it sounds like:

Normal or not? Call up Festool? Since it's so new, should it be a swap for a new one?

Any ideas?

 

[AlexThePalex]

I don't see what's odd about that noise, since you're new to the sander, maybe try not to jump to conclusions and get tio know it better first.

But if you're in any way not satisfied with the sander you can return it if you're still within the free return period, 15 or 30 days depending on your location.

 

[Vec]

It didn't make the noise before... But if this is normal... go figure. I sent the clip to my dealer, FestoolProducts.com, and see what they say about it. I did a pretty thorough cleaning of it as well and the noise persisted.

In any case, I love the sander and it's making quick work on my fence. I like it so much I got a small pile of other Festool tools as well! (I also got a CT36 dust extractor)

 

[Matthew Lennon]

Hi Vec,

My names Matt and I work in Customer Service at The Tool Nut/Festoolproducts.com. I happened to randomly open your thread and saw you bought with us!

I went out to our warehouse and ran a brand new unit with the pad on and pad off. Your RO 90 sounds a bit different than the one I just powered on.

Please send me an email (matt@toolnut.com) with your order number and I'll assist with getting you a replacement unit.

 

[sancho57]

It sounds OK to me. These sanders do have a"break-in period".

Maybe thats what it is.

Anyway it looks like Matt is taking care of you.

 

[peter halle]

If you are within the return period and are not happy, return it.

That is why the policy is there.

Peter

 

[sancho57]

Listened to yer video again thins morning It still sounded normal, Maybe if you put it under load (sanded something) it will get a bit quieter

 

[Vec]

FestoolProducts.com cross shipped a new one (presumably the one they tested) and I just got it today. I haven't had a chance to use the new one in anger yet, but the weird rattle sound is not in the new one. The sound seemed to come from the gear unit in the front of the unit and not the motor or belt assembly from what I could tell. It also seemed to be speed-dependent, like something was just out of tolerance or something.

Anyway, all's well that ends well. 

 

[James Biddle]

Sounds OK to me too.  The RO90 is one of my favorite and most used sanders.  Use it heavily for the first 29 days, let it break in, and then decide (quickly).