New / used RO 125

[donwon]

So I bought a used RO 125 and have finally started to use it for some projects. All my previous sanders have been dewalt, Bosch, etc.  so this is my first festool sander.

My question is that the rotation of the sander seems low. On speed 6, I think I can see the rotations and it seems if I try to stop it with my hand that it does not seem to rotate much. There are plenty of oscillations just not rotations. This sander has Ben used but seems to be jumpy still. I have not been able to put it in the aggressive mode as it jumps too much

Does this seem right or did I get a bum deal?  Thoughts?

 

[mouppe]

No, I think from your description that the random orbit sounds fine. When you try the geared rotex mode you'll see some powerful rotation.

 

[waho6o9]

Maybe the brushes haven't worn in yet.

Mine jumped around as well, until the
brushes were set.

Have fun, Rotex's are the best.
[smile]

 

[fdengel]

One more thought: if the dust extraction is turned too high, this can make a sander harder to control under certain conditions.

 

[Sparktrician]

One more thought: if the dust extraction is turned too high, this can make a sander harder to control under certain conditions.

+1!  Set the DE to no more than 1/3 power and see how the controllability changes.  Also, hold the RO by the Plug-It connector and DE hose connector with very light fingertip pressure on the head with your other hand.  Let the tool (Rotex and abrasives) do the work.  You'll find it much more easy to control. 

 

[Northern Early]

My RO150 has a very light touch to the Random Orbit mode. I can stop it rotating (still having vibration) pretty easily. On Dual action mode shes 5 times the beast of my big bosch belt sander. I love it. When you need to hang on for the ride because its doing so much work. I tend to stay in dual action most of the time and adjust my pressure/paper to desired finish. I don't often work or surfaces big enough to go to random orbit.