Planex Driving me Crazy

[gqcontracting]

Bought the Planex 2 weeks ago.  I was very excited to use it on the basement I just finished mudding for one on my customers.  I started on the ceilings and absolutely destroyed it.  Whenever I tried moving it the disc would tilt and carve all kinds of rings into my joins.  I understand there is a learning curve involved but I ended up redoing the ceiling 3 times.  I have toyed around with all the settings and still the struggle to keep it flush to the ceiling is unbelievable.  When I increase the vacuum it doesn't want to glide and when it does move it goes out of control shooting across the ceiling wildly.  Walls are awesome with no problem.  Just wondering if anyone else has same issues or has some tips and settings that have worked for them.  The videos I watch about the Planex doesn't show the person using it cursing and having meltdowns like me, seems to just glide over ceiling with ease without sweating.  I have never sweat so much in my life and probably never as angry... I truly believe its operator error and I need tips quickly before I end up backing over it with my car...  lol...
Thanks
The Angry Drywaller

 

[peter halle]

Welcome to the forum.  Hate to read about you frustration.  I would suggest you call Festool and spend some time talking to an application specialist.

Peter

 

[Saskataper]

If you don't already have the soft pad kit get it, makes the planex an amazing sander. Sounds to me like its sucking to the ceiling to much, I wedge a piece of cardboard in the suck selector switch to split it between center and perimeter suction.

 

[gqcontracting]

If you don't already have the soft pad kit get it, makes the planex an amazing sander. Sounds to me like its sucking to the ceiling to much, I wedge a piece of cardboard in the suck selector switch to split it between center and perimeter suction.

Awesome thanks for the tip I will try for sure.  Did you have similar problems when first using

 

[gqcontracting]

Awesome tip thanks.  Did you have similar problems when first using

 

[AIPDX]

I am not a professional and my experience with the tool is limited to a few times when I used it, but based on what I read, there are a couple of things which you may want to check (in no particular order):

1. You may consider buying a soft pad. Reportedly, it is less likely to leave marks.
2. You might be using abrasives which are too rough or too high RPMs of the sanding pad. Experienced drywallers usually recommend P180 to P240, as far as I read.
3. You may want to adjust the vacuum setting on the head of the tool and on the handle to enable the tool to stick to the ceiling. The suction should be partly or mainly through the center, and just strong enough to not let the tool fall down on itself.
4. You might consider first getting the tool in contact with the ceiling, and then turning it on; likewise, turn it off before attempting to "disconnect" it from the ceiling. This way, the pad will never end up in an angled position to the plane of the ceiling.

As I said, I am not an expert, maybe more experienced people will chime in, but these are my 2 cents.

 

[leakyroof]

Def. a learning curve with the Planex.  I love mine, LOVE it, but sorry to hear you are frustrated with yours.  As others have noted, abrasive grit choice, suction level, and also, I think, placing your body in the correct position so you control the sander while it's over head is key.  Play around with the extensions to see if you get a better result with the sander, like this, are you happier with no ext. and working on a portable bench/support platform to reach the ceiling, or does the sander work better for you with 1 or 2 extensions?
You'll get there, just takes some time.

 

[Shane Holland]

Festool does a great job supporting their products. I would recommend giving them a call. Talk to Brent or Johannes. They can give you plenty of pointers to help you achieve the results you're after.

Also, you may want to check out the getting started video if you haven't already.

 

[gqcontracting]

Thanks for all the tips amazing feedback I appreciate all the advise. Thanks

Festool does a great job supporting their products. I would recommend giving them a call. Talk to Brent or Johannes. They can give you plenty of pointers to help you achieve the results you're after.

Also, you may want to check out the getting started video if you haven't already.

 

[Holmz]

Thanks for all the tips amazing feedback I appreciate all the advise. Thanks

Festool does a great job supporting their products. I would recommend giving them a call. Talk to Brent or Johannes. They can give you plenty of pointers to help you achieve the results you're after.

Also, you may want to check out the getting started video if you haven't already.

So... Is it working for you now?
What was the main problem?