Question on RO150

[Dhuston99]

I bought a used RO150 off eBay.  Knew it needed some parts and got them ordered.  Got the parts in and installed and now I don't know if the sander is working right.  Very hard to control on rotex mode even on the lower settings.  I was just messing around sanding a piece of maple and it was jerking all over the place.  This is with not dust extraction hooked up.  Random orbit mode seems ok but not really sure what normal for this sander is.  Definitely more effort to control than my ets 125.  Just seems to be a lot of vibration.  I don't mind sending it back to festool for them to check but I just wanted some advice first.  Here are some links to some videos I took of the pad moving around. 

This is rotex mode


This random orbit


Thank you

 

[semenza]

Welcome to the forum!  [smile]

If you haven't used a Rotex before it can take a bit of practice to control it. Hard to give advice it is more of getting used to how it feels and moves. Trying too hard to keep it down flat will generally result in jerking around.

If there is a dealer near you  (or maybe a forum member with a Rotex) you could try another one just to be able to know if yours has a problem.

Seth

 

[Stone Message]

The orbital motion looks a little odd as though the pad is not evenly secured or whatever. Mine does not wiggle like that.

Some people find the Rotex sanders a little tricky to manage as they feel that they are hard to control. After a while most people get used to the tool but a simple bit of advice is to try and have a relaxed grip on the machine and do not fight it.

I think that the machine in the video needs attention.

Peter

 

[BJM9818]

On Rotex mode it is like a floor buffer/polisher. If you try and fight it, it will own your A&@.  Best to let the tool do its thing and get the feel of it.

Once you figure it out you can beat the crap out of it.

You may want to send it in to have Festool go over it. The RO150 is an awesome tool when working properly.

 

[Bob Marino]

The orbital motion looks a little odd as though the pad is not evenly secured or whatever. Mine does not wiggle like that.

I think that the machine in the video needs attention.

Peter

Agree. The sander's pad should not be wobbling that that.

 

[AlexThePalex]

That is definitely not right. This sander needs servicing. Might be just the pad and its connection, but it could also be the axle is bent.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Aside from getting any physical issue fixed that may be affecting operation, the Rotex is pretty much a "two handed" tool, too. So you'll want to clamp your workpiece securely so you can handle the sander more easily. It also feels a bit different, depending on which mode you have it set to...much more aggressive in rotary mode, both in sanding and in the level of effort to hold it steady. I hop you get this figured out because the Rotex is a great tool.

 

[SS Teach]

Welcome to FOG.  Having used a Ro 125 before I purchased my 150, I found the 150 easier to use. Both are two handed sanders don’t get me wrong, but the 150 was easier to use. There are YouTube videos on the use of a Ro sander. If after watching them and using the techniques they tell you to use and you still have a bucking bronco: well you know why it was on EBay. Send it to Festool to checkout. I really enjoy using my 150. Good luck.

 

[Dhuston99]

Thanks for all the help.  Sent it in to festool to get checked out.  Will let you know what they say.