R0 125 Sander - Reconditioned tool, multiple issues...is this normal?

[sconnell94]

Hi there,
I've recently taken the plunge and invested in a couple Festool tools.  I haven't had them long and this is my first post to this forum.  I basically started with a Domino that I found used after searching Craigslist for 6 months.  I was instantly in love with the tool and it opened up tons of possibilities for furniture construction. After my initial use of the Domino, I decided to pick up two tools as part of the reconditioned tool sale (both at the 20% off level).  I got a CT MIDI dust collector and an RO 125 sander.  I love the vacuum but am having some major issues with the sander.  I looked at the forums and learned about turning down the suction on the MIDI to optimize performance so I've done that.  My problem is that I'm getting non-stop swirl marks and ringlets after every use.  I get them from coarse abrasives all they way up to 150 grit.  The sander is not in the aggressive mode, but putting it in the aggressive mode makes it worse.  Additionally, the sander chatters considerably even on half speed (not cranked up to 6 or whatever the highest level is) and it happens on both hard and soft woods.  When putting into Rotex mode, the chatter and "bounce" almost becomes uncontrollable.  I bought this sander based on Festool's description and it appeared to be a nice crossover sander that would enable finish work, but also had the aggressive mode that bridges the gap between a random orbital and full fledge belt sander.  Given the price I paid for this sander even at 20% off, I expect much more out of it.  Heck, I expect (and get) much more out of my $70 Bosch sanders.  So my initial dip into the Festool waters was pleasant, but this sander is really making me question their other products.  Anyone have any suggestions for a Festool newbie?...even if the advice is "doesn't sound right, call Festool", I'd appreciate it.  Thanks in advance for the guidance. Scott

 

[semenza]

Hi,

  Welcome to the forum!  [smile]

        With the sander on full speed in random orbit mode and the suction turned down it should run smooth on the surface. The only thing I didn't see mentioned in your post is to avoid pressing down on the sander. Just hold it enough to keep it level and on course. Beyond that and I suggest a call to Festool service.

Seth

 

[wow]

[welcome] to the FOG!

I don't have the RO125, but I have the RO150 and it is SMOOTH as SILK! Based on the behavior you described, I suspect that there is something wrong with the one you got. Please contact Festool service to work it out.

 

[PA floor guy]

I own 37 festool sanders, no lie.  I have 5- ro125's and they are hands down my favorite.  I do have a few 90s and 150s. But the 125 is always my go to sander. What your experiencing is a combination of a new tool, a new pad, and not having it set up quite right yet.  Keep playing with your settings, and even try running it without the vac to get a feel.  You will eventually love this tool. 

 

[Sparktrician]

I've attached a PDF file that may be of value.  It's oriented to solid surface work, but look specifically at the technique being employed and compare that to your own technique.  How you balance and hold the RO 125 is critical. 

 

[sconnell94]

Thanks for the responses/tips/guidance.  I will do a little more testing to see if I can come to terms with this thing but will also contact Festool support and explain what I'm experiencing just in case I did end up with a dud.  I really want to like this sander so hopefully either dialing in my use of it or perhaps sending off to the infirmary for a bit of care will be the ticket. 

BTW, I did want to mention that I'm not applying much pressure at all as I'm a firm believer in letting the tool do the work, but I find myself needing to apply pressure to prevent the sander from chattering right off the workpiece.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I had asked a colleague to call you this morning. Did you not hear from someone?

 

[sconnell94]

Hi Shane, I did not hear from someone today.  I am new to the forum but have to admit that I'm impressed not only with the responses thus far but also that someone from Festool may attempt to get in touch.  Thanks, Scott

Edit: I just checked my profile and it does not look like my phone number is listed (nor does there appear to be a field for it).  Is it possible that they would look me up from the recent tool purchase? 

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Hi Shane, I did not hear from someone today.  I am new to the forum but have to admit that I'm impressed not only with the responses thus far but also that someone from Festool may attempt to get in touch.  Thanks, Scott

Edit: I just checked my profile and it does not look like my phone number is listed (nor does there appear to be a field for it).  Is it possible that they would look me up from the recent tool purchase?

I snagged your contact information from your reconditioned tool order.  [wink]

 

[Jeremiah9675]

I bought a reconditioned RO125 also this year. Mine came in the classic systainer so I believe it to be a little older than most. It works Great/flawless/Like silk! Even without messing with the settings it should still operate better than how your describing. It doesn't sound like you got a properly working sander. Id defiantly call Festool service if they haven't called you yet as stated above.
P.S. I'm not going to say "Welcome to the Forum" like 30 more people will until you have 10 posts to your name. LOL!

 

[sconnell94]

I actually received a call from Festool late last week as a result of this post (I'm quite impressed by this) and I was given a few tips to try with the sander before pursuing a "faulty" route.  I'm going to test those out this week to see if they help improve my results.  For the benefit of others, here's what Festool recommended to me (as a right handed person):
1. Gently hold the front of the sander with the left hand.  Avoid applying pressure, just "cup" it to help guide it.
2. Use your right hand to grip the sander back towards the plug.  Essentially your left hand and right hand are working together to keep the sanding pad flush with the work surface.  Side note: this is a good tip, and appears to have been posted by others...it does cause me to question the ergonomics of the sander if you are meant to grip it somewhere other than the handle. 
3. Don't let the sanding pad rock or don't deliberately rock it to try to get a more aggressive sand.  You can certainly do this but you increase your chances of swirl marks. 
4. Don't skip steps in sandpaper progressions; e.g. don't go from 100 to 220 without stepping up through the standard increments in between.  If you do skip steps, prepare to spend much more time using the finer grit to smooth out the surface. 

So I will try these tips this week to see how things pan out and will report back. 

And to Jeremiah9675: I can completely appreciate you holding off the greeting until I can prove that I'm not some forum lurker looking for free tips only when it suits me without providing more regular input into the community. 

 

[Jeremiah9675]

And to Jeremiah9675: I can completely appreciate you holding off the greeting until I can prove that I'm not some forum lurker looking for free tips only when it suits me without providing more regular input into the community.
[/quote]

Lol! Glad to see you have a good sense of humor!
Welcome to the forum! 

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

After awhile, you will learn how to one hand a rotex sander. 

 

[sconnell94]

Hello again.  Sorry to resurrect this old thread, but I made the original post and wanted to post a follow up for the benefit of others who are considering buying this tool, especially via the Festool Reconditioned Tool program.  I have spent many hours trying to master this sander.  I've had conversations with customer service and I adjusted my hand positions when operating the tool.  I've invested considerable amounts of time and money in all the different abrasives and have also sent the tool back to the Festool Infirmary for service because I simply cannot get a smooth finish with the RO 125.  All grits live tiny ringlets even when I go up to 150 and 220 and I'm not using the sander in aggressive mode with these grits.  When I received it back from Festool service there was a box checked that they replaced a gasket or something (can't remember and have since thrown away the form).  No visible change was noticeable in the sanders performance.  I've tried it on both softwood and hardwood and this sander is only good for material removal....it is absolutely terrible at producing a fine finish.  The sad part is that I have to use my $60 non-Festool RO sander to clean up the mess that my $380 sander makes.  I am not trying to make a blanket statement that all RO125's are bad. Some folks in my co-op woodshop use them and get good results.  I am simply saying that the one I have is bad and my objective here is to warn others to use caution when considering buying one of these the next time Festool has a Recon Tool program .  The one year of warranty support is great, but the non-returnability of what I consider to be a lemon really stinks.  I cannot afford to take this kind of financial hit for a tool that does not perform and I can't in good faith re-sell it to someone else. 

My first Festool was a Domino 500 and based on that, I was ready to go all-in and slowly begin to replace my aging tools with Festool products but this sander is really going to make me reconsider that position going forward.  This is a real let-down.
 
Scott

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Scott,

I will be in touch via email.

Shane

 

[Godfather]

Sorry that your investment has not given the satisfaction that you were expecting.  I found my ets 125 was not nearly as smooth as my 1250devs...not even close.  Both were purchased new and I was a little disappointed...  However, I adjusted my technique and it is slowly growing on me.  I really like the dust collection of both and I've wasted a few hours trying to find a case for the Bosch.  Good luck, I'm sure Shane will take care of you.