Renofix? Am I missing something?

[bobfog]

I just saw this photo for the Festool Renofix RG130.

It seems to show the tool being used to clean a block paving driveway/path. Surely this isn't a correct use for such an aggressive tool? Surely a pressure washer, brick acid, oxi-bleach, etc is a far more appropriate way of cleaning bricks pictured in the photo?

Am I wrong or has someone at Festool marketing not really understood what this machine is for?

 

[AlexThePalex]

You're right, those Festool guys have no clue what their machines are for. Good job pointing it out.

 

[AlexThePalex]

On another note, looks to me the guy in the picture is not cleaning the tiles, but roughing them up so a new layer can be put on top of it. You know, roughing it up makes the new tiles stick better.

 

[bobfog]

You're right, those Festool guys have no clue what their machines are for. Good job pointing it out.

I'm a little confused by your response, Alex.

Now, I've never been accused of being the sharpest tool in the box, but even a dummy like me can sense the sarcasm and passive aggressiveness of your post. 

But what's confusing me is, despite the (not so) thinly veiled personal attack, you don't actually fully make clear or to commit to whether you know if this is or isn't a legitimate use for the tool or if you just wanted to scorn me?

My question was sincere, I am surprised that Festool are marketing this as a product to clean what appears to be perfectly flat and solid block work, as it seems like far too aggressive a tool to remove what could only be surface weathering. I would have thought with the individual blocks, a tool like this would chip the edges of the blocks and is a bit like "using a cannon to kill a fly".

So again, am I wrong or is this actually a sensible use for the product?

 

[bobfog]

On another note, looks to me the guy in the picture is not cleaning the tiles, but roughing them up so a new layer can be put on top of it. You know, roughing it up makes the new tiles stick better.

Now this is more constructive, well done.

Yes, it could be that, though I'm not sure they're actually tiles, they look like block paving to me and not the sort of thing you would tile over, but you might be right.

Thanks.

 

[leakyroof]

So I went to the Renofix page to see what the 'business' end of the tool looked like. I agree, I have no idea what Festool is demonstrating in that picture either.... [huh]
However, to quote them.."..Always the suitable tool for every application and every material"
So there you go Alex.... [wink]
It's now clear as...mud?  [eek]

 

[tjbnwi]

Looks like he is scarifying tile in the photo.

Those do not look like brick or pavers to me. Pavers are set tight to each other, brick with mortar joints on a floor?

Tom

 

[Bohdan]

He is levelling brick pavers which are used a lot on public pedestrian traffic areas. These are often set on compressed sand with sand as a grout and after a while they tend to move slightly vertically as the sand compresses with traffic. To get rid of the "trip hazard" you can level them by lifting the pavers, levelling the sand and relaying them - quicker to just grind the high spots.

 

[AlexThePalex]

They're floor tiles, used outdoor. Separated by seams filled with grout.

 

[TheTrooper]

What everyone  said.  It is roughing up the surface of tile to accept another layer of flooring.  I use a Bosch version of this to grind tile, concrete, wooden subfloor joints.
The tile in the picture are either real brick or ceramic venire usually 1/4" -  3/8 in thickness. They give the illusion of a solid brick. Great for an accent wall or fireplace.  Judging by the amout of material removed its the  ceramic version and not the clay.  The diamond blade would have blasted through the lay version in seconds.

Basically its a grinder with a Dimond grinding blade with a dust attachment, also probably has an optional  water source to attach a Bristol head to clean mortar

 

[Phil Beckley]

Hi
Ok, to clear up any confusion the RG130 can be used as follows.

'Light sanding/grinding with RG 130 and DIA HARD ensures that the new layer is adequately adhered.
In addition, this also means that all separating layers such as greases are removed'

A similar application is shown in the attached image.
Hope this helps
rg
Phil