Review of Pro5 Limited

[leakyroof]

I'm having the same problems Wes, I have sent mine out for repair now. Very disappointing for a festool product.

  Is this a Rotex 150?  Are you in Rotex mode when you experience this?
In Rotex mode, I would consider this fairly normal. I think it's more pronounced when using the smaller RO 125, but that's just me.

 

[Goz]

I tried my Pro5 out over the weekend and had similar issues of "jumpiness". Both sanding drywall compound and some plywood cabinet doors. I was going to chalk it up to rough surface or improper settings (speed or vacuum) but after reading this thread i wonder if there's something wrong with it. Any suggestions to adjust my technique before contacting Festool for a service request?

Sent from my SM-G930R4 using Tapatalk

 

[mcooley]

My unit has the same issue. Like with my Rotex 125 I tried all the usual adjustments like speed, suction and different boards with different grain. It fights you no matter the situation. Put side by side with the ETS 125 makes it pretty obvious that the PRO 5 unit does not sand effortlessly. In fact, I could not control mine without it resisting even at low speed and low suction. My dealer agreed today and said they will look into it with Festool but in the meantime I am wondering if there are some units that aren't performing and if so is a replacement even likely at this point? It does sound like some units are working just fine.

I will update as soon as I hear more.

 

[Wes.C]

I plan to visit my dealer this weekend.  Will see what they think of my particular pro 5 and update as well.  Interesting to hear that others may be experiencing similar difficult to control performance. 

 

[mcooley]

Okay update here. My dealer confirmed with another unit that my sander is indeed not performing. It has the same issue outlined above so it seems some of these sanders have shipped defective. Supposedly Festool has some units set aside just in case something like this happens. I was told my unit will be replaced as soon as possible. We'll see how long it takes given the unique situation facing these sanders already.

Thanks

 

[yfd48]

Finally got to try mine today, now this thing is no rotex but i got say i was totaly impressed  did not get hot after about 30 minutes (my rotex can get quite warm)  of use, smooth, quiet nice little tool to all to the collection. Now Festool  needs to do a domino xl special  lets say......500.00 dollars

 

[mrFinpgh]

I got to spend some time with mine this afternoon.  It works very well, and was quite smooth.

I set my (Fein Turbo) vacuum down to 1, and the dust collection was pretty good but some did escape.  I chalk that up to sanding a 2" wide table leg with a 5" sander.  [big grin]

 

[JHZR2]

Okay update here. My dealer confirmed with another unit that my sander is indeed not performing. It has the same issue outlined above so it seems some of these sanders have shipped defective. Supposedly Festool has some units set aside just in case something like this happens. I was told my unit will be replaced as soon as possible. We'll see how long it takes given the unique situation facing these sanders already.

Thanks

Good to know.  I got mine at the Woodcraft Wilington, DE store one of the first days, just like OP.  So if there's an issue in some batches, mine may be the same.  Now I'm intrigued to go test...

 

[mcooley]

FYI, it's pretty obvious if it is sanding poorly given how much it resists during any motion you use. I don't think anyone should be concerned if they don't immediately notice poor performance. But that's just been my experience with this particular issue.

 

[Wes.C]

brought my pro5 into woodcraft and 2 workers tried it.  first worker agreed that it was erratic/tough to control.  second store employee said he didn't feel that it was out of the ordinary.  I tried it back to back against the ets 125 on the shelf and I felt that the older model ets was much easier to control.  they said I could either return it (inside 30 days) or send it to festool and see if they thought it was defective.  I elected to return it.  appreciate the courteous service at the new castle woodcraft.  [smile]

 

[Tkf530]

Can I use the voucher towards a package purchase or just a single tool?

 

[mcooley]

My new replacement arrived today and seems to work fine.

m

 

[Nick561]

My pro 5 is having the same issues with jumping around.

 

[mcooley]

Your dealer should be able to easily return it for a new one. I had to wait about a week to a week and a half.

m

 

[Nick561]

I was told I can either return it or have it repaired. No swap. I'm pretty pissed about it to tell you then truth. I got sold a defective unit and have to keep it

 

[Holmz]

I was told I can either return it or have it repaired. No swap. I'm pretty ticked about it to tell you then truth. I got sold a defective unit and have to keep it

Technically you do not have to keep it.

 

[Nick561]

I was told I can either return it or have it repaired. No swap. I'm pretty ticked about it to tell you then truth. I got sold a defective unit and have to keep it

Technically you do not have to keep it.

Yes I said I could do that. I bought the tool because I need it l. Returning it didn't solve my issue. I don't think it is unreasonable to expect a new , well working tool when purchased new

 

[leakyroof]

I was told I can either return it or have it repaired. No swap. I'm pretty ticked about it to tell you then truth. I got sold a defective unit and have to keep it

Technically you do not have to keep it.

Yes I said I could do that. I bought the tool because I need it l. Returning it didn't solve my issue. I don't think it is unreasonable to expect a new , well working tool when purchased new

. Not unreasonable at all, but they (Festool) will fix it as it's under warranty.

 

[Cheese]

I'm pretty ticked about it to tell you then truth. I got sold a defective unit and have to keep it

It may not be a defective unit...it really depends upon customer expectation and what your previous sander experiences have been.
I remember recently, a person voiced his/her displeasure with a Pro 5 and they took it back to their local Woodcraft store. The owner of the sander stated it was terrible, one of the Woodcraft employees said it needed to be carefully guided and the other Woodcraft employee said it was normal. So who's right?

I have a Pro 5 and it does have a mind of its own from time to time but it still is a pleasurable sander to use. It all depends upon the direction of the grain of the wood, the direction that the sander is going at the time, the grit of the paper, the orbital speed of the sander, the amount of suction on the vacuum, and the amount of pressure that the operator is applying to the sander.

Bottom line...if you're within the 30 day window, just return it for a full reimbursement.

Then again, you can always sell it on eBay and pay for the first year of your child's education... [big grin]

 

[Nick561]

I'm pretty ticked about it to tell you then truth. I got sold a defective unit and have to keep it

It may not be a defective unit...it really depends upon customer expectation and what your previous sander experiences have been.
I remember recently, a person voiced his/her displeasure with a Pro 5 and they took it back to their local Woodcraft store. The owner of the sander stated it was terrible, one of the Woodcraft employees said it needed to be carefully guided and the other Woodcraft employee said it was normal. So who's right?

I have a Pro 5 and it does have a mind of its own from time to time but it still is a pleasurable sander to use. It all depends upon the direction of the grain of the wood, the direction that the sander is going at the time, the grit of the paper, the orbital speed of the sander, the amount of suction on the vacuum, and the amount of pressure that the operator is applying to the sander.

Bottom line...if you're within the 30 day window, just return it for a full reimbursement.

Then again, you can always sell it on eBay and pay for the first year of your child's education... [big grin]

Well it's harder to control then my rotex. I can't believe that a finish sander should be that hard to use. I have tried multiple wood,vac settings, and papers. I know I can get a refund but what I want is a new functioning sander. Not a repaired one. If I wanted repaired I'd buy a demo unit.