RO 150 FEQ as a Polisher

[Peakbagger]

I just ordered the RO 150 FEQ and one of the things I want to be able to do with it is use it as a polisher on furniture. I just sold my DeWalt Polisher/Sander on Craigslist so I could justify the Festool! In any event, there doesnt seem to be a lambswool disc/pad for the RO 150.

Any thoughts on which pads, parts, pieces I need to get to replace the DW Polisher? (Lambswool)

Thanks in advance!

 

[Dan Clark]

I just ordered the RO 150 FEQ and one of the things I want to be able to do with it is use it as a polisher on furniture. I just sold my DeWalt Polisher/Sander on Craigslist so I could justify the Festool! In any event, there doesnt seem to be a lambswool disc/pad for the RO 150.

Any thoughts on which pads, parts, pieces I need to get to replace the DW Polisher? (Lambswool)

Thanks in advance!

Here ya go:  http://www.festoolusa.com/accessories/sanders/polishing-accessories.html.  Note that Lake Country 7 1/2" foam  pads for paint polishing fit fairly well too.  

 

[Brice Burrell]

Welcome.

As Dan posted there is no shortage of polishing accessories available for the Rotex.  You can call Festool and they'll be able to help you find right pads for your work.

For members that are interested here's a nice article by Per Swenson on polishing with Festool sanders.

Shameless Festool Sander Plug.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

If you need help in choosing accessories for the Rotex to use it for polishing, it would probably be best to contact us by phone for assistance. It would be good to know more about your application, for instance what type of clearcoat you're using.

Just so happens that I did this recently and here's the technique I used on a lacquer finish.

Start by using very high grits of sandpaper, in my case I used Granat. I started with the highest which was 1500 and worked down until I was able to remove all of the imperfections in the finish and get a smooth surface, so down to 1200 and then 800. When I got to 800, I was able to get a nice flat surface, then I worked my way back up to 1500 grit. Always wipe the surface down with a clean microfiber or similar rag between grits when going up in grit. Otherwise, you are grinding larger particles into the surface from the previous grit. Also, all of this is done in random orbit mode. Also, use a slower speed (2-3) and only the weight of the machine, don't apply extra pressure of you may burn through your finish quickly.

Next, switch to the polishing pad (green) and the sheepskin. Although most people wouldn't think so, sheepskin is one of the most abrasive mediums for polishing. Apply your most aggressive polishing compound, in my case I used a 5000 grit compound. Switch to Rotex (gear-driven mode) and turn the speed down to 1 or 2. Again, we will wipe down between compounds but this time also use a solvent (water if water-based, for instance).  Next, move on to the orange polishing pad and your medium grit compound, in my case 8000 grit. Again, wipe with a solvent between coats. Last, use the orange pad again with your highest grit / least aggressive compound, in my case 11000 grit.

With this process you can get a glass-like finish. You may want to tweak the process to meet your own particular needs.

For the Rotex 150:
Sheepskin: 484131
Orange pad: 493852

I just realized that I don't have those higher grits of Granat on the website (doh) which are newer. So, I don't have the part numbers.

I've already talked to Brian, one of our trainers, about getting this on video in the coming weeks. So stay tuned.