RO125 operation

[Gene Davis]

I just bought a used RO125 after years of using a DeWalt 5" 8-hole ROS.

Why does this Festool feel so rough?  Do not have the right touch?  It wants to buck on me in random-orbit mode if I try to bear down on it.

I am not used to having to so-well-secure my work with clamps.  With my dusty Dewalt, I can work atop a sanding pad without securing the part, but not with this Festool.  Not held just-so, it will kick my part right off the bench.

Is my RO125 defective?

 

[NHSP759]

Do you have it in gear driven mode? I don't have the RO125, I've got the RO90 but in gear drive it is taking off material by the bucket load, the next mode is beautiful!

 

[AlexThePalex]

Is my RO125 defective?

Probably not. The Ro 125 is really a whole different kind of beast compared to your tiny DeWalt. Much more powerful, and because of the angled body you have to hold it differently. All things you need to get used to. Clamping down your workpiece when you work with a Rotex doesn't sound like a bad idea.

 

[SoonerFan]

I have an RO125 and it is terrific.  It will take some adjustment coming from a Dewalt.  It will also break in with some use.  Just turn down suction and give it a little time.  You will be fine.

 

[Runhard]

As others have said, the Rotex sanders do take some time to get used to. If you are sanding bare wood, the lower grit abrasives will obviously grab more. Personally I like Rubin2 on bare wood (just slightly over Granat.) Some say that the Rotex sanders also take some time to break in, you could look up "sander break in time" and find more info. If you want a smooth sander, the ETS/150 (3 or 5) would be a great choice. The ETS125 would be similar to your DeWalt, but much more superior. There is a new ETS sander that is out across the pond, but I don't know how long it will be before we see it in NA. I honestly do not think you have a defective sander, but try it out for the 30 day return period and see how it goes.

 

[Billedis]

I recently posted on my first use of the RO125 and can't find it right now.  I was using Mirka abranet discs, not festool, and had no issues whatsoever.  I took the approach to turn my CT48 down to about 10%, and just lightly held the sander at the back of the handle around the plug-it and hose with my right hand, and lightly with my left hand on the top.  I used it this way in rotex as well as eccentric mode and had no issues.  I used 80, 100, 120, 150, 180 and 220 grits.  Only rotex on the 80 and eccentric on the remaining grits.  A beautiful machine and an impressive finish.  Bill

 

[Doug H]

I recently bought a RO125 and had the same issue. By reading a number of FOG posts, I learned NOT to push down but rather to just let the weight of the sander do the work. Hold lightly on the rear part of the handle or on the hose connection and you will have more success. Practice helps with getting used to it.

 

[sae]

I recently bought a RO125 and had the same issue. By reading a number of FOG posts, I learned NOT to push down but rather to just let the weight of the sander do the work. Hold lightly on the rear part of the handle or on the hose connection and you will have more success. Practice helps with getting used to it.

Once you learn where/how to push, you can push for more aggressive removal. It just takes time to learn.

 

[Brent Taylor]

I have found that most people hold the RO too hard and forget to let the sander do the work. I have to tell my people every time we have to sand no matter what sander they use, between holding it down to hard and having on the wrong speed for the job, but everybody has to learn how to work the tool. (Having helpers can be more work than their worth, but at least they can be laugh when RO tries running away with them ???) B

 

[festoolviking]

Hi and welcome to the forum.  [welcome]

There is a lot of talk about a "break-in" period for the Festool-sanders. My personal opinion is that the "break-in" period is more related to the user. So please take your time getting used to the sander and fiddle around with the DE.
I use to think that "just because you got a drivers licence doesn't mean that you can handle a formula one car on the first try"  [wink] . Give it time and once you get the hang of it it will pay off for you.

Festoolviking

 

[WastedP]

I have used the RO125 and 150 almost exclusively for solid surface.  It wasn't until I bought an RO125 for home and used it on an maple project when I realized that the sander gets a lot more traction on wood than plastic.  My own rule of thumb is that I only use the aggressive rotary setting where I would otherwise use a portable belt sander.

I have seen a lot of first-time Rotex users get overwhelmed by the rotary setting.  Lots of hopping and jumping around.  I always tell them to let it float, but there is a line to tread between letting the sander do the work and letting the sander do whatever it pleases.