RO150 pad constantly falling off

[festooool]

Recently when using my RO150, the blue pad loosens and falls off. This happens quite often, sometimes after using the machine for a few seconds!! I have tightened the centre screw which was a little bit loose but still the pad start rattling and falls off. I mount the pad in what I would think is the correct way; fixating the rotation by pressing the green button on the side and then screwing the blue pad on tightly. The pad itself seems ok. The metal ring below (above) the mounting detail is loose, is that ok? Or should it press towards the metal mounting detail in some way??

Any ideas???????????

Thanks,
Anders

 

[AlexThePalex]

You talk about a center screw so I assume you have the old style Rotex, the RO150 E. From your description it sounds like the thread on the screw or in the pocket receiving the screw isn't good anymore. Normally the pads and screws are fixed in such a way so that they always tighten themselves when the machine starts.

 

[festooool]

Hi Alex,
It's the RO150FEQ+ and the screw is the one holding the metal thing the pad *should* stay mounted to.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I've not heard about this problem before. Might be best to call Festool's service dept.

 

[peter halle]

I just pulled out my Rotex to look.  The mounting piece directly under the screw is tight.  The large washer under it is loose.  I would suggest that you look at the underside of the pad.  You should see the three slots that then end.  If the ends are broken off that might be the issue.  I know that mounting my pad is tight and I really have to turn it.  Maybe you didn't turn far enough?  I know that might sound farfetched, but it could happen.  Post back and we'll go further.

Peter

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Anders, it looks like you are in Sweden.  I agree with Brice and would definitely advocate getting in touch with Festool Sweden or the dealer from whom you purchased the tool.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Hi Alex,
It's the RO150FEQ+ and the screw is the one holding the metal thing the pad *should* stay mounted to.

I see. Because you mentioned a screw I thought you'd have to fasten the pad on the sander with a screw, like with the older RO150 and the ETS150.

But if you mean the Allen screw that's under the pad of the RO150FEQ, then that's a whole different matter. If tightening that screw doesn't help, and you followed Peter's advice about checking the machine-side of the pad,  then it's really time to contact Festool's service department. The metal ring on the axle of the machine is meant to be a bit loose, but not the screw.

Btw, the opposite happened to me once. I couldn't get the pad off. Strange enough the pad kept rotating even though I pushed the green spindle lock button on the side and could clearly see it engaging. That had me worried for a moment. It was even stranger that I tried it again half an hour later and it worked again as it should. Never had the problem since.  ???

 

[bobbobbob]

Alex,
Sounds like the first time you tried to remove the pad the sander was in 'eccentric motion (fine sanding)' mode and not in 'Rotex rotary motion (coarse sanding)' mode as it should be.  The green button does not lock out in 'eccentric motion' mode.  [from Rotex manual page 7]

 

[AlexThePalex]

Alex,
Sounds like the first time you tried to remove the pad the sander was in 'eccentric motion (fine sanding)' mode and not in 'Rotex rotary motion (coarse sanding)' mode as it should be.  The green button does not lock out in 'eccentric motion' mode.  [from Rotex manual page 7]

Well, I'll be jiggered! You're right.  [blink] I'm glad it's not a malfunction.  [big grin]

 

[festooool]

Ok, thank you all! I will contact them for service. Luckily, I have three (!) days left of the 1+2 years warranty!    //Anders

 

[festooool]

Hi, my problem with the RO150FEQ seems to have been related to the part which you mount the pad upon (the largest of the ones marked #52 here: http://www.festoolusa.com/media/pdf/sp_rotex_ro150feq.pdf ). The end of it has two protruding details that were almost completely worn down. They replaced it and now the machine works fine. //Anders

 

[Forrest Anderson]

Hi, my problem with the RO150FEQ seems to have been related to the part which you mount the pad upon (the largest of the ones marked #52 here: http://www.festoolusa.com/media/pdf/sp_rotex_ro150feq.pdf ). The end of it has two protruding details that were almost completely worn down. They replaced it and now the machine works fine. //Anders

Thank you for reporting back and telling us exactly what part was replaced.

Your answer will prove very useful to the next person who has the same problem!

Forrest