RO150 swirl marks

[Prizen]

Hi all

I’ve tried suggestions of using very light pressure and also turning the vacuum suction power to the lowest setting yet I still get swirl marks with my RO150 ( Rotex or ROS mode)

Any thoughts and would moving to an ETS 150 help matters?

 

[johnredl]

Every time I’ve had this issue it’s turned out to be a sand paper issue. I’d try either changing papers more frequently or trying a different style of paper.

 

[Birdhunter]

The only time I get swirl marks with any of my Festool sanders is when the paper has a clump of finish on it. Usually, there are a bunch of congealed clumps on the paper. I think sanding a finish that isn’t totally dry causes this. I sometimes see this when sanding something like pine

 

[Prizen]

Ok thanks guys. In that case, no excuse for an ETS EC 150 just yet!

 

[Sethw3]

My RO150 is strictly for heavy sanding anything over 120 the ets comes out... just my two cents. I had a hard maple table that I built for a customer that caused me to buy the 150/3. Never looked back. The Rotex has its place and a well deserved one at that but not for fine finishing. YMMV

 

[Prizen]

My RO150 is strictly for heavy sanding anything over 120 the ets comes out... just my two cents. I had a hard maple table that I built for a customer that caused me to buy the 150/3. Never looked back. The Rotex has its place and a well deserved one at that but not for fine finishing. YMMV

Thanks Seth, do you avoid the RO150 for fine finishing due to swirl marks or for other reasons?

 

[Sparktrician]

My RO150 is strictly for heavy sanding anything over 120 the ets comes out... just my two cents. I had a hard maple table that I built for a customer that caused me to buy the 150/3. Never looked back. The Rotex has its place and a well deserved one at that but not for fine finishing. YMMV

Thanks Seth, do you avoid the RO150 for fine finishing due to swirl marks or for other reasons?

 

I'd suggest that you take a few moments to watch Larry Smith's video on sanding. 
 

Remember, let the tool do the work! 

 

[Thompmd]

I have the RO150 and sand up to 1200. I agree fully that the issues I’ve seen have been sandpaper related.

Once I got swirl marks, changed to a new piece(both Granat) and the problem went always. For kicks I put the suspect piece back on and got marks again.

I also like the video above and actually made a few notes and they helped me.

 

[Bertotti]

I never used to use a sanding eraser or a piece of PVC but with a lot more finish removal I also noticed swirl makes and a quick touch to the PVC then a brush with the eraser seems to clean the paper up nicely, but it doesn't always work if it has a piece of coarser abrasive on it which I have seen happen, with Granat, it seems it is usually something it picked up and got lodged in it that just didn't want to move on.

 

[Rutabagared]

Alluding to Bertotti's mention of grit particles contaminating the surface/paper,  I've had this happen and found a good fix is wiping the surface between grits with microfiber cloths.  These are effective at picking up all of the residual sanding dust as well, highlighting flaws or areas that need more attention.  They're also great to use as a final wipe before finishing/between coats of finish, etc.  If you don't have them, you can vacuum between grits.  Good luck!

 

[Erich]

I use both of the above techniques. The rubber eraser to clean the disks and the microfiber cloths on the surface. The other item that I use when finish sanding a piece is the STL 450 inspection light. We call it the ugly light because it shows everything.
[attachimg=1]

 

[bertv]

Also: clean the pad, like Sedge shows in this IG-post:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BToQWIgl_tp/