Rotex 125 speed control problem

[bill-e]

Hi Folks,

I'm just curious, I guess it's the QA in me always looking for trends .  Has anyone had a problem with the speed control on their RO125?  Mine just died the other day and now only runs full speed.  I gotta send it in for repair but not until I'm done with my current project.

I use my Rotex mostly in the rotary mode and load it up pretty good so I don't know if that puts extra stress/heat on it.

Thanks.

 

[Lou Miller]

I've been having problems with the speed control on my RO150 lately. The problem isn't as bad as yours though. Mine just doesn't want to change speeds. Eventually, I can get it do what I want, but its a PITA at times. Mine was stuck in rotary mode and I couldn't get it to go into orbital mode. I wiggle the control a good bit, then it ran it for a while. When I shut it off, I was able to switch speeds.

Just try playing around with the controls on it, its almost as if it gets stuck or something.

Good luck...

 

[bill-e]

Interesting Lou.  While sanding a little while ago the worked kicked out of my Workmate and smacked the Rotex....Which slowed down the sander.  It wont change from there but it sounds like maybe the knob and shaft  are loose or something.  I'm going to email Festool and see if they'll let me take it apart

Right now it's set at a good speed for the rest of m project so I don't want to mess with it yet

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Bill,

I've had my RO 125 about 2 years, and it is by far the most used [and abused?] power tool in my collection.  I have not had any problems the speed control or switch for conversion between RO and the more aggressive mode.  On the other hand, the speed of my DX 93 continues to be somewhat unstable about any set point, whether the machine is under load or spinning free.  Festool has indicated this is not abnormal because the Deltex 93 does not have a tachometer or other regulator in its speed control circuit, as do the RO sanders.

Dave R.

 

[bill-e]

Dave,

My problem isn't like yours, it wont change speed at all.  Right now it is about at 4.  As soon as I can afford to be without it I'm sending it in for repair.

Yea, I love it though I wish it had the fence feature of the newer model.  I cant tell you how many times it's almost been yanked out of my hands

And yes, it is certainly my most abused Festool though my TDK's run a close second...it's hard to keep the drills and Rotex away from the real dirty work.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Yea, I love it though I wish it had the fence feature of the newer model.  I cant tell you how many times it's almost been yanked out of my hands

Bill are you talking about the Edge Protector? If so, see if festool can put a new housing on to fit the edge protector.

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Yea, I love it though I wish it had the fence feature of the newer model.  I cant tell you how many times it's almost been yanked out of my hands

Bill are you talking about the Edge Protector? If so, see if festool can put a new housing on to fit the edge protector.

When the revised RO 125 housing came out, I asked Festool about it and they offered to send me a new housing to install myself, but also pointed out that my doing so would void my warranty.  They did not offer to change out the housing if I sent them my sander.

Dave R.

 

[bill-e]

When I arrange to have it repaired, I'll inquire about the cost.  The housing has to be removed for the repair in any case.

 

[bill-e]

OK, my Rotex arrived at the repair facility today.  I asked for a quote on replacing the case with the new model.  The part is about $30 and I'm hoping the labor is free or minimal since they have to open it up anyway to fix the speed control.  I'll keep you posted on the upgrade if it happens.

 

[bill-e]

Just got my invoice from Festool.  The speed control was indeed bad and repaired under warranty.  I opted for the upgrade to the case which adds the bumper.  Parts for that are housing, bumper and seal for a total of $36.88

Here are the parts if you're interested in upgrading your old model.
493783  Housing RO125 $26.67
493912  Edge protector RO125 $7.00
463357  Sealing rim RO125    $3.21

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Bill,

What is "sealing rim" in your listing of upgrades to your RO 125?  Is that the little rubber ring that prevents the disc from free wheeling to a high rotational speed with the sander is in RO mode (not Rotex positive rotational drive mode)?

Dave R.

 

[bill-e]

Dave, sorry for the late response.  Yes, it's the brake.

I just received the sander and it works fine.  I'm happy with the upgraded case and bumper as well, definately worth doing while they had the sander apart.

Was kinda hoping they'd toss a watch in there in honor of the anniversary repair though