Rotex 150FEQ Speed inconsistent and Backing Plate detaches during use

[carcaremike]

Hi everyone! My name is Mike and I've just joined the forum.  I am an automotive detailer in Cape Town, South Africa and have just bought my first Festool Rotex 150FEQ  [big grin]

The unit is second hand and quite abused but still working.  I will be sending in for a service and overall checkup anyway this week but wanted to know if anyone has experienced the following issues? (I am using the machine for polishing only to remove swirls and scratches from cured auto paint)

Speed is not consistent.  It sounds like the machine gains speed at random times (like the motor is running harder then slows back down to speed, then back up later).  Repair shop said tool is working 100% but the brushes could be unseated.

In researching the tool for detailing use I found a thread from a forum stating that the user had the backing plate and polishing sponge fly off on a curved panel whilst working on a car.  Something to do with the tool-less fastening system relying on contact between sponge and surface.  The backing plate will come off due to centrifugal force in Rotex mode and detach itself.  I tested this on my machine, rotex mode speed 6 and it happened!  [eek] Plate was tightly secured. Luckily tested it inside a box so the pad wouldn't fly into paintwork.  Has anyone else experienced this and if so did you find a solution?

Thanks and glad to be on the forum!

 

[AlexThePalex]

The backing plate will come off due to centrifugal force in Rotex mode and detach itself.  I tested this on my machine, rotex mode speed 6 and it happened!  [eek] Plate was tightly secured. Luckily tested it inside a box so the pad wouldn't fly into paintwork.  Has anyone else experienced this and if so did you find a solution?

Hi Mike, welcome to the FOG.

I have not had this happen in all 7 years I owned the RO150 myself.

If your RO150 is in perfect working order, the pad (proper name for what you call the backing plate) can not fly off by itself. The arbor/flange that holds the pad is very tight and it takes quite some force on mine to remove the pad and place it back. The pad is also twisted on in the opposite direction so it can only tighten itself more when the sander is in use. 

If your pad flies off, it means the arbor on the machine that holds it is too loose, or the plastic of the pad's connection is worn. There is a hex screw right in the middle, have you checked it is tightened fully? 

 

[carcaremike]

Hi Alan

Thank you for welcoming me and assisting with the problems I have encountered.  I have checked the arbor and all is tight.  I didn't want to force it.  There is play of around 2mm, is this normal? I will send in tomorrow for a full service and checkup.  Was told it was fully operational to sand by the agent but not many service agents think of the tool as a polisher as it was designed for both. Unfortunately I don't have a spare test bonnet to demonstrate!  [laughing]

The speed issue is also a worry as it should keep constant speed through cnc electronics.

Thanks again

 

[AlexThePalex]

2 mm play is not normal. Nor is the speed variation. Your doing right by sending it in for a full check up.

 

[carcaremike]

2 mm play is not normal. Nor is the speed variation. Your doing right by sending it in for a full check up.

Thanks Alan will reply with the service agent's assessment.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Who's Alan?  [cool]

 

[mwahaha]

Who's Alan?  [cool]

I'm sorry this is off topic but i couldn't resist.

 

[carcaremike]

Lol lol sorry Alex think my phone autocorrected that name

 

[AlexThePalex]

Lol lol sorry Alex think my phone autocorrected that name

Wut? What's your phone got against me? What brand is it, I'm gonna write me a fiery letter.  [mad]  [smile]

 

[carcaremike]

Hehe It's a Samsung but I'm running custom software and keyboard so not necessarily the phone's fault