ROTEX 90 dust build-up

[ear3]

Just picked up the ROTEX 90 and I noticed that there is a very rapid build-up of dust in the hollow section where the base locks in.  At first I thought it might be simply from extended use, but after I cleaned it out and ran it again for max 2 min., the same amount of dust had built up.  Is this normal?

First pic shows the compressed dust cake, second the dust after I've loosened it.
[attachimg=2][attachimg=3]

 

[Stephen B]

[size=14pt]
Assuming you are using dust extrater, my other thought is the wood may have a higher than normal moisture content. However I have a RO150, so 90 owners may have other thoughts.

 

[ear3]

It's hooked up to the CT Mini.  I'm stripping a small section of varnished oak floor, which was last redone decades ago.  There are otherwise no functionality issues -- sanding was quick and easy, with virtually no ambient dust.

 

[peter halle]

I thought moisture also when I saw you images.  It could be the varnish with the sanding heat?  It would be interesting to try to bare wood and see what happens.

Peter

 

[jacko9]

I have the RO90 and experience the same dust buildup and I only use dry hardwood.  I just have to use a pointed stick to break up the caked up dust from time to time.  I use my RO90 with my CT22 dust extractor.

Jack

 

[rst]

Mine does the same, I remove the pad and vac it after every use.

 

[ear3]

I thought moisture also when I saw you images.  It could be the varnish with the sanding heat?  It would be interesting to try to bare wood and see what happens.

Peter

Just tried it with a raw oak board -- same result.  From others' comments it looks like this is a standard feature, so I'll not worry about it being defective and just clean the unit regularly.  Thanks.

 

[Scott B.]

I get that too. It is really easy to scoop out.

I think it is a function of incomplete extraction as a result of those moments when the pad is not entirely flat on surfaces, which for me is a lot. It is such a small disc that its hard to keep it perfectly flat at all times (which is when extraction is optimum), plus, much of the fun with the 90 is using it as a small grinder...exploring edges and angles and accepting occasional incomplete extraction.

Given it's power to weight, small pad size and small number of extraction holes, it is a small concern as long as we clean it out once in a while. I remind myself of the old days of $49 sanders with dust bomb bags attached.

Even when a sander on extraction isn't getting 100% efficient extraction, most of the mess is still contained...

Just my observations.

 

[jaymon5]

another confirmation that this is normal.  I put the brush attachment on the end of the hose of my CT26 and clean it out with that.

enjoy the sander it is a great one to have.

 

[ear3]

Thanks for the replies.