Rotex 90 - no rotation (only small circles) in random orbit mode - what's wrong?

[Ingebrigt]

Hi folks.

In random orbit mode my sander only makes small circles, but no rotation. I sent it in for a repair, and got it back with a message that they couldn't find anything wrong with it. So I'm starting to question myself - have I misunderstood something? Am I doing something wrong?

So: In random orbit mode (when the selecter is in the middle): the sander is supposed to rotate (whole pad is turning (yes, I know it will stop if to much pressure)), and it's supposed to make small circles (about 2-3-4 mm), correct? And to change from rotex to random orbit mode, is there anything besides turning the selector to the middle position I have to do? Is there any thing else I could be doing wrong?

 

[ear3]

As you said, too much pressure will stop the rotation.

Have you experimented on different surfaces and with different grits to see if there is any difference in behavior of the rotation?  Even when the pad is not spinning, the vibration is still removing material, just not as quickly.

 

[AlexThePalex]

In random orbit mode the rotation is hardly noticeable. This is how it is supposed to work. The more pressure you put on it, the less it rotates. If you let the sander spin freely, off the material and you put your finger on the side of the pad you can feel the rotation.

 

[Brice Burrell]

This issue is one of my biggest gripes with Festool sanders, well some of their sanders.  In some applications it can be almost impossible to get the pad to spin.  With the RO 90 and 125, this makes for heavy, and very expensive orbital sanders.   

 

[DrD]

Good morning all,

I might be missing something here, only had my RO 150 for a short time.  On mine, if I want rotex mode, the selector is moved fully to the right, and non-rotex mode, the selector is move fully to the left; wasn't aware of a "middle" position.

Don

 

[Ingebrigt]

Mine doesnt spin at all, even when not touching anything. Right now I have the polishing pad mounted, and I see clearly that the two holes in it doesnt rotate at all.

 

[Ingebrigt]

Good morning all,

I might be missing something here, only had my RO 150 for a short time.  On mine, if I want rotex mode, the selector is moved fully to the right, and non-rotex mode, the selector is move fully to the left; wasn't aware of a "middle" position.

Don

This is only on the 90 that has the delta mode in addition.

 

[bkharman]

Hi folks.

In random orbit mode my sander only makes small circles, but no rotation. I sent it in for a repair, and got it back with a message that they couldn't find anything wrong with it. So I'm starting to question myself - have I misunderstood something? Am I doing something wrong?

So: In random orbit mode (when the selecter is in the middle): the sander is supposed to rotate (whole pad is turning (yes, I know it will stop if to much pressure)), and it's supposed to make small circles (about 2-3-4 mm), correct? And to change from rotex to random orbit mode, is there anything besides turning the selector to the middle position I have to do? Is there any thing else I could be doing wrong?

Take the pad off and watch the inner rings when you start and stop, do they "vibrate" and does the inner one move around?

Cheers.  Bryan.

 

[roblg3]

Vibration ONLY sounds like the "delta" setting. Switching modes should be done when the power is off. Are you attempting to switch modes with the sanders power engaged?

 

[leakyroof]

The pad brake can be a bit aggressive on the RO 90. I've seen this on my own RO 90.