Rotex RO 150 question for owners

[timinct]

I just got my first Festool.  I know the RO 150 is a big sander but should it really be noisy even in orbital mode?  It screams!  Makes me think of a bad bearing at slower speeds.  I have a 6" Bosch that is much quieter.  Just want to confirm with other owners that this is normal.  It's loud enough that I will not use without hearing protection.

Thanks for your help.
BTW, great site for us newbies.
Tim

 

[Ned]

I've got the older RO 150.  In rotary mode, it really growls.  I always wear ear protection.

 

[Lou Miller]

I think one of the mistakes people make with the RO sanders is they expect them to act just like a ROS would. Not the case... Totally different gearing and mechanics on the inside of these sanders.

Tim, is your 6" Bosch a standard ROS, or is it the dual mode sander from Bosch?

 

[timinct]

Tim, is your 6" Bosch a standard ROS, or is it the dual mode sander from Bosch?

Mine is just the standard ROS.

If it is supposed to be that loud thats fine.  I just wanted to make sure.  Like you said it is a different tool.