RTS 400 low speed control issues

[funkyrooster]

Hi, I have a rts 400 and i'm a decorator, i'm having issues with it at the lowest setting, I find it hard to control, I've got my midi set to the lowest suction but find it difficult to maneuver over the surface in between coats. Its ok if I turn the speed up, but when you want to light sand between coats it can rip the paint back to much. I did read about running it in but I brought mine of ebay and its a older model so I don't think that could be the issue.

 

[peter halle]

Welcome to the FOG!

Our members love to help.  so they can, would you give us some more details on the paint being used and the sandpaper including grits?

Peter

 

[funkyrooster]

i'm using granat between 80 - 180

 

[AlexThePalex]

I hardly ever use my DTS400 or RTS400 on any speed lower than maximum. For me, below 3 is certainly a big no-no, problem is, in that case the sander doesn't have enough power anymore to overcome the friction with the material. That's why you get this jerky behaviour.

With its 2 mm orbit the sander can deliver a very fine result in the highest setting, so as far as I see it, there's really not much reason to go any lower. If you want a finer result, use a finer paper.

 

[ben_r_]

Just for clarity, is this the RTS 400 EQ or REQ?

 

[Shane Holland]

You will likely achieve better results by controlling your rate of removal with higher grits, not lower motor speed. Also, faster movement of the sander across the surface.

I suspect the slower motor speed combined with your abrasive's friction and possibly the surface (such as paint) are combining to produce the poor handling and results. The motor speed needs to be high enough to overcome the friction or it may be like a bucking bronco.

Good luck,
Shane

 

[ear3]

I've definitel found that to b e the case with the RTS.  I tend to turn down the suction to a maximum of 1/4, sometimes even lower, but I will generally always run it at the highest speed possible.

You will likely achieve better results by controlling your rate of removal with higher grits, not lower motor speed. Also, faster movement of the sander across the surface.

I suspect the slower motor speed combined with your abrasive's friction and possibly the surface (such as paint) are combining to produce the poor handling and results. The motor speed needs to be high enough to overcome the friction or it may be like a bucking bronco.

Good luck,
Shane

 

[drdabrown]

I've had the same issue with my RTS400. I posted this on the Festool Forum and Brice Burrell said he also had the same problem and he found that if he put the sandpaper on so that the holes were mostly covered instead of being wide open, reducing the suction even more. It helped.
I noticed that it wasn't a problem on the cabinet face frames but it was on panels.
I understand wanting to turn down the speed of the sander. I also do that sanding between paint coats.
I took a Festool Essential course from Greg Paolini in NC. He had the same issue and said going to the new Model had a vast improvement over the original model.

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