Sander loses power depending on its position

[woodshedding]

I have a Festool sander 150/3 EQ.  The sander shuts down while being used but if I change its postion (angle) it will start up again.  But the exact position is inconsistent.    I assumed it was old, worn bushing, and installed new ones but there was no improvement.  I don't see anything loose. Thoughts on why this is occurring?

 

[xedos]

Based on your description, I'm guessing something in the electrical path like the switch or adjacent wires.  Next thing I'd check is the electronic by isolating it.

 

[AlexThePalex]

This happens when the cord is broken inside. Depending on the angle, the copper wires make contact, or not. Replace the cord.

The ETS 150/3 EQ is not a router though, but a sander. You mixed something up. 

 

[Mario Turcot]

[welcome] to the FOG

Like Alex said one of your wire has been pinched. You might be able to locate where and make a quick repair. If the continuity is broke at the cord plug it either end, you may have to buy a new cord.

 

[woodshedding]

- You are correct.  It's a sander.  I was routing all day and had routers on the brain.  I've changed my original post to correct that.
- The cord looks intact but the contacts connecting the plug to the sander were full of junk.  I've cleaned them on both sides.  I've got my fingers crossed but so far that seems to have worked.  Thanks all!!!

 

[AlexThePalex]

- The cord looks intact but the contacts connecting the plug to the sander were full of junk.

A visual inspection means nothing, when a cord is broken I mean the copper wires inside are broken due to metal fatigue of use. Outside you will see nothing. You can find the place out roughly by wiggleing it around with the sander on.

The junk in the contacts could be worrying, what kind of junk is it, black, soot-like residue? Or something else? If it's dirt from outside like sanding dust, cleaning is ok, but if it is soot from burning you best replace the cord AND the receptacle on the tool itself, and do not use this cord with other tools anymore, or other cords on this tool, before you've replaced both.

Sometimes the contacts in the Plug-It cords do not make good contact and they arc a little which burns the plastic creating black soot. If this happens you have to replace both parts of the connection or this arcing can spread to other machines breaking them also. Be careful.

 

[Getmaverick]

I'm having the same problem with my 125. Mine's not the cord. I am changing out the plug in on the sander.
If you have to do this to your's,  the replacement part does not come with the stake on connectors needed for the repair.

 

[woodshedding]

Thanks Alex.  Yes it is dark and soot like.  I will take your advice. 
Maverick - do you just order the connectors separately?

 

[xedos]

Anyone's thoughts on a bit off dielectric grease on the pins in the tools' Plug-it connector ?

Don't think this has come up in these plug-it fatigue discussions before.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Anyone's thoughts on a bit off dielectric grease on the pins in the tools' Plug-it connector ?

Don't think this has come up in these plug-it fatigue discussions before.

Are you sure you know what dielectric grease is for exactly?
http://www.differencebetween.net/te...etween-dielectric-grease-and-silicone-grease/