Sanding with a RO90

[Kev]

Fresh out of the box (Systainer) I found the RO90 a gem. Rotex sanders aren't petite ... during the weekend behind us I took the surface off a lacquered dining table with a RO150 and 40 grit Granat - but switched quickly to an ETS150/5  for the finer grits and some well earned arm rest !!!

 

[jackandhenry]

Out of the box I never had any problems. First Rotex sander I have touched. But it seems many people do suggest there is a break in period. Maybe I just didn't realize I was breaking it in. I've used the larger Rotex models and they certainly do jog around a lot until you get used to then. But once you get the hang of them they are truly amazing sanders. It's all how you adapt to the slightly different sanders verses a typical orbital.

 

[shed9]

Never got the 'break in' road show that seems to self propagate, however if people feel the need to do it and find a benefit, go for it.

The only benefit I can see for breaking in would be to curve the brushes in line with the commutator which would give you more surface contact area and more power (albeit slight) effectively making the brute that is the Rotex sander family more powerful and potentially more unruly.

Either way, what ever works for you.

 

[Kev]

Curious ... is this break-in thing potentially something to do with the 110V variants ??

(Though I can't imagine what)

 

[Stone Message]

Curious ... is this break-in thing potentially something to do with the 110V variants ??

(Though I can't imagine what)

No it is a placebo - has no clinical effect but can provide a psychological benefit !

Peter

 

[Kev]

Curious ... is this break-in thing potentially something to do with the 110V variants ??

(Though I can't imagine what)

No it is a placebo - has no clinical effect but can provide a psychological benefit !

Peter

LoL Dr Parfitt, straight out with the scalpel [wink]

... and all I wanted to do is stir the pot a little!

Kev

 

[BMH]

There is definitely a break in period, but it is for the user. I have 6 different Festool sanders and they all have to be held differently, the suction will be different on the vacuum depending on what I am doing and the type of sand paper that is being used. You can add to the mixture the different pads they come with and you can understand why it took me between an hour to 3-4 hours to be comfortable with each one and to understand what each one was design to do.

The solution is to practice with them till you feel comfortable enough to use them on an important project.

Bruce

 

[Paul G]

Curious ... is this break-in thing potentially something to do with the 110V variants ??

(Though I can't imagine what)

No it is a placebo - has no clinical effect but can provide a psychological benefit !

Peter

If it were that simple Peter I would do well then to hang all my tools from a bungee cord in order to instantly improve my technique.

 

[gnlman]

The RO90 was my first Festool Sander. ( just bought 3 more but have not used them yet....)
I found the same as many, while in the learning mode, I found it very helpful to turn the sander down in Rotex mode. The first job I did with the sander, was to remove many paint jobs worth of paint from door frames in my house. I found the sander jumping as well.....had a read on this forum, got some tips and once I turned the vac and the sander down I found it much easier to manage...even overhead. The Delta pad is very easy to handle, as well in RO mode I can run the sander full out. Perhaps try slowing the sander down while you use it for the first while. As far as breaking the sander in, I didn't do that so can't comment either way.....I did use it for a few hours cleaning up a pile of plywood that was given to me before starting on the door frames, but only in RO mode.
Hope this helps.
Greg

 

[icecactus]

I drank the Kool aid last month for the first time. Got myself a RO90 and RO150. The RO150 is MUCH easier for me to handle. The 90 just wants to jump all over the place. Now in delta mode its a gem. But so far I have not been impressed with the disk. I am sure its probably user error. I notice its VERY sensitive to even just the slightest tilt. I do have the vacuum turned all the way down and on a boom arm.

 

[gnlman]

Hi. Forgot to mention, I bought the hard pad for the RO90 as well. I'm a learning newer hobby guy and read where more experienced users were using the hard pad, made a large improvement for me, stopped me from dipping or cupping.  Also, I found that Granat paper was great for removing paint, and like I said turn the sander speed down.
Greg.

 

[skids]

It's a different technique is all, you will get used it..just experiment with how you hold it, pressure etc and you will get the hang of it. It's like riding a bike. Once you get it you are off an running.

My personal opinion, FWIW, Rotexes aren't all around sanders, and they're aggressive and good for removing material. You need something in the festool line up to compliment it. RTS and DTS are great starting points for that.

 

[kris]

The 90 is my most recent sander purchase. I also have a dx93, ls130, and RS2E  [big grin]

 

[festoolviking]

The break in is for the user.

What ever you do, don't hang yourself off a bungee cord!  [eek]
There are easier ways to get to know your sander, "practice makes perfect"

Festoolviking

 

[Kev]

The 90 is my most recent sander purchase. I also have a dx93, ls130, and RS2E  [big grin]

I'm very curious why you got the DX93 AND the RO90. What drove that decision?

I wanted another delta option in addition to the RO90 too, but I went for a DTS400 (I had a delta footprint Rupes for years and loved the utility - though the Rupes makd a monster dust cloud).

 

[kris]

Kev,
You make a valid point about the redundancy of the 93 and the 90. I got the 93 at a great price when I was just beginning to buy Festool tools. I waited until I could find a 90 at a good price to buy one (thanks, Wood pulp!). The 93 will be up for sale very soon.  [big grin]