Should i buy these well used sanders? See pictures.

[Ilikewood]

I’m getting into woodworking and currently looking for tools. I don’t have any sanders yet, and today I came across three used sanders listed on Marketplace. From the pictures, they look well-used — that much I can tell — but I’m not sure what else to look for.

What should I be aware of when buying used sanders?
Can you tell anything from the pictures? The systainers look pretty old.
Should I ask the seller for more photos? If so, what specific parts or angles should I ask for?

Any tips or advice would be much appreciated!

He wanted $500 for everything (converted from local currency)

 

[luvmytoolz]

I would consider that a very good price for them, especially with a Rotex in the mix!

Just run them and make sure the bearings aren't sounding crunchy, and the pads are ok. Worst case you can replace the pads with genuine Festool ones, or after market ones from Ebay for around $20-$25 for the ETS/Rotex.

I've bought sanders in dramatically worse looking condition than these second hand, simply because they are so good and the external abuse didn't affect operation at all. The condition on these doesn't look at all anything to be concerned about.

 

[semenza]

Every pad pictured is definitely shot. Those pads will crumble. And based on the age the rest will be as well. Not a bad price but they will almost certainly need some work. Look very heavily used to me and from the pics maybe abused.

Seth

 

[Ilikewood]

I would consider that a very good price for them, especially with a Rotex in the mix!

Just run them and make sure the bearings aren't sounding crunchy, and the pads are ok. Worst case you can replace the pads with genuine Festool ones, or after market ones from Ebay for around $20-$25 for the ETS/Rotex.

I've bought sanders in dramatically worse looking condition than these second hand, simply because they are so good and the external abuse didn't affect operation at all. The condition on these doesn't look at all anything to be concerned about.

He is going to send me a video with them running. And some more pictures. Pads from eBay could be a good idea. Thanks

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[luvmytoolz]

I would consider that a very good price for them, especially with a Rotex in the mix!

Just run them and make sure the bearings aren't sounding crunchy, and the pads are ok. Worst case you can replace the pads with genuine Festool ones, or after market ones from Ebay for around $20-$25 for the ETS/Rotex.

I've bought sanders in dramatically worse looking condition than these second hand, simply because they are so good and the external abuse didn't affect operation at all. The condition on these doesn't look at all anything to be concerned about.

He is going to send me a video with them running. And some more pictures. Pads from eBay could be a good idea. Thanks

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

They're cheap enough, I use a number of them myself and find them to be excellent.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/235623358459

 

[Ilikewood]

Every pad pictured is definitely shot. Those pads will crumble. And based on the age the rest will be as well. Not a bad price but they will almost certainly need some work. Look very heavily used to me and from the pics maybe abused.

Seth

He sent me a video and also called me on video to show the machines running. He’s a carpenter and originally got the tools for a job, but already has what he needs from another brand and just needed the money.
I noticed all the tools come in the old-style Systainers — does that suggest they’re 15 years old or more? Have there been major improvements since then, or are they still solid machines as long as they’re working properly?
If I decide to buy them, I’d have to take a 4-hour ferry each way and meet him at the dock, so it’s a bit of a trip. A brand new Rotex costs over $1200+ where I live, so I’m trying to figure out if it’s worth the effort.

 

[Ilikewood]

Thanks for the link, that’s reassuring! Do you use original sanding paper, or have you found any good third-party options that are cheaper but still perform well?

 

[luvmytoolz]

Thanks for the link, that’s reassuring! Do you use original sanding paper, or have you found any good third-party options that are cheaper but still perform well?

I've got many lifetimes supply of Festool discs as I bought up big on consumables when I first bought sanders thinking I'd chew through them as I used to with the el cheapo's.

It sounds silly but it really is worth spending extra on good discs as they perform so well and last waaaay longer.

I generally prefer these for almost all sanding work, Mirka Abranet ACE/HD, Festool Granat Net, and 3m Cubitron 2.

Abranet ACE HD in low grits is a powerhouse for fast and heavy removal, Granat Net lasts ages and I probably find it most economical in all the grits for wood and resin, Abranet ACE in grits above 120 or so really lasts well and performs great, Cubitron is great out of the gate but I find wears the fastest and rips/shreds the easiest when it catches out of the three.

I haven't tried the new Mirka Ligno discs as yet, but they looks to be really good.

Since going to the mesh discs I rarely use the normal Granat, Sapphire, Rubin, etc discs, and have given most away as I just couldn''t see myself ever getting through them. Although if you were to do a lot of sanding back of painted objects, the normal Granat discs would be very good there.

 

[leakyroof]

There used to be an Auxiliary handle sold for the Rotex 150, it fits in the thin groove on the front body of the Sander, as shown in your picture. If you buy the Sander, and it isn't already in the Systainer, track one down. It really helps with prolonged sanding when using the big Rotex.  I tried looking up one for you for the Part Number, but haven't found it yet.
I find it's more useful than the screw-in handle that fits in the upper sides of the Sander.

Agree with everyone on the state of the Sander pads. Past their Due Date... [big grin] [big grin]
But easy to correct with new ones.
For the Rotex, get both a Hard Pad, and a Standard pad.

 

[niallsmart]

[member=82899]Ilikewood[/member] I've purchased an RO150,DTS400 and RTS400 second hand...

The DTS or RTS are fairly straightforward inside, the main wear items are the armature bearings and motor brushes. Start it up and listen for odd noises, or excessive vibration. Check that the speed adjustment works. Then sand some wood (ideally some softwood with an aggressive grit) and check it doesn't bog down or cut out. I would also check that the rubber "boot" between the main body and the base doesn't have any holes (not a huge deal, but will affect dust collection, and is a little awkward to replace)

The RO150 has a bit more going on inside since it's a geared drive with two modes. I would do all the checks above, and also confirm that both Rotex and random orbital modes both work. Check that you can release the pad using the lock button on the side (see YouTube for a demo). Ideally you would open the gear box after purchasing and re-lube the gears given its age. The one I purchased was very abused so I rebuilt it, it works great, although I suspect it's a little noisier than a new model due to wear in the pinion. In any case I only use it for rough sanding and have an ETC EC for finish sanding.

Finally if you feel comfortable opening them up, most if not all parts required for any repairs should be available from Festool.

As others have mentioned plan on buying new pads. You may want to also purchase the appropriate "protection pads" to extend the life of your new pads.

 

[derekcohen]

Note that anything "FESTO" will be 20 years old.

That is not an issue if in decent nick. I have a couple and they run perfectly. Factor in a change of pads.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[semenza]

They are in Classic Systainers so yes, at least 15 years old. And the one in the Festo (blue logo) is older than that.

Seth

 

[Cheese]

There used to be an Auxiliary handle sold for the Rotex 150, it fits in the thin groove on the front body of the Sander, as shown in your picture. If you buy the Sander, and it isn't already in the Systainer, track one down. It really helps with prolonged sanding when using the big Rotex.  I tried looking up one for you for the Part Number, but haven't found it yet.
I find it's more useful than the screw-in handle that fits in the upper sides of the Sander.

495188?

 

[onocoffee]

If a new RO150 FEQ costs you over $1200 then this sounds like a solid deal. Here in the USA, the RO150 retails for $799.

I recently bought a 2017 RO150 FEQ from a guy for $300 and drove two hours to get it. I thought it was cheap enough to make it worthwhile (most RO150 I see on Marketplace are asking $500 or more). So, $500 for three sanders - yeah, pretty good.

What I usually do is take the tools home and clean them up. This RO150 (with the attachment that [member=44099]Cheese[/member] was talking about) was kinda dirty when I got it. I think it looks pretty good now. Good luck!

 

[leakyroof]

There used to be an Auxiliary handle sold for the Rotex 150, it fits in the thin groove on the front body of the Sander, as shown in your picture. If you buy the Sander, and it isn't already in the Systainer, track one down. It really helps with prolonged sanding when using the big Rotex.  I tried looking up one for you for the Part Number, but haven't found it yet.
I find it's more useful than the screw-in handle that fits in the upper sides of the Sander.

Thanks, strangely , I couldn't find the number. I think it's a game changer when using the big Rotex for long periods of sanding time..... [thumbs up] [thumbs up]

495188?

 

[leakyroof]

If a new RO150 FEQ costs you over $1200 then this sounds like a solid deal. Here in the USA, the RO150 retails for $799.

I recently bought a 2017 RO150 FEQ from a guy for $300 and drove two hours to get it. I thought it was cheap enough to make it worthwhile (most RO150 I see on Marketplace are asking $500 or more). So, $500 for three sanders - yeah, pretty good.

What I usually do is take the tools home and clean them up. This RO150 (with the attachment that [member=44099]Cheese[/member] was talking about) was kinda dirty when I got it. I think it looks pretty good now. Good luck!

  That IS the handle I was thinking of... [cool] [cool]

 

[Ilikewood]

[member=82899]Ilikewood[/member] I've purchased an RO150,DTS400 and RTS400 second hand...

The DTS or RTS are fairly straightforward inside, the main wear items are the armature bearings and motor brushes. Start it up and listen for odd noises, or excessive vibration. Check that the speed adjustment works. Then sand some wood (ideally some softwood with an aggressive grit) and check it doesn't bog down or cut out. I would also check that the rubber "boot" between the main body and the base doesn't have any holes (not a huge deal, but will affect dust collection, and is a little awkward to replace)

The RO150 has a bit more going on inside since it's a geared drive with two modes. I would do all the checks above, and also confirm that both Rotex and random orbital modes both work. Check that you can release the pad using the lock button on the side (see YouTube for a demo). Ideally you would open the gear box after purchasing and re-lube the gears given its age. The one I purchased was very abused so I rebuilt it, it works great, although I suspect it's a little noisier than a new model due to wear in the pinion. In any case I only use it for rough sanding and have an ETC EC for finish sanding.

Finally if you feel comfortable opening them up, most if not all parts required for any repairs should be available from Festool.

As others have mentioned plan on buying new pads. You may want to also purchase the appropriate "protection pads" to extend the life of your new pads.

Thanks for all the tips and information! Appreciate it. What lube is recommended to re-lube the gears?
What is a protection pad? How long does pads last? Should i buy two straight away to have a backup?

 

[Ilikewood]

If a new RO150 FEQ costs you over $1200 then this sounds like a solid deal. Here in the USA, the RO150 retails for $799.

I recently bought a 2017 RO150 FEQ from a guy for $300 and drove two hours to get it. I thought it was cheap enough to make it worthwhile (most RO150 I see on Marketplace are asking $500 or more). So, $500 for three sanders - yeah, pretty good.

What I usually do is take the tools home and clean them up. This RO150 (with the attachment that [member=44099]Cheese[/member] was talking about) was kinda dirty when I got it. I think it looks pretty good now. Good luck!

  That IS the handle I was thinking of... [cool] [cool]

Yeah, looks like it would be a game changer for longer sessions!

 

[Ilikewood]

If a new RO150 FEQ costs you over $1200 then this sounds like a solid deal. Here in the USA, the RO150 retails for $799.

I recently bought a 2017 RO150 FEQ from a guy for $300 and drove two hours to get it. I thought it was cheap enough to make it worthwhile (most RO150 I see on Marketplace are asking $500 or more). So, $500 for three sanders - yeah, pretty good.

What I usually do is take the tools home and clean them up. This RO150 (with the attachment that [member=44099]Cheese[/member] was talking about) was kinda dirty when I got it. I think it looks pretty good now. Good luck!

Looks good Any tips for cleaning? I have used a cleaning spray and towels on many of my tools. But I always wonder if I shouldn’t use the spray I’m using and if there is a better way. Wondered how they do it at rentals, would think they have it dialed

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Unless someone really beats up on the tools, older Festool machines continue to thrive, IMHO. As has been noted, replacement of the pads is going to be the first thing for you to do as part of cleaning them up. Pads are disposables. While they can last a long time, they will always degrade over time; the length of time is based on how much use and how much pressure one tends to put on the tool. Pressure creates heat from friction and will degrade the pads faster than if one just lets the tool do the job without much pressure. And yea, keep one extra for good measure as when there is an eventual failure to hold the abrasive...Murphy's Law says that will be right in the middle of a project.