Vibration with 150/5 sander moving speed control

[secutanudu]

Anyone seen this issue? On my 150/5 (purchased used about a year ago), if I dial the speed control dial to max speed, within a few seconds after turning the machine on, the dial seems to "vibrate itself" down to 4-5 or so, just above half speed. I have to hold the speed control with my finger to prevent this from happening.

Any thoughts on how to fix this? Thanks!

 

[semenza]

Hi,

    Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

  Not sure how to fix the sander, but I suggest you give Festool service a call. They will surely be able to help out. Do you know how old the sander is?

Seth

 

[AlexThePalex]

I have had this problem on a DS 400 sander of mine. I fixed it by opening the sander, and take the green speed dial knob off the electronics module and place a rubber ring under it to increase friction. Had to look around to find me a ring of the right size though.

Festool can fix it for you, but because the speed dial (or as Festool calls it: the electronics module) is a single part, they'll probably want to replace the entire module, and that's quite expensive. The part costs $42 ex VAT and then you have to add labour. Replacing it yourself is very easy to do though, so you could order just the part.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Welcome to the forum.

Depending on its age, it may be under warranty still. You can give the service department a call and they can check warranty status with the serial number, or you can email it to me and I'll check it for you.

Shane

 

[secutanudu]

Thanks everyone! I'll get the serial number in the morning and send it over. THanks for the quick advice!

 

[secutanudu]

Shane - I sent you an email with a photo of the product label.

Separate question - how do I get a systainer for this sander? How much do they run? The guy I bought it from didn't have one, just the bare tool & power cord.

Thanks.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

For the benefit of others who might experience vibration issues, I'd like to share my response via email to secutanudu.

Regarding the vibration, my first guess would be a deformed or cracked pad. You can check the pad by visually inspecting it for flatness or using a straight edge across it without an abrasive sheet attached. To check for cracks in the plastic backing, remove the screw from the center of the pad and remove the pad. Sometimes cracks are not obvious without hanging the pad off the edge of a table, for instance, and pressing slightly in a way that would open up any potential cracks. Of course, not too much pressure.

Shane