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  1. #1
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    May 2009
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    Default Festool Sander Vibration

    I currently have Rotex 150 and ETS-125 sanders. The Rotex is awesome as we all know, but I also wanted a light weight single handed sander for when the need arises, hence the ETS-125.

    The problem is as I move the ETS-125 over the timber surface it sometimes (not very often) vibrates and skips a bit on the timber. The machine itself is smooth to operate but I never had this problem with my Bosch 125mm ROS, nor with the Rotex.

    I thought perhaps the sand paper may be sticking to the surface occasionally which could induce this kind of vibration/motion. Has anyone experienced this before or have any idea if this is a problem?

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  3. #2
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    Jul 2007
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    Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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    Default

    Your not alone, other have had this problem before too. The small Festool sanders work better a the 6-8 hour break-in period. During this time the motor's brushes seat (wear in to fit the armature). Until the brushes are fully seated the motor won't run at it's peak performance and this sometimes causes the sander to be a little jumpy. After you've used the sander for a few hours you should see some improved performance.

    I know some guys allow a new Festool sander to run (without any load) for a few hours to break it in.

  4. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Brice Burrell View Post
    Your not alone, other have had this problem before too. The small Festool sanders work better a the 6-8 hour break-in period. During this time the motor's brushes seat (wear in to fit the armature). Until the brushes are fully seated the motor won't run at it's peak performance and this sometimes causes the sander to be a little jumpy. After you've used the sander for a few hours you should see some improved performance.

    I know some guys allow a new Festool sander to run (without any load) for a few hours to break it in.
    Thanks Brice, it's a relief to know what the problem is and I may just have to run the thing for a while longer.

  5. #4
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    Jun 2006
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    Barboursville, Virginia USA
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    Default

    In addition to what Brice said, if you are running the sander with Festool dust collection, be sure to turn down the suction to about 1/2. Those small sanders have been known to "stick" to the wood due to the suction through the paper.
    Cheers,

    Bob



  6. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    Melbourne
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    Quote Originally Posted by Honorary Bloke View Post
    In addition to what Brice said, if you are running the sander with Festool dust collection, be sure to turn down the suction to about 1/2. Those small sanders have been known to "stick" to the wood due to the suction through the paper.
    I agree with Bob. Too much suction can cause sticking to the material, and pad chattering sometimes.

  7. #6
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    Default

    Thanks guys. I have experimented with the suction and yes it did affect the ease of sanding but the vibration still jumps in intermittently.

    I think (hope?) that the issue is the brush/armature break-in period and I may just leave it on for a bit to help the process along.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Perth
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    158

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    Quote Originally Posted by TP1 View Post
    I currently have Rotex 150 and ETS-125 sanders. The Rotex is awesome as we all know, but I also wanted a light weight single handed sander for when the need arises, hence the ETS-125.

    The problem is as I move the ETS-125 over the timber surface it sometimes (not very often) vibrates and skips a bit on the timber. The machine itself is smooth to operate but I never had this problem with my Bosch 125mm ROS, nor with the Rotex.

    I thought perhaps the sand paper may be sticking to the surface occasionally which could induce this kind of vibration/motion. Has anyone experienced this before or have any idea if this is a problem?
    No need ever arises - hand sand for the parts the Rotex 150 can't reach. Not an aggravational post!
    Pete J

  9. #8
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    Perth
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pete J View Post
    No need ever arises - hand sand for the parts the Rotex 150 can't reach. Not an aggravational post!
    It's true that the Rotex may be the only sander one would ever need. But I do like the feel of a "palm" ROS for some finer points and certain jobs - such as sanding the front door. Having said that I seem to be reaching for the Rotex just about every time because it is so damn quicker!

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    kuranda north qld
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    717

    Default

    you would hope for the money they would make the tool work right out of the box ! my festool sander has always over heated and have never been very happy with it , have tried to get it fixed ,and still unhappy. hope yours is fixed .but would ask them to get it working properly .as it should be . cheers Bob

  11. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by bobsreturn2003 View Post
    you would hope for the money they would make the tool work right out of the box ! my festool sander has always over heated and have never been very happy with it , have tried to get it fixed ,and still unhappy. hope yours is fixed .but would ask them to get it working properly .as it should be . cheers Bob
    I have been running it fair bit an the vibration is getting much better- looks like it is getting run in as suggested earlier on this thread. The big surprise for me was that the sander was not as smooth as my Bosch 125 mm ROS, although now it is comparable.

    What model do you have?

  12. #11
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    Jun 2003
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    Melbourne
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    Quote Originally Posted by TP1 View Post
    I have been running it fair bit an the vibration is getting much better- looks like it is getting run in as suggested earlier on this thread.
    It should be really smooth IMHO. Maybe give Festool a call just to log the matter in case the vibration does not settle down permanently and in case something is wrong with your sander. Better safe than sorry.

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Darkest NSW
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    I came across a fix for the vibration problem on a US site


    This seems to be a Festool product - are they available here?? Looks like an excellent way to get some final use out of worn sanding discs for hand-sanding. Knowing how well Festool discs last, even a worn one would be good for quite a bit of hand sanding.....

  14. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Brush View Post
    I came across a fix for the vibration problem on a US site


    This seems to be a Festool product - are they available here?? Looks like an excellent way to get some final use out of worn sanding discs for hand-sanding. Knowing how well Festool discs last, even a worn one would be good for quite a bit of hand sanding.....
    I have used them with a cork block - not as good as Festools but it works. I have been doing a fair bit with Jarrah lately and even Festool discs get hammered by that timber.

  15. #14
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    Nov 2005
    Location
    Darkest NSW
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    Default

    What 'family' of Festool papers are you using? I use Brilliant 2 in grits from 120 up, and get good mileage out of it on brushbox. Don't use much jarrah here, but the brushbox certainly makes short work of my jointer knives

    I only have a midi vac, but even that needs to be turned down a bit to stop the ETS150/3 grabbing.

    A cork block would work for hand sanding with old discs, but I note that the Festool block thing even has velcro up the sides to secure the pad....... They've thought of everything !

    Mind you, it probably costs........

  16. #15
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    Perth
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    I use the Brilliant range 180 and higher and Rubin 80 & 120.

    I recently bought a heap of abrasives and I didn't realise at the time of ordering that they were the new "multi-jetstream" discs. They work fine with my original sanding pad and I guess I will have to upgrade at some point.

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