Need advice on Festool Rotex 125.....

You’re not alone. My Rotex 125 jumps around on occasion also. I don’t have “the magic answer” but I have a theory and an opinion.

I think the problem is primarily attributable to not applying even downward pressure and/or applying too much downward pressure. Many ROSs have the weight of the machine centered directly over the sanding pad. With the Rotex, the weight is off to the side. Because of this, the downward pressure on the sanding pad can, more easily, be off center and this will cause the sander to jump.

I try to deliberately hold the sander so the pressure over the whole sanding surface is even and I am learning that not much downward pressure is required. As they say, “let the machine do the work”. In this case that means light sanding pressure.

By the way – you do need to cut back on the amount of vacuum from the dust extractor. Too high a setting will, effectively, suck the sander down into the wood creating more downward pressure than desired.

-- Rich, Cedar Rapids, IA - I'm a woodworker. I don't create beauty, I reveal it.

I’m glad you brought this topic up. I bought this tool two years ago and it bounced all over the place. I consider it my worst tool purchase ever. The power cord comes off very easy also. I’ve since stopped using it for most projects and give it a try now and again due to its cost but I use a $60 Ryobi instead. Hope someone offers up a good answer because I’m considering ebaying it.

-- Bob A in NJ

“I try to deliberately hold the sander so the pressure over the whole sanding surface is even and I am learning that not much downward pressure is required. As they say, “let the machine do the work”. In this case that means light sanding pressure.”

I do the same thing with my OR 125 and have very few problems with it.

-- Don aka Basset Hound, www.woebgonbassets.com

The answer is balancing – ti;t it up – intentionally or unintentionally – and it will bounce because like any similar it is on the forward edge.

As to pressure, you really shouldn’t be applying any significant pressure – let a lower grit do the work, and lower speed will help. I have little bouncing with attention paid to balancing. Great product particularly with vacuum and lower noise level and pitch.

-- Regards, Steve2