Replies

1. 
   Ray | Sep 22, 2005 12:11am | #1

   Have you tried cleaning the pad?  I use a relatively fine-bristled scrub brush, and when mine's really bad, I dampen the brush with alcohol.

2. 
   Pondfish | Sep 22, 2005 01:37am | #2

   My PC333 pad died after I tried using the sander to wet sand lacquer with naptha (NOT recommended).  I replaced the pad with the DeWalt pad that is available at HD.  I've had no problems with the pad since, though the sander now is dead (motor won't run consistently).

    

   Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
3. 
   plumbbill | Sep 22, 2005 02:23am | #3

   Almost all ro sanders have replacement pads from the manufacture that can be tricky since my originl one I bout 14 years ago I ran into 2 problems one discontinued model & 2 it was a craftsman & since they don't make thier own power tools it was impossible to find what actual brand it was so I bought a conversion pad "stick pad to hook & loop" & glued it on the sander worked great till sander finally took a dump.

1. 
   kenwerner | Sep 22, 2005 05:43am | #4

   My P-C did the same. Replaced the pad with a new P-C pad. About $20. If you sand off the remaining hook & loop from the original pad, you can use it for PSA pads.Ken Werner

4. 
   giametti | Sep 22, 2005 05:51am | #5

   The hooks on the pad can wear out. Some sanders are worse than others in my limited experience. I've replaced the pad on my AEG about once a year. I've never had to replace the pad on my 5" DeWalt in the 6 years I've owned it, and used it heavily. In a shop I worked at, we replaced the pads on Bosch RO sanders constantly.
   I believe the quality of the sanding disks can affect the life of the pad--we used "Sun Gold" (or something like that) that had skimpy loop backing, and I'm sure that wore out the pads on the Bosch sanders faster than a better quality disc. So when you buy cheap sanding discs, factor in the cost of more frequent pad replacement and you'll find they aren't as much of a bargain. I'm using Klingspor these days.

   Jim Eddy

   [URL=http://www.jameseddywoodworks.com]James Eddy Woodworks[/URL]

5. 
   desertmaster | Sep 22, 2005 07:03am | #6

   My DeWalt 5" r/o sander had the same problem a few yrs ago. I went to a craft store and bought a hook and loop kit, which  consisted of a couple of square feet of both the hook and the loop fabric. I took the hook sheet, cut out a round disc, 5" diameter, and drilled holes in it, coresponding  to the holes in the sanding sheets.  Then glued it to the old pad face with rubber cement. Works good, but not quite as good as the original, when it was new.    Gary 

6. 
   ring | Sep 22, 2005 02:50pm | #7

   Of course they need to be replaced from time to time.  I have 2 Festools and they get used hard all the time.  The pads last about 6 months before they start throwing papers around.

   DR

7. 
   DougF | Sep 22, 2005 07:49pm | #8

   When you replace the pad, be sure and not get the 5/8 hole combo pad.  These throw dust all over the place.  PC still makes the traditional 5-hole pad replacements.

1. 
   SLOSapo | Sep 22, 2005 07:56pm | #9

   Thanks for all the comments, guys. Guess I'll pop into my tool store this afternoon and see if they have a replacement pad.

1. 
   TomB | Sep 23, 2005 03:02am | #10

   Mine did the same thing, and when I asked the repair shop what happened, they said I had overheated the pad, melted the plastic hook and loop. You can change the sanding disc often or risk burning out the pad. I use klingspor discs, but didn't change them often enough, wanted to get the last bit out of them. Didn't save me any mony and became a pain in the a$$ to go and get a new pad. Now I change them often and no problems.

8. 
   JMartinsky | Sep 23, 2005 04:34am | #11

   Yep, you can replace the pad. Mine developed the symptoms you describe after I attempted a quick sand of some rough maple..........minus a disc!!! I couldn't figure out where all the black was coming from! Knucklehead to the end!

   John

   PS, They do wear over time and will need to be replaced. No big deal, three screws and your there.

9. 
   stonpony | Dec 27, 2016 02:11pm | #12

   mine too

   My random orbital sander probably does not have 10 hours on it but it throws discs like frisbees also.  the first 3-5 hours it was great but not now.  why does it do that?