I'm having some trouble with my Ridgid 6" random orbital sander (model R2611). It seems to lose power when I apply even a little pressure, making the pad stop rotating. I've taken the whole tool apart, cleaned it thoroughly, even checked the brushes and polished the rotor where they make contact. The counter-weight appears to be installed correctly as well. I can't figure out what else could be wrong. Is it possible that the motor is failing despite not showing any obvious signs? Any thoughts?
3 Answers
I've owned some Ridgid tools that lasted forever, but the sander you mentioned always had a reputation for being subpar. If it’s already giving you trouble, it’s probably not worth putting in more effort to fix it. Maybe consider investing in a more reliable brand instead.
Honestly, I've heard that some Ridgid sanders just aren't that great, even from new. If you're having persistent issues, it might be time to cut your losses and consider a different brand. My go-to recommendation is the Porter Cable 97466 or 7346. They’ve got a reputation for delivering serious sanding power without the hassle. Definitely worth checking out!
I use a Bosch corded and a DeWalt cordless sander, and both have way more power. The Bosch does an awesome job with dust collection too, even without a vacuum. It was around $60, not too steep. If you're really into it, I've heard great things about Festool and Mirka, but those are a lot pricier. Depending on your budget, you might want to think about switching it up!
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll look into those models.