failure mode

FM-18: Pad orbit slows sharply under light pressure

With a fresh correct disc and only light pressure, orbit speed collapses instead of sanding steadily.

Diagnostic overview

With a fresh correct disc and only light pressure, orbit speed collapses instead of sanding steadily.

Likely Root Causes

  • Battery is weak or contacts resist current
  • Abrasive or work is loading the tool
  • Belt, skirt, or pad is dragging
  • Motor or electronic control is weak

Quick Checks

  1. The pad maintains steady orbit under light normal sanding pressure.

Repair Preview

  1. Remove the battery and verify a fresh centered disc, free pad motion, and a charged pack.
  2. Clear the skirt and dust path, then select a suitable mid-to-high speed.
  3. Use long strokes with only the tool weight and compare with a known-good battery.
  4. If orbit still collapses under light pressure, stop and route the drive or control to service.

This is a preview of the troubleshooting guidance included in the full repair manual.

Common Fixes

  • Brushless motor and fan
  • Pad-speed control belt

Related symptoms

  • Pad orbit slows sharply under light pressure

    With a fresh correct disc and only light pressure, orbit speed collapses instead of sanding steadily.

Included in the full manual

  • root cause analysis
  • tools needed
  • step-by-step repair procedure
  • diagrams
  • exploded views
  • post-repair checks

Public pages show a preview only. Purchase the full manual to download complete repair steps, diagrams, and verification procedures.

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