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
- The pad maintains steady orbit under light normal sanding pressure.
Repair Preview
- Remove the battery and verify a fresh centered disc, free pad motion, and a charged pack.
- Clear the skirt and dust path, then select a suitable mid-to-high speed.
- Use long strokes with only the tool weight and compare with a known-good battery.
- 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.