Festool 3-1/2 in. Hard Pad, Polishing Pad, and Interface pad for RO 90 DX

The Festool 3-1/2 in. Hard Pad, Polishing Pad, and Interface pad for RO 90 DX is a three-pad accessory set that expands what the Festool RO 90 DX Rotex sander can do. This is a sander pad set designed for crisp edge sanding, detail polishing, and fine sanding on contoured surfaces, aimed at woodworkers, cabinetmakers, finishers, and auto and marine refinishers. Model Number 495623-495625-497481.

The standard pad on the RO 90 DX is a general-purpose pad. It is not the best choice for keeping edges dead flat or for following tight profiles, and polishing media need a pad of their own. Each pad in this set solves one of those problems, and together they let one compact sander handle jobs that would otherwise call for more tools or more hand work.

The Festool 495623 3-1/2 in. Hard Pad for RO 90 is for flat work where edges matter. Its high edge strength keeps the abrasive flat at the perimeter, which reduces the risk of sanding a crisp edge into a curve. That makes it the right pad for face frames, narrow rails, drawer parts, and any flat surface that has to stay true right up to the corner.

Hard pads also make the most of narrow material. With less give at the edge, the sander doesn't tip and dip as it rides off a narrow face, so you can sand the edge of a shelf or a door stile without washing out the arris. If your finish has a habit of showing soft, rounded corners after sanding, this is the fix.

The Festool 495625 Polishing Pad for RO 90 is required whenever you want to polish with sponges, felts, or sheepskin accessories on the RO 90 DX. It mounts with Festool's FastFix connection. The pad is deliberately undersized, so the pad body is less likely to contact and mark the work when you polish near an edge or a raised detail.

That makes the RO 90 DX a capable detail polisher. Its small footprint reaches spots that a full-size polisher can't, such as inside corners, around hardware, along trim, and on small panels, which is exactly where finish defects tend to hide.

The Festool 497481 Interface Pad for RO 90 DX sits between the sanding pad and the abrasive. Its 9/16" (15 mm) thick foam is extremely soft, so the abrasive floats over the surface and follows radii, curves, and molded profiles. For superfine sanding, the foam absorbs some of the energy from the user and the machine, which means lighter abrasion and a higher-grade finish.

The interface pad attaches with StickFix hook and loop, so abrasive changes stay fast and partially used discs can be reused. Its suction holes are matched to the sanding pad in Festool's Jetstream design, so dust extraction keeps working through the extra layer. Cleaner extraction means cleaner air, a better finish, and longer pad and abrasive life. The slightly smaller diameter also reduces wear on the pad itself.

Who should buy it? RO 90 DX owners who sand flat parts, profiles, and finished surfaces in the same week. Furniture makers, cabinet shops, finish carpenters, and auto and boat refinishers get the most out of the set. Pair the pads with the right Festool RO 90 DX abrasives and one sander covers flattening, profile work, and polishing.

Pieces 3 (hard pad, polishing pad, interface pad) Compatible Sander Festool RO 90 DX Hard Pad Size 3-1/2" Polishing Pad Mount FastFix Interface Pad Diameter 3-9/16" (90 mm) Interface Pad Height 9/16" (15 mm) Interface Pad Dust Extraction Jetstream, holes matched to sanding pad Abrasive Attachment StickFix hook and loop

The Festool Hard Pad, Polishing Pad, and Interface Pad Set Gets the Most Out of an RO 90 DX

Three pads, three different jobs, and one sander that now handles all of them.

• Who it's for: RO 90 DX owners who sand flat parts, shaped profiles, and finished surfaces and want the right pad for each.
• Why it stands out: A hard pad for crisp edges, a polishing pad for sponges and sheepskins, and a soft interface pad for contours, bought together instead of one at a time.
• Worth knowing: These are pads only. Abrasives and polishing media are sold separately, and the hard and polishing pads are made specifically for the RO 90 DX.

• Do I still need the standard pad? Yes, for general sanding. The Festool 496804 soft pad is the RO 90 DX's standard pad, and this set adds options for edges, contours, and polishing.
• Can I polish with the hard pad? No. Festool requires the polishing pad for sponges, felts, and sheepskin accessories on the RO 90 DX.
• Does the interface pad block dust extraction? No. Its holes are matched to the sanding pad, so extraction keeps working with the interface pad installed.