Agressive sanding - Makita belt or Fes roto?

[Aegwyn11]

I did think about renting a big drum sander, but found through research that (as with any power tool) you can do serious damage VERY quickly, especially on a soft wood like cedar that is uneven and warped. An outdoor deck is inherently uneven, especially one that's sat a few years unfinished and I chose not to tear up my deck learning how to use the tool. To make things completely clear, the biggest reason for sanding this beast is to get rid of all the damage I did learning how to pressure wash it last year (used WAY too much pressure)....not to make each board perfectly even with one another.

I 'manned up' and decided to just finish this damn project with the belt sander. I'm 95% done with the upper deck (largest area by far) and only have stairs and landing yet to go. I will be buying the Rotex a little later, but decided to just muscle through this project for now.

 

[Toolpig]

A whole deck??

Rent a floor sander.  The U-Sand is a great machine with wonderful dust collection.  Your back will thank you.

Jason

I've already got a Makita 9920 (3x24) belt sander. I'm working on a pretty big project sanding down the walking surface of my deck. Also, I'm a DIY'er...not a pro.

I'm basically taking the rough surface of the deck back to a smooth surface, which is requiring quite a lot of sanding. Would some like the RAS 115.04 E make things go faster? Or should I just stick to the Makita belt sander?

 

[Aegwyn11]

Got fed up last week and went and bought a CT22 and RO150. So far, I can say I'm VERY happy with the purchase. The instructions for the stain call for 60 grit prior to stain, so I've been doing the bulk of sanding with Cristal 40 grit, then following behind with Cristal 60 grit. MUCH better than the 3" belt sander and 5" Makita RO I was using before. And almost no dust. I'm done with the big area of the deck and only have the stairs, a smallish landing (4x8), railings, and some vertical surfaces left. Maybe I should have rented a big sander from our friends in orange, but I'm past that part now. From what little I did this weekend, it looks like this rest of this will be breeze with the RO. Thanks everyone for the advice.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Glad to hear things are working out so far. Let us know how the deck turns out.

 

[Neill]

Got fed up last week and went and bought a CT22 and RO150. So far, I can say I'm VERY happy with the purchase. The instructions for the stain call for 60 grit prior to stain, so I've been doing the bulk of sanding with Cristal 40 grit, then following behind with Cristal 60 grit. MUCH better than the 3" belt sander and 5" Makita RO I was using before. And almost no dust. I'm done with the big area of the deck and only have the stairs, a smallish landing (4x8), railings, and some vertical surfaces left. Maybe I should have rented a big sander from our friends in orange, but I'm past that part now. From what little I did this weekend, it looks like this rest of this will be breeze with the RO. Thanks everyone for the advice.

And the good news is that when your project is complete you've still got a great sander and vac to use for touch ups to the deck and any other projects you can come up with.

Neill

 

[SilentVic18]

Dust accumulating is far bigger with the Rotex - but it is outdoors isn't it? The Rotex is not as quick but is a absolute in amid tool. Sacrifice some time and accretion ability in the future. Or acceleration and chargeless time to do added things. Good luck with your decision. I'd do the RAS.

 

[Tezzer]

I have the Festool BS105 Belt sander. What a beast. With a 38# belt it will remove anything from anything. Swap to an 80# and add the sanding frame and it will sand the most delicate veneer with out sanding through. What a machine? Highly recommended. 

 

[score0matic]

Oh thanks

Brag up some more NAINA crap ;D

Craig

 

[AlexThePalex]

I have the Festool BS105 Belt sander. What a beast. With a 38# belt it will remove anything from anything. Swap to an 80# and add the sanding frame and it will sand the most delicate veneer with out sanding through. What a machine? Highly recommended. 

I've seen it in the store. Looks like you need a crane to haul it to the workplace.