Air sanders

[jimmy986]

I am looking into purchasing my first Festools and have been intrigues by the air sanders. I don't see a lot of information on them from users. There are a couple on the reconditioned page that seen like good deals. What are other people's experiences with these models? Are they worth the money or are the other sanders better purchases. I build small furniture. Occasional tables, bookcases, etc.

 

[Carman]

Jimmy,

I just talked to my guy because I was 'kind of' thinking about the same thing.  It's going to take close to $1300 in parts to make it work.  That's not including the cost of the CT 36 and your compressor.  Also it sounds like it requires a bit of CFM so you won't be using a small pancake style compressor.  Just passing on info from a dealer I talked to.

 

[gippy]

It also uses a lot more electricity to run the compressor for the air sander compared to an electric one, around 4 times more if I remember correctly.

 

[Dan Clark]

Your first Festool should definitely be the dust collector - a CT26 or CT36.  From my own experiences, sanding without a good vac is miserable.  Sanding with a good vac is a great experience.

Presumably you're interested in the Festool air sanders because of the shape.  With that in mind, you may want to take a look at the Mirka Ceros.  It's a DC electric sander that handles like an air sander.  Assuming that they have not changed the OEM pad, you can use all of the Festool paper and the Abranet paper on them.  And the Festool D27 hose can be screwed into the Mirka's dust port.  Dust collection is excellent.  I have the 6" model and it's my go-to sander for general sanding.  Search for Mirka Ceros on the web.  Be warned though, while it's Festool quality, it's also Festool price. 

My second go-to sander is the Festool RO90.  I don't make furniture, but with its multitude of pads, I would think the RO90 would be a great tool for furniture.  Dust collection is great.

I have five Festool sanders: RO150, RO90, RAS115,  RTS400, and LS130.  Each has it's purpose.  I'm thinking of getting an ETS 150/3 for finish sanding.  With the possible exception of the Mirka Ceros, Festool makes that best sanders on the planet.  (In my ever-so-humble opinion, of course.)

Dan.

 

[PreferrablyWood]

I was also interested in Air Sanders, and found out about the need for and extra powerful compressor to run it, which means ++$ for electricity, and getting a capable enough compressor.. If you want to do other things with the compressor, like spray paint, of assembley functions then it starts to get interesting as several functions are make it worthwhile from a cost stand point.

I agree that having a good dust vac is very important for my usage I've found the CT Midi to be excellent, and will only upgrade to a larger model when I have a CMS with router Then I'll look at the CT 26, or 36..