Best festool for sanding

lbansal

Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2013
Messages
4
Hi, I would appreciate some advice on which sanding tool to purchase for my particular problem.

We are working on large Glass fibre lined walls (GRP - smooth finish as in a bath tub etc), which have faded over time and to freshen up, the owners have painted the surfaces using an Emulsion type paint. The paint is baked on and hard, flaking off in places and cracking, with a very rough finish.

To sand the surfaces we are currently using Bosch PEX220A Random Orbit Sanders to sand down and smooth the surfaces. However these are taking a very long time to work through each wall as well as ensuring the surface is smooth enough to re-work.

Could you advise on which sander/s would be most suitable for this application, bearing in mind that the walls are large surface areas and we need to carry out our work quickly and efficiently to reduce our time as much as possible. In addition to the flat surface of the walls, we also need to sand into a curved corner (30mm radius), so anything you can suggest for that would be helpful too.

Unfortunately I do not have any pictures I can post for this query. I would appreciate a swift and detailed response please. If you have any further questions that arise, please do not hesitate to ask.

kind regards
lbansal

 
[welcome]

I haven't got a lot of experience with sanding the surfaces you're talking about, but it does sound like the dust coming from this could be pretty nasty!

I'm curious about what grits you've been using so far?

The Planex has been used with good success removing things as nasty as popcorn ceilings, so that may be a consideration.

The little RO90 with a couple of interface pads to permit negotiating a curve could work for your corners as could a custom profile on the LS130.

Note that variable speed dust collection is pretty much critical for optimal performance of all Festool sanders.

 
Hi Kev

We have been using various grits mostly 80 and 120, but sometimes 40 if needed.
 
What about the RUTSCHER RS 100? I am not sure what the difference is between geared / direct / orbital sanding and which would be best for this application.

Or maybe the Geared eccentric sander ROTEX RO 150..?
 
OK, 80 grit is certainly in the domain of the Planex (for seriously big areas) - otherwise the RO150 with the option of the aggressive sanding mode could be a strong contender ... though for weight you'll be wishing you were holding the ETS150/5.

 
lbansal said:
What about the RUTSCHER RS 100? I am not sure what the difference is between geared / direct / orbital sanding and which would be best for this application.

Or maybe the Geared eccentric sander ROTEX RO 150..?

Ah - you're ahead of my answers ... yes, down at 40 grit the RO150 can do some beastly work!

I've tended to move to round format sanders for everything other than specialty sanders simply because it suits me best with Festool. Haven't used a half sheet for years and rarely touch the belt sander either. I don't doubt the RS100 is good though.
 
Ibansal, welcome to FOG

it sounds like  a job for the Rotex 150 to me also,   i have doubts of how aggressive the Planex will be

if the walls are flat, maybe look into a hard pad for the Rotex 150,

for corners you may want to look into a LS 130 with a custom profile pad (one of their stock profile pads might do the trick also)

sounds like quite the job, good luck!

John
 
Awesome All!

Thank you all for the swift advice and comments. I am not sure a half-sheet sander will be suitable, the walls aren't perfectly flat.
Will look into the 2 sanders you recommend and I am sure they will be more than enough to carry out this work.

All the best and keep up the good work!

Regards
lbansal

 
I agree that the Rotex might be a good choice.  Not sure if an interface pad would allow you enough give to go into the curved corner -- maybe the RO90 would with its smaller head.  you can dial the speed down on all Festool sanders that can help as well.  Good luck.

Scot
 
Heya Ibansal,

Not sure if I'm too late for the party, but thought I'd chime in with a bit of info too.

Like most of the guys have recommended, my vote also goes to the RO 150 for your large flat surfaces. 

30mm radius corners are a bit tight, and depending on how many you would have to do, the LS 130 with custom profile, or RO 90 + interface pad may help out. 

Now where I'm going to add to... is aside from the machines, nobody talked about the ABRASIVES!  I'd recommend trying Granat P60, P80, P120 for your job. 

Another option for the corners would be to do it by hand, using Granat Soft Rolls, granted they only start at P120 (497091). 

Hope this helps!
 
Back
Top