choosing a sander for solid surface fabrication

[ginocon]

Hi
I'm getting started into solid surface fabrication and installation. I need to buy a good sander for this work as i have three kitchen counters pending for the very near future. My question is, in virtually all videos on solid surface seaming they are using Rotex sanders. My question is which one woudl be better if I had to choose only one. I'm inclining to the RO 90 as it can be good for small corners with the delta pad, but I'm considering also the RO 125. Any suggestions, tips? thanks in advance.

 

[jonny round boy]

Ideally, you'll need more than one sander for solid surface. But for your primarly sander, ignore the 90 and 125, and go for the 150 - either the rotex or the ETS.

You'll need the rotex for any agressive sanding, and also for polishing if you intend doing any high-gloss. But the ETS is a lot more comfortable to use one-handed for covering large areas.

Personally, I'd go with the ETS150, and then add a rotex as and when you can. Oh, and the LS130 for sanding coves...

Having said all that, I've never done solid surface for a living, so a pro might have a different opinion!

 

[windmill man]

If you are starting up and are serious about it being part of your business future. Minimum you will need

ro90 edges and small areas
ro150 flat large areas and heavy work and polishing
ets150/3
good extraction

luxury buys
Shinex
ls130

Another sander to look at is the ceros from Mirka. getting good reports on the finish quality,one or two issues on machine quality.

The other important much overlooked thing is the abrasives

Festool Crystal,Brilliant 2,Granet are good on solid surface I dont like the viles. Plantin is good.

I am having a lot of good results with JOST.

You have lots to choose from Mika,Herms, Festool,3M, Jost  etc.

John

 

[Chris Hughes]

I got by with a a ro125 and did not really see the need for the 6" sander.  Holy crap, I was doing it the hard way.  I would definitely start with the 150 and a ct.

I have always done my edges by hand with blocks.

 

[ginocon]

first of all many thanks for the valuable advises, especially the abrasives types and brands to consider.
My budget is a little limited since I need to incorporate also CT26 but will definetely consider to buy the both the RO 90 and the RO150 with a ton of abrasives. since these will serve also for my doormaking projects. Besides Cabinets and in the very soon solid surface countertops, I build also hardwood entry doors, windows, and desks. So the new whishlist would something like RO 90 and 150, CT26, OF2200, abasives, and posibly the MFK-700 kit.
Will post pictures of the projects when ready in a couple of months. Need to add also the cutting jig from Trend and solid a surface adhesive gun. The other adventure will be to obtain the genuine Corian glues from the local distributor.