compatible abrasives for festool sanders

[skinee]

having just bought my first festool sander,ets 125,i was wondering if other makes/brands of abrasive disc are compatible with festools pad,i seem to remember reading somewhere that festools type of velcro is different than standard velcro(a tighter loop or something)i have searched the forum but can find no answer,so are other brands of disc compatible(assuming the correct hole pattern of course),is festools velcro different?

 

[Greg_R]

The velcro is fine but no one sells the same hole pattern.  You can cut your own holes (or not collect dust) if you're really set on using other abrasives. 

 

[junk731]

Wurth is the only other company that sells paper with the Festool hole pattern but in Canada its the same price or more. I was given some samples to test and it was a great performer, along the line of Cristal and Granat. The 6" is the old hole pattern.

John

 

[peter halle]

Is there a reason why you wouldn't just use the Festool paper?  The paper is high quality and lasts a long time.

Peter

 

[RVHernandez]

I made the jump to Festool sanders recently, and I have to say, Festool's abrasives are far better than any other brand that I had used. They really do last longer and don't clog.

Something else to keep in mind, if you're not using an abrasive with the correct hole pattern, then you're not making the most of your sander's ability to keep the center cool while pushing the dust to the edge to be extracted.

The way I look at it, I didn't buy an "expensive" sander to then short myself by not using the right abrasive disc.

 

[skinee]

of course i  never intend to use discs without the correct hole pattern,that would be pointless,here in the uk a local supplier sells discs with a compatible hole pattern,there are also quality multihole abrasives such as: http://www.axminster.co.uk/hermes-hermes-125mm-disc-velcro-backed-multi-hole-abrasive-prod655748/
sometimes you may run out of festool discs and be unable to source them locally,this is when you may try an alternative,my question is,would other brands stick reasonably well,is the velcro different as i believe i remember reading,have other users found alternatives to work when festool discs are not to hand

 

[AlexThePalex]

In America there are no sandpapers from other manufacturers available, but in Europe that story is quite different. I have tried about every other type of paper I could lay my hands on for my RO150 and ETS125. In 150 mm alternatives with the Festool hole pattern are readily available, for 125 mm I think the choice is not so big although alternatives do exist.

As for the velcro, it makes no difference at all. Every type of velcro will stick on Festool's pad's and have a good hold. I have used more than 10 different brands for my 5 Festool sanders and nothing ever came loose.

Only difference is the quality of the actual sandpaper. As said above, Festool's quality really stands out and they also have the widest choice so you can match the right paper with the right job and be done as fast as possible with the least hassle. When it comes to a cost comparison, Festool's paper isn't more expensive than that of the competition, at least not more expensive than the good brands. There are some brands that are quite a bit cheaper, but they also don't last as long so in the end I think they end up costing you more.   

The only brands that are really good and on par with Festool are SIA and FlexoFit. After trying different brands these are the only two I'd consider worth buying, unless something else came at a really good price in a sale. Unfortunately both brands don't have as many choices as Festool has. SIA only has 3 lines, SIA Blue, SIA Red and SIA Yellow whereas Festool has like 10 different lines. FlexoFit has REALLY good paper, but is also really hard to come by. There is nothing in Festool's line that compares to the FlexoFit paper I could lay my hands on, they make a paper that looks like Rubin, but is very hard, with a hard backing and a very hard coating and very sharp cutting particles. I love this stuff, it lasts forever, hardly gums up and cuts like a knife through butter. Almost feels like a fiber disc for a grinder. But, unfortunately, you can hardly find it anywhere.   
 
Brands that are also good are 3M and Colad. But they cater mostly to the automotive branch so their paper is mainly focused on working with steel and not as durable with other applications.

Brands that I would avoid are Indasa and Metabo. Both do not hold up to expectations.

But, after trying many different brands, I prefer to stick mostly with Festool paper. It's just the best overal and the easiest to get.

 

[Timtool]

i used to use SIA for my Bosch 125mm sander, after i switched to festool sanders and paper i had the impression that the festool paper didn't last as long. i tried SIA for my 150 festool and i now feel the festool paper is better, if only because it's harder and won't tear when you hit a corner.

for my ETS 125 i have not found compatible disks from any other brand beside festool. they must not think it's worth making disks that are only compatible with one particular sander model.
plus the ETS 125 is not quite the agressive sander that wears out disks by the dozen, like the 150 can or rotex's

 

[justinmcf]

i have tried 2 different brands of paper on the ets 150 sanders. norton and 3m.

both brands ruined the velcro on the festool sanding pad.
the velcro was definitely damaged as the discs kept slipping off.
i had to spend 60 dollars on a new festool sanding pad.
not happy!

lesson learnt, now i buy only festool paper.

justin.

 

[stvrowe]

I seem to recall Klingspor offered discs with the Festool hole pattern.  Having used the Klingspor discs on my previous sanders and comparing performance, cost, and durability with the Festool paper, I wouldn't consider using it in lieu of the Festool product.

 

[Neill]

I have had excellent results with Mirka Abranet.  It is a mesh screen.  "Look Ma, no holes".  Big advantage here is that if you are working through a series of abrasives the disk changes are very quick because you do not have to be concerned about aligning the holes.

You may want to use their interface pads to protect you Festool sanding pad, but it is not necessary.  They also offer their own sanding pads that are compatible with Festool sanders.

And yes, Festool abrasives are excellent.  You cannot go too far wrong by "sticking" with them.

Neill

 

[mouppe]

Yes, +1 for Abranet. They  stick to Festool sanders. I use 180 and 320 if I remember correctly, but the dust not pass through as easily as with Festool papers' holes. In some applications this is preferable for me.

 

[Dan Clark]

In America there are no sandpapers from other manufacturers available

Not quite...  Abranet is available in the US and fits Festool 5" and 6" sanders.

I have had excellent results with Mirka Abranet.  It is a mesh screen.  "Look Ma, no holes".  Big advantage here is that if you are working through a series of abrasives the disk changes are very quick because you do not have to be concerned about aligning the holes.

You may want to use their interface pads to protect you Festool sanding pad, but it is not necessary.  They also offer their own sanding pads that are compatible with Festool sanders.

And yes, Festool abrasives are excellent.  You cannot go too far wrong by "sticking" with them.

Neill

Like Neill, I've used Mirka Abranet on my RO150 with excellent results.  I especially like their little dustless hand sander, whose hose is very light and flexible, and whose hose adapter fits the Festool hose inlet perfectly: http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2005922/28629/Abranet-2-34-X-5-Grip-Faced-Vacuum-Block.aspx .  That said, I prefer using Festool sandpaper because it's great sandpaper and for the most part, the same sandpaper is made in sizes to fit my RO150, RO90, and RS400/LS130. 

Regards,

Dan.

 

[jtwood]

Is there a reason why you wouldn't just use the Festool paper?  The paper is high quality and lasts a long time.

Peter

As a hobbyist, the problem with the Festool is the quantity that I have to buy.  I make furniture for myself, and to buy all of the Brilliant or Granat grades to sand to a finish-ready surface is very expensive.  I have had good luck with the Mirka Abranet and don't have to buy such large quantities.  I have the RO 125 and RO 90s.

 

[Neill]

In America there are no sandpapers from other manufacturers available

Not quite...   Abranet is available in the US and fits Festool 5" and 6" sanders.

I have had excellent results with Mirka Abranet.  It is a mesh screen.  "Look Ma, no holes".  Big advantage here is that if you are working through a series of abrasives the disk changes are very quick because you do not have to be concerned about aligning the holes.

You may want to use their interface pads to protect you Festool sanding pad, but it is not necessary.  They also offer their own sanding pads that are compatible with Festool sanders.

And yes, Festool abrasives are excellent.  You cannot go too far wrong by "sticking" with them.

Neill

Like Neill, I've used Mirka Abranet on my RO150 with excellent results.   I especially like their little dustless hand sander, whose hose is very light and flexible, and whose hose adapter fits the Festool hose inlet perfectly: http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2005922/28629/Abranet-2-34-X-5-Grip-Faced-Vacuum-Block.aspx .  That said, I prefer using Festool sandpaper because it's great sandpaper and for the most part, the same sandpaper is made in sizes to fit my RO150, RO90, and RS400/LS130. 

Regards,

Dan.

Dan,

I have one of those little hand sanders also and you are absolutely right.  They work great.  The only problem I encountered was that the fit in my vac hose is so tight that with my arthritic thumbs it was almost impossible to get out.  I had an extra Festool hose so I just left the sander attached to that hose.  No biggie considering how much I like the sander for light work.

Peter Halle also has one that he loves for drywall sanding.

Neill

 

[Neill]

Is there a reason why you wouldn't just use the Festool paper?  The paper is high quality and lasts a long time.

Peter

As a hobbyist, the problem with the Festool is the quantity that I have to buy.  I make furniture for myself, and to buy all of the Brilliant or Granat grades to sand to a finish-ready surface is very expensive.  I have had good luck with the Mirka Abranet and don't have to buy such large quantities.  I have the RO 125 and RO 90s.

If quantities are a problem, be advised that Bob Marino and Tom Bellamere at Tool Home, and probably some others, will split boxes of abrasives for you.  You just have to call them and ask.

Neill

 

[peter halle]

Is there a reason why you wouldn't just use the Festool paper?  The paper is high quality and lasts a long time.

Peter

As a hobbyist, the problem with the Festool is the quantity that I have to buy.  I make furniture for myself, and to buy all of the Brilliant or Granat grades to sand to a finish-ready surface is very expensive.  I have had good luck with the Mirka Abranet and don't have to buy such large quantities.  I have the RO 125 and RO 90s.

Oh I understand.  Because as a contractor I do multiple disciplines, I don't use my sanders as often as even many hobbyist members here.  I purchased 100 packs of paper when I bought my RO 150.  I have sandpaper for life I figure.  [scared]

Just as a mention, many dealers will break packages into smaller quantities for their customers.  At least most of the prominent dealers here will to the best of my recollection.

Peter

 

[Alan m]

any good dealer (not to put preasure on anyone) will sell you a few disks. my dealer (in ireland)will sell them loose . i often buy 5-10 sheets of different grits at a time. eventually i will build up a collection of them so that i can buy larger boxs. i bought a general assortment if you could call it that , he went ruting in the back one day after i just got the ro150 and wanted a few of everything , i got a t loc 3 full of disks. it worked out cheaper than buying seperatly but i got an ofull lot of 80g rubin.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I get a warm and fuzzy feeling knowing I have 20 boxes of sandpaper for all my Festool sanders.

The sandpaper is not a viable form of collateral at the bank though..... [big grin]

 

[rsecrets]

klingspor is the best alternative plus its 50% less, thats all we use FP77 Green