Do you use a Festool sander for edge/end grain sanding?

[estesbubba]

I don't even have my ETS 150/5 yet but was wondering if anyone uses a Festool sander for edge and end sanding? Since there is only 3/4" of surface I have always hand sanded to be safe. So in the world of Festool can this be done safely with one of their sanders?

 

[wubears71]

I do it all the time with no issues.  Just don't rock the sander and apply light pressure.  Let the sander do the work.

 

[peter halle]

Just like Tim, I do it also.  I generally use a hard pad on the sander to maintain crisp edges.  You might want to experiment on some scrap and see if you get better results pulling or pushing the sander.  I think Seth has posted here that he pulls the sander towards him because he feels it gives additional control.

Peter

 

[Theshipstore]

I haved used my RTS 400 for edge sanding for a while now and I have had no real issues with using it at all. I guess I am like Shane as I pull toward me when using it for more control

Sal

 

[tbellemare]

If you position the work piece comfortably, you can even use a Rotex 150 in the gear driven orbital mode with rough abrasives to clean up rough edges. It works best for me if I can cradle it against my torso in two hands and use my legs to move it.

Tom

 

[VesaS]

DTS 400 is good for that too.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

When I have to in the field.  Other wise it is easier to use a edge sander or disc sander.

 

[Scott B.]

Yes, we do final face and edge (including endgrain) sanding on tops like this whenever we see them. What is especially cool is that we can do a microbevel edge break with it as well rather than manually. Would also be effective on 3/4 stock...the 150/5 is a little on the big side but can be persuaded down into that range once you build a relationship.

This one was done with the ets125 which works very well for all phases of this type of sanding, as well as the in between coat sanding of finishes. One sander and a few grits of granat go a long way in versatility. (the grafitti was Todd's tribute to the carpenters building the room)
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[hhh]

prefer the 400s for edge work -- either one. 

 

[jc]

If you position the work piece comfortably, you can even use a Rotex 150 in the gear driven orbital mode with rough abrasives to clean up rough edges. It works best for me if I can cradle it against my torso in two hands and use my legs to move it.

Tom

Tom, when you clean up rough edges with your RO150 using rough abrasives the way you describe it, do you get dust all over the place?  I reckon the sander wouldn't be able to suck back the dust it generates given how narrow the workpiece is?

 

[tbellemare]

You're correct, JC. It doesn't do as well at dust collection but most of the stuff coming off isn't really fine dust anyway.

Tom

 

[Jalvis]

I've used the DUPLEX for this kind of work......easy to keep from breaking the edge on narrow stock and works well for end grain.  Although practice and more than one sander are usually the key.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I prefer an orbital sander like the DTS400 for this type of work, although a RO sander with the hard pad can work well too. 

Scott -- that is a nice finish on the counter-tops -- is it just oil and poly or something else?

Scot

 

[Scott B.]

I prefer an orbital sander like the DTS400 for this type of work, although a RO sander with the hard pad can work well too. 

Scott -- that is a nice finish on the counter-tops -- is it just oil and poly or something else?

Scot

Thanks Scot. It is a couple coats of shellac based sanding sealer and a couple coats of zar ultramax. Its a 4 coat system you can build pretty quickly because of dry times.

 

[jc]

You're correct, JC. It doesn't do as well at dust collection but most of the stuff coming off isn't really fine dust anyway.

Tom

Thanks Tom.  I was getting that problem and was curious if others had similar issues.