Experience with the Festool air sanders?

[tbellemare]

Aside from the fact that the electrical aspects don't wear out, the parts that do wear on air sanders (air tools) are typically designed to be repaired easily. The good ones last for a very long time and normally outlast electric tools by a long way if properly maintained.

I don't see air sanders as a valuable investment except in a shop setting where a good air supply exists but then, they can be great.

Tom

 

[itsmehc]

I got the whole line up of the air sandres and they are very good in everyday use.
The reason is that they push air from the center hole so that the extraction works even better.
I know pagani automobili, the famous maker of super car Zonda use Festool.
Spotted festool equipement on several pics. in this article
http://speedhunters.com/archive/2009/06/24/car-builder-gt-gt-pagani-factory-tour-pt-2.aspx

 

[routerovich]

Glad to see this thread has some interest 

My point was to find out if the Festies are better than other air sanders on the market, but here are my 2 cents about the air ones, and air tools in general;

When I refer to air sanders, I refer to the industrial ones. In most cases, the automotive lines are below the industrial lines of the manufacturers. Do not confuse the $60 pneumatic sanders available at the big stores and auto stores with the industrial ones. It is like comparing a Rotex to a Ryobi  [big grin]

The magic of the industrial sanders (in my experience the Dynabrade Spirit) is in a few areas;

Size- The thing is so small, if it was any smaller it would be hard to hold. It is like a sanding pad coming out of your hand. The absolute best if you like creative sanding and shaping.

Speed- At 12000 rpm, very low vibrations if any. The pad just flies.

The Dynabrade I know has a few versions, no vac, self generated vac, and external vac system. Not sure if the dust collection is as good as the Festool one (That is amazing).

Air motor- That is a pleasure to run. The energy is actually created in the compressed air system and is not a part of what you hold in your hand. Sounds great as well [big grin]

Very few moving parts, and very few parts in general.

I warmly recommend to check the Dynabrade catalog to any tool addict. They have many unique sanding solutions for odd shapes and uses. It is on their site to download. I also own a Dynafile 2 kit that is a mini belt sander capable of running belts small as 1/8" ! (and thicker ones too).

Compressors are not such a big deal, you can get one fat enough for $1000 or less at the large Home Depot style stores.

Having air pressure at the shop is great for blowing dust, cleaning tools, etc. You know that blow after sanding before staining that no rug can do..

I do steel work as well and have some amazing pneumatic grinders (Cleco, Atlas copco). These are built from the same steel as weapons (So each is also a hammer  [big grin]). These can go for $800 for a small 4" depressed center wheel angle grinder and you do get what you pay for.
I would love to discuss these if anyone here is interested.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

When I refer to air sanders, I refer to the industrial ones. In most cases, the automotive lines are below the industrial lines of the manufacturers. Do not confuse the $60 pneumatic sanders available at the big stores and auto stores with the industrial ones. It is like comparing a Rotex to a Ryobi 

Well, in Hutchins defense, they're industrial and cost me anywhere in the neighborhood from $300 to $700 each depending on the model.

 

[tbellemare]

Ken:

The line of equipment and the people at Hutchins are first rate, as far as I can tell. We may get together some day.

I met Al Hutchins a while back at a show and he seemed to be a quality guy and serious about the product as opposed to just the profit. I like that...

Tom

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Tom, I agree with you completely.  It's been about 20 years since I spoke with Al when getting my first bunch of his tools.  Not too many companys like that around, especially in this country.

 

[counterfix]

Glad to see this thread has some interest 

My point was to find out if the Festies are better than other air sanders on the market, but here are my 2 cents about the air ones, and air tools in general;

When I refer to air sanders, I refer to the industrial ones. In most cases, the automotive lines are below the industrial lines of the manufacturers. Do not confuse the $60 pneumatic sanders available at the big stores and auto stores with the industrial ones. It is like comparing a Rotex to a Ryobi  [big grin]

The magic of the industrial sanders (in my experience the Dynabrade Spirit) is in a few areas;

Size- The thing is so small, if it was any smaller it would be hard to hold. It is like a sanding pad coming out of your hand. The absolute best if you like creative sanding and shaping.

Speed- At 12000 rpm, very low vibrations if any. The pad just flies.

The Dynabrade I know has a few versions, no vac, self generated vac, and external vac system. Not sure if the dust collection is as good as the Festool one (That is amazing).

Air motor- That is a pleasure to run. The energy is actually created in the compressed air system and is not a part of what you hold in your hand. Sounds great as well [big grin]

Very few moving parts, and very few parts in general.

I warmly recommend to check the Dynabrade catalog to any tool addict. They have many unique sanding solutions for odd shapes and uses. It is on their site to download. I also own a Dynafile 2 kit that is a mini belt sander capable of running belts small as 1/8" ! (and thicker ones too).

Compressors are not such a big deal, you can get one fat enough for $1000 or less at the large Home Depot style stores.

Having air pressure at the shop is great for blowing dust, cleaning tools, etc. You know that blow after sanding before staining that no rug can do..

I do steel work as well and have some amazing pneumatic grinders (Cleco, Atlas copco). These are built from the same steel as weapons (So each is also a hammer  [big grin]). These can go for $800 for a small 4" depressed center wheel angle grinder and you do get what you pay for.
I would love to discuss these if anyone here is interested.
i to have a few dynabrades and can say some are 10yrs old and still the most light and easly adapted to contours and odd shapes the festool lex are a flat surface tool
do to the mobility of the hose but as for dust well what dust [blink]