Fine sander and coarse sanding paper or coarse sander and fine paper

[CNX]

Hi all,

I have RO90 and 150/3 for sanding and I need your advises about the third sander.
I love the 150/3. It is so smooth and joy to use but it is slow.
RO90 is versatile but I prefer to use the 150/3 as much as possible.
When I need heavy sanding (1/64-1/32 for a large area), I guess I can use the RO90 or I can use coarse papers on 150/3, although I'm not sure if it makes sense to use #80 on 150/3.

So, I guess my question is, when I want heavy sanding, 150/5 + coarse papers would do the job or should I consider larger ROs?

Your thought would be much appreciated.

 

[RDMuller]

Rotex!

 

[Kev]

My first 150mm Festool was the 150/5. I've now got 150/3, 150/5 and RO150. The 150/5 rarely gets used on timber now.

In your circumstance I'd certain being looking towards the ROTEX !

 

[CNX]

RO90 jumps around in the aggressive mode and I'm wondering what would happen with RO125/150, but I guess there are reasons why they are so highly recommended [blink]
Maybe bigger ROs are more stable because of the larger pads?

 

[CNX]

Also, what would be the choice of the sanding papers when you move up the RO/aggressive, RO/random, and 150/3?
I mean do you do like 1) Move Together Solution: RO/aggressive/#80 -> RO/random/#120 -> 150/3/#240.
Or 2) Sequential Solution: RO/aggressive/#80->#120 -> RO/random/#120->#240 -> 150/3/#240.
Or 3) Staggering Solution: RO/aggressive/#80->#120->#240 -> RO/random/#120 -> #240 ->#360 -> 150/3/#240 -> #360
Or 4) Something else?

 

[dltflt]

Ro150 would be perfect

 

[semenza]

The RO150 will be a better addition to your sander stable since you already have the ETS150/3. 

Seth

 

[RC]

RO90 jumps around in the aggressive mode and I'm wondering what would happen with RO125/150, but I guess there are reasons why they are so highly recommended [blink]
Maybe bigger ROs are more stable because of the larger pads?

Are you applying a lot of pressure while sanding? That could result in jumpiness.

Just ease off and maybe even turn suction on vac down a bit and see if that helps?

 

[RC]

Also to the OP:

Depending how frequently you need to remove a lot of material on large pieces in a hurry you may consider getting a RO150 or a belt sander, but I've gotten along quite nicely with my ETS150/3 with 60-80-100 grit Granat even on table sized pieces. Tried even 40 grit, but that was really hard to keep from jumping around and even 60 is a bit rough. Smooth sailing from 80- though.

 

[Kev]

Also, what would be the choice of the sanding papers when you move up the RO/aggressive, RO/random, and 150/3?
I mean do you do like 1) Move Together Solution: RO/aggressive/#80 -> RO/random/#120 -> 150/3/#240.
Or 2) Sequential Solution: RO/aggressive/#80->#120 -> RO/random/#120->#240 -> 150/3/#240.
Or 3) Staggering Solution: RO/aggressive/#80->#120->#240 -> RO/random/#120 -> #240 ->#360 -> 150/3/#240 -> #360
Or 4) Something else?

Technically you can sand all the way with the ROTEX, just switching modes. Personally I'd switch ~120 simply to take the effort level down.

On the jumpy 90 ... You've got to learn to guide the sander, not "push" the sander. There's some good R090 usage tips and videos if you use search.

 

[Stephen B]

Technically you can sand all the way with the ROTEX, just switching modes. Personally I'd switch ~120 simply to take the effort level down.

On the jumpy 90 ... You've got to learn to guide the sander, not "push" the sander. There's some good R090 usage tips and videos if you use search.

[size=14pt]
Which really applies to most sanders [size=12pt]
(unless you are holding on for dear life up a ladder!  [smile]  )
[size=14pt]
Re complimentary sander to ETS150/3 see what Seth says at #6.

 

[wow]

Like others have pointed out, I think your situation 'begs' for an RO150. Let us know what you decide, though?