Flattening jointed panels

[gckc117]

If you have a table saw why not mill all the strips to the same thickness before gluing up?  And after that the smaller panels to fit the planer seems to make sense given what you have on hand.  The rotex is also great for this but its not really ideal if there is a more appropriate solution (strips the same width, and a proper planing solution).  I love this "right tool for the job" thing, there are about 10 different ways to do this that are not wrong and have all been used effectively in the past.  How is the RS2 the "right tool" for (face)jointing panels?

 

[waho6o9]

+1 on the RS2e  yup

 

[mouppe]

Your panels really need to be as close to the same thickness before you join them together. The edges that are to be jointed also need to be 90 degrees to the face. If you ensure these two things are correct, it will make your panels much flatter, with only a little clean-up necessary with a hand plane, sander etc.

If not, your panels could be bowed, twisted, out of alignment, the glue joints may be weak, and you will forever be chasing your tail to get the panel flat.

Just my  [2cents]

 

[gckc117]

Your panels really need to be as close to the same thickness before you join them together. The edges that are to be jointed also need to be 90 degrees to the face. If you ensure these two things are correct, it will make your panels much flatter, with only a little clean-up necessary with a hand plane, sander etc.

If not, your panels could be bowed, twisted, out of alignment, the glue joints may be weak, and you will forever be chasing your tail to get the panel flat.

Just my  [2cents]

x2 This is basically all I'm saying; before I start a sander war I'll confess I only own a rotex, and this thread has made me look seriously at the RS2e for the first time.  For finishing flat panels the RS2e looks pretty perfect.  No matter how good it is though, if there is a low strip in the middle of the panel it would be a pita (and not really the best way) to level properly with any sander.

 

[fidelfs]

Your panels really need to be as close to the same thickness before you join them together. The edges that are to be jointed also need to be 90 degrees to the face. If you ensure these two things are correct, it will make your panels much flatter, with only a little clean-up necessary with a hand plane, sander etc.

If not, your panels could be bowed, twisted, out of alignment, the glue joints may be weak, and you will forever be chasing your tail to get the panel flat.

Just my  [2cents]

x2 This is basically all I'm saying; before I start a sander war I'll confess I only own a rotex, and this thread has made me look seriously at the RS2e for the first time.  For finishing flat panels the RS2e looks pretty perfect.  No matter how good it is though, if there is a low strip in the middle of the panel it would be a pita (and not really the best way) to level properly with any sander.

You are 200% correct. 

 

[Roseland]

I had a go with the Rotex 125 today, and it's much better than the Bosch sander I've been using (no surprises there).  Perhaps I should have a chat with my very helpful Festool rep and get him to either demo the RS200 (as I guess its called here - I can't find an RS2 on the website) or at least advise.

Thanks again to all to offered constructive suggestions.

Andrew

 

[tbellemare]

What we call the RS 2 E in NA, has a 115mm x 228mm flat pad. It's a great orbital for flat surfaces.

Tom

 

[adubeau]

Mooch a drum sander of  a friend.... really is the beat way or if  you now someone sithe a planer...