Granat grit and speed for sanding multiple layers of paint on garage w/RO125 ?

[blauschuh]

I just bought this little monster... currently using Granat 80 and with quite a bit of time I can get right down to the wood. I'd guess I've got 4-5 layers of paint on cedar shingle on a garage.

Am I going to see that much of a difference switching to 40 grit?

Time is of the essence... It's getting cold out...  [tongue]

I have the suction cranked and generally have the speed setting on 6, but have been experimenting a bit. Any suggestions on a speed to make the paper last longer or get better results?

I fell like I am fighting the tool quite a bit.

Also should mention that I am using the stock pad that came with the sander...

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Yes, 40g. Why use 3x the 80g and take twice as long?

 

[Scott in Bend Oregon]

Even though cedar is soft, I like to gently use Festool Saphir 493126 P50 Grit.  Slow down the vacuum speed and play with the sander speed until you feel comfortable.  Saphir is the king of paint removal.

 

[ear3]

There shouldn't be any need to turn suction or speed down on the RO for this kind of job  -- I'm fairly certain you wouldn't gain any longevity for the paper if you adjusted those settings.  +1 on the lower grit and Saphir, which is a thicker paper and thus more durable on tough paint removal jobs.

I just bought this little monster... currently using Granat 80 and with quite a bit of time I can get right down to the wood. I'd guess I've got 4-5 layers of paint on cedar shingle on a garage.

Am I going to see that much of a difference switching to 40 grit?

Time is of the essence... It's getting cold out...  [tongue]

I have the suction cranked and generally have the speed setting on 6, but have been experimenting a bit. Any suggestions on a speed to make the paper last longer or get better results?

I fell like I am fighting the tool quite a bit.

Also should mention that I am using the stock pad that came with the sander...

 

[blauschuh]

thanks all... will stop into woodcraft and see if I can a more aggressive grit.

 

[sancho57]

Before you go use this for reference:

http://www.festoolusa.com/abrasives

 

[cblanton42]

Multiple layers of paint are best removed with a heat gun and scraper not sanding through all of the layers.  Currently restoring a 45' 1968 Chris Craft made of mahogany and teak so I've stripped hundreds of feet of paint for experience and knowledge and although the Festool sander is an awesome tool (and what I started using when removing paint), it's not nearly as quick and efficient as a heat gun.  Good luck!
CB