Hand sanding with DC - thoughts appreciated...

[Euclid]

Lengthy, but hopefully succinct…

My sanding capabilities are 'under-resourced' and inadequate in terms of dust collection.

A couple of projects are looming with finishing of sheet goods required (to be clear-coated or waxed, in a few cases painted) - mostly birch ply, some Valchromat, probably some ordinary mdf too. Panel sizes range from 1' 6" x 1" to up 8' x 1', but mostly middle of that range (say about 2 to 3 square feet).

Had been looking at a large-pad sander such as RS2 or RS200 type (would that be appropriate?).

However... because:
a) I have other pressing purchases to make (for eg, a better vac - thinking 'Midi');
b) number of panels for immediate project is modest by pro standards - maybe 20 or so;
c) I have fairly generous (and maybe flexible) deadlines...

I was wondering about the vacuum hand-sanding pad (HSK-A??) using the same large-size abrasives (115 x 225).

So, the questions:
1) Anyone used that hand-sanding device? How did it go?
2) Presumably, unlike with the RS sanders, I wouldn't be able to use the FS hole punch to be able to work through an existing stock of ordinary plain-backed abrasives - because there'd be no way of fixing it to the pad; is that correct?
3) Any other experiences or advice on hand-sanding with DC?
4) Am I crazy to contemplate that much hand sanding and expect decent results?
5) Could I expect good results for finishing sheet goods from a more versatile sander, which might be a better value purchase for the longer term?

I know that the first thing you will ask is 'how much similar work do I expect to continue doing'; the answer is probably 'some' (my life is in a state of flux just now!) but given other potential expenses, I'd like to get these projects underway - and I'm thinking that hand-sander could be useful later regardless of whether I go on to get a large finish-specific sander.

Any thoughts appreciated; thank you.

 

[grobkuschelig]

I don’t feel like I can add much to your query, but I just want to point you into the direction of Mirka. They also do hand-sanding devices that are designed to be used with a vac.
At least here in Europe they are significantly cheaper than the Festool offerings.

On the other hand I do and always prefer machine sanding. With a finish sander or low RPM on any machine I find it completely controllable and only hand sand, when absolutely necessary. [emoji41]

 

[Euclid]

Thank you - I was aware of the Mirka 'Roundy' product (a bit smaller, I think) but hadn't investigated further into Mirka; I'll take a closer look.

I was wondering if I might regret a short-term economy such as this - unless the hand-sanding stuff will be genuinely useful elsewhere.

 

[ear3]

With the amount of material you have to sand, and the fact that you are looking to tackle similar projects in the future, I would say that you are more than justified in getting a power sander.

From the standpoint of speed and efficiency, I would tend to steer you towards the ETS or ETS-EC 150s.  The larger size of the RS2 doesn't actually make it a quicker sander due to it's smaller sanding stroke.  I use mine more as a specialized tool when I want to keep things absolutely flat, like on a table top or drawer face.

That said, I do use my HSK sanding block + hose for all sorts of things, and find it useful even when I have access to power sanding.  But it tends to be spot sanding, small amounts of contoured sanding (with interface pad attached), or knocking down edges -- rarely will I do an entire surface just with the sanding block.  I have the smaller version, that takes the RTS400 paper.  I would not view it as worth my time to do all that material by hand that you have planned out.

EDIT: Here's an extensive review and discussion of the HSK by Fogger [member=1619]SRSemenza[/member] :http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/hsk-80-x-130-hand-sanding-block-and-hoses/

 

[Euclid]

Thank you, ear3; somehow I missed Seth's thread when I searched. Interesting thoughts there on general usability.

As for 'flatness' and your use of the RS2 for tables, a couple of my panels may be used as desk/tabletops (it's storage, fittings and so on for a studio) but they will be quite small (a metre square at most). So maybe a more versatile sander will be better for me; I'll reassess other models in light of your comments.

If I do go for a new (powered) sander right now, I could probably justify some of the (cheaper) Mirka hand-sanding kit as well - I do like the idea of it. More research to do!

 

[huntdupl]

I purchased this 3M Clean Sand System for $25 off Amazon to be used with the CT Midi. Coupled it with some Abranet precut sheets to sand glossy trim indoors, worked great - no gum up. I had to turn the the CT velocity down all the way as the pad will hold itself to the wall. For $25 bucks it was a no brainer, comes with a hose, great for drywall touch up, and now I have a third hand...

This product is now currently unavailable on Amazon, but sure to be found elsewhere. The 3M 5207 is comparable to the HSK in size and price, but they also have two-handed 70mmx127mm block and 115x225. I've toyed with purchasing the Bosch 1/2 sheet sander but the 150 ETS suits me just fine. And although I've never used a 1/2 sheet sander, I think there is some advantage to the mobility and control of a larger/lighter sanding block, on some applications

 

[Cheese]

I'll echo Edward's thoughts 100%.  [big grin]

That's a lot of hand sanding...it'll get old fast. And because of that, you may want to shortcut the process and that's not good.

I have an ETS EC 125 that I use for 85% of my projects. I swap between 5" & 6" pads depending upon the project.

I use the RS 2 to flatten doors and planks. It's big & heavy. You'll never be able to use it on a vertical surface.

I use the small HSK for small spot patching on drywall jobs. If the drywall is more than 1 panel, I then switch back to the ETS EC 125/150.

 

[Euclid]

I take the point about the temptation to skimp on the work - the first few pieces might look great, but then go downhill fast! Or that much work might deter me from doing more. It's sounding like an ETS is worth a closer look...

 

[AlexThePalex]

Hand sanding 20 panels ?!?!?! [scared] You'll be sick of it when you're halfway done the first.

Get a power sander, the RS200 sure is very good for big sheets, but not so much for other things, so I also concur with Edward's (ear3) suggestion to get yourself the more versatile ETS150 EC.

 

[Euclid]

Thanks everybody - I'm slowly coming to my senses...

Also, I hadn't appreciated the big difference in weight between the half-sheet machine and the newer ETS (or even the Rotex); whilst I hadn't originally been giving thought to sanding vertical surfaces, I'm now already thinking of renovation/renewal tasks around the home in need of sorting, that the ETS could be good for.

It may have been a bit dumb, but I'm glad I asked the question.