Hip me to abrasives.

[trainbeat]

Hello,
I'm going to be investing in some Festool sanders in the near future.
RO 125
RO 90
ETS 125
As well as a Midi dust extractor (or maybe a mini, not sure yet. Any input on that would be appreciated as well)
I've used the abrasives search tool, but I'm having some difficulty in understanding the true differences/benefits between the selections. I'm a little nervous given the cost of abrasives so I was hoping I might get some feedback from the professionals before I dive in.
A little backround on what I do:
I'm a professional painter/finisher of fifteen years. I'm a one man operation, specializing in high end interior repaints and remodels. I'm really excited about the prospect of going virtually dust free, since quite a bit of my work involves older, occupied houses suffering decades of sloppy paint jobs.

For trim/doors/woodwork in bad shape (lots of highly visible brush marks, texture etc.) , my method has been to sand with 100 grit, two or more coats of BIN to give it some build, then sanding with 220 for a perfect surface.

For walls, I do a lot of plaster repair, skimming and patching on repaints, as well as drywall finishing. I use a very lightweight topcoat mud and usually finish sand with a worn 180 sponge. I can't abide scratches.

Any input as to your preferences for abrasives or ideas as to what might work best for the above would be great. Thanks.

 

[Theshipstore]

First let me say  [welcome] to Fog
This is a great place for advise and sharing of idea's
On this site look at the Festool USA Header and in the Power Tool Header look down near the bottom of the list on sander abrasives it is great source of info on the different papers available for Festool sanders.

 

[monstrol]

Stick with granat. 

 

[wow]

As Sal said, [welcome] to the FOG.

Since you're new to all this, I agree with the advice to stick with the Granat abrasives. They are the newest offering from Festool, and appear to be VERY well reviewed for pretty much any use.

To get you started, Tom at ToolHome offers a nice selection of 'starter' abrasives. There is a thread on the assortment here:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/new-ro-90-dx-what's-in-the-box/msg350809/#msg350809

Hey - I just discovered that you can go to his website at www.tool-home.com and do a search for 'wow', which will return a list of ALL the abrasive starter kits that he offers. Currently I see them for:

DTS400
RTS400&LS130
RO90
RO125/ETS125

I don't see one for the RO150 - yet - but I'm sure he'll create one for you if you'd like. He will also modify any assortment upon request.

 

[trainbeat]

As Sal said, [welcome] to the FOG.

Since you're new to all this, I agree with the advise to stick with the Granat abrasives. They are the newest offering from Festool, and appear to be VERY well reviewed for pretty much any use.

To get you started, Tom at ToolHome offers a nice selection of abrasives to get you started. There is a thread on the assortment here:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/new-ro-90-dx-what's-in-the-box/msg350809/#msg350809

Hey - I just discovered that you can his website at www.tool-home.com and do a search for 'wow', which will return a list of ALL the abrasive starter kits that he offers. Currently I see them for:

DTS400
RTS400&LS130
RO90
RO125/ETS125

I don't see one for the RO150 - yet - but I'm sure he'll create one for you if you'd like. He will also modify any assortment upon request.

beautiful, thank you.

 

[Gary in Texas]

You can call Tom and discuss your assortment needs.... Tom will make up any selection you desire, along with a nice Systainer to house said paper in.....

Gary

 

[Brent Taylor]

I do restoration work & find that Marka's Abranet works best on drywall, plaster & bare wood. Brilliant II is my go to now for painted surfaces. You will be happy that you are using a DC, makes everybody happier, but up your rate to pay for your new toys.