How do I sand soapstone with my Festool sanders?

[Wipedout]

Hi

I need to sand a large soapstone slab (Island top).  I have two Rotex 150's (original model) as well as a 150/3, a RTS 400, a LS 130 and a RS 2 E.

Can I safely sand Soapstone with these sanders (if so which ones) - do I need special pads?  What sand paper choices do you recommend. What grit range?

Any other suggestions and advice?

Thanks

Robert

 

[atomicmike]

I used my ETS 150/3 with some 120 grit Rubin and the hard sanding pad to sand some small-ish pieces of slate. The stones had a bunch of light scratching on the surface that I wanted to get out, and it worked quite well at that. I'd definitely recommend cleaning out whichever sander you use afterwards, since there was a fair amount of stone dust. I can't say that this was the best combination, but it did work for my circumstances.

- Mike

 

[AlexThePalex]

I haven't use it yet, but I believe Festool's new Diamant (Diamond) sandpaper is meant for very hard surfaces like stone.

For stone I think it is best to use a rotary/eccentric sander. 

 

[Wonderwino]

Soapstone would be about the least abrasive stone you could sand.  The dust will be talcum powder.  I'd still clean the sander thoroughly after you're finished.

 

[Bob Marino]

Robert,

All good answers here. While we wait for more complete info from Festool, I just took a slab of soapstone and gouged it with a screwdriver - and yes, Wonderwino is correct - it is very soft stone. I used the RO 125 with Brilliant 60 grit in rotary mode and smoothed that gouge right out, then used Brilliant 100, 150, 180, 220 to remove any slight scratch and swirl marks. I suppose Titan paper would have worked just fine too.
As mentioned it does create a fine, talc like dust, so cleanup is highly recommended.

  Bob

 

[B_Swanson]

Hi Bob,
  Did you get any more guidance from Festool regarding sanding Soapstone? I have some minor (but unattractive) surface scratches on my kitchen island and counter tops that I'd like to remove using my RO90.  Looking for more definitive advice on abrasives and which pad to use.  Thanks.

Brad

 

[EJC]

Take it up to 400 grit paper. That is what they did when my counters were installed and they recommend I do the same for maintenance. I used my rotex sander on it once and it worked great.

 

[Alan m]

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