In search of 1/2 sheet sander

[girlwoodworker]

We have used and worn out many Porter Cable 1/2 sheet sanders over the years.  It's time to replace them once again, but they have been discontinued.  A little while back I researched the Festool RS2 and found only rave reviews.  We purchased one, but were very disappointed with it.  The new sander behaved as badly as an old worn out one by "walking" and jerking and leaving behind swirl marks.  We returned it.  We are now finding Makita and Bosch are now discontinuing their "better" 1/2 sheet sanders.  A 1/2 sheet sander is a must for fine finishing and it looks as though the only option is the Festool.  With all of the positive comments on the RS2, I'm wondering if the one just we bought was defective.  Any thoughts?

 

[rvieceli]

The Makita BO4900V still shows as current at Makita USA. There are several available from Amazon and other retailers. The Makita has the same hole pattern as the RS2 so you can use Festool paper.

The RS2 and most of the Festool sanders as well as the Makita benefit from a break in period. They will begin to smooth out after a few hours of running. Some folks just tie a rope to the sander and suspend it from the ceiling and let it run for a while.

Also if you are running it with a vac attached, try turning the suction most of the way down. With the large pad and full suction the vac can stick the sander to the workpiece and make it jump a bit.

 

[Michael Kellough]

The Makita BO4900V still shows as current at Makita USA. There are several available from Amazon and other retailers. The Makita has the same hole pattern as the RS2 so you can use Festool paper.

The RS2 and most of the Festool sanders as well as the Makita benefit from a break in period. They will begin to smooth out after a few hours of running. Some folks just tie a rope to the sander and suspend it from the ceiling and let it run for a while.

Also if you are running it with a vac attached, try turning the suction most of the way down. With the large pad and full suction the vac can stick the sander to the workpiece and make it jump a bit.

That is most likely the issue you had with the RS2. You should give it another try. The Makita would be my second choice.

 

[ScotF]

I have the RS2E and love it -- it was a little jumpy at first, but it has smoothed out with use and performs really well.  It is one of my favorites.  One thing I have noticed is that if a surface is not entirely flat that it gets jumpy.  Adjusting the vac down is key as is the grit and speed selection.  I sometimes do not run it at full power depending on how it is performing.

Bosch just released a new 1/2 sheet for what it is worth and might be worth a look if you do not like the RS2E.

Scot

 

[semenza]

We have used and worn out many Porter Cable 1/2 sheet sanders over the years.  It's time to replace them once again, but they have been discontinued.   A little while back I researched the Festool RS2 and found only rave reviews.  We purchased one, but were very disappointed with it.  The new sander behaved as badly as an old worn out one by "walking" and jerking and leaving behind swirl marks.   We returned it.  We are now finding Makita and Bosch are now discontinuing their "better" 1/2 sheet sanders.   A 1/2 sheet sander is a must for fine finishing and it looks as though the only option is the Festool.  With all of the positive comments on the RS2, I'm wondering if the one just we bought was defective.  Any thoughts?

Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

I don't have the RS2 but I concur that backing the suction waaay  off  will help a lot.

Seth

 

[RJNeal]

Welcome to FOG.
I enjoy using my RS2 when I get a chance to use it. One of Festool's gem that dosen't get much talk.
But like Scot said your work needs to be flat.

Ric

 

[leakyroof]

Give an RS2 another try. You should end up a smooth, easy to control sander once you get used to it. Adjust the speed and the suction of your dust collection as needed. Abrasives and their grit can affect this sander from what I've seen with mine. I chalk that up to the sander not being an rotating sander and having a much larger pad size than say the RTS400 or the DTS 400.

 

[greg mann]

Mine was a little unruly at first as well but it settles down pretty quick and becomes a real sweet sander. I do not believe it is your technique because, as you have written, you have used 1/2 sheet sanders before. Give it a little time and you will come to love it.

 

[girlwoodworker]

Thanks for the replies.  We will continue our search and perhaps, give the RS2 another try.