LS 130 thoughts from people that own

[Wooden Skye]

For those of you that own the LS 130 or dealers that have used how do you like it?  Have you used the DIY kit for making your own profiles? Can you make 1 profile, then make another with the same kit?

 

[Julian Tracy]

I had it and sold it - too specialized for my needs.  Never tried the custom moulding setup.

One thing I learned in using it a bit was that you'll need coarser grits than you'd initially think.  Due to the nature of the way it sands, the you'll be using a lot lower grit than you would think.

JT

 

[peter halle]

I don't have one, so please feel free to discount this.  The kits for making your own profiles are designed to make one profile.

Hopefully Paul Marcel will see this thread.  I am pretty sure that he has used what you are looking at including making custome sanding pads.

Peter

 

[Wooden Skye]

Peter

I watched the video Paul did on this and he discussed the DIY kit, but said he didn't use. 

 

[peter halle]

Peter

I watched the video Paul did on this and he discussed the DIY kit, but said he didn't use. 

Sorry.  I guess my memory wasn't as good as I thought.

Peter

 

[Wooden Skye]

Peter,

No need to apologize.  The LS 130 is appealing because the moldings in our house appear to be done in sections and then joined together, I haven't removed yet to confirm.  If they are a single piece, I doubt we could find a match and custom would be an expensive proposition.  I may just go ahead and buy and try, worst case I return within the 30 days.  At least any paper would be interchangeable with the RTS 400 which was my original plan, supplemented by hand sanding the molding profiles.

 

[semenza]

I have one and have used it a fair amount. I have made two  or three profiles from the kits.  One profile per kit.

Here are some links....

    Review I did

    Custom round over pad

Seth

 

[semenza]

I think there might be a couple new pictures on this version Review

Can't  seem to find any pictures now, but I made a pad to do the bevel on raised panels.

Seth

 

[Kev]

Custom kit is intended for one off's. I have one, but haven't used it yet.

I haven't used my LS130 much, but I feel it meets it's niche requirement very well.

I'd be careful using coarse grits with a linear sander if the profile allows zero lateral movement of the sanding "shape" ...

 

[Wooden Skye]

Seth,

Thank you for the review.

 

[jacko9]

I have one that I bought for a specific design however, I haven't built that style table recently.

Jack

 

[leakyroof]

There is a bit of a learning curve with them. I'm suprised Scott B. hasn't chimed in, as he and his crew have put that sander to the test . I use all my profiles but have never needed to buy the custom kit yet. I bought, and probably use more often, the concave radius pads for rounded profiles.
This a great tool to have if you really need it, since it will cut down on hand sanding for alot of tasks that other sanders simply could not touch or do well in the first place. If if doesn't work out for you, then you have the 30day return policy.
Taking the time to get your abrasives to line up with the dust collection holes in the pad as you're flexing the paper into place can throw you at first, but you'll get used to it. [not as easy as a flat pad sander.[ [wink]]
I think the only true 'knock' I can give the pad system is that the release button or knob for changing the pads has a fairly strong spring to overcome when swapping out pads. Pushing the tool against a table or other surface to help with the release is one way to do it. I have not tried adding a dab of Teflon Dry Lube Spray to the workings of the holder system, but I just might do this the next time I use the sander.

 

[tiralie]

I think there might be a couple new pictures on this version Review

Can't  seem to find any pictures now, but I made a pad to do the bevel on raised panels.

Seth:
Great review, thanks for doing it.
I think I may have read it before but I wanted to thank you for doing it.
Tim

 

[Scott B.]

Here's a link that shares some of my experience with the LS130, it includes a video:

http://topcoatreview.com/2012/04/how-to-power-sand-crown-molding-and-other-custom-trim/

My company doesn't dabble much into the custom profile creation realm for two reasons. One, because the stock molding attachments cover most everything in a couple of moves. And two, because it is difficult to get the abrasive to conform exactly to the shape of the profile created.

Using all stock gear, the LS is a lifesaver if you deal with sanding non flat profiles alot.

 

[Wooden Skye]

Scott

I have a question, but don't know how to ask intelligently, but here goes.  Instead of making the custom profile pad, you will use the pads available for purchase and use a combination to sand a particular piece of molding that has multiple profiles?  Looking at my molding, I don't know if the custom pad would replicate the width of the molding anyways.

Even without the custom pad, I still think for what I am trying to do the LS130 is still a better option than the Rts400.

 

[Scott B.]

Scott

I have a question, but don't know how to ask intelligently, but here goes.  Instead of making the custom profile pad, you will use the pads available for purchase and use a combination to sand a particular piece of molding that has multiple profiles?  Looking at my molding, I don't know if the custom pad would replicate the width of the molding anyways.

Even without the custom pad, I still think for what I am trying to do the LS130 is still a better option than the Rts400.

WS

I understand your question, and your interpretation is correct. For me, the utility is not exact replication of shapes, it is the ability to get into so many different profiles. As a painter, for prep sanding (nail holes and grit steps prior to primer and finish application) it is a handy to have something other than flat surface sanders around. The profiles available are capable of doing alot in common and custom profiles.