Mirka Ceros 6" or 5"???

One of the considerations is the surface volume you do - if it's a lot, I think the area sanded to cost of paper ratio would be slanted in favour of the 6".

Surely you could try either for 30 days and determine if the 5" feels too small or the 6" felt too big?? Or is that something only Festool USA offer?

I've toyed with the idea of getting a Mirka Ceros sander for quite a while ... but I've made up my mind ...

I currently have RO 150, RO 90, ETS150/5 then Rupes delta, Rupes 6" orbital, Bosch 75mm belt and a Makita 1/3 sheet, The final stable is going to be Festool only, growing by (in this order) DTS400, ETS150/3, RS2E then either the BS75E or BS105E.

Plugit was another factor, easy hose connection, etc and local service/support for a Mirla Ceros here in Oz is a big unknown. Pad selection is also a factor ... But, back on 5" v's 6" I'm choosing ETS15/3 over the finer orbit ETS125 to eliminate a paper size, only worrying about 6" paper across my RO 150, ETS150/5 and soon to be ETS150/3.

I'm not just trying to wave the Festool flag here - I wanted to share my thinking. Worth noting is that I don't have anywhere local that I can go and try the Mirka Ceros - this was significant in my decision process.

Kev.

 
Kev said:
One of the considerations is the surface volume you do - if it's a lot, I think the area sanded to cost of paper ratio would be slanted in favour of the 6".

Surely you could try either for 30 days and determine if the 5" feels too small or the 6" felt too big?? Or is that something only Festool USA offer?

I've toyed with the idea of getting a Mirka Ceros sander for quite a while ... but I've made up my mind ...

I currently have RO 150, RO 90, ETS150/5 then Rupes delta, Rupes 6" orbital, Bosch 75mm belt and a Makita 1/3 sheet, The final stable is going to be Festool only, growing by (in this order) DTS400, ETS150/3, RS2E then either the BS75E or BS105E.

Plugit was another factor, easy hose connection, etc and local service/support for a Mirla Ceros here in Oz is a big unknown. Pad selection is also a factor ... But, back on 5" v's 6" I'm choosing ETS15/3 over the finer orbit ETS125 to eliminate a paper size, only worrying about 6" paper across my RO 150, ETS150/5 and soon to be ETS150/3.

I'm not just trying to wave the Festool flag here - I wanted to share my thinking. Worth noting is that I don't have anywhere local that I can go and try the Mirka Ceros - this was significant in my decision process.

Kev.
Click to expand...

Primarily I mainly do flat panels, built-ins, cabinets...etc..
 
I would agree with Kev, it depends on surface area and I would add also where you buy your sanding paper. All the local vendors here stock a great supply of Mirka 5", the 6" is hit or miss and it is never in large quantity.

I mostly order online, and like Kev, have the RO150, and ETS150, so I would personally go with the 6".
 
Darren Hill said:
Kev said:
One of the considerations is the surface volume you do - if it's a lot, I think the area sanded to cost of paper ratio would be slanted in favour of the 6".

Surely you could try either for 30 days and determine if the 5" feels too small or the 6" felt too big?? Or is that something only Festool USA offer?

I've toyed with the idea of getting a Mirka Ceros sander for quite a while ... but I've made up my mind ...

I currently have RO 150, RO 90, ETS150/5 then Rupes delta, Rupes 6" orbital, Bosch 75mm belt and a Makita 1/3 sheet, The final stable is going to be Festool only, growing by (in this order) DTS400, ETS150/3, RS2E then either the BS75E or BS105E.

Plugit was another factor, easy hose connection, etc and local service/support for a Mirla Ceros here in Oz is a big unknown. Pad selection is also a factor ... But, back on 5" v's 6" I'm choosing ETS15/3 over the finer orbit ETS125 to eliminate a paper size, only worrying about 6" paper across my RO 150, ETS150/5 and soon to be ETS150/3.

I'm not just trying to wave the Festool flag here - I wanted to share my thinking. Worth noting is that I don't have anywhere local that I can go and try the Mirka Ceros - this was significant in my decision process.

Kev.
Click to expand...

Primarily I mainly do flat panels, built-ins, cabinets...etc..
Click to expand...

Based on that and on Shawn's paper availability comments (and providing you don't have other 6" sanders that could have been compatible) ... go with the 5" Mirka. You'd be well annoyed if you got the bigger Mirka and could get paper that suited it.

(not certain if the hole pattern is a common one)
 
Kev said:
Darren Hill said:
Kev said:
One of the considerations is the surface volume you do - if it's a lot, I think the area sanded to cost of paper ratio would be slanted in favour of the 6".

Surely you could try either for 30 days and determine if the 5" feels too small or the 6" felt too big?? Or is that something only Festool USA offer?

I've toyed with the idea of getting a Mirka Ceros sander for quite a while ... but I've made up my mind ...

I currently have RO 150, RO 90, ETS150/5 then Rupes delta, Rupes 6" orbital, Bosch 75mm belt and a Makita 1/3 sheet, The final stable is going to be Festool only, growing by (in this order) DTS400, ETS150/3, RS2E then either the BS75E or BS105E.

Plugit was another factor, easy hose connection, etc and local service/support for a Mirla Ceros here in Oz is a big unknown. Pad selection is also a factor ... But, back on 5" v's 6" I'm choosing ETS15/3 over the finer orbit ETS125 to eliminate a paper size, only worrying about 6" paper across my RO 150, ETS150/5 and soon to be ETS150/3.

I'm not just trying to wave the Festool flag here - I wanted to share my thinking. Worth noting is that I don't have anywhere local that I can go and try the Mirka Ceros - this was significant in my decision process.

Kev.
Click to expand...

Primarily I mainly do flat panels, built-ins, cabinets...etc..
Click to expand...

Based on that and on Shawn's paper availability comments (and providing you don't have other 6" sanders that could have been compatible) ... go with the 5" Mirka. You'd be well annoyed if you got the bigger Mirka and could get paper that suited it.

(not certain if the hole pattern is a common one)
Click to expand...

Getting the proper paper is not a problem, I have a local dealer in my home town.  The paper Mirka uses is called ABRANET, this is what the Mirka site says about it.  The original, multifunctional net sanding material, Abranet combines high performance and a longer lifespan than traditional abrasives, making it a cost effective solution. Designed for dry sanding by machine or by hand, its true dust-free sanding characteristics result in a cleaner work environment, as well as a better surface finish.

It has something like 10,000 holes in it, I've tried them out and I must say they are sweet!
 
I am tempted to try Abranet, if only  to see what it's like. I would love to hear your feedback when you get the Mirka. I suppose if I was ever going to cross the green line, it'd be a 5" Mirka Ceros to complement what I have and what I intend to get.

I'd be very interested to know if anyone has used Abranet with a Festool sander ?? What surfaces it excels at and which it bogs down on ??
 
I thought I read somewhere that the Ceros could be converted between the two sizes by adding some extra parts -- the pad and something else maybe?
 
A six inch circle has 44 per cent more surface area (since area = pi*radius**2), so you work much faster.  I always go for 6 inch if its available.

I use the very fine "grit" abranet for finishing finishes on a Festool 150/3.  Works like a champ.
 
fdengel said:
I thought I read somewhere that the Ceros could be converted between the two sizes by adding some extra parts -- the pad and something else maybe?
Click to expand...

There is also a counterweight, although I've heard that it isn't strictly necessary to change the counterweight. Since I don't have that big a stock of 5" paper, and it's 8 hole I decided not to buy a 5" pad when I bought my 6" Ceros. So I haven't tried swapping pads.

It's pretty cool that you can use both size pads, however don't assume hole patterns will be compatible with other papers.

 
Hi I saw one at a demo at my local store before xmas. Was impressed with both when used with abranet. Only thing did worry me my hand was a bit shakey after using it for a few minutes not sure if anyone else has come across this ??????????. Ive used the Rotex 150 and Bosch Gex and didnt have the same 'feeling' Having said that it was light quick and easier. The uk version comes with the option to use the same tool on either 240v or 110v which is useful for mixing up between site work and home. [cool]
 
I have the 6" CEROS and am very happy with it.  I'm not sure what I would need a 5" sander for that the 6" would not do.  I really like the Abranet as well.  However, when another woodworker who claimed to be very sensitive to vibrations tried it, he couldn't stand using it.  He found the Festool sanders much more comfortable to use (less vibration).
 
I think the 6" is the way to go, I rarely use my 5" sanders even on smaller pieces due to the difference in speed getting the sanding done.

I think the Ceros has a break in period.  The first month or so of use I was bothered by the vibration, but not any more. You  have a lot more flexibility on positions to hold it due to the balance.  When sanding for long periods I often just use two fingers on the trigger and my thumb to guide it.  When breaking it in try holding it this way vs with a full hand grip as the vibration will be less obvious.  Also work more in the 8k range (vs full out 10k). 

For me the lack of a plug-it cord is not a problem as you need to dedicate a hose to it or convert your hose by removing the end fitting.  Just leave the transformer in your hose garage hooked up to a powerstrip.  The hose is more of a problem.  It makes a lot of sense to have a separate hose and store the hose and sander in a larger systainer.  I still have mine in the original systainer and remove the hose fitting to use it.  This does cause me to grab for my Rotex when I have both sanders on a job site for a quick sand.  When I have a lot of sanding I will grab the Ceros as it saves me a lot of time and effort over using the Rotex. 

I think either 5 or 6 you can't go wrong, it is an incredible tool. It has paid for itself many times over in the 9 months I have had it in due to increased productivity.
 
Flair Woodworks said:
You don't need to dedicate a hose to the CEROS.  You can either make an adapter or carve threads into the D27 tool end.

I also mounted the transformer to the back of my CT26.  By the way, I am primarily shop-based but have brought the unit on-site.  It's super-convenient.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the links :)

I ended up buying the 6" and I am very happy.  I sanded down an oak threshold that I made for a door today.  I went though the range of grits that the system came with up to 600 with the abranet and the piece had a nice glow to it :) The coolest thing was ZERO dust.  I ended up taking the fitting off the end of my 27mm hose and bought the 36mm for my Kapex, TS55, and OF1400. I'm thinking that this will be a sweet addition to the shop.  Thanks to everyone for their input.

Flair Woodworks do you have any more pics of your mount you made for you DC Power pack? I like your set up
 
Darren Hill said:
Flair Woodworks do you have any more pics of your mount you made for you DC Power pack? I like your set up
Click to expand...

Thanks.  I don't have any more pictures than what are in the article.
 
Kevin Stricker said:
Also work more in the 8k range (vs full out 10k). 
Click to expand...

Definitely.  I found at full speed (10K), my hands started to tingle after awhile...but at 8K, it wasn't an issue.

I find when first started, it spits out a bit of dust.  Does anyone else notice that?  Pretty minor gripe as the dust collection is great otherwise.
 
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