Mirka Ceros

[Paul Franklin]

Has anyone had a chance to play with Mirka Ceros sander yet.

I am looking for a new sander, my ES125 just gave up on me the day after the recon tool sale, go figure. And my RO125 is making some weird noises.

I know the Ceros is more money.

Cheers

Paul

 

[Dan C]

I have had a chance to test them out.  Great sander, if you have ever used pneumatic.  The feel is so close and the control is outstanding.  They can be aggressive or delicate depending on abrasive and settings.  The best part, was the Mirka rep had them hooked up to his trusty Festool CT!  Just a little odd to see that bright yellow systainer!

 

[Paul Franklin]

Thanks

Thats what I am interested in, I have not used an air sander, but the form factor looks comfortable.

Anyone else?

Cheers

Paul

 

[flair woodworks]

Gee, Paul.  I just saw the ad in Fine Woodworking and came here to ask that exact question.  It looks like the 125mm and 150mm CEROS sanders cost $499 while the RO125 costs $514.25 and the RO150 costs $635.25 (all Canadian prices).

I've used the Mirka discs previously and they work really well, even on my Makita with the stock pad.  I like the low weight/balance point and the video shows some interesting features.  I got a laugh at how at the end of the video they say to switch off the tool, switch off the transformer, unplug the tool, and unplug the transformer... all to change the disc!

Dan,

Do you recall if the Mirka rep had the sander hooked up directly to the CT, or was an adapter needed?

 

[nickao]

Wow, this model is expensive.

http://www.amazon.com/Mirka-Compact-Electric-Random-Orbital/dp/tech-data/B004JUJ7SI

It looks really easy to grip.

The more I find out about these the more I want to try one.

   * Half the size and weight of traditional electric finish sanders
   * Powerful brushless DC motor
   * Variable speeds from 4,000 to 10,000 rpm
   * Vacuum-Ready using multi-hole backing pads with hook and loop

 

[AlexThePalex]

Wow, this model is expensive.

It is probably so expensive because it comes with its own separate transformer. The sander itself runs on 22 VDC so you can use it for wet sanding.

 

[fdengel]

I am looking for a new sander, my ES125 just gave up on me the day after the recon tool sale, go figure. And my RO125 is making some weird noises.

Gave up on you how?  Do the brushes need to be replaced?

 

[Alan m]

if you are happy with the festool i would send it in or give the guys a call. Shane has the numbers in his signiture.

 

[junk731]

Heard about these sanders a year ago and have been waiting for them to hit NA. The real nice thing is while they are expensive, the price is the same both sides of the border. Trying to arrange a demo.

John

 

[Dan C]

Chris-
It was hooked directly to the CT.  As you can see in Dovetail's pic there is a round hose adapter, and that fit the standard CT hose without issues.  It is really a great sander and the feel/comfort is the best electric sander I have ever used.

 

[bionicus]

Just for clarification -- Does the adapter accept the rubber CT hose end, or do you need to thread it onto bare hose?

 

[Dan C]

It used the rubber end- no modifications needed.  Mirka intentionally made their Ceros work with other manufacturers dust collection (Festool specifically).  Also no accident it is in a systainer.

 

[jakiiski]

The local auto-paint shop had this and they let me try it. It was very low-profile, the Festool sanders are much taller. It's also VERY quiet with the smaller RPMs. The price delta in Finland at least with that one and the ETS 150/3 for example is around 75-100 euros, not more. Might be bigger in the US, but that's only because your Festools are some 30% cheaper than ours...

 

[billg71]

Well I hope it's a great sander, I just ordered one... [eek]

First time I ever thought "Maybe I should save some money and buy a Festool.." [blink]

I'll let you guys know how it works.

Bill

 

[RONWEN]

Well I hope it's a great sander, I just ordered one... [eek]

First time I ever thought "Maybe I should save some money and buy a Festool.." [blink]

I'll let you guys know how it works.

Bill

Okamisan in Japan has had one for several months and loves it -- that says a lot because he is very critical about the sanders he uses on his exquisite furniture.  Not to speak out of place but he doesn't care much for the Festool sanders he's tried.  [unsure]

 

[nehardwoodfloors]

I am considering selling my ro150 to get a ceros.
Does anyone here own both? I'm wondering if I'm doing the right thing or not.

I seldom use the rotex mode. I use the palm sander to make floor samplesnbut mostly it's used to remove edger marks prior to staining a hardwood floor.

I have carpel tunnel in both wrists and would love a powerful one  handed sander.

 

[junk731]

I had a 3 day demo of the 5" Ceros and if I could only buy one sander that would be my choice. I have a RO125 and ETS150/3 as my main sanders that I use every day. The Ceros in my opinion could replace the RO125 for aggressive and fine sanding. The ETS150/3 is still my favourite finishing sander, it was noticeably smoother than the Ceros 5". For some really aggressive sanding I put on some Abranet HD and did the old rough cut lumber to satin finish that you can do with the Festool RO's. I personally can't afford one right now but it's on my want list. Definite 9 out of 10.

John

 

[nehardwoodfloors]

Thanks for your insight.

 

[Mirko]

I am considering selling my ro150 to get a ceros.
Does anyone here own both? I'm wondering if I'm doing the right thing or not.

I seldom use the rotex mode. I use the palm sander to make floor samplesnbut mostly it's used to remove edger marks prior to staining a hardwood floor.

I have carpel tunnel in both wrists and would love a powerful one  handed sander.

I have the RO 125 and RO 150, recently I purchased the Mirka from Dan At Ultimate tools.
I did some tests and found that there is a time and place for each, for example: When I sand veneer tape off panels, the RO will cut it off faster and leave a flatter surface, where as the Mirka will follow the surface. The Mirka seems to sand the areas beside the veneer tape first then once the tape is off, you are left with a faint wave on the panel.
Same thing happens on a stile and rail door, the RO will flatten better and quicker, for final sanding and prep the Mirka, just out performs in both speed and quality, even the Abernet sand paper is much better, out lasting The Festool brand by about 5-10 times. Abernet keeps the cut/bite much longer.
Once it is flat the Mirka is hands down better, no swirls and a very fast sanding speed, I can buzz 320 grit over a sanding sealer coat on a 24" x 16" panel in about 5 sec. with no trace of swirls anywhere on the subsequent coat.
When using the Mirka, its as if you are using a air sander, very light, comfortable and lightning fast, although very quiet comparatively.

Hope this helps.

 

[jonny round boy]

When I sand veneer tape off panels, the RO will cut it off faster and leave a flatter surface, where as the Mirka will follow the surface. The Mirka seems to sand the areas beside the veneer tape first then once the tape is off, you are left with a faint wave on the panel.
Same thing happens on a stile and rail door, the RO will flatten better and quicker,

Mirco,

Is this behaviour a result of the hardness (or otherwise) of the pad, rather than the action of the sander? Would the Mirka do a better job taking off the veneer tape with a different pad?