Need Advice on CT36 + Sander

[Rufnek100]

Newbie here and my first post (although I've been lurking for a while). I'm a hobbyist woodworker and have a 4" dust collection system for my large volume needs like my planer, table router, band saw, and table saw. However, for the smaller uses where the 4" system is too big and bulky, I'm tired of fighting my cheapie big box store shop vac every time it falls over, I trip on the hose, etc. I'm seriously to the point of smashing it into a million tiny pieces... Which led me to realize once again that it's cheaper and easier to just buy quality the first time.

I've made the decision to upgrade to the CT36 for my sander, miter saw, and hand held router. I was also going to get the basic cleaning kit for starters as well as a Systainer 2 to hold my existing random orbital sander. When I did the math, I realized I could upgrade to the ETS 125 for about $50 more by buying it with the CT36 and getting the discount (assuming I don't buy the stand-alone Systainer 2). So a few questions:

- Are there any other accessories I should consider with the CT 36 like a bigger hose, etc?
- Do I really need the ETS 125? My (Bosch) sander works okay, but I hate to pass and then have to pay full price for the Festool (even more after April 1) if I realize I could have had it on the cheap.
- If not the ETS 125, should I consider another sander? All of my sanding needs are limited woodworking projects and would like to get it done with one unit if possible.
- If I go with a Festool sander, what is a good starter set of abrasives? I've read the Sticky and various posts on the subject, but honestly my head is still spinning from Rubin2, Garnat, Brilliant 2 etc. I mainly sand bare wood and between finish coats. I can't find anyone that sells a good "starter assortment" of abrasives and I would have to buy multiple 10 packs of various grits to get rolling.

Sorry for the novel , but most of the similar advice posts I've read usually elicit the first reply of "tell us what your needs are".

Thanks and looking forward to joining future discussions!

 

[Cort]

Newbie here and my first post (although I've been lurking for a while). I'm a hobbyist woodworker and have a 4" dust collection system for my large volume needs like my planer, table router, band saw, and table saw. However, for the smaller uses where the 4" system is too big and bulky, I'm tired of fighting my cheapie big box store shop vac every time it falls over, I trip on the hose, etc. I'm seriously to the point of smashing it into a million tiny pieces... Which led me to realize once again that it's cheaper and easier to just buy quality the first time.

I've made the decision to upgrade to the CT36 for my sander, miter saw, and hand held router. I was also going to get the basic cleaning kit for starters as well as a Systainer 2 to hold my existing random orbital sander. When I did the math, I realized I could upgrade to the ETS 125 for about $50 more by buying it with the CT36 and getting the discount (assuming I don't buy the stand-alone Systainer 2). So a few questions:

- Are there any other accessories I should consider with the CT 36 like a bigger hose, etc?
- Do I really need the ETS 125? My (Bosch) sander works okay, but I hate to pass and then have to pay full price for the Festool (even more after April 1) if I realize I could have had it on the cheap.
- If not the ETS 125, should I consider another sander? All of my sanding needs are limited woodworking projects and would like to get it done with one unit if possible.
- If I go with a Festool sander, what is a good starter set of abrasives? I've read the Sticky and various posts on the subject, but honestly my head is still spinning from Rubin2, Garnat, Brilliant 2 etc. I mainly sand bare wood and between finish coats. I can't find anyone that sells a good "starter assortment" of abrasives and I would have to buy multiple 10 packs of various grits to get rolling.

Sorry for the novel , but most of the similar advice posts I've read usually elicit the first reply of "tell us what your needs are".

Thanks and looking forward to joining future discussions!

You are on a slippery slope.  If you don't want to catch the Festool bug, then stop now.  Otherwise be prepared for an expensive "addiction".  To answer your main question, yes, you need a CT 36 along with the handle ($85), brush ($13), extra filter bags ($40), and workshop cleaning set ($260!).  The ETS125 sander is a good start, but a number of people prefer the ETS150/3--along with a Rotex 150.  I personally prefer the 125 mm size and would stay with the ETS 125.  The Bosch sander works fine, but a Festool sander with a Festool HEPA dust extractor is a different experience.  If you have the $$ then get the Festool kit.  You have a 30 day MBG to decide if the items are for you.  Festool is as much a way of woodworking as it is a product.  I am 4 years into my Festool adventure, and every time I use a Festool product I get a Dr. Evil smile on my face.

P.S.  You want a Domino jointer too.  Do you need a new cordless drill yet?  The T15 Li is on your must have list too.  Did I mention a TS55?  Add that too along with super long tracks.

 

[dltflt]

I agree with Cort, you are on the slippery slope. As for a ETS125 sander, if you are happy with your Bosch then I would get the Ro90. It is a very versatile sander because you have the aggressive mode of the rotary, finer Random Orbital mode plus the delta pad to get into tight spaces. The cleaning kits are nice but not required with just a sander. Now you will want to buy a cleaning kit with a 36mm hose in when you get your TS55 or TS75 and router. You can use your large DC to clean up the shop. You will enjoy using any of the Festool sanders and I'm sure you will be buying more in the future.

 

[tbellemare]

Are you actually a roughneck or is it just an alias? I was once a roustabout on a Zapata semi-submersible.

I sell assortments of abrasives. If those don't work for you, please let me know and we can probably work something out that does work.

I am currently leaning heavily toward Granat for assortments because it can do virtually every sanding task - it stays sharp until the backing gives out and doesn't clog unless you run across something special. I've seen it clog with epoxy but it also cleaned up with a rag and some alcohol.

I agree with the thought that if you have a sanding task covered, it might make more sense to "fill in the voids" with different sanders. I can do almost everything with a Rotex 150 and Rotex 90. I wouldn't want to spend all day sanding with either and normally I wouldn't have to because I don't sand all day.

Tom

 

[dltflt]

I agree with Tom on the Granat for the sandpaper.  I knew I was forgetting to tell you something.

 

[batcave]

Hello,

The dts400 and rts400 are other sanders in the ets125 price range. They would give you ability to get corners and edges. Tom has granat assortments for each. You will love either one you pick. The ct36 is a great choice also. It will be difficult to stay with just one sander all the time, but I guess it is possible. And be aware that a second order will soon follow the first.

Kevin

 

[Rufnek100]

Thanks for the advice thus far everyone - looks like a good, albeit more $$$ plan is to complement my existing setup with the RO 90. And if I bite the bullet and get Tom's Granat assortment, I'd probably be set on abrasives for the next ten years... Haha.

You guys are right - I know the tools are European, but is it a coincidence that they're the same color as American money?!? Just thinkin out loud is all... But, "buy once cry once" does have merit. And thus begins the journey!

Seriously though, does the Granat work just as well on wood compared to the Rubin 2?

Thanks again for the replies - I'm definitely in the right place!

 

[jaymon5]

I have used both and feel that granat is less likely to load up and lasts longer.

I have also purchased Tom's abrasives assortment for my ro90 and RTS400 and they are worth the money.

 

[tjbnwi]

You'll need to learn the extraction settings. I'm currently processing a "few" sheets of plywood. I've owned the ETS125 for about 4 years (I now own 2). The most important thing with the ETS 125 is to not put any weight or muscle into the sander. You must let it do the work. I believe this is because of the 2 mm stroke of this finish sander. It's not that it is under powered, it is "right" powered for its purpose. Any vertical load limits the counter weight action. You can easily test this, put a couple of light scratches in veneer plywood, sand one with hand pressure on the sander, the other by guiding the sander by the extractor hose. As long as the extractor is set properly the second method will remove the scratch at least twice as fast.

I also own the RO 125, RTS and DTS. I just got the HSK 80x130 with the AS hose from Tom. Great hand sander.

The larger hose will do you no good on the ETS 125 or any other sander. I believe the $260.00 cleaning kit comes with the 36 mm hose.

I have the paper assortment from Tom, and a "few" more disks

Tom

 

[Rufnek100]

So I think I'll start with the CT36 / RO 90 and the associated abrasives assortment. Probably more items in the future as I figure out where the gaps are in my needs and as I wear out my existing non Festool equipment. Thanks again for the guidance!

 

[Bob Marino]

I don't know which Bosch sander you have - 5", 6" or whether it's a general purpose sander or fine finish sander. Is it serving your needs and does it have good to excellent dust collection as do ALL the Festool sanders? Are you looking to complement or replace that Bosch sander with the ETS 125?  That will affect your Festool sander choice.The ETS 125 has its adherents  - and with good reasons, including the price point. But remember, it more a fine finish sander - with its small stroke, rather than a "all around" type sander ala the larger ETS 150/5 or even the ETS 150/3 sanders.
Regarding the papers, don't let Festool's wide assortment of papers confuse you. Essentially, for bare wood only - Rubin 2,  or for more of a jack of all trades paper - bare, varnished or painted woods, plastics, solid surface - Granat.  Many customers are simplifying their choices, by simply going Granat all the way, even though some customers, use/prefer Rubin 2 for bare wood and go Granat or Brilliant in the higher grits. Also, most people skip a grit between sanding - few use 40/60/80/100/120/150, etc.

Vacs for in shop use, the CT 26 or 36. Vac clean up kits? Some have 36 mm hoses, which are better for the larger tools as well as general shop floor clean up. The Compact cleaning set is a relatively inexpensive way to go for an all plastic kit.  I think the Ct's are the core group of tools for any and all Festool users.  Good luck and enjoy your tools.

Bob

 

[batcave]

You are making a great choice. The Ro90 is such a unique tool. The abrasive assortment it really thorough. Tom will make it to your recipe if you wish to change any grits. You may want to consider the hard pad for the tool. It will give you crisper edges.

They also make a long tip for the triangle paper, but please note that the dust collection is not compatible with it.

Enjoy the new tools.

Kevin

 

[fguerrero]

    I know am new to new to the forum as well, but i've been a long time reader before signing up. But i used to have the yellow,red/blk,blue,green  5" sanders and i prefer festo. last march I also bought the ct48 with ro125 and boy was it better. now the ro was hard to get used to as it kicked alot when first using it. but I love it now .  later I ended up buying the ets125 so i can use the sandpaper too. I used it in a remodel and sanding drywall. now thats when i go really hooked, it ran smooth practically dust free, even when sanding the ceiling. you can see the powder get sucked right in. now as far as comparison since i did use all kinds of sanders for years. the festo is the way to go. I liked the 5" over the 6" because I don't sand large items.  Since than i've got the rts 400 for squares and id like to get the dts400 for the corner tip. but that'll have to wait.money doesn't flow as much as before.. I can say I got hooked on festo cause nothing else comes close.
    And my arsenal as of now consists of , ct48,rts400,ro125,psb420,df500,ets125,ts55r,of1400,ti15 along with 2=fs1400 guide rails w/bag,dominoe acc. t-loc kit,centrotec installers set, 5" t-loc with paper, vac hose kit. rolling on 3=sys carts. and more i cant think of . And whats funny is that i bought it within 6 months of my first package deal. now I had sold all of my other yellow tools, saws, sanders and other stuff just to buy these. yes I know its expensive, but the way I see it, it has a better resale value over anything else.  Just don't tell my wife this because she'll flip out on the prices.
    So if you can afford it, buy it, you'll love or return it within 30 days and at least you can say you've tried it and it wasn't what you expected. I did. I bought t15+3 and it couldn't drive a 3" screw into wood w/o constantly beeping on me. so thats when i bought the TI and I have not been disappointed yet, although when drilling sometimes it beeps on me.  I had a 20v yellow of all drills and yes its a good competitor, Im just hoping and waiting for the 18v PDC and thats when I'll switch all my drills for that one. but until than happy Festo.

 

[Rufnek100]

So I've ordered the RO90, CT36, compact cleaning kit, and RO90 sandpaper asst from Tom and it should be here Tue. Can't wait and I'll report back soon.  Many thanks again to the group for all the great advice! I feel like I got a great start with some eqpt I can really grow with.

 

[jackandhenry]

I own the ETS 125 and also the RO 90. I love both sanders and I probably can't live without one or the other because they serve different purposes in my line of work. Great investment that will last a lifetime!!!

J

 

[Rufnek100]

Got all my new gear in and spent the last couple of evenings sanding down some maple drawer fronts with the RO 90. I couldn't be happier with every piece of my purchase, including the great RO 90 sandpaper assortment. I'm a believer so far and am now seriously eying the TS55  MFT/3 combo. And the RO 150. And the ETS 150/3. And the....

 

[batcave]

Got all my new gear in and spent the last couple of evenings sanding down some maple drawer fronts with the RO 90. I couldn't be happier with every piece of my purchase, including the great RO 90 sandpaper assortment. I'm a believer so far and am now seriously eying the TS55  MFT/3 combo. And the RO 150. And the ETS 150/3. And the....

GET HELP, ANYONE PLEASE>>>>WE HAVE A MAN SLIDING OVER HERE>>> LOCK UP HIS BANK ACCOUNT!

No seriously, you made the right call. You need the saw and mft/3.  Substitute the saw rail for a 75 inch since the mft has a shorter one already. With some connectors you can put them together for a 117 inch rail to cut 8 foot stuff. Get a pair of elements for sanding with. Congrats on the tools.

Kevin