Need Help finding the right sander

[Carverr]

I'm interested in buying my first Festool sander. I'll be using it for finish work and would like something that can also be used to do small drywall repairs when I'm remodeling. I've used most of the big box sanders and the only one I found that is durable enough is from Bosch. I've had that for 12 years and it wont break but is leaks at the Vacuum adapter. I like the fact that Festool sanders hook up to the Ct vacs so that I can sand in a home with little dust left over to clean. Price isn't an issue but I don't want to much sander for what I need. I've read mixed reviews on the ETS 125's but haven't found many bad reviews on the Rotex models. I appreciate any feedback. Thank you.

 

[Dan Clermont]

I wouldn't use a Rotex for drywall. Way too aggressive.

The ETS 125 would work but we find allot of our customers prefer the RTS 400 which has a rectangular pad and will work better closer to corners

Can't go wrong with anyone but my vote goes to the RTS 400

Dan Clermont

 

[TOOLTOWN]

For finish sanding, the Rotex does a good job.  But if you're not doing much rough sanding, the ETS has more finesse and less brute force. 

I use the ETS myself for SMALL drywall jobs.  A patch here or there is no problem, but for big jobs like whole rooms, you won't be happy. 

There are many mixed reviews on the ETS 125, but the ETS 150/5 is by far the best finish sander I've seen.  What are you usually sanding?  Do you want a 5 inch (125) or can a 6 inch (150) work also?

The ETS 150 paired with the CT 26 is a powerhouse machine.

Ken

 

[Sparktrician]

If you're doing vertical drywall work, the RO 125 is much lighter than the RO 150, and can get into tighter spaces.  It's also much easier to use over your head, as in ceiling repairs.  It does take some getting used to and some finesse, but it does a wonderful job with the right abrasives (Granat) and a CT.  If you want to get into really fine finish sanding, the ETS 125 uses the same abrasives as the RO 125, meaning no separate inventory.  Dan's comment about the RTS 400 being good for corners is quite valid, and much the same could be said about the DTS 400 for getting into corners. 

 

[Carverr]

bnaboatbuilder I normally do all my drywall with light coats and a final hand sanding but lately I'm getting more concerned  for dust getting into the air be it from wood dust or drywall. Smoking for 15 years didn't do my lungs any good   [mad]. I quit 5 years ago but now the dust bothers me more than it use to even using a mask. Which is why I decided to start using the Festool system for the hepa vacuum. I was in a house helping a friend finish up a remodel and he had the CT26. I was more than impressed with the lack of dust he had in the house cutting with his Kapex ,TS55 and using his sanders. I'll look at the 6" Mirka Ceros . I have a CT36 so would that sander need an adapter to be used with my Vacuum?
  TOOLTOWN I mostly do custom cabinets and built-ins. I almost always drywall repairs to do from just dents to holes ranging from 1 inch to 16 inch repairs and entire room remodels. Anything bigger than a kitchen or bath remodel I'll sub out the drywall. The RTS400 looks like a great sander so I'll pick one up tomorrow. So I'll still need to figure out a good orbital sander. Do the Festool sanders only use their sand paper or are they compatible with other brands? Not a huge factor but something I am curious about.
 Thank you Dan Clermont and Sparktrician  for your replies as well. Gives me some options to think about.

 

[TOOLTOWN]

The Festool pads will accept any hook and loop paper, but the holes may or may not line up for dust extraction.

If you are still looking for a random orbit sander, the ETS is the way to go. 

Too bad you're all the way out in Kansas.  We are having a sander demo day on the 2nd of November.  You could have played with all the sanders right there.

Ken

 

[Carverr]

TOOLTOWN I'll go pick up the ETS 150/5EQ tomorrow along with the  RTS400  and give them a try. With the 30 day return policy I have nothing to lose.  As my workshop grows I'll add more sanders to the arsenal. Thank you for your response.

 

[semenza]

Hi Carverr,

Welcome to the forum !  [smile]

My bet is that you will keep them both.

Seth

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

All of the above advice and recommendations are good.  I love my ETS 125 for it lightness, dust collection, and short stroke for finishing (2mm). I love my Rotex 90 for it's lightness, dust collection, ability to do corners, it's hard pad attachment for rails and stiles, and it's rotary beast mode for removing stock.  If I was sanding on the Y axis, then I would want the lightest sanders available.  It's amazing that I can sand without needing a mask! Hope this helps.

 

[fidelfs]

There is also an adapter for festool hoses and Mirka.

mirka-online.com/mirka-tools-accessories-1/mirka-finishing-sanders-and-accessories-1/mirka-sander-accessories/miscellaneous-accessories/100-1-25adap-mirka-vacuum-adapter-for-mirka-sanders.html

It is a little tight but works pretty good.

 

[andvari]

I have a Mirka Ceros 6" that I find great for vertical work because the transformer is external making the sander itself quite light.

As others have mentioned there are ways to attach a Festool vac.

The combination is pretty nice.

 

[Dan Clermont]

Hello Carverr

You are best off sticking with the Festool paper as it is pretty reasonable price wise and the hole pattern is optimal for the dust extractor.

If you bought aftermarket paper the dust collection would be compromised and because the sander pumps air through that center hole in the bottom which then pushes the dust towards the outside holes and then into the dust collector you'll get better sanding results and less clogging if you use the proper Festool paper.

Good Luck
Dan Clermont