Need recommendation for "finishing" sander

[LLesniak]

I've been searching and reading through the forums looking for insight into sander selection and have read Jerry's excellent document but haven't found the definitive word I'm seeking.  What I need is a small sander for fine sanding on mostly small parts that require me to maintain flat surfaces and square edges (i.e. face frames, parts with with a width of 3" or less, etc.).  I'm concerned that the ETS 150 and even the ETS125 may be too big and that the random orbit may lead to rounding of the edges.  I hate to put it this way, but I'm looking for something in the form factor of my old DeWalt 1/4 sheet sander without the vibration, noise, and non-existent dust collection.  Would the RS400 be the way to go?  A previous forum post notes that it's recently been upgraded so I'd be looking for the new model.  Would it be unreasonable for me to expect that with higher grits this sander wouldn't leave much in the way of scratch marks particularly on end grain even though it's orbital?

Thanks in advance for any insight you can give.

Larry

 

[Dan Clark]

I think the ETS400, RTS400, or LS130 might be the ticket.  Check Jerry Work's great guide on Festool Sanders for info on the complete line: http://www.festoolusa.com/Web_files/Getting_the_most_from_Festool_sanders.pdf.

Regards,

Dan.

 

[Bob Marino]

I've been searching and reading through the forums looking for insight into sander selection and have read Jerry's excellent document but haven't found the definitive word I'm seeking.  What I need is a small sander for fine sanding on mostly small parts that require me to maintain flat surfaces and square edges (i.e. face frames, parts with with a width of 3" or less, etc.).  I'm concerned that the ETS 150 and even the ETS125 may be too big and that the random orbit may lead to rounding of the edges.  I hate to put it this way, but I'm looking for something in the form factor of my old DeWalt 1/4 sheet sander without the vibration, noise, and non-existent dust collection.  Would the RS400 be the way to go?  A previous forum post notes that it's recently been upgraded so I'd be looking for the new model.  Would it be unreasonable for me to expect that with higher grits this sander wouldn't leave much in the way of scratch marks particularly on end grain even though it's orbital?

Thanks in advance for any insight you can give.

Larry

Larry,

I sent you an email last night, but was returned - file full or sumthin'. Anyhow, I agree with Dan on the 400's.

Bob

 

[tvgordon]

Can a finish be applied after sanding with one the 400's or is it best to hand sand to avoid swirl marks? 
Tom.

 

[Joe Jensen]

Can a finish be applied after sanding with one the 400's or is it best to hand sand to avoid swirl marks? 
Tom.

Depends on what grit you use.  I used a 1/4 sheet Makita for almost 15 years as my main orbital sander.  No issue with visible swirl marks, but I always went up to 400 grit.

I had the RS400, and now the RTS400.  I haven't been able to find much difference.  Same price, so get the new one unless you find a deal on a used one.

I also have the 1/2 sheet RS2-E and it was WAY amazing.  It is much smoother to use than the RTS400, almost vibration free.  There is no finer sander for table tops and horizontal sanding jobs than the RS2-E.  Too big for large surfaces.  I really wish the RTS400 was a smaller version of the RS2-E, sadly its not...joe