Need sander selection advice

[Duckler]

I have zero Festool sanders. Well, I do have an RAS, but that is not the tool for my current chore.
Which Festool sander would be best for fascia, trim and soffit? I already have a corded Fein Multimaster which would be okay. But I need something that is more purpose built for that fascia, trim and soffit business.
Corded vs cordless remarks are also welcome. I don't mind using a power cord for this work. In fact, it might make the tool lighter.

 

[deepcreek]

If you're going to use a vacuum to collect dust, you may as well get the corded version since you'll already have a hose attached.

I've never seen the need to sand new cornice materials prior to finishing so I'm not sure of your application. If you are talking about stripping an existing finish then I'd recommend the Rotex 150. I found the Rotex 125 much more difficult to control.

Otherwise, I'd get the ETS EC 150/5 for general sanding.

If you get two tools, the RO 90 is a sweet little sander with a lot of versatility.

 

[bobtskutter]

Sounds like a DTS400 might be useful.  That's the pad with a point on it so you can get into corners.  My CT36 on max power will stick the DTS400 to the work piece.  That can be helpful if the work piece is secure and you're using aggressive paper (P80 Granat) to remove "stuff".  Turn the vac down very low and use P120 / P180 and it is good for finishing.

Bob

 

[Duckler]

If you're going to use a vacuum to collect dust, you may as well get the corded version since you'll already have a hose attached.

I've never seen the need to sand new cornice materials prior to finishing so I'm not sure of your application. If you are talking about stripping an existing finish then I'd recommend the Rotex 150. I found the Rotex 125 much more difficult to control.

Otherwise, I'd get the ETS EC 150/5 for general sanding.

If you get two tools, the RO 90 is a sweet little sander with a lot of versatility.

Wow. Thanks for the pointers.
This would be for spot sanding of various areas on existing exterior before repainting the wood.
I think that you are saying several MIGHT work okay. But I only plan to get one at the present time.

 

[Sparktrician]

If you're going to use a vacuum to collect dust, you may as well get the corded version since you'll already have a hose attached.

I've never seen the need to sand new cornice materials prior to finishing so I'm not sure of your application. If you are talking about stripping an existing finish then I'd recommend the Rotex 150. I found the Rotex 125 much more difficult to control.

Otherwise, I'd get the ETS EC 150/5 for general sanding.

If you get two tools, the RO 90 is a sweet little sander with a lot of versatility.

Wow. Thanks for the pointers.
This would be for spot sanding of various areas on existing exterior before repainting the wood.
I think that you are saying several MIGHT work okay. But I only plan to get one at the present time.

Consider the dimensions of the materials you're going to sand, then choose the sander(s) that will fit where it(they) needs to go.  The round pad sander will need a complementary square or diamond pad to get into corners,  Since you're planning on renovating existing painted work, I'll suggest two sanders; the RO 125 for the large areas complemented by the RO 90 (with the diamond pad to get into the corners.  Learn how to hold the RO 125 BEFORE you work on customers' material so it doesn't destroy the job.  Speak up if you don't know what I mean.  There are plenty of folks here on the FOG that have experience with the RO 125 that can explain and help you.  [smile]

 

[smorgasbord]

Which Festool sander would be best for fascia, trim and soffit? I already have a corded Fein Multimaster ...
...snip...
This would be for spot sanding of various areas on existing exterior before repainting the wood.

I assume these are flat areas, otherwise digging up a now discontinued LS-130 may be in order.

With the phrase "spot sanding" the RO90 is what jumps to my mind. Got any pictures of the pieces to be sanded?

 

[Cheese]

Consider the dimensions of the materials you're going to sand, then choose the sander(s) that will fit where it(they) needs to go.  The round pad sander will need a complementary square or diamond pad to get into corners,  Since you're planning on renovating existing painted work, I'll suggest two sanders; the RO 125 for the large areas complemented by the RO 90 (with the diamond pad to get into the corners.  Learn how to hold the RO 125 BEFORE you work on customers' material so it doesn't destroy the job.  Speak up if you don't know what I mean.  There are plenty of folks here on the FOG that have experience with the RO 125 that can explain and help you.  [smile]

Speaking about the RO 125...I just blew out the foam pad yesterday after 13 years of service. That's not bad, it's seen some hard times...[smile]...as I've only used it in the Rotex mode for the last 13 years.

And now we'll return to the previous programming.  [popcorn]

[attachimg=1]

 

[PaulMarcel]

Speaking about the RO 125...I just blew out the foam pad yesterday after 13 years of service. That's not bad, it's seen some hard times...[smile]...as I've only used it in the Rotex mode for the last 13 years.

We're on a similar timeline: mine blew out 2 months ago. Put two screws into a long board to insert into the pad's holes to remove it; with the pad gone, really hard to twist off!

 

[Cheese]

We're on a similar timeline: mine blew out 2 months ago. Put two screws into a long board to insert into the pad's holes to remove it; with the pad gone, really hard to twist off!

I had the same issue trying to remove the old pad. Finally, I decided to pull off all of the old foam and under the foam, in the center of the pad, is a raised hub that's the attachment point for the pad and it's easily grabbed with a pliers...that worked well.

 

[sancho57]

IMO RO 90 should do it. especially when ya need to get into corners just switch to the delta pad.