new guy/replacing sander collection

[jtsaw]

Hello all

New to the forum and Festool.

Been looking at Festool for years, but just never pulled the trigger. But I'm ready to order a few things.

I have a shop full and I mean FULL of mismatched tools, redundant tools, poor quality tools. A shop that is a total unorganized mess no matter what I build or do for organization. It is time to get rid of, and replace some tools and get into the Systainer system and Festool.

So first to go are sanders and vacuums.

The goal is to down size, get quality, excellent dust extraction. Fewer tools that do more, and that I can organize easily.

Can all these tools be replaced with 2 -3 festool tools??? What ones? I am having a hard time choosing and understanding the differences. Such as ETS 125 EQ vs ETS 150/3 EQ - what's the difference other than a 5" vs 6"? Does the Rotex replace the need for a belt sander? Does the Vecturo have sanding attachments - I'm not seeing any? Any help would be great, I do allot of everything: Handyman, carpentry, sheet goods, paint removal, refinishing, sanding of fine art frames with detail molding, etc.

In photo -
4) 5" random orbit
1) 6" random orbit
1) finishing sander small
1) finishing sander large
1) belt sander
1) 3" random sander
1) multi tool- ( I have never liked the sanding capabilities on this tool)

 

[rst]

Keep your belt sander...It looks like a Makita (I have the 3" and 4" X24) and they are great belters.  Depending upon the size work you should have either the 5 or 6 inch Rotex.  Make that your first choice then the ETS decision will be easy...the one with the same size sandpaper.  Get the RO-90 as it will get into smaller spaces and has the delta capability.  After that shred your credit card because after you see how well they work you will want them all.  You should have a good vacuum also, I have 3 Feins and two CTs, oh and I have all the sanders except the new RO 150 and the new ETS EC.

 

[sae]

I'll buy that Metabo 3" random orbital from you if you're tossing it.

 

[ear3]

I don't think the Vecturo has sanding attachments, but from what I understand there's blade compatibility with the Fein Supercut, so maybe you could utilize the Fein attachments on the Vecturo?  Someone else will have to confirm.

For detail/contour sanding, Festool has the LS130 with an assortment of different pads.  I don't think it's quite as delicate as the multitool sanding pads when it comes to coves and beads, but it will certainly cover most of your moulding needs.  It's kind of a one-trick pony, though, and not something I would get right away.

For corners and edges you could either go with the DTS400 or the the RO90.  My vote would be the RO90, since you are essentially getting two sanders in one.

I would only get the 125 rather than the larger 150 size if you're going to be doing a lot of overhead work or veneers/veneered ply (ETS 125 has smallest stroke of all Festool sanders).  Even then, I would tend to gravitate towards the 150/3 for the delicate stuff rather than the 125 for the sake of the larger diameter pad. 

 

[Kev]

Good luck on targeting 3 sanders ... I've got 8 Festool sanders and I could easily pick up another 2 [embarassed]

My thinking is RO90, RO150, ETS150/3 and DTS400 give you a great stable ... but then the RAS115 and the LS130 seem to sneak into the mix. Once you have the LS130, the RTS400 can share the same abrasives ... you can also reconcile that the ETS150/5 is great for plasterboard work.

Throw in the BS105 on it's floating base (240V only) and you can see how they add up!

Adding a PLANEX and RS200 would be a logical conclusion !!

I've personally avoided the RO125 and ETS125. Some people love the 5" pad, I've never found the 6" pad cumbersome.

 

[Steve-Rice]

If I could have just one sander, it would be one of the ETS EC 150's.  If you do a lot of rough sanding, I'd get the 150/5. If you do mostly finish sanding, I'd get the 150/3.  These are very light weight, but powerful sanders which you can use for extended periods without fatigue. Many FOGgers love their Rotex 150, but I personally prefer something light weight.

I have the ETS EC 150/3 and I absolutely love this sander! It's fast and smooth and gives me a beautiful finish. One of the best tool investments I ever made.

 

[yetihunter]

I'm researching a 6" sander purchase myself, so can't help you there.

I do also own that Metabo 90mm / 3".  If you purchased it and felt it's not agressive enough, the 90mm Rotex should fill the void.  It's a lot more money, though. 

 

[Picktool]

I don't think the Vecturo has sanding attachments, but from what I understand there's blade compatibility with the Fein Supercut, so maybe you could utilize the Fein attachments on the Vecturo?  Someone else will have to confirm.

You could always make one from old blades. Apply some velcro
to either/both sides. Velcro can be bought at a fabric store etc.
Special tools can shape the blades to whatever shape you need.
We have one of those cheezie Rockwell Sonicrafters. Works great
for a last resort hack.

 

[sancho57]

I have 3 festool sanders that do everything I need sanders to do.

RO90
RO150
RTS400.

You could get away with out the 400. I use it primarily for furniture.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Keep the belt sander, the Rotex is not really a replacement for it.

Looking at your other sanders, there are 3 Festool that could replicate what you have there.

- ETS150
- ETS125
- DTS400

Adding a RO150 to those 3 would be nice, but you'd only gain in the rough removal area.