On what projects do you use your RAS115.04?

[MrToolJunkie]

Earlier this year I acquired a RAS115 sander -- I bought it for sculpting some Maloof inspired dining chairs I am planning to build later this year.  I am really impressed with this tool and how quickly it can remove material as well as how easy it is to control.  While the DC is not at the same level as other Festool sanders, it does get the "fines" out of the air and the coarser material falls to the floor.  I would love to hear about the types of things where others have put their RAS115 to good use...I know a lot of use is for scribing, but are there any other applications where this tool fits the bill?

BTW, I am posting my first video in the "How To" section on using the RAS to fair a large cove molding on the top of a bookcase I am making.

Scot

 

[AlexThePalex]

I know a lot of use is for scribing, but are there any other applications where this tool fits the bill?

In America it's reportedly used a lot for scribing, but the main task for what the RAS was developed is fast paint removal.

 

[leakyroof]

Fast paint removal, failing film finish removal[peeling old varnish]- As a smaller diameter edger in floor refinishing-Won't match the standard 7" disc edgers for size, but I have alot more control and better dust collection for this task when using the 115.  You just need to watch your pad temp to keep the damage down on the hook/loop system of the sanders pad.

 

[waho6o9]

I've used the ras115.04 to take paint off rapidly and I was pleased with the results. It took paint of off lath and plaster so fast it was amazing.  [smile]

 

[VictorL]

Mostly for stripping off paint and varnishes and for rough sanding.

Regards,
VictorL

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I use it for everything.

Some of the odd things I have used it for include:  Grinding down a cast iron pipe so the new toilet flange would sit right, sharpened lawn mower blades, restoring cast iron machinery, I sand wood up to 80g with it, I have done a bunch of other odd things with it too.

 

[dwillis]

My first use was scribing plywood base boards.  After an unsatisfactory attempt at using the small Rockwell belt sander (which I believe was marketed for scribing), dealing with dust, and too much time on my hands and knees (I really don't like installing baseboards under the best conditions), I went out and bought a RAS115.4.  As is often my experience with Festool, problem immediately solved  [smile].  Because the baseboards are in a now finished basement, the challenge was scribing to a concrete floor, which is not exactly as smooth and level as a pool table.  My biggest challenges were at the control joints where the profile of the slab was something akin to a Japanese wood block print of a tsunami (okay, a bit of exaggeration), but the RAS made quick work of scribing and minimized my kneeling time.

Other uses have been to knock concrete splatters off of the same floor and walls, removing high spots, and paint removal.  Next project will be removing paint on the basement stairs and knock off the tips of drywall screws protruding through the same stairs.  Of course I see the need for a RO90DX on the stairs, you know, to get into the corners [wink], any excuse for another tool.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I use it for everything.

Some of the odd things I have used it for include:  Grinding down a cast iron pipe so the new toilet flange would sit right, sharpened lawn mower blades, restoring cast iron machinery, I sand wood up to 80g with it, I have done a bunch of other odd things with it too.

Great idea on cast iron -- did you use Vlies for this and if so, what grits worked to get rid of the rust and crud? 

Thanks!

Scot

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I use it for everything.

Some of the odd things I have used it for include:  Grinding down a cast iron pipe so the new toilet flange would sit right, sharpened lawn mower blades, restoring cast iron machinery, I sand wood up to 80g with it, I have done a bunch of other odd things with it too.

Great idea on cast iron -- did you use Vlies for this and if so, what grits worked to get rid of the rust and crud? 

Thanks!

Scot

I just sanded the paint off them.  don't go below 50g.  I am not even sure what Viles is. [scratch chin]

 

[peter halle]

Darcy,

Vlies is a Festool line of paper for sanding designed "For light sanding and mild abrasion of finished surfaces to a matte finish. Conforms to contours of material."  It is only available in two grits for the RAS - 100 and 180.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Darcy,

Vlies is a Festool line of paper for sanding designed "For light sanding and mild abrasion of finished surfaces to a matte finish. Conforms to contours of material."  It is only available in two grits for the RAS - 100 and 180.

It's the stuff that's like 3m's Scotch-Brite.

 

[Jonhilgen]

Just used my RAS to grind down my subfloor in preparation for installong hardwood flooring in my bedroom. I've had some wormy chestnut flooring in my garage for about four years now, and its finally going in.

All told, I spent ten minutes tops grinding the seams down, and I have to say, I was impressed at its power. 

 

[Peterm]

Tend to use mine for stripping paint/old filler/loose stuff off stonework - like this:-

Almost as good as a wire cup on a grinder, but with (some) debris collection

Pete.

 

[hogbiscuit]

Would you guys say that the RAS is a replacement for a belt sander?  Can it do what a belt sander does, such as flushing up subfloor joints and flushing up edge glued boards efficiently? 

Marcus

 

[Brice Burrell]

Would you guys say that the RAS is a replacement for a belt sander?  Can it do what a belt sander does, such as flushing up subfloor joints and flushing up edge glued boards efficiently? 

Marcus

I'd say not completely.  The Ras wold work well rough work like flushing up subfloor joints as John just showed but you'd ave to be very careful with sanding glued up panels.  The problem is it removes material fast so you can quickly do more harm than good with the Ras if you're not careful.  Also, you hold the Ras' pad at an angle to the work surface so it's more challenging than a belt sander to get a perfectly flat surface.

 

[Jonhilgen]

Would you guys say that the RAS is a replacement for a belt sander?  Can it do what a belt sander does, such as flushing up subfloor joints and flushing up edge glued boards efficiently? 

Marcus

I'd say not completely.  The Ras wold work well rough work like flushing up subfloor joints as John just showed but you'd ave to be very careful with sanding glued up panels.  The problem is it removes material fast so you can quickly do more harm than good with the Ras if you're not careful.  Also, you hold the Ras' pad at an angle to the work surface so it's more challenging than a belt sander to get a perfectly flat surface.

Marcus, a belt sander might have worked fine.  But I haven't had a chance to really put the RAS to work.  The dust collection was really good, surprisingly good, which is another reason why I reached for it instead of my belt sander.

Brice, I thought I would have to use it at an angle as well, but with a few more cranks with my spanner wrench, I was able to put the RAS down flat on the floor to sand.

 

[Julian Tracy]

No way it can be held totally flat - the rotation starts to work against itself.  Always have to have some of the rear of the pad off the work a bit, otherwise it gets squirrely quick.

JT

 

[Jonhilgen]

Both hands on the wheel at all times!  Yes, it did get squirrely, but since I didn't have to worry about how it looked, it didn't really matter.

Jon

 

[Julian Tracy]

It's a handy sander no doubt.  Wasn't exactly sure whether I needed it, but found one used at a nice price and I'm glad I have it.  It's a highly controlled wood eater with good dust collection.

JT

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I think that a Rotex would be better suited to replace a belt sander than the RAS.  The RAS is awesome, though, and it does an amazing job sculpting wood with dust control.

Scot