RAS alternative?

[DynaGlide]

I missed the boat on the RAS when it was discounted. Didn't think I'd want one at the time. Now I kind of do. Is there anything out there that is comparable with the RAS? I'd like something with dust control.

Or on the off chance someone has one collecting dust, let me know.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Packard]

When I see "RAS", I think "radial arm saw".  I think you are talking about a sander.  A thousand dollars sounds like a lot of money for a sander though.

Google "shopping" shows this:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Festool+RAS&source=lmns&tbm=shop&bih=775&biw=1600&client=firefox-b-1-d&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiwqvnQ-6T0AhXahXIEHWGrDAcQ_AUoAXoECAEQAQ#spd=9689429490989440557

 

[Cheese]

When I see "RAS", I think "radial arm saw".  I think you are talking about a sander.  A thousand dollars sounds like a lot of money for a sander though.

That's for the 180 mm version which was never released in the States. The smaller RAS 115 version which is what Matt is referring to was around $300-$350 before they were discontinued.

Before I purchased the RAS I used a Milwaukee RA grinder with sanding discs. I'd say that for the amount of material removed it was equivalent to the RAS but without any dust containment is was really messy.  [sad]

 

[DynaGlide]

So if I give up the dust extraction, any right angle grinder will suffice? Having cordless could be an advantage just have to take it outside.

 

[Cheese]

So if I give up the dust extraction, any right angle grinder will suffice? Having cordless could be an advantage just have to take it outside.

Yup...I use the RAS with a vac inside and the Milwaukee cordless RA grinder outside when cleanliness doesn't matter. I just wish they both used the same shaft mount...that'd be really nice, 5/8-11 vs M14. You can also attach wire wheels and wire cups to the RA grinder to clean things up.

 

[rst]

Metabo has a lot of options with dust collection, I have their concrete grinder but the brush styles very similar to Festools RAS hood Grinding Extraction Hood GED 125 (626732000).

 

[rvieceli]

[member=65062]DynaGlide[/member] it probably helpful question is what are you wanting to do with it?

Ron

 

[DynaGlide]

[member=3192]rvieceli[/member] Just looking to add another scribing tool to my arsenal for sneaking up to the line, either fitting cabinets or coping trim.

 

[rvieceli]

Then just about any right angle grinder will work with a sanding disk backer pad. Most of the battery platforms have a cordless one available. As for dust collection, use it outside as Cheese suggests or rig up an inlet box for your shop dust collector and position your work in front of that. There are several examples on the interweb about solutions for wood turners using similar boxes.

Ron

 

[doug_m]

This Arbortech Power carving unit has a 100mm sanding pad, dust collection and fairly low rpms.
https://www.arbortechtools.com/ce/power-carving-unit/

 

[Sparktrician]

[member=3192]rvieceli[/member] Just looking to add another scribing tool to my arsenal for sneaking up to the line, either fitting cabinets or coping trim.

Matt, why not use an RO 90 or RO 125 and get a bunch more use out of your choice?  [smile]

 

[Packard]

I don't know how effective these are, but most manufacturers seem to sell dust collection for their right angle grinders.
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=dust+collection+for+right+angle+grinder

Skip the first minute.  It is about a rotary drill.  The rest is about grinding.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I don't think there is an alternative for what the RAS does. I have not seen a dust hood that comes close to that of the RAS. Those things above do not work the same as the RAS dust hood, they are very shallow and only work right if they are completely flat on the surface. Source: I have one for my Protool grinder.

The RAS was specifically designed for removing paint. To do this they took a grinder and lowered the RPM. Back then all grinders had a constant RPM so it was big deal. Now lots of grinders have a speed dial, so it makes no difference anymore. The old grinders at 10.000 were just too aggresive for removing paint, it is very easy to damage the surface at that speed. But at 1500-3800 it becomes very doable. But those grinders still lack the dust shroud, and it is the dust shroud that makes sure the dust is no problem, which is a must IMHO.

Nice topic to see today, just bought my fourth RAS. This one's for polishing glass. They do break easily, while very few Festools I own(ed) broke, I already had to trash two RAS's.

 

[squall_line]

[member=3192]rvieceli[/member] Just looking to add another scribing tool to my arsenal for sneaking up to the line, either fitting cabinets or coping trim.

Matt, why not use an RO 90 or RO 125 and get a bunch more use out of your choice?  [smile]

It might be a technique issue on my part, but I tried using my RO 90 with some P40 Granat to shorten some shelves and it was slow going, at best, and tortuous at worst.  Maybe I should have used P24, maybe I shouldn't have been trying to shorten rough end-grain mahogany, maybe I needed a harder pad, maybe I was just impatient.

 

[FestitaMakool]

There’s a Metabo model, Quick INOX that goes down to 2000 rpm (and up to 7600 rpm) Variable speed control with constant speed electronics.
As Alex points out, dust control is more or less non existent.

Metabo US:https://www.metabo.com/us/enus/tool...7-125-quick-inox-600517420-angle-grinder.html

 

[guybo]

Hi, I think standard grinder is 5/8 11 thread one of these might work for you with the ras stixfix sanding pads.guy  here you gohttps://www.amazon.com/Stadea-ADC102K-Adapter-Female-Water/dp/B076PZQX79https://www.amazon.com/Stadea-ADC102K-Adapter-Female-Water/dp/B076PZQX79

 

[afish]

I admit, I didnt know what a RAS was so I had to look it up.  Its pretty cool but you would need to be scribing to some really funky walls to justify it.  Most scribing shouldnt need it and probably better accomplished using other methods but of course everyone's needs are different.  Most scribes I see are easily handled with a tracksaw and a LA block plane. It's still a cool tool. 

 

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I use mine for sculpting furniture and it is awesome.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I got mine about 2 years ago, kind of on a whim. I ended up being quite happy that I did. It has been very handy, for many different things. The variable speed is what makes it great. The typical grinder is simply too fast.
My only complaint is the lack of a Plug-it cable. I can get past the oval extractor port, but I would definitely buy an updated version to get the Plug-it. (listening Festool?)
I got it as a hopeful alternative when Porter-Cable discontinued the baby belt sander. I got one of the first ones to hit the market, after being drawn in by magazine ads for a product that wasn't available yet. I had the first one for years, used it way harder than I would think they intended. It would get a little warm in use, but worked well, especially for scribing cabinets.
When it was destroyed, I found out that there were no more to be had. RAS115 to the rescue.

 

[weekendwarrior]

I'm in the same situation with [member=58857]Crazyraceguy[/member]... I don't use it that much, but it's such a clutch tool for all sorts of random predicaments!

Recently changed a door--stubborn flooring glue to remove?  "Oh, I can use the RAS!"

Rust/junk on metal?  "Brillo pad on RAS will take care of that!"

Scribing?  "Don't need a Collins foot!"

The circular motion is much more predictable and pressure sensitive than my RO90 for small tasks.  And it HOGS if you want it to!