RAS115 useful in scribing countertops

[stvrowe]

I have recently installed a couple of post formed laminate countertops for the lavatories in a new construction project.  The countertops are captured between two sidewalls so I ordered sidesplashes to match.  As with all construction (new or old) things are seldom square or even parallel so I took the RAS115 along with the CT36 to the site anticipating the need for a bit of scribing.  As expected with out of square walls that didn't even fit into the category of being a parallelogram, the RAS115 worked wonderfully and collected the vast majority of the dust.  I was quite surprised that the factory supplied sidesplashes all needed scribing to make them fit the countertop backsplash.  I had to scribe nearly 1/2" off of that to make it fit properly.  All in all, the RAS115 made quick work of the scribing and the CT36 collected enough dust to make cleanup a breeze.

This was my first extensive use of the RAS115 and I was quite impressed.  I used 80 grit Rubin which IMO wasn't the best choice but it is what I had with me.  Next time I would take some coarser grit Saphir with me.  One thing I did notice was that a ball of stringy plastic collected at the RAS115 dust collection connection.  As I was packing up and rolling the CT with Systainers on top, an electrician also working on site asked me what that was.  I told him and he replied that he thought I was wheeling a printer out. [blink]

 

[BMH]

Sunday I tackle my garage side door that was not closing completely anymore.  Two solutions, first one take off the door and use my planner to hit side and bottom, about an hour worth of work with the set up. Second one, leave the door in place and hit it with the RAS 115 for a perfect fit, 8 mn with set up and clean up. It is a great tool.

Brucd

 

[Dogwood]

Its one of my favourite festools.

If there was a new generation being developed I'd ask for a plug-it cord, regular dust port, and also the option to have a full wrap around bristle to help with dust extraction for when using it in more of a flat sanding motion.

 

[morts10n]

I agree with all of the above.  The RAS is one of my best Festool investments! I use it for scribing almost every day and the dust collection is superb. I like that you can dial down the speed when sanding end grain to lessen burning. Plug it cord seems like a no brainer.  I use 50 grit mostly but also have some 36 grit for H. D. scribing.
Quick change disks are so much better than when I was using a 4" disc grinder. I would LOVE to be able to reverse the motor spin direction for some scribing operations ( to avoid chipping )

 

[ScotF]

Yep -- the RAS is a gem and it is a great tool for shaping wood too -- just like a grinder, but smooth and better dust collection.  It is a great tool and could be made better with a plug-it cord.

Scot

 

[Knight Woodworks]

If this tool had a plug-it cord and a round dust port I'd buy one tomorrow...

Hint  Hint

John