I am looking at purchasing a sander for general use but specifically for my a small project. I am building a bar top for a client out of reclaimed spruce. I will be planing down, jointing then sanding. Would like some recommendations as I am unsure which to purchase.
Recommendations for First Festool Sander?
- Thread starter CoStruct
- Start date
Welcome to the forum [smile]
A great choice for a general purpose finish sander is the ETS150/5. Rotex 150 is another good choice but I would lean towards the ETS for finishing. However if you will need to do some additional flattening after glue up on the bar top , then the Rotex 150 is probably the better choice. In both cases I would also get the hard sanding pad for increased versatility.
Seth
A great choice for a general purpose finish sander is the ETS150/5. Rotex 150 is another good choice but I would lean towards the ETS for finishing. However if you will need to do some additional flattening after glue up on the bar top , then the Rotex 150 is probably the better choice. In both cases I would also get the hard sanding pad for increased versatility.
Seth
Aaah yes, the /3 or /5 decision?
If you want a more general purpose sander go with the /5, if purely higher grit finish sanding go with the /3. I found the /5 quite capable of fine sanding. /3 is nicer for fine sanding but not as good in the low grit range.
Seth
If you want a more general purpose sander go with the /5, if purely higher grit finish sanding go with the /3. I found the /5 quite capable of fine sanding. /3 is nicer for fine sanding but not as good in the low grit range.
Seth
Stephen B
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CoStruct said:
Although I do not have one, I would go with Seth's suggestion of the 5.
My 3 has been used with 100 grit in past but you have to remember the 3 is not aggressive. Look at the 5 or RO150/125s if you want aggression as well as finish.
NYC Tiny Shop
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/3 for finishing
Jaybolishes
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Well I just got grabbed mine today finally. The rts400. Dinner then we shall see how she does. Have 10 cabinet face frames to do, can't wait!
Scott B. said:
I agree but not for a bar top. Too small.
Seth
Jaybolishes
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The rts400 is really a great little sander. It's wonderful at not rounding the edges and sanding flat. Finally posted first pics with tapatalk. I made this little connector hose to connect to my shop dedicated 36mm hose. I really like this sander though, it left a nice finish as I hoped. Dust collection was exceptional.
Kev
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Without trying to be pedantic ... the ETS150/5 is good for "fine sanding", the ETS150/3 and ETS125 are best for "extra-fine sanding".
[attachimg=#1]
Full catalog link ...
http://www.festool.co.uk/Service/Downloads/Documents/Catalogue_12-13_PDF/09_sanding.pdf
Like Untidy Workshop, my first Festool sander was an ETS150 - but mine was the /5 and I was pleased with the finish. Since I've added a /3. The finish with the /3 over the /5 using the same grit is finer.
[attachimg=#1]
Full catalog link ...
http://www.festool.co.uk/Service/Downloads/Documents/Catalogue_12-13_PDF/09_sanding.pdf
Like Untidy Workshop, my first Festool sander was an ETS150 - but mine was the /5 and I was pleased with the finish. Since I've added a /3. The finish with the /3 over the /5 using the same grit is finer.
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NYC Tiny Shop
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CoStruct,
Did you ever decide on a sander for the bar top? If not, to confuse the matter, I highly recommend taking a good hard look at the RS 2E. This has been my latest favorite sander, for sure. With a 2.5 stroke, it is terrific for finish sanding. No swirls, and leaves everything very even. Yesterday, I threw on some 40 grit and it took away wood adroitly, with much control...much more control than my Rotex 90. It was even great getting very even edges. If I had to do it all over again, the RS 2E would be my first sander. Second, would be something ligher to go vertical...like the ETS 125 or the Rotex 90. I realize that you probably already bought your sander, but I thought this might help, if you hadn't.
Did you ever decide on a sander for the bar top? If not, to confuse the matter, I highly recommend taking a good hard look at the RS 2E. This has been my latest favorite sander, for sure. With a 2.5 stroke, it is terrific for finish sanding. No swirls, and leaves everything very even. Yesterday, I threw on some 40 grit and it took away wood adroitly, with much control...much more control than my Rotex 90. It was even great getting very even edges. If I had to do it all over again, the RS 2E would be my first sander. Second, would be something ligher to go vertical...like the ETS 125 or the Rotex 90. I realize that you probably already bought your sander, but I thought this might help, if you hadn't.
NYC Tiny Shop,
Yes I did decide on a sander. I purchased the ETS 150/5. I am quite pleased with it, however I haven't used it too much yet as I am waiting for my new Domino 500 to arrive so I can finish up the top. It is a bit of a process as the client wanted the bar top constructed out of reclaim barn beams so they all have to be planed down close to size first. I am quite happy and impressed with the dust collection and the overall weight of the machine.
Yes I did decide on a sander. I purchased the ETS 150/5. I am quite pleased with it, however I haven't used it too much yet as I am waiting for my new Domino 500 to arrive so I can finish up the top. It is a bit of a process as the client wanted the bar top constructed out of reclaim barn beams so they all have to be planed down close to size first. I am quite happy and impressed with the dust collection and the overall weight of the machine.
promark747
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Jaybolishes said:
The rts400 is really a great little sander. It's wonderful at not rounding the edges and sanding flat. Finally posted first pics with tapatalk. I made this little connector hose to connect to my shop dedicated 36mm hose. I really like this sander though, it left a nice finish as I hoped. Dust collection was exceptional.
For others who would like to use their D36 hose with all their D27 tools (instead of having to switch between them), I'd like to reiterate my support for the adapter below. One of my best accessory purchases...fits like a glove.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Festool-Hose-Adaptor-adapts-1-1-2-36MM-vacuum-hose-to-Festool-power-tools-/281170529852?pt=US_Vacuum&hash=item417711ce3c
iamnothim
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I am thankful that I read this thread.
I ordered an ETS 150/5 and it arrived 1/22. The first time I used it, it was silky smooth MirkaNet 120.. I think. Since then, every time I use it, it digs and bucks with various speeds and grits from 80 to 320. I may have even tried 600. Something was not right. It was very hard to control.
Since I want it more for finish rather than stock removal I sent it back to Amazon and ordered the ETS 150/3.
Thanks for the posts.
I ordered an ETS 150/5 and it arrived 1/22. The first time I used it, it was silky smooth MirkaNet 120.. I think. Since then, every time I use it, it digs and bucks with various speeds and grits from 80 to 320. I may have even tried 600. Something was not right. It was very hard to control.
Since I want it more for finish rather than stock removal I sent it back to Amazon and ordered the ETS 150/3.
Thanks for the posts.
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