Replacement for a RAS 115 for us Canadians?

[KevinHanna]

Hello,

I own a RAS 115 which is part of the recent recall in Canada due to the lack of certification from our standards authority.  I'm actually willing to hang on to it, but its abrasives are not used by other tools, so the retailers here will stop supplying them, and dealers in other countries are not allowed to ship Festool stuff here (not that I would want to order cross-border for consumables).

So my options are to buy a lifetime supply of abrasives now before they're gone, or let Festool take my tool away from me.  The later is the least unacceptable for me

What out there is like the RAS? I use my RAS primarily for shaping wood, I can only think of angle grinders fixed with Kutzall disk or the arbortech stuff. 

The RAS is quite excellent at dust collection considering what it is doing and it makes me giddy every time I use it.  I'll be sad to see it go.

Kevin

 

[builderbob]

I think that there are plenty of us members who would supply our Canadian friends with consumables. You could at least keep the tool knowing that. Unfortunately, if you need repair service, that's where you'll run into problems.

 

[tiralie]

I have a RAS, it has not been registered (to my knowledge) and it's not going back.
This is just a huge pain in the *ss.
Tim

 

[Ta2ude]

I have a RAS, it has not been registered (to my knowledge) and it's not going back.
This is just a huge pain in the *ss.
Tim

It is frustrating because Festool has done a good job of making individual tools that are excellent at a specific task and there really is NO replacement for those tools. They do have tools that will definately get the job done but maybe not as efficientely. I bought the Midi specifically for it's size as it has the exact same suction and filtration as all the other vacs just less capacity which for me is not an issue. I guess the only other option Festool would have is to do whatever is necessary to make the affected tools Canadian compliant. In the case of the vacume it makes absolutely no sense if their other vacumes pass ??

 

[AlexThePalex]

Wait a second, you're saying you won't be able to find any 115 mm abrasives in the whole of Canada?

First, dealers won't be out of stock anytime soon, because even if Festool recalls the RAS, they won't recall the abrasives.
Second, 115 mm abrasives are a common size for grinder abrasives, you should be able to find those anywhere.
Third, if all other options fail, you should be able to buy 125 or 150 mm abrasives and cut them to size.

No reason whatsoever to get rid of your RAS.

 

[greg mann]

Alex is right on the mark. In addition, I personally feel the RAS is one of the most under-rated gems in the whole sander range. If you decide to keep it, and I certainly would, send me a PM and I will make sure you have access to abrasives. Between UL and CSA I feel we in NA are being poorly represented by our so-called consumer advocates.

 

[KevinHanna]

Wait a second, you're saying you won't be able to find any 115 mm abrasives in the whole of Canada?

First, dealers won't be out of stock anytime soon, because even if Festool recalls the RAS, they won't recall the abrasives.
Second, 115 mm abrasives are a common size for grinder abrasives, you should be able to find those anywhere.
Third, if all other options fail, you should be able to buy 125 or 150 mm abrasives and cut them to size.

No reason whatsoever to get rid of your RAS.

I suspect when this is resolved, the retailers will ship the abrasives back.  There may be enough people ignoring the recall to make it worthwhile for them.  Come to think of it though, even if they don't stock them, they should still have a SKU and be able to order them.

If there are alternatives for these abrasives please share some hints to what to search for.  My understanding is the Festool hook-and-loop is unique.  I really don't know of any other tool that use similar abrasives.   Please free me of this ignorance.  

Cutting something comparable to sapphire p24 is not going to be simple.  This tool is used on its edge quite often, the paper needs to be fairly precise (right to the edge and not over the edge).

Alex is right on the mark. In addition, I personally feel the RAS is one of the most under-rated gems in the whole sander range. If you decide to keep it, and I certainly would, send me a PM and I will make sure you have access to abrasives. Between UL and CSA I feel we in NA are being poorly represented by our so-called consumer advocates.

I couldn't agree more.  Festool sanders make sanding more pleasant (less unpleasant?).  But the RAS is just a pure joy to use.

 

[AlexThePalex]

If there are alternatives for these abrasives please share some hints to what to search for.  My understanding is the Festool hook-and-loop is unique.  I really don't know of any other tool that use similar abrasives.   Please free me of this ignorance.  

You can use any type of velcro/hook 'n loop abrasive on Festool sanders. Nothing unique about it. You should be able to find 115mm (4 1/2'') abrasives online, and I'm sure that if you go to a quality brick and mortar store near you they can give you some suggestions also.

Here some results I googled:

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/3M-HookandLoop-Sanding-Disc-4ZR95

http://www.fintechabrasives.com/sanding-discs/hook-loop-standard-gold-discs/gold-velcro-hl-4-12

http://www.amazon.com/Fein-63717228020-Abrasive-2-Inch-16-Pack/dp/B002UUT49G

 

[peter halle]

And if you don't want to use velcro backed abrasives there is the Fiberfix pad that allows you to use other brand fiber disks.

Peter

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Sorry for not responding sooner, I was out of town last week.

If you are a resident of Canada and own a CT MINI, CT MIDI or RAS 115, please call us toll free at 855-485-2620.

Shane

 

[manii]

What out there is like the RAS? I use my RAS primarily for shaping wood, I can only think of angle grinders fixed with Kutzall disk or the arbortech stuff. 

 

[AlexThePalex]

What out there is like the RAS? I use my RAS primarily for shaping wood, I can only think of angle grinders fixed with Kutzall disk or the arbortech stuff.

There is not much like the RAS. I know of one other like it, the Rupes EK 150AE, but that's it. Oh, and perhaps a Fein or two.

 

[Mikeyfondu]

I know u said u don't want to go to the states for consumables, but since ur so close to the boarder they must have a ship it shop there.  Being in Cornwall we have a bridge right here and I save tons of money getting stuff ship there. I usually don't do tool for warranty, but I may for a  ras as I want one so bad.

 

[Shawn]

For those naughty and did not trade in their non CSA RAS Atlas Machinery is still stocking and will continue to stock pads as well as some abrasives for RAS115.
Thanks

 

[oblates]

Wha is an RAS, can some one send a picture, thanks

 

[festoolviking]

Here you go "oblates"

https://www.festool.co.uk/Products/Pages/Product-Detail.aspx?pid=570747&name=Rotary-sander-RAS-180-E-GB-240V

There is a smaller version available too 115mm discs/paper. I couldn't find it on the UK site.

Festoolviking

 

[Scott B.]

Ok, I'll bite. If RAS was not an option, I would be riding the RO150 extra hard.

 

[Packard]

I don't understand.  Is the RAS inherently more dangerous than a 4½" angle grinder performing the same task?

I saw this video a while back and I was going to try using this technique on a bathroom I am remodeling.


It seems to be essentially the same task, though I imagine the angle grinder is moving at a greater clip. 

If this is dangerous, what do I have to watch out for?