RO90dx for refinishing stairs? Looking for reason to buy.

[klg]

Hello,

I'm a DIYer.  My stairs are in need of refinishing.  There are spindles on a some of the stairs.  I wouldn't be refinishing the spindles, but around them.  Is the RO90dx the right purchase for me?  Looking for a reason to buy my first Festool sander and dust extractor. 

After my stairs, I would use the sander as a universal sander for other diy projects. Thanks for answers and opinions.

Ken

 

[mike_aa]

Hi Ken,

Since it's your first post (even though you've been around for awhile), I'd like to shout out a  [welcome] to the FOG.

The RO90 will work great with the triangular pad to get in and around the spindles and the round pad should come in handy for the more open spaces.  It's versatility should also prove to be useful for other projects down the road.  Since you are planning on buying the DE at the same time, you probably already know that you can get a discount when you buy the two together.  Also, if you are looking for smaller quantities of abrasives, Tom at Tool-Home and other dealers offer small assortments that are cost effective for the DIY'r.

I just have one warning.  One sander will be lonely until you get them a mate!  It's a slippery slope! [eek]

Mike A.

 

[Mort]

I've been trying to save for an RO90 for a bunch of refinishing projects, for myself and my wife (she has a bunch of 2nd hand furniture she wants to redo). It's perfect for stuff like that, so versatile.

Now if only I can get it without her knowing how much it costs, that'd be ideal. She's even more frugal than I am.

 

[leakyroof]

Great choice of a sander for the current task at hand. Stair people around here on FOG have been singing the RO90's praises since it came out.
You might find either the sander or an extractor/Vac used as well since they're both popular Festool items.  The sander doesn't weigh much, so shipping would be lower than a Vac if you found a reputable deal out of state.

 

[ear3]

Yes, it would be an excellent choice.  If the stairs have a bullnose, then you might also want to get the round interface pad, since then you would also be able to do that part of the stair without flattening out the circle too much. 

Just a heads up -- Tool Nut might still be having a 30% sale on Cristal paper in the very low grits.  They only have a few sizes, but one of them is the triangular pad that fits both the D93 and the RO90, so this might be a good chance to stock up on abrasives appropriate for stripping.

 

[TheTrooper]

As a flooring contractor, I love the RO90. It's one case for Orbital and a detail sander and is extremely  lightweight. Only problem for stairs is the size. It kills you on time. I found the RO150 and DTS 400 the best for that.  But in your case you only have one staircase so I say go for it. I predict your next sander will be the ETS150 / 3.  They would compliment each other well.