Rotex and ETS sanding schedule

[jaguar36]

I just picked up a Rotex to compliment my ETS 150/5 and was trying to figure out the most efficient path for sanding.  I want to end up at say 220, and to start I have a fair bit to take off due to needing new planer knives and my Dominos not lining up perfectly.  I tried starting with the Rotex at 100, then 120->150->180->220 on the ETS.  That seemed to work pretty well I loved how quickly the Rotex cleaned it up in the coarse mode.  Howeve rit took a bit of time to clean up the 100 with the 120 on the ETS so I think I might be better redoing the 100 on the ETS.

What do other folks use?

 

[truck90278]

I would suggest running the Rotex first in Rotex mode and then in random orbit mod thru the grits, then finish with the ETS on 220.  There is a demo put on by Festool where all they used is the Rotex and finished the piece to a polished finished - using only the Rotex. you might be able to find the reference.  I have the RO 125 and that is my approach, with a final sanding with the ETS when I have some of the issues you discussed.

 

[jaguar36]

I was thinking of that, but much perfer the handling of the ETS, even with the Rotex in fine mode.

 

[grbmds]

I have only used a Rotex at a Festool class but, based on that experience, I would probably not buy one for myself for what is essentially finish sanding. More likely I'd use an ETS sander with coarser grits than even 100; like 60 or 80. Then go up 1 step at a time (so 60,80, 100, 120, 150, 180, 220). 60 grit sandpaper would remove pretty substantial ridges left by nicked planer blades; even badly nicked blades. For me, the ETS sanders are much safer than the Rotex, especially when you use them in the rotating mode. Just my opinion, of course. I try to get most of the wood imperfections eliminated before going to sanding and, therefore, don't feel I have a need for a Rotex sander unless it would be more along the lines of reshaping. Using a scraper or a hand plane can be effective, especially with removal of ridges from the planer.

 

[ear3]

My sanding schedule is to work with the Rotex in gear driven mode exclusively, starting either at 80 or 100, then move to ETS-EC at 150 (if I end at 180) or 180 (if I'm ending at 220 or higher).  I don't notice any increase in sanding quality by switching the Rotex into RO mode to finish up a grit, though I know some people do it this way.