Rs200

I have an RS2E and it is an awesome sander, especially for big spaces and when you want to ensure a flat surface.  It is my go to sander for most finish work after the Rotex and it, combined with the Rotex 150 and DTS400 would be my three sanders if I could only have 3 to choose from.  It excels at lots of things, even though it is big.  It did take 10 hours to break-in properly, but now it is smooth running.  I love it.

Scot
 
+1 to what ScottF says.  So pleasant to use.
Depends what you're wanting to sand of course.

Fwiw - I'm fortunate in having the RS100 (5mm stroke) as well.
Since getting it, hardly ever use the RO150 at all.

Richard
 
The  RS200 is a great sander for larger panel work - especially when I am concerned about 'sanding through' the veneer in plywood.
I agree with ScotF regarding the break in period.
Initially it took a bit of getting used to control the direction of travel.
 
Can't seem to remember anybody ever saying anything bad about the RS 200. Been dubbed The Caddilac of the Festool sanders.
 
Re R200. Had a look today, it's still at the Festool Dealer.

While there, I was given a full demo of a Kapex 120. I give my Makita 12 months! Or less!

Big purchase for the day, guide rail deflector for A$24.00. Already used this afternoon as I was cutting Masonite sheets with my  T55REQ. And I didn't  have to wrap the power cord and vacuum hose across my shoulders. Too easy!

Thanks to all who posted, you certainly will assist some future Festool purchasing.
 
Can RS2 owners comment on the dust collection? I've seen mixed reviews but nothing from a dedicated Festool group. I am deciding between it and the Makita 1/2 sheet sander.
 
I ended up getting the Makita 1/2 sheet finish sander, the one with 2.4mm stroke. When comparing it with the R200 I could not justify another $400 Australian dollars. I am ahead now on my quest for a Kapex. I am not saying do not buy the RS2/RS200, only that   I could not justify the cost given expected use. The Makita has done around 5 hours and I am happy. Probably slightly more vibration but not an issue. CT 22E is collecting dust at 1/3 setting.
 
redbirdone said:
Can RS2 owners comment on the dust collection? I've seen mixed reviews but nothing from a dedicated Festool group. I am deciding between it and the Makita 1/2 sheet sander.
Click to expand...

I use all of my sanders with vacuum. I use my RS2 for tabletops sanding. The dust collection is superb!

 
Been using the RS-2 on table tops and raised panels for quite sometime now and I find the dust collection to be great
 
Thanks for all the feedback.  Dust collection is my #2 priority (right tool for the job is #1 [smile]).  I have really bad allergies.  Allergic to pretty much every tree, grass and weed species.  The DC is what drew me to Festool once my doctor and I figured out the root of my problems and things have been much better.

My only issue with why spend $200 more for the RS2 over the Makita is that the paper hole design is the same on the surface of the pad, so how is Festool's DC better?  For other sanders I own Festool's are designed more efficiently for DC (hole in center of pad being biggest difference).  For the sheet sander I don't see how the Festool could be that much more efficient in dust collection vs. the Makita if the DC collection system is the same.  Unfortunately the only Festool dealer within 2 hours is Woodcraft and, shockingly, they don't have one in stock for me to demo.  Don't get me wrong, I'm as much of a green kool-aid drinker as anyone, but that's because the products I own are head and shoulders better than the rest.
 
After much deliberation I decided to pass on the RS2...and get the RTS 400...it's a good compromise for me right now.
 
redbirdone said:
My only issue with why spend $200 more for the RS2 over the Makita is that the paper hole design is the same on the surface of the pad, so how is Festool's DC better?  For other sanders I own Festool's are designed more efficiently for DC (hole in center of pad being biggest difference).  For the sheet sander I don't see how the Festool could be that much more efficient in dust collection vs. the Makita if the DC collection system is the same. 
Click to expand...

The effectiveness of the DC is not only determined by the holes in the paper. It is also important how the dust is channeled through the sander and what kind of internal fan is used to help the dust on its way. I don't know about the Makita and haven't used the RS200 myself, but what I do know from Festool's other orbital sanders I do have used (RTS400, RTS300, RTS100, DTS400), is that they do the DC very well.
 
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