RS2e Sander

[greg mann]

I bought this tool a few weeks ago and have found it to be very nice to use. It covers significantly more real estate than the 150 ROSs and can get into corners at least as well as the smaller, more aggressive rectangular sander(RS400). The orbit is 2.5mm, making it possible to achieve very fine finishes, yet it is pretty aggressive with 50 or 80 grit paper. I would guess that it does not get a lot of attention because the RS400 sander is less expensive but I really see a lot of potential for this machine. The extra length should really help on panel doors where the panel is flush to the frame, making it easier to bridge the gap and keep the sander under control. It is very smooth and easy on the hands as well.

Greg

 

[Lou Miller]

That sander is probably the next Festool purchase for me. You're not the first I've heard speak highly of it.

 

[mysterium]

Lou,
Like Greg I am very happy with the RS2e, covers lots of area & the extra surface keeps things flat.  Good balance, low vibration & good dust extraction....  What's not to like!
jim

 

[Bob Marino]

Greg,

It seems half sheet sanders in general have been eclipsed in sales by the ros's. However, the RS2e is one of Festool's hidden gems. But maybe the word is getting out - I have sold more RS2e in the last 6 months than I have in the last 4 years. Highly recommend it.

Bob

 

[Lou Miller]

Greg,

It seems half sheet sanders in general have been eclipsed in sales by the ros's. However, the RS2e is one of Festool's hidden gems. But maybe the word is getting out - I have sold more RS2e in the last 6 months than I have in the last 4 years. Highly recommend it.

Bob

That's because everyone already has the RO's.  ;D

 

[Tim Sproul]

  It seems half sheet sanders in general have been eclipsed in sales by the ros's.

Why?  Speed.  The RS2 doesn't hold a candle to the RO150 in terms of speed (and that isn't the RO in rotary mode).  IME, the RS2 is more stable - harder to sand in dips or crowns compared to the RO and the RS2 works better when leveling joints in frames.  I think every good shop should have both - an ROS and a half-sheet sander.  Of course, those should be Festools but I'd take other brands if money was limited.

Tim

 

[nsecrist]

Bob,

Since we are discussing the 1/2-sheet RS2E sander, I have a quick question.  How come this sander doesn't use the interchangeable, twist lock power cord that most of the other sanders use?  This sander has a fixed power cord that is permanently attached - No twist-lock. 

That is one thing that I really like about my other Festool Sanders - I don't have a tangled mess of power cords laying around - I just keep one cord plugged into the CT22 extractor when I move from one sander to the other.

Inquiring minds want to know.......

Thanks

Nate

 

[greg mann]

Bob,

Since we are discussing the 1/2-sheet RS2E sander, I have a quick question.  How come this sander doesn't use the interchangeable, twist lock power cord that most of the other sanders use?  This sander has a fixed power cord that is permanently attached - No twist-lock. 

That is one thing that I really like about my other Festool Sanders - I don't have a tangled mess of power cords laying around - I just keep one cord plugged into the CT22 extractor when I move from one sander to the other.

Inquiring minds want to know.......

The RS2e predates the intro of the interchangeable cord era. Festool has decided it is not worthwhile to re-engineer the older tools. Can't have everything.

Greg

Thanks

Nate

 

[Bob Marino]

I suppose it's speed - to a certain degree. Anyhow, Greg is exactly correct regading the cords.

Bob

 

[Michael Kellough]

What is the current situation regarding quick-lock pigtail upgrades?
Will we ever get them here?

 

[mysterium]

Like Michael, I too would like the pigtail upgrades. 

I could use I believe 4 pigtails; 2 - 18 gauge for sanders #  RS 2 E, DX 93 E  And 2 - 16 gauge for my saws AFT 55 & AFT 65

Before I started using the Plug-it power cord every day, I really didn't think it was much more than a gimmick...  Now when I use a tool without it is a pain in the ......

jim

 

[Lou Miller]

I wouldn't mind getting pigtails for my RO150 and my DX93. The detachable cord isn't something that meant much to me when I bought the RO, but I quickly came to realize it was a nice feature after using the 150/3, TS55, and OF1400. The DX I needed to finish a job with and I didn't care about the cord at all, I just wanted to get done. 

 

[Bob Marino]

What is the current situation regarding quick-lock pigtail upgrades?
Will we ever get them here?

Michale,

I don't think we will see them here.

Bob

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Apparently most of the projects I have worked on are quite different - smaller surfaces - than many of yours.  I have a Milwaukee 1/2 sheet sander that is nearly a virgin given how little use it gets.  Of course, its dust collection is not as good as Festool, since it uses a snap on shroud.  I'm quite satisfied with my RO 125, DX 93 and LS 130 for which I also have the wide flat sanding pad and other accessories.

 

[Joe Jensen]

I have the RO150, RS400, ETS 150/3, and RS2 E.  The ETS 150/3 and RS2 E are just amazing.  So smooth and nearly vibration free.  To be honest, after starting with the RS2 E, the RO150 and RS400 are a bit of a letdown.  The dust collection is amazing on all, but for me, the RO150 and RS400 vibation levels are similar to my old sanders.  Not so with the RS2 E and RS400.

Highly recommended...joe

 

[3mbjts]

With the RS2 E can you use non stickfix abrasives without changing the pad? I'm not sure on how the abrasive gets attached to the sander. Is it like a normal Half sheet sander?
Mike

 

[Brice Burrell]

With the RS2 E can you use non stickfix abrasives without changing the pad? I'm not sure on how the abrasive gets attached to the sander. Is it like a normal Half sheet sander?
Mike

Mike, yes it's like a normal half sander also. This is from my review on the RS 2 E.

To use a standard half sheet of sandpaper, lift the lever to open the jaws of the spring clamp and slide in the paper. The lever/jaws can be locked open to make it a little easier to attach the paper. Once the paper in on the sander, use the hole punch (sold as an accessory part # 481523) to the make holes for dust extraction.

 

[3mbjts]

Thanks Brice,
That helps a lot. Nice web site.
Mike

 

[Brice Burrell]

Thanks Brice,
That helps a lot. Nice web site.
Mike

You are welcome, glad you like the site.

Here's a small picture of the hole punch, from the Festool USA site.

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Brice,

How well does the hole punch work?  I have a Bosch 1/4 sheet orbital sander that came with a hole punch, which IMO only does a so-so job.  The Sander itself is OK and has a convenient springy lever clamp system, making it easy to load paper.

Dave R.