Sander for luthiery... RO 125 FEQ or ETS 125 EQ?

[herbsandspices]

Hi all,

First post to the forum - I've been soaking up so much information the past week on the FOG, that I decided to register and participate, as I just bought a CT Midi vacuum!

I am just getting started in luthiery - specifically, building smaller instruments (ukulele & mandolin), and have the fun advantage of starting out with very little power tools, so I want to get a sander (or two?) to compliment my newly-acquired CT Midi.

I want to stick to the 5" format, as ukulele's, mandolins, and even guitars, are all rather small. It seems like ETS 125 is amazing for finishing, especially on smaller work surfaces, although reviews have mentioned that it's slower for removing a lot of material. So then I'm thinking the RO 125 might be a good option for everything but finishing, although it's apparently not too shabby at finishing either. However, since I'm working with pretty thin pieces of wood, I don't know if the RO 125 would be overkill, so maybe just the ETS 125?

While "buy both" is an option, it's an option I'd rather avoid if I don't need 'em both. ;D

Your opinions are of great value to me... I'm happy I found Festool and FOG!

Best,
john

 

[nickao]

For Luthier the RO is over kill. I do not like the ETS 125, but for Luthier work it will be great.

You do not want to burn through the thin material you will be using and the RO can burn through an 1/8" of material pretty quick if you lose concentration, which of course can ruin material for a luthier piece.

 

[Neill]

I agree with Nick regarding the RO 125 being overkill.  Even though smaller than the RO 150 it was made for larger surfaces and is still pretty aggressive.  The ETS 125 would be a better choice.  I have both the 125's.  I have control issues with the RO 125 that I do not have with the ETS 125.

I also have the LS 130 that is a less aggressive sander.  The choice of various concave, convex, and flat profiles including a "make your own" might better suit your needs.

Neill

 

[nickao]

Can you imagine the RO taking a hop on a nearly finished violin work piece you worked all day on!

 

[Jimhart]

John,

I've crossed paths recently with a couple of guitar makers. I came away with the impression that uniform stock thickness was very high on their list.
If you don't have a drum sander, you might want to find a company in your area that's willing to run stock through one for you.

As far as the finish sanding, I'd second the vote for the ETS 125/3.

Not sure I agree with the LS130 recommendation. I picked one up recently and loved it for what I used it for. It's a linear sander great for straight runs, specifically when there are contours or shaping. It might be great for the necks of the instrument, where you could sand with the grain, rounding the back of the neck.  On the flat surfaces, you would be going cross grain too much if you were to use it around the edges. You would have to come back with something else to remove the scratches.
I may be all wet, but I don't anticipate using it on flat surfaces.

Jim

 

[herbsandspices]

Wow,
So many great responses already!
I'm glad the consensus is to get the ETS 125 - cause it's a heckuva lot cheaper! ;D
Jim, I wish I could have a drum sander, but my "shop" more closely resembles a "dining room" than anything else. No room in my little Chicago apartment for bigger tools. :-[ Although, my father has a nicely-equipped shop up in Wisconsin that I could use when needed. As for uniform stock thickness, you're right on that! I'm looking at getting a nice deep-throat thickness dial caliper just for that reason.
Thanks guys - I'm thinking the ETS 125 EQ might be the way to go!
john

 

[nickao]

You can get a little 10" drum sander that sands up to 20" wide here:

10" Jet Drum Sander

I have seem them go for a little less than 500.00 used on ebay.

This has a VERY small footprint and can easily sit on a kitchen table and is not loud because of it induction motor(louder when you actually sand). Like the size of a big toaster oven at most, but  much smaller than a normal microwave. 74lbs

You will need it and once you have a drum sander you will never give it up.

 

[herbsandspices]

Thanks for the link, Nick - looks like a great unit, especially considering its size and price! Still a bit too big and heavy for my situation Nick... or should I say, too big for she who must be obeyed! As it is, I'm pushing my luck already by using power tools on her dining room table. Hopefully in the next few years I'll be able to find a place that will allow me to have a small workshop. Until then, all smaller tools for me.

Thanks,
john

 

[Bob Marino]

John,

I agree with the others - for what you are doing, the ETS 125 is the ticket.

Bob

 

[herbsandspices]

John,

I agree with the others - for what you are doing, the ETS 125 is the ticket.

Bob

Bob,
That's good - cause I just ordered one (along with some other fun stuff) from YOU! ;D
Thanks a lot,
John