Sander won't quit. Need Suggestions

Dick Mahany

Member
Joined
Jan 8, 2016
Messages
555
I have been wanting to get a new Festool Sander for a long time. The only problem is that my 20+ year old PC333 just won't die.  I have replaced one or two pads over the years and all in, I have less than $100US over that time.  My wife and CFO saw the price of the Festool sander [eek].  She purchased mine, so she knows what it originally cost.  I need need to make a convincing justification of why I need a new one when this one just won't quit.  Any  suggestions ?  [crying]

[attachimg=1]
 

Attachments

  • PC333.jpg
    PC333.jpg
    364.7 KB · Views: 657
If you drop it often enough - Or from high enough - Or spill Titebond (I, II, or III) in the housing - IT WILL STOP - Permanently.
These maneuvers are best done alone (I.e. Sans the “CFO”)

I learned this long ago, when I opined to my new secretary, that our old (ancient) fax machine didn’t have any of the features of the newest models.
The next morning, she told me that we needed to requisition a new model.
The old (ancient) model, usually located on a table in our supply room -
Was laying on the floor in pieces.  [big grin]
Wonderful, resourceful woman - Worked for me until I retired - 26 years later.
She never missed “maxing” a raise. Worth every penny. [smile]

As for justifying Festool’s price for a new sander -
20 years of inflation - From the original’s $100 price - Ought to get you “close”.
And...
You can tell her that you need to buy it as soon as possible -
Because Festool products go up in price 5% every year.  [wink]
 
How well does the CT SYS pick up dust from your PC? If it leaves dust residue on the workpiece then it is also discharging even smaller particles into your lungs. Although the Festool won’t be perfect it might be a significant improvement and that improvement might be the key to success with your CFO. Besides I see a lot of great Festool tools in the background of your pictures so you clearly know how to work with your board of directors😊.
 
What a terrible situation where you have to ask permission to spend your money.  [huh]

Sorry, but if you're wife stands between you and your new Festool sander, she just has to go.  [wink]
 
Dust collection seems a likely upgrade with a Festool. With that, the lifespan of your abrasives should also increase. And I don't know how vibration levels are on that PC but most Festools have quite low levels which prevent nerve damage. Perhaps even finish quality would improve?
 
Talk her into taking a “test drive.”  You’ve got thirty days.  If she does a side by side comparison and notices the differences then it will be her idea to keep it or send it back.

Peter
 
Peter Halle said:
Talk her into taking a “test drive.”  You’ve got thirty days.  If she does a side by side comparison and notices the differences then it will be her idea to keep it or send it back.

Peter

[member=59951]Dick Mahany[/member]

I would also discuss with her the advantages of Festools practically vibration free sanders, compared to the sanders of 20 years ago, and the potential damage excessive vibration can cause.  Here is an interesting article that will get you started on the subject:
http://www.vibrosense.eu/knowledge-bank/medical-background/hand-arm-vibration-injuries
 
You have never accidentally cut something you shouldn't like a cord, cause you had to just do a quick cut on a crowded bench.  Or more direct, drop it in a bucket of water.
 
This accidental sabotage could backfire.  It begs the question "What if the same accident happens again, would you prefer it to happen to a $100 sander or a $300 sander?".  [tongue]
 
RKA said:
This accidental sabotage could backfire.  It begs the question "What if the same accident happens again, would you prefer it to happen to a $100 sander or a $300 sander?".  [tongue]

Go for the cord then, at least the Festool one is swappable
 
Thanks all for the suggestions.  I like the idea of the 30 day trial, but unfortunately my local Festool store went out of business earlier this year.

[member=60452]McNally Family[/member] thank you for the article link.  I do have several of the symptoms described and thought it was just a part of the aging process.  Looks like there is more to it than I had realized.
 
RKA said:
This accidental sabotage could backfire.  It begs the question "What if the same accident happens again, would you prefer it to happen to a $100 sander or a $300 sander?".  [tongue]

Get one of the EC sanders, the brushless motors are more robust to things like dust and water. [tongue]
The plug-it cord is replaceable or to really throw the cat among the pigeons, there is always the option of the new 18v sanders with optional power adapter, if anything happens to the cable still have batteries [big grin]
 
Jmacpherson said:
RKA said:
This accidental sabotage could backfire.  It begs the question "What if the same accident happens again, would you prefer it to happen to a $100 sander or a $300 sander?".  [tongue]

Get one of the EC sanders, the brushless motors are more robust to things like dust and water. [tongue]
The plug-it cord is replaceable or to really throw the cat among the pigeons, there is always the option of the new 18v sanders with optional power adapter, if anything happens to the cable still have batteries [big grin]

I can't recommend the ETS EC enough.  The first time I used it was like a religious experience - I had no idea a sander could perform so well while feeling like it wasn't even powered on.  I was able to do far more work the very first day just due to the low vibration.  However it's still a very powerful sander, obviously not like a Rotex but for a small finish sander I was able to clean up some spots on my hardwood floors that no other hand/palm sander could even touch.
 
Dick Mahany said:
Thanks all for the suggestions.  I like the idea of the 30 day trial, but unfortunately my local Festool store went out of business earlier this year.

[member=60452]McNally Family[/member] thank you for the article link.  I do have several of the symptoms described and thought it was just a part of the aging process.  Looks like there is more to it than I had realized.

That will only work to your strengths.  Discuss ordering one under the 30 day program.  Get her to try it our and see what it does.  If she decides to return, then the dreaded "I didn't see that I would have to pay return shipping to the dealer" comes in.  She won't want to pay that.

Just a thought.

Peter
 
Not difficult..... Discuss the value of your lungs. If it needs to be financial discuss the cost of medical treatment through long term exposure. Or you should calculate out happiness over time. Happiness should be of great value to her.... :)
 
Back
Top