sanding doors

[RoyCameron]

So I just sold my drum sander, I am looking at getting a decent random orbit to use for sanding doors.  I currently have a Makita BO 5031k which is a nice little sander but not aggressive enough to remove mill marks and flattening joints.  What is it like operating a rotax  150 for an hour straight?  would I be better of with the Deros or Festools DC sander.?  I am a one man shop that builds about 50 doors a month on average.  My door joints are usually pretty flat, I try to keep the stub tenons and grooves within a few thousands.
thanks

 

[Ivan T]

Roy, if your in the USA get a RO 150 and try it for the 30 days and return it if not satisfied. Festool offers the 30 day return and with your workload seems like you will give it a good workout. You will have to buy abrasives but you can probably sell any you don't use here on the classifieds.

 

[Holmz]

...  would I be better of with the Deros or Festools DC sander.?  ...

I have a DEROS 5650 (5"/6") 5-mm stroke combo. The ETS/EC 150/5 only differs in color and that the switch is not a paddle.

Either one is stunning, and I got the DEROS as we are in 230v.

Unless you are in Rotary mode, the ETS/EC is faster.
If you need more, then a belt sander is another option.

 

[junk731]

Roy I would start with the ETS EC 150/5 and get the blue pad for what you're doing. Its light and very easy to work with. I started with the older ETS 150 and have been using the new unit for a year now and find there a very few things it can't tackle. The one thing seldom mentioned is the instant stop feature of the brushless motor. The saves a lot of time during long sanding sessions.

John

 

[Oldwood]

When I had to sell my stroke sander due to space considerations I got a RO 150 and a ETS 150.
I think the RO will be necessary if you need to sand mill marks off of lumber. The ETS is a great finish sander and I use it sanding between finish coats mostly.

Gerry

 

[ear3]

I've sanded for multiple hours with the RO150 in geared mode -- it can be done.  But for your application, I would think the ETS-EC 150/5 is more of a fit.  As Holmz says, it's actually faster than the RO150 operated in RO mode -- just not in geared mode, but I would imagine you wouldn't want to be that aggressive on your doors.

...  would I be better of with the Deros or Festools DC sander.?  ...

I have a DEROS 5650 (5"/6") 5-mm stroke combo. The ETS/EC 150/5 only differs in color and that the switch is not a paddle.

Either one is stunning, and I got the DEROS as we are in 230v.

Unless you are in Rotary mode, the ETS/EC is faster.
If you need more, then a belt sander is another option.

 

[ArtisanWoodworksAndDesign]

You might find orbital (not RO) better suited to door work with flat panels and mixed grain directions at the joints. RTS 400 or RS 2E depending on the appropriate pad size. Less chance of making scallops/low spots like the round pads of RO sanders can easily do. Otherwise, look into getting a smoothing plane, which I think is faster.

 

[Holmz]

You might find orbital (not RO) better suited to door work with flat panels and mixed grain directions at the joints. RTS 400 or RS 2E depending on the appropriate pad size. Less chance of making scallops/low spots like the round pads of RO sanders can easily do. Otherwise, look into getting a smoothing plane, which I think is faster.

You have a point.
I like the scraper and plane.

There are only a few orbital 1/2-sheet sanders that are high power (>400W).
The belt sander in a frame is another possibility for retaining flatness.

 

[RoyCameron]

Thanks for all the help.  I decided to go with the ETS EC 150/5.  I also order a hard pad for it, along with 80 and 120 grit.  I guess if it doesnt work I can always return it in 30 days.