Teaser: Positioning Aid 205316

[Cheese]

“ It was relatively slow going using 240 grit Granat, so I decided to swap out the ETSC for the DTSC...still using 240 Granat the job went 50%-70% faster, Then I noticed this.”

Seriously? The tiny orbit sander was faster that the random orbit sander?

Unfortunately that was the case Michael.  [sad]

My original thought was to clamp the Pro 5 in the unit and use it exclusively for edge sanding...the reason being if you remove the bottom insert from the Systainer, everything fits inside as a nice package. There's also room for sandpaper and some extra bases with extra covers.

[attachimg=1]

 

[afish]

“ It was relatively slow going using 240 grit Granat, so I decided to swap out the ETSC for the DTSC...still using 240 Granat the job went 50%-70% faster, Then I noticed this.”

Seriously? The tiny orbit sander was faster that the random orbit sander?

Yes this seems to go against any of my logic as well. I agree if the DTS/RTS works better the RTS is probably the better choice paper wise you can probably get 3-4 uses from one sheet if you really wanted. Plus more surface contact with the edge.  What  hardness pads are you using?

Cheese was the small 45° break put on with the DTS too? looks good.

 

[Cheese]

What  hardness pads are you using?

Cheese was the small 45° break put on with the DTS too? looks good.

Unfortunately the ETS/DTS/RTS series only have soft pads available.  [sad]

Yes, the 45º break was using the DTS with 240 Granat. You have to be real careful and use a light touch or you'll remove more material than you want. Although you could go up to a 320 or 400 grit. I think for this application using the ETS would be a better option.

 

[Peter_C]

My original thought was to clamp the Pro 5 in the unit and use it exclusively for edge sanding...the reason being if you remove the bottom insert from the Systainer, everything fits inside as a nice package. There's also room for sandpaper and some extra bases with extra covers.

Well if it still fits in a Sys2 that is perfect. I can make a plastic insert to secure the edge guide and sander as a unit, fit out a section to hold sandpaper that will be used and call it a day. Thanks!

 

[nclemmons]

Just a thought - could you not make a 1” wood block or even one from a cork sanding block that would elevate the RTS / RTSC to better use the width of the sandpaper as you worked.  Not sure if you could use Velcro to adhere one to the base of the positioning aid.  But that would maintain a perpendicular edge guide while allowing more of the sandpaper to be used.

 

[Cheese]

Well if it still fits in a Sys2 that is perfect. I can make a plastic insert to secure the edge guide and sander as a unit, fit out a section to hold sandpaper that will be used and call it a day. Thanks!

It's a tight fit but it does fit inside and the cover will close with a little persuasion.

If you make an insert I'd be interested in what it looks like. [big grin]

I really like the idea of being able to hold extra sheets of paper in the Systainer. I've done that with the SurFix Systainer, a 10-pack of 150 discs and a 10-pack of 240 discs always at hand, convenient is an understatement.

 

[Alan m]

Just a thought - could you not make a 1” wood block or even one from a cork sanding block that would elevate the RTS / RTSC to better use the width of the sandpaper as you worked.  Not sure if you could use Velcro to adhere one to the base of the positioning aid.  But that would maintain a perpendicular edge guide while allowing more of the sandpaper to be used.

great idea.
you could make it like a craidle around the normal pad that would slide on and off easily.

 

[08G8V8]

Looks like a small amount of trimming will be required to fit the RTS 400 REQ.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Michael Kellough]

“ It was relatively slow going using 240 grit Granat, so I decided to swap out the ETSC for the DTSC...still using 240 Granat the job went 50%-70% faster, Then I noticed this.”

Seriously? The tiny orbit sander was faster that the random orbit sander?

[member=44099]Cheese[/member]  back to the random orbit sander being slower than the orbital...

I’ve noticed when using my Festool random orbit sanders that when I lift the sander off the work the pad stops rotating, or only spins weakly. The pad on my Bosch r.o. sander continues to spin when lifted from the work. If the pad isn’t spinning when using the Positioning Aid it won’t do as much work. Do you recall if it was? If not maybe it needs more lateral pressure than the orbital sanders.

 

[Cheese]

Looks like a small amount of trimming will be required to fit the RTS 400 REQ.

Are you going to be trimming it? If so I’d be interested in the results.  [smile]

 

[Cheese]

[member=44099]Cheese[/member]  back to the random orbit sander being slower than the orbital...

I’ve noticed when using my Festool random orbit sanders that when I lift the sander off the work the pad stops rotating, or only spins weakly. The pad on my Bosch r.o. sander continues to spin when lifted from the work. If the pad isn’t spinning when using the Positioning Aid it won’t do as much work. Do you recall if it was? If not maybe it needs more lateral pressure than the orbital sanders.

That’s good info Michael, I’ll install both the ETSC and the Pro 5 and report back tomorrow. I was being pretty carefull with the ETSC because the DTSC in comparison was really removing a lot of material.

 

[Svar]

Of topic, but I always maintained that most hand tools should have standard mounting points. None of this mismatch (not to mention ghastly bulky design) would be happening if there were a couple strategically placed threaded holes on the body (think of angle grinder, or most planers, Makita 9404, and yes, P1cc  [not worthy]).
When I buy tools mounting option (threaded holes, 43 mm collar, etc.) is always an important criteria. Because I know I'll end up attaching some kind of fence, guide, jig, extra grip, or mounting the tool in a stand.

 

[mkasdin]

I will never forgive them for now making this one work or a version for the ETS EC 150.

the orbit on the ETS/Pro5 is 2.2mm. The ETs EC is 3.0mm this might have been part of FT decision. Easier to hold the sander to the project without chasing the sander?  The connection might have been easier. Since I got the ETS EC 125 I’ve had far less use for the Pro5. So I like the idea of repurposing the ETS as a dedicated sheet good edge sander!

 

[08G8V8]

Looks like a small amount of trimming will be required to fit the RTS 400 REQ.

Are you going to be trimming it? If so I’d be interested in the results.  [smile]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ChuckM]

Installed my aid in one of the Pro5s and gave it a quick test run using the mesh abrasive (120x) at 60* (but without dust extraction). Observations:

1) The factory setting was dead-on. No need to adjust the angle scale.
2) The edge profile was uniform (for comparison, one edge was chamfered with a plane)
3) The mounted sander couldn't fit in the Pro5 Ltd systainer. The aid was disassembled so it could be stored with the sander
4) The user manual isn't really that good, and a couple of drawings are confusing. Festool has a lot to learn from Ikea in this respect.

 

[HarveyWildes]

Mine is on the way.  My favorite sander is the ETS EC 150 EQ, but I have a couple of Pro 5's, and the plan was to use up of the 5" sandpaper supply and then sell them or give them to kids/grandkids.  Now I'll have to keep at least one, and start to replenish my supply of 5" paper.

For those of you that have one, what are some of the cool, maybe unexpected, things you've done with it?

 

[Cheese]

I removed the Systainer insert from the Pro 5 and everything fits inside nicely, including some room for extra sandpaper and extra velour linings.

[attachimg=1]

When the top is lowered there is just a 1 mm gap which completely closes with just a small extra amount of force.

[attachimg=2]

 

[ChuckM]

Snip.
For those of you that have one, what are some of the cool, maybe unexpected, things you've done with it?

Not sure if it's considered cool, but I used it today to chamfer ends (at 10*).

 

[ChuckM]

I removed the Systainer insert from the Pro 5 and everything fits inside nicely, including some room for extra sandpaper and extra velour linings.

When the top is lowered there is just a 1 mm gap which completely closes with just a small extra amount of force.

You're right, Cheese. After retrying a couple of times, I can now store the combo in the case in certain position.