What sanders do I need?

[Dave Ronyak]

I must first state I don't have a Festool sander. Next, I find it impossible to believe the exaggerations I've just read on this thread. Being 'shaken to death' being one. For goodness sake, some folk might be considering buying a sander. Are Festool sanders worth the extra money? Do they do a better job? Let's try to be objective. We don't want to hear why we should buy one just because YOU did! Personally, given the amount of time I spend using an orbital sander I don't mind if it vibrates a bit........my Mrs would love it!

Since you state you don't own a Festool sander, do you think you should comment on the quality of the Festool sanders? The answer to your questions are yes. I have 5 PC sanders that I haven't picked up since buying my 7 Festool sanders. 

I'm almost with you, Les.  I have several Bosch and Milwaukee and Craftsman commercial sanders, but since trying and buying my first Festool sander (and RO 125) I have added several more and seldom use the non-Festool sanders.  The only exception is the Bosch 4x24 belt sander since none of the Festool sanders I have can fully duplicate its rapid linear sanding action I want for some operations.  Even though the Bosch 1/6 sheet pad sander I purchased a couple of years ago was then one of their newest models and advertised as transmitting relatively low vibration to the operator's hand, my hands would become numb after 30 - 45 minutes of use, and after reading about the risk of permanent nerve damage, I tried some Festool sanders.  There is still some vibration transmitted to my hands, but it is much lower and I don't begin to get any "tingley numb" feeling in my hands until I have used my LS 130, ETS 125, Deltex 93 or ETS 125 much, much longer (usually until I am simply too tired to continue sanding).

I suggest to everyone to simply go and try some comparisons yourself and then decide!

Dave R.

Dave R.

 

[poto]

I'm with you, Dave. My old Makita 5 inch RO sander would make my hands numb in less than an hour. This past weekend I used the Festool RO125 for probably 4 hours straight, and had nary a tingle in the fingers. This was the first time I had used it, and I was very, very impressed. Not to mention the lack of dust everywhere - including my nose. Worth every penny!

 

[nickao]

I must first state I don't have a Festool sander. Next, I find it impossible to believe the exaggerations I've just read on this thread. Being 'shaken to death' being one. For goodness sake, some folk might be considering buying a sander. Are Festool sanders worth the extra money? Do they do a better job? Let's try to be objective. We don't want to hear why we should buy one just because YOU did! Personally, given the amount of time I spend using an orbital sander I don't mind if it vibrates a bit........my Mrs would love it!

Since you state you don't own a Festool sander, do you think you should comment on the quality of the Festool sanders? The answer to your questions are yes. I have 5 PC sanders that I haven't picked up since buying my 7 Festool sanders. 

Les I agree, except for my one old model 5" PC sander. For  whatever reason the 5" PC gives me just as good or even a better finish then the ETS 125 when hooked up to my Fein Turbo III or Ct33. The new model PC - 5" for some reason does not give the same results, but the old one piece model is still my go to sander when I need a little 5". Every other sander I use are the Festools.

It may be that I just know how to work that little PC sander to get the best out of it. But for me it leaves no little pigtails whatsoever and the ETS 125 does, unless I go down 1 or 2 grits finer than what I use on the little PC.

To compare or talk bad or good  about the Festool sanders on this forum without ever owning one and using it on one if not several projects is ridiculous.

I want to hear Brice's opinion on his use, I can then disagree or agree. It helps people decide on which sanders are best for them. Exaggerations, what are you talking about Woodentop. I have used plenty of sanders that have shaken me to the bone. I guess I just sand a whole lot more than you do. The Festools are awfully smooth and they do make a tremendous difference.

nickao

 

[dltflt]

Yes, I do like my PC but there is no dust collection.  When bought it the dust hood was out of stock or discontinued.  My main reason for changing to the Festool is the dust collection for health reasons.  Quality of the finish is also at the top of my list reason.  The vibration is definitely a factor, I have also had that numb feeling after sanding for long periods.

It is so nice to be able to talk to other users before buying a tool, especially one that the cost is substantial.  The knowledge and quality people here on the FOG is phenomenal.

 

[nickao]

There is dust collection for PC 1/2 Sheet sander. It is an add on shroud that goes around the pad and only collects that dust, not  through the pad. I had one at one time. I do not know if they still make it, but it did not work that well anyway Don.

nickao

 

[Jim Becker]

Don, the 150/3 is my go-to sander 90+% of the time...I only use my RO150 when I need it's special properties because it's a difficult machine to one-hand. But when you need it...it kicks!

 

[Les]

Don, the 150/3 is my go-to sander 90+% of the time...I only use my RO150 when I need it's special properties because it's a difficult machine to one-hand. But when you need it...it kicks!

Same thing for me.  ;D

 

[Ned]

Don, the 150/3 is my go-to sander 90+% of the time...I only use my RO150 when I need it's special properties because it's a difficult machine to one-hand. But when you need it...it kicks!

Same thing for me.  ;D

That's three of us.

I just re-read the first post.  Don says he's got an RO150.  Among the ones he's looking at are the ETS 150/3 and the RS2.

I don't have an RS2, and so my enthusiasm for the ETS 150/3 shouldn't be taken as a claim that it would be a better choice for Don.

I do hope to try an RS2 in the near future.

 

[dltflt]

Hey guys the ETS150/3 and the RS2 will definitely be the first sanders I purchase.  But I will be getting the MFT3 and TS 75 first.

 

[The Woodentop]

Sorry Matthew.

 

[billybokay]

I recently used my older dewalt 5 inch ro sander that has been around awhile. Needed a small and soft pad and wanted to get rid of some old sandpaper. Can you say tingly?
Have not had that feeling in a while.

I just got the rs2 and I think I am going to love it.
First impressions are good, but with all things of high quality, it take some time to really appreciate it

 

[Toolpig]

I wouldn't overlook the DX93.  I'd considered the Multimaster instead of the Festool, but boy am I glad I got the DX93!  Wonderful dust collection and a MONSTER when it comes to serious removal of old finishes (i.e. paint, old varnish, etc.) in tight corners.  I used it as an edge sander when re-doing my white oak floors.  It's my favorite sander of the 4 Festools that I have.  Dust collection is superb.

TP

I have the RO150 and have been looking at what other sanders I might need/want.  I've been looking at the ETS150/3 for a finer finsh, LS130 for sanding coves and ogees, RTS400 for a small finish sander, and RS2 for a large finish sander.  I primarily build cabinets and finished woodwork.  I never do any painted projects.  I figure I will keep my Fein Multimaster instead of getting the DX93 since I don't use that very often and it does do a good job just no dust collection.  I don't see a need for the DTS400 because it looks like it does the same job as the DX93.