Which Festool sander to choose

[rh37]

Hey,

As a wodwoorking hobbyist and perfectionist I was sold to FESTOOL the minute I testet the TS55. Since then I've ended up with TS55R, paralell guides, MFT3, Domino, CTL26 and a Rotex90. I now need a sander for larger surfaces than the Rotex90 is suitable for, and have done lots of research, but I a'm still not sure which model will fit my requirements / usage, and I am hoping than the experienced FOG members can help me out.

The options I see as most relevant:

1) ETS150 / 3
2) ROTEX150

The tasks I need the sander for are as follows:

1) sanding veneered MDF and plywood sheet goods before oiling / varnishing
2) sanding solid oak sheet goods before oiling / varnishing
3) sanding between coats
4) sanding a staircase with untreated new wood (Douglas fur) to remove the "color" resulting from sun exposure prior to finishing
5) sanding unfinished corian sheets (will buy sheets and produce a counter top and other furniture parts from them) and possibly polishing it.

In other words, I mostly do finish work, and not so much paint removal or material removal.

I am familiar with the "dual mode" properties of the ROTEX and I am tempted by the versatility this will provide me. I have a ROTEX90 already and I am happy with it, but feel that it is a bit difficult to handle when I want too keep it  flat and stable. Hence I fear that the even more powerful ROTEX150 will bee too aggressive for my use on larger surfaces, whereas the ETS will be more balanced and easy to handle. However, I am not sure whether the ETS is suitable for sanding corian or if I need the power of ROTEX for this task.

I know the ROTEX is more expensive, but my local dealer has a ROTEX campaign theese days, so I am primarily interested in finding out which sander will suit my needs.

Does anyone have any experience around this and the opportunity to give me some advice?

 

[ajones]

Hi
sounds to me,that the 150/3 would be far more suited to your needs than the rotex, Why not think about the rts or dts 400 as they fit well in the tasks listed above.

Hi just noticed its your first post [welcome]to the fog

 

[Kev]

The big ROTEX is not the sander you are looking for (in my best obi wan kenobi).

The ETS150/3 is excellent, but unless you are doing "very fine" finishing, the EST150/5 is a better bet. I have both and I grabbed the ETS150/3 long after the /5 ... and I haven't fired the /3 up in anger much. Don't get me wrong on this - the /3 is a brilliant sander. On balance and range the ETS150/3 is probably Festool's BEST sander, but the /5 is quicker on the grits at the lower end.

I have a RO150 and it is also great, but I would want to be working flat horizontal if it was more than a few minutes. People seem to be divided on the ROTEX as a finishing scratch pattern, but I think it comes down to machine bulk and ergonomics - the movement on the sander itself can certainly perform great finishing.

 

[pghmyn]

This thread of mine may help you. It helped me to decide on the ETS150/5 - even though that is not how the thread started out.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/choosing-a-ct-vac/

 

[nclemmons]

I have both of the sanders you are considering.  I think the 150/3 is the choice for you.  Great handling and balance.  Far easier to sand sheet goods than the Rotex. 

Rotex is a 'do-it-all' unit but is more difficult to handle for extended periods.  It's a terrific alternative to belt sanding in the aggressive mode, and will do finish work. 

Either would work and do the job.  But I'd suggest the 150/3.

With the Festool guarantee, try the 150/3 and you can always return in 30 days.

neil

 

[Kev]

I have both of the sanders you are considering.  I think the 150/3 is the choice for you.  Great handling and balance.  Far easier to sand sheet goods than the Rotex. 

Rotex is a 'do-it-all' unit but is more difficult to handle for extended periods.  It's a terrific alternative to belt sanding in the aggressive mode, and will do finish work. 

Either would work and do the job.  But I'd suggest the 150/3.

With the Festool guarantee, try the 150/3 and you can always return in 30 days.

neil

Unfortunately for rh37, Norway is not a US state  [wink]

 

[promark747]

If sanding large, flat areas is the primary use, the RS2 might be the best choice.  Plus, its design allows you to use non-Festool papers (if desired) and still get the same dust collection.

 

[rh37]

Thanks for providing very useful input. Once again the FOG proves to be a great source of information  [smile] Any experience with using the ETS150/3 for corian sanding among the FOG members? Does it have sufficient power, or is the ROTEX needed for this task?

I'll probably order the 150/3 next week, along with some packs of abrasives. Any suggestions as to what grits I should get. As I mentioned in the initial post I will be sanding sheet goods which has a rather smooth surface from the start. What kind of abrasives do I need for corian? Think I've read about Titan, but it is rather expensive and does only come in large packs.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I think that the 150/3 is a great choice in sander and I would probably opt for Granat abrasives in the various grits.  I am sure that there are some solid surface experts that will recommend what you need for Corian.  I think that 240, 320 and 400 would be good for sanding plywood.  I also suggest that you look at the RS2E at some point if you plan on doing lots of big area sanding -- this sander excels at that task and I have sanded plywood and did not worry about burning through the veneer like I do when I use an RO sander.  Just my .02.

Scot