Which Sander next

[sroxberg]

I'm hooked on Festool sanders and want to purchase another unit.

I currently have the 150/5 6" sander that I'm using for everything. I've borrowed and test drove a Rotex 150 EQ recently and really like it.

I make furniture and cabinets mostly.

The Rotex will use the same 6" paper supply but beyond providing me with a more aggresive sanding action to I really get that much over my 150/5?

The 150/3 has a smaller stroke and will still use my 6" paper, but will I notice that big of a difference in the finished surface by switching to this sander for the final grit or two?

The 125 has a very fine stroke, and a nice small size which would be nice. I'd have to buy some 5" paper but that's not a big deal, and I'd probably only use it on the higher grits anyway.

What about their square or rectangle sanders, if what I'm after is a really good finish surface which one would you guys/gals recommend?

 

[ejantny]

I too am hooked on the sanders.
I have the RO150, the RS400 and DX93. I've been contemplating the LS130 for the past couple of weeks. Still undecided.

 

[Lou Miller]

I'd look at the RS 2 E half sheet sander, or maybe the DX93 for corner work. The Rotex is a great sander, but its doesn't get a ton of use in my shop. I use it for anything that I need really aggressive sanding on and that's it. I have the 150/3 which is awesome for fine finish work, but I don't think you'd see a major difference between that and the 150/5 you currently have. Just me, but I'm not a big fan of the 125 sanders.

I've got the 150/3 ETS, an RO150 and a DX93 now. The next two sanders I'm going to pick up are the RS 2E and the LS130.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I have the RO 125, ES125 and the ETS150/3, I'm thinking and the DS400 or the DX93, maybe the RS2E.

  Somehow it seems that I use my ES125 the most, funny, I didn't think I would use it as much as I have when I purchase it.

 

[Joe Jensen]

I'm hooked on Festool sanders and want to purchase another unit.

I currently have the 150/5 6" sander that I'm using for everything. I've borrowed and test drove a Rotex 150 EQ recently and really like it.

I make furniture and cabinets mostly.

The Rotex will use the same 6" paper supply but beyond providing me with a more aggresive sanding action to I really get that much over my 150/5?

The 150/3 has a smaller stroke and will still use my 6" paper, but will I notice that big of a difference in the finished surface by switching to this sander for the final grit or two?

The 125 has a very fine stroke, and a nice small size which would be nice. I'd have to buy some 5" paper but that's not a big deal, and I'd probably only use it on the higher grits anyway.

What about their square or rectangle sanders, if what I'm after is a really good finish surface which one would you guys/gals recommend?

I have the RO150 EQ and a 150/3.  The 150 EQ is a heavy powerful machine that would replace a belt sander for most folks.  I use it in rotary mode for quick stock removal up to maybe 100 or 120 grit and then I switch to orbital mode.  If you are looking for a sander to replace a belt sander, or for your early phase sander, I'd say go that way.  I also have the RS2E half sheet sander, and I like it better than any other Festool.  Super smooth and it's a great way to make a table or panel super flat.  I have a RS400, and IMHO it's not in the same class as the RO150, 150/3 and 150/5 or the the RS2E.  The 400 series has more vibation, but the same dust collection level..joe

 

[greg mann]

Put me in the RS2e camp on this one too. Since you have the 150/5 going to the 150/3 would be a minimal difference which could probably be mitigated by just going one grit finer with the sander you already have. The Rotex has the same orbit path as the 150/5 as well, so unless you want the aggressive features, for belt sander type use, or you want to take advantage of the ability to polish you still don't gain. The RS2e gives you great finishes and the ability to get into corners. It is the smoothest of the bunch as well.

 

[Dan Clark]

I have the RO150FEQ and am thinking about another sander - DS400 or LS130.  (FYI, they have a new DS and RS coming out shortly.  I believe they are called the DTS400 and RTS400.  The new ES125 will be called the ETS125.) 

IMO, a very good resource is Jerry Work's Festool Sander manual:http://festool.ndic.com/Web_files/Getting_the_most_from_Festool_sanders.pdf.    He owns 8-9 Festool sanders and uses them regularly.  In his manual, he discusses the which ones he likes for which task.  I found the manual useful because as I went through it, it helped me focus on MY tasks and which sander would help the most.

Regards,

Dan.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

I have the Rotex for heavy, aggressive work and for buffing; the 150/3 for finish work, and the DS400 for details.  They do pretty much anything I need in the way of sanders (except for the oscillator and the disk sanders).  My favorite is the 150/3.  Its easy to control, low vibration, and very fine outcome.

 

[Allen Akin]

Pretty much ditto what Jesse said, but I also have the LS130, which I use for sanding profiles.

Allen

 

[Gary K]

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    I too am looking for a new sander. I have the 150/3 but am looking for something square for the inside corners. I have heard some good things about the RS2E. Bob Marino said that it was the unknown  jewel of the Festool sanders. ( or something like that).
    Does anybody else have some input on the RS2E?
      Gary K.

 

[Dan Uhlir]

good day

            I picked up the termite today finally... and well suffice it to say i enjoyed my afternoon. Rapid stock removal is an understatement, very effecient for sanding down ridges on houses before we paint, and then we follow that with a lite touch of the rotex, I have eight houses to paint on deck at present I've halted doing estimates hope to change that soon. help wanted.Sanding experience required. Anyway great sander well worth the wait. As for stock of sanders RS2E, linear, rotex, RS 400, and termite,who knew sanding could be so much fun, but actually it is with the right tools. I mean we make these old rough houses into butter. 
          I think it is very important to carefully consider your uses and or application before purchasing a sander, I guess my suggestion, if you will, would be get the one you think you'll use most and/or  for a specific application.Good luck with your choice. As for the RS2E I don't use mine that all fired often, but when i need it is a sweet machine and it also does exactly what it's supposed to do.The RS 400 will go into corner's as well and it's smaller and less expensive.I have had enough typing for today. Geez Dan

 

[tvgordon]

I have the ES125 and think it does a good job at finish sanding.  There are times I would like to have one of the 6" sanders for larger surfaces like case sides or tabletops.  I haven't decided whether to get the 150/3 or 150/5 next.  I doubt my budget would allow for a rotex at this time.
Tom.

 

[Brice Burrell]

........The new ES125 will be called the ETS125.) 

Regards,
Dan.

Do you know what the changes are to it are going to be?

 

[LaserGecko]

I make furniture and cabinets mostly.

I'd go with the RS2E. It's basically the modern version of the tool that made Festo, the sander that German woodworkers would wait months to get. It's made for cabinets and cabinet doors.

 

[Matthew Schenker]

One could definitely argue that sanders are the heart of the Festool lineup.  It is with sanders where the famous dust collection really comes into play.

For your next sander, my opinion, based on personal history, would be to get the Rotex RO 125 or Rotex RO 150 (or both).  After that, I would suggest the RAS 115, which does not get the publicity it deserves, if you ask me!  Following closely behind the RAS would be the DX 93, which helps out in tight situations.

I use the Rotex sanders all the time to do material removal and leveling, using 24-grit or 50-grit paper.

Then I switch to the 150/5 for finish sanding (I don't have the ES125).

The DX 93 is brought out when I need to get into corners.  This one doesn't get as much use as my other Festool sanders, but when I need it I'm very grateful it's available!

I've done a few projects around my house using the RAS 115.  It makes quick work of removing old paint.  It is an incredibly powerful sander (grinder).

I know some people use the Rotex RO 150 for all stages of sanding, from material removal all the way to finish sanding.  I like to switch to different sanders for different stages.

Matthew

 

[Toolpig]

I highly recommend the DS400EQ (triangular shaped pad).  It is now my "handiest" sander.  Great for window trim, inside drawers, etc.

TP

I'm hooked on Festool sanders and want to purchase another unit.

I currently have the 150/5 6" sander that I'm using for everything. I've borrowed and test drove a Rotex 150 EQ recently and really like it.

I make furniture and cabinets mostly.

The Rotex will use the same 6" paper supply but beyond providing me with a more aggresive sanding action to I really get that much over my 150/5?

The 150/3 has a smaller stroke and will still use my 6" paper, but will I notice that big of a difference in the finished surface by switching to this sander for the final grit or two?

The 125 has a very fine stroke, and a nice small size which would be nice. I'd have to buy some 5" paper but that's not a big deal, and I'd probably only use it on the higher grits anyway.

What about their square or rectangle sanders, if what I'm after is a really good finish surface which one would you guys/gals recommend?