Which sander to use instead of a belt sander for cabinet doors and frames?

[Garba]

I don't have a belt sander and would like to know what festool sander will work best to sand face frames and cabinet doors. Thanks.

 

[grobin]

let me start by saying that I don't own a festool sander.  I have borrowed a friends a couple of times when my beat up Dewalt was not working well.  I love the RO150 for large flat surfaces; its worlds better than the Dewalt.  But I recently got a Lie Nielsen Cabnet-makers Scraper Plane and it is better than any sander.  Lots less mess faster and you get healthful exercise as well.  I was doubtful at first because of my arthritis.  However; it actually seems to help.

 

[nclemmons]

I like the ES150/3 because it's light weight but wide enough that you will get good speed and balance on the face frames.

I also have the Rotex but find it is a little more difficult to control on face frames and keep the faces square.  it's excellent on flat surfaces like panels or table tops, and great for rough to finish sanding.  But it's a bit heavier and not as balanced when you want control on narrower material.

neil

 

[Holzhacker]

I guess that would depend to some extent on cabinet style and what you are trying to remove or finish. If these are new cabinets and you want to give the wood a final sanding, the ets, dts or rts all should do fine. If you are looking to remove old varnish or paint, I would recommend an RO or ETS to start and the dts/rts to finish. I use an ets125 to remove stock and finish off with the dts. Don't discount the dts for its small size or type. That thing is really handy. Makes sanding out corners so much easier.
Hope that helps. BTW I wouldn't use a belt sander at all unless you are removing tons of paint or varnish. Even then the belt sander isn't the best option sometimes. Too much heat and goo buildup on the belt.

 

[Garba]

Thanks for the replies. I really appreciate them.