Hi guys, before I start I'm sorry for asking yet another sander question ! Been looking at sanders for a while now but can't make my mind up, I don't use sanders a great deal I've got a little palm sander which has done me proud, but this last week two kitchen work top refinish jobs have come in so it's time to up grade [big grin], what do you recommend and what sanding discs should I get ?
Which sander ?
- Thread starter ELMO
- Start date
Sorry, not helpful..SRSemenza said:
Ha!
Since you're coming from a little palm sander, I would suggest the ETS150/3. It handles like a dream and will take down anything wood-related you throw at it. The 150/5 has a more aggressive stroke, so it's harder to handle. The big Rotex takes a while to get used to with its long weighted arm.
I also think that the DTS400 is an unsung hero for corners and small pieces/edges, though now that there is the mini-Rotex with a triangular pad, I might consider going that way.
leakyroof
Member
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2011
- Messages
- 2,501
All Festool sanders are at their best with dust extraction from a vacuum. It really helps to have variable suction on the vacuum, as the smaller sanders need less, and will actually be harder to control with too much.
So, don't know if you have the budget for it, but a package deal from Festool with a sander and CT- Vacuum saves you money upfront and in the long run because the dust collection will greatly extend the life of the abrasive paper that you're using.
Sanders, it would help to know how large you want to go. 125mm or 150mm?
The greater surface area of the 150mm units mean kitchen and table top work goes faster over a smaller sander.
The ETS125 has a very small orbit of 2mm, and is easily used for long hours by owners. But, it won't strip or sand coarser grits to remove lots of material in a hurry as easily as the larger 150/5mm ETS model. That sander is an all-rounder for many people since it does both medium and fine sanding very well. The finer version of it, 150/3 is just less aggressive with its smaller stroke.
Corners, edges and tights spots? As posted, the DTS400 does them all, with one hand, and it's lightweight for overhead usage too. If you don't need the Delta shape of the DTS, then the rectangular RTS is the same sander with its different pad.
Paper/Abrasives- Decide what material or finish you're going to be sanding, and Festool has an abrasive for you.
Granat is pretty much their all-in-one paper for many people, but look at the posted guide here on abrasives to help with your decision making.
Or as Seth wisely noted, just buy them all [wink]
So, don't know if you have the budget for it, but a package deal from Festool with a sander and CT- Vacuum saves you money upfront and in the long run because the dust collection will greatly extend the life of the abrasive paper that you're using.
Sanders, it would help to know how large you want to go. 125mm or 150mm?
The greater surface area of the 150mm units mean kitchen and table top work goes faster over a smaller sander.
The ETS125 has a very small orbit of 2mm, and is easily used for long hours by owners. But, it won't strip or sand coarser grits to remove lots of material in a hurry as easily as the larger 150/5mm ETS model. That sander is an all-rounder for many people since it does both medium and fine sanding very well. The finer version of it, 150/3 is just less aggressive with its smaller stroke.
Corners, edges and tights spots? As posted, the DTS400 does them all, with one hand, and it's lightweight for overhead usage too. If you don't need the Delta shape of the DTS, then the rectangular RTS is the same sander with its different pad.
Paper/Abrasives- Decide what material or finish you're going to be sanding, and Festool has an abrasive for you.
Granat is pretty much their all-in-one paper for many people, but look at the posted guide here on abrasives to help with your decision making.
Or as Seth wisely noted, just buy them all [wink]
Crox G
Member
- Joined
- Nov 27, 2012
- Messages
- 93
The ETS 150/3 was my first Festool, with a CT Midi. After about a year, it has been a dream to use. No more tingling hands, no dust, no dig-ins, quiet and perfect finishes. My only other sander is a 3-inch Metabo which I go to only when the ETS is too big. I flirted with the other Festool sanders, but I found this one to be the smoothest of all. Get a good range of grits and it will serve you well as your only sander.
leakyroof
Member
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2011
- Messages
- 2,501
. I think it's the 150mm models too. If you don't need the speed of the 150/5, then buy the 150/3.ELMO said:
Try them both out at a local dealer with work or grits of paper you're used to using with your palm sander. But again, having Dust Collection for the sander really is key.
I can't stress that enough.
I recommend sorting out exactly what kind of abrasion you need first, and going from there.
Kitchen worktops- is it old, worn, oily hardwood of some sort?
If so, I'm guessing you might need to remove a lot of material..
I've cleaned up a couple old maple cutting boards by running them through a planer, then sanding lightly with a random orbital sander.
The rotex sanders are great as you can do both rough work and fine work with one tool.
Kitchen worktops- is it old, worn, oily hardwood of some sort?
If so, I'm guessing you might need to remove a lot of material..
I've cleaned up a couple old maple cutting boards by running them through a planer, then sanding lightly with a random orbital sander.
The rotex sanders are great as you can do both rough work and fine work with one tool.
Hi ELMO
(Love your arcade machines; reminds me of a slightly misspent youth in late night cafes, and, motor-cycles. Great to see the Festool jig-saw, and, Festool circular saw/guide shown in your construction photo’s – clearly someone with refined tastes – lol.)
Your query though relates to kitchen worktops, which in turn raises other questions.
As you have dust extraction, that’s one important thing out of the way – just leaving the choice of sander – with cost being a consideration as well.
However in thinking how to respond to your query, I hit a dilemma, summed up in panelchat’s post – what coating/finish needs to be removed?
Also, the ‘discussion’ link provided by SMSemenzer touches on (amongst other things) whether or not the worktops are fixed in position. This might influence the best approach for you.
Assuming that you can deal with corners and the like (if the worktops are fixed) then the ETS 150/3/5 would seem ideal for what you want to do, and, can afford right now.
There are quite a few posters who reckon they can’t tell the difference in the finish obtained between the 3mm or 5mm stroke ETSs.
That being the case, then perhaps the ETS150/5 would suit – that would give you the option of using courser grits more efficiently – whilst still enabling you to get a ‘fine’ finish.
The ETS150/3 is, of course, considered a superb sander in its own right.
Suggestions regarding which abrasives/grit size, would be easier if you could tell us what needs to be removed from the worktops, and, what the final finish is to be.
Otoh: how about scraping the existing coating/finish off, and then using your existing little palm sander – ok, ok – probably a step too far??
Be great to know how you get on – good luck.
Richard.
(Love your arcade machines; reminds me of a slightly misspent youth in late night cafes, and, motor-cycles. Great to see the Festool jig-saw, and, Festool circular saw/guide shown in your construction photo’s – clearly someone with refined tastes – lol.)
Your query though relates to kitchen worktops, which in turn raises other questions.
As you have dust extraction, that’s one important thing out of the way – just leaving the choice of sander – with cost being a consideration as well.
However in thinking how to respond to your query, I hit a dilemma, summed up in panelchat’s post – what coating/finish needs to be removed?
Also, the ‘discussion’ link provided by SMSemenzer touches on (amongst other things) whether or not the worktops are fixed in position. This might influence the best approach for you.
Assuming that you can deal with corners and the like (if the worktops are fixed) then the ETS 150/3/5 would seem ideal for what you want to do, and, can afford right now.
There are quite a few posters who reckon they can’t tell the difference in the finish obtained between the 3mm or 5mm stroke ETSs.
That being the case, then perhaps the ETS150/5 would suit – that would give you the option of using courser grits more efficiently – whilst still enabling you to get a ‘fine’ finish.
The ETS150/3 is, of course, considered a superb sander in its own right.
Suggestions regarding which abrasives/grit size, would be easier if you could tell us what needs to be removed from the worktops, and, what the final finish is to be.
Otoh: how about scraping the existing coating/finish off, and then using your existing little palm sander – ok, ok – probably a step too far??
Be great to know how you get on – good luck.
Richard.
Kev
Member
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2011
- Messages
- 7,698
Before I got my first Festool sander I had a Rupes Delta, Rupes BR150, Makita half sheet and a AEG 75mm belt sander.
My first Festool was an ETS150/5 (I went with the /5 as it was a little more aggressive and I didn't need to go up into the ultra fine grits)
Since the first Festool I've added RO90, RO150, ETS150/3, RAS115, LS130, DTS400 ... with a few more on the "about to buy" list.
The reason I'm telling you all of this is, if I have a large "flat" area that's a bit messy I attack with the trusty ETS150/5 (now using Granat almost exclusively).
The ETS150/... sanders are Festool's finest - don't hesitate on the model, but do consider the variant as the /5 makes quicker work of things and takes you to an exceptionally good finish - the /3 goes further ... but ask yourself if you need it or would be happier with quicker completion to a "good enough" finish.
I'll also add a vote for the DTS400 being the next sander you should acquire after an ETS150/... I thought I had delta format covered with the Rupes until I got the Festool DTS400, it's better by far.
My first Festool was an ETS150/5 (I went with the /5 as it was a little more aggressive and I didn't need to go up into the ultra fine grits)
Since the first Festool I've added RO90, RO150, ETS150/3, RAS115, LS130, DTS400 ... with a few more on the "about to buy" list.
The reason I'm telling you all of this is, if I have a large "flat" area that's a bit messy I attack with the trusty ETS150/5 (now using Granat almost exclusively).
The ETS150/... sanders are Festool's finest - don't hesitate on the model, but do consider the variant as the /5 makes quicker work of things and takes you to an exceptionally good finish - the /3 goes further ... but ask yourself if you need it or would be happier with quicker completion to a "good enough" finish.
I'll also add a vote for the DTS400 being the next sander you should acquire after an ETS150/... I thought I had delta format covered with the Rupes until I got the Festool DTS400, it's better by far.
Hi guys thanks for the help, think ive decided to go with the ETS 150/3 
, should of said at the start ive got a ct midi. the worktops are hardwood butchers block type, there's a clear varnish and some small marks/scratches to deal with and then re-seal with a clear satin finish varnish ( customer supplying the finish). So the next question is which abrasive to use i know its probably a suck it and see job but a pointer in the right direction would be much appreciated.
, should of said at the start ive got a ct midi. the worktops are hardwood butchers block type, there's a clear varnish and some small marks/scratches to deal with and then re-seal with a clear satin finish varnish ( customer supplying the finish). So the next question is which abrasive to use i know its probably a suck it and see job but a pointer in the right direction would be much appreciated.
leakyroof
Member
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2011
- Messages
- 2,501
Either Granat or Brilliant 2 should work. You would probably experience clogging from the old varnish if you used regular abrasive, so you want something that's designed to resist that. Both will also sand the bare wood nicely once you get the varnish layer off.ELMO said:Hi guys thanks for the help, think ive decided to go with the ETS 150/3
Don't know how bad the surface looks, but I would hope you don't need anything coarser than 80 grit.
You can also buy Festool Granat in a foam backed roll form if you want to lightly sand by hand on the varnish between coats.
Vacuum up the dust and apply another coat.
I use Mirka Abranet between coats of varnish, 400grit to 600 grit depending on what I'm doing.
Not sure if you purchased it yet, but thought I would throw in my experience.ELMO said:Hi guys thanks for the help, think ive decided to go with the ETS 150/3
I was in the market for my first sander, and I decided on the ETS 150/5 because I will rarely ever go above 220 grit while sanding. The aggressiveness of this sander with 80 grit paper on it is just amazing. I played around with some Maple, and it make it look like the wood wasn't even there. It was a dream to control, and above all comfortable.
I'm sure you will be pleased with the ETS 150/3 - however.
Similar threads
