Preferred sander ?

Erik, Belgium · Post by **Erik, Belgium** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 3:59 pm

I saw an add for a ROS from Festool and I must say I quite like the tool. I 'm planning going to see one tomorrow. I 'd like to hear any good or bad things about the Festool ROS. Possible diameters are 125 or 150, I think 125 would be OK. for example the ES 125 EQ-Plus.

Or maybe you prefer another brand more then Festool ? I 'd like to hear that too !

Erik, Belgium.

Glen Smith · Post by **Glen Smith** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 4:06 pm

Hi Erik, I can't comment directly on the Festool ROS except to say that I have read a lot of good comments concerning their products in general. I find that having variable speed on a ROS helps me to achieve a better finish and faster than with my older non-variable speed ROS. I also like to be able to connect my ROS to my shopvac to really cut down on the dust.

Kurt Loup · Post by **Kurt Loup** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 4:40 pm

I have both the Festool 125 and the Ridgid 6" sander that is apparently made by Metabo. I like the Ridgid better. It is quieter and less vibration than the Festool. I use my Jet dust collector with the Festool hose. The Festool hose will fit both the Festool and Ridgid sanders without the need for an attachement. The Festool hose also happens to fit my Porter Cable 21" belt sander and my Dewalt biscuit jointer. Dust collection is great with both sanders. I suspect it would be better with a Festool or Fein vac, but I doubt I could tell any differnce. Since I have both, I'd use the Festool on the interior due to the smaller radius sanding pad and the Ridgid on the exterior. The Festool is easy to use with one hand and the Ridgid gets tiring with one hand due to weight. This isn't a problem on flat surfaces. Since you are in Belgium, not sure if you have access to the Ridgid sold by Home Depot. Home Depot does have a web page though. The Ridgid is cheaper than the Metabo $200 in the US. Actually got it for about $118 when HD had a 20% off hand tool sale. Hope this helps.

Kurt

Doug · Post by **Doug** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 9:10 pm

I've had my old B&D 1/4 sheet sander for almost 20 years now, it will not die.
It's sand paper pad is starting to wear out, but it still kicks up a lot of dust, literally.

I've be thinking of getting a new one, primarily, in order to get a handle on the dust situation.

Not convinced that the random orbital sander (ROS) is the one for me.
I believe that 1/4 sheet sanders are less money too "buy" and "operate".
Both have well built models out there.
I realize that ROS are the ones most pushed by retailers and are currently in fashion.
But ....I'm not convinced that you can notice a (big) difference in the end (sanded) product.

Do I have it all wrong?

Doug

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 9:51 pm

Doug,

In my experience, there is no comparison between a ROS and a 1/4 sheet sander. I have a 1/4 sheet Porter Cable that sits unused. I believe my ROS remove material at least 2 x as fast as a 1/4 sheet sander and leaves as good or better finish. I'm sure I could sand a boat with my 1/4 sheet sander, but I hate sanding. The ROS is much faster and I believe the dust collection is better. Do you need expensive ROS? Not at all. I've borrowed my friend's 5" Porter Cable that is about $50-60 and it works great. I may be wrong, but I believe that the hook and loop sandpaper I buy for my ROS, although more expensive, last much longer than sheets I cut for my 1/4 sheet sander. In the long run, I think cost of sandpaper is a toss up.

Kurt

Michel vd Hoven · Post by **Michel vd Hoven** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 6:32 am

Erik,

Perhaps usefull to give a look at the Festool ROTEX RO 150 E-Plus as well.
This machine combines 3 in one: course sanding, fine sanding and polishing.
... Price is the only downside of this profecional tool...

I'm considering to buy this machine for my new to build Osprey next spring.

see website: http://www.festool.nl

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 10:42 am

I use both a Dewalt ROS and a newer Dewalt 1/4 sheet. I like the ROS, but don't discount the newer 1/4 sheet sanders!!! They do a real nice job finishing, like on the final pass on the epoxy where you want to be carefull to not it the glass, and on edges like the giunnels where the ROS can get agressive!!!

Rod Koozmin · Post by **Rod Koozmin** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 9:41 pm

Eric I'm truly amazed at the capacity of my Porter Cable random orbatal 6 inch. Just this week I bought a dust kit through a big US book seller at a great price(momentarily forget the name). It was GREAT! Not even a sneeze. Sorry to hear about the job.

I wanted to ask Canadians if they like two of my favorite musicians, Gordon Lightfoot and the late Great Stan Rogers but I realize that would be off subject.-Rod

SevenTenths · Post by **SevenTenths** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 11:07 pm

While not one of the noted possible choices, I have really enjoyed my DeWalt variable speed R/O and would certainly reccomend it to others. I've also had good experiences with every Porter Cable product that I've tried and until that changes, I'll not hesitate to buy their products by name alone.

SevenTenths

Doug · Post by **Doug** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 12:07 am

Palm Sanders

I've been told that ROS can gouge the (soft) wood if they are not centered / balanced properly?
How are they on gunwales? Concave surfaces?
Is there one that is better for dust suppresion (ROS vs. 1/4 sheet)?

Doug

reinbilt · Post by **reinbilt** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 8:45 am

I'm with Rod and Seven. I have a 5 inch and 6 inch Porter Cable. The 6 inch came as a kit with a long hose which also fits the dust port on my 5 inch. I would rate durability, cost, and dust collection capability all excellent.