A quick run down on the 11 Festool Sanders
August 7th, 2007
Festool RO 150 FEQ (571594)
- Big, 6″ disc, Dual Mode (direct spin or random orbit), edge protection, plug-it cord dust port into vac only.
Festool ETS 150/5 (571541)
- Big, 6″ disc, 3/16″ throw pattern for intermediate sanding, plug-it cord, dust bag capabilities, turbo dust extractio
Festool ETS 150/3 (571540)
- Big, 6″ disc, 1/8″ throw pattern for finish work, plug-it cord, dust bag capabilities, turbo dust extraction.
The above sanders are the 6″ series of sanders. Junkie money goes to these bad boys/girls (staying politically correct). Here is a tip: decide what size of sander you are going with, 5″ or 6″, and stay with your decision. This way, you are not buying two sizes of Festool abrasives.
Another note about the Festool six inch sander line-up. The random orbit mode on the RO 150 FEQ Rotex is 3/16″. Therefore, if you don’t mind the bulkiness of the Rotex, you may get buy with not having to purchase the Festool ETS 150/5.
Check Out The Sander Packages <<
RO 125 Rotex (571536)
- Smaller than it’s brother/sister, 5″ disc, Dual Mode, tighter than the RO 150 FEQ with a 9/64″ throw in random orbit mode, Plug-It cord.
ES 125 (soon the ETS 125) (571568)
- Small, 5″ disc, Lightweight, EXCELLENT BALANCE, 3/32″ pattern (tight little sucker), dust bag capabilities.
RS 2 E (567669)
- If you are doing large surfaces this sander is a must. See the recent review by Mr. Brice Burrell. The Festool Junkies around here feel the RS 2 is the most under-rated Festool Sander. It is big, and not very sexy looking; but is a horse in the shop. Tight too with only 3/32″ pattern.
RTS 400 EQ (567187)
-Small, Tight 5/64″ pattern, the ultimate finishing sander, rectangular pad, dust bag capable. Get into tight spots along rebates and edges.
DTS 400 EQ (567825)
-Small, Tight 5/64″ pattern, the ultimate finishing sander, delta shaped pad, dust bag capable. Get into tight spots along rebates and edges and into corners with the pointed tip of the pad.
NOTE TO SELF: THE PADS FOR THE RTS AND THE DTS ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE. In essence, they are the same motors and features with different pad configuration.
The following sanders are more in the line of “specialty” sanders. Each has some specific usages and really do the trick.
LS 130 Duplex (567777)
- AWESOME SANDER, This is a Junkie favorite! In-line sander that has interchangeable pads for profile work. This sander even has a scraper attachment. Basically, this sander replaces hand or block sanding. It goes back and forth. 5/32″ stroke pattern gets the job done 3 times faster than sanding by hand. Killer dust extraction, and a plug-it cord. This sander is pricey, but worth every penny to me.
RAS 115 4 1/2″ Rotary Sander (570738)
-Get your safety glasses on and fire this sucker up. The RAS is the ultimate stripper. The pad spins in one direction and will take paint off a house like crazy. Excellent sander! Once again, special application, but worth it if you need it.
DX 39 E (567738)
-Detail sander, random orbit, tight pattern 3/32″, gets into tight spots, dust port for vac, small barrel to fit in your hand, gear driven. This is a go to sander for the shop. Junkieville uses the DX in the shop primarily for edge work. Great dust extraction when hooked up to a vacuum.
Just remember kids, whatever sander you choose, make sure you buy it with a vac. If you are only doing sanding, don’t spend the extra dough on the CT 22 and CT 33. Do yourself a favor and hook it up to a CT mini or CT midi. There are some great Festool accessories for the dust extraction systems out there. Many will make life much easier in the shop. As always,
Dust-ain’t-cool!!!
Timmy
March 3rd, 2008 at 9:28 am
Hey Timmy,
What about the pneumatic sanders, I love mine.