Thread: Orbital sander recommendation

You said cost wasn't important, so the answer to your question is Festool, Festool, or possibly Festool....

When you have picked yourself up off the floor after seeing their pricing (!), and are thinking that price possibly IS an issue, then a good second choice would be Metabo.

The Metabo Duo is an excellent and very versatile sander (it can be set for rough or finish sanding in the one tool), and is much better value than the Festool. I have a Festool 150/3, and despite the painful purchase I wouldn't change it for anything.

You might want to allow something for dust extraction too, unless you already have a suitable shop vac. Makes a big difference to sander performance, and to the inside of your lungs.....

Your sander is the only power tool you should never try to save money on. It is the only power tool that you use for hours on end and a good sander probably cuts your sanding time in half. I'd say festool but be aware, once you start with festool tools, there is no way back....
And a vacuum, for sure!

I highly recommend the Festool ETS 150/5.
Without a doubt, the best sander in the world.
I think you can still purchase them sander with no tool box for $450.
With the tool box (Festool call these boxes Systainers) I think it is $550.

Mr Brush has recommended the Festool ETS 150/3.

The difference between the ETS 150/3 and ETS 150/5 is the stroke of the random orbit motion.

The ETS 150/3 has a 3mm stroke and the ETS 150/5 has a 5mm stroke.

I prefer the ETS 150/5 for general onsite carpentry such as sanding floor boards, paint removal from old timber, sanding down builders bog. I use paper grits from 80 to 120.

I prefer to use the ETS 150/3 for furniture making, sanding veneers and quite regularly go through the paper grits from 180 to 4000.

I dont know your financial situation, but if you max out your finances with the sander then I would suggest you forget about the Dust extractor for now.
When I am working on construction sites, and for what ever reason I have not got my Dust extractor, then I use the Festool disposable dust bag which comes standard with the sander and it does a great job.
The dust bag should last quite a few projects before you fill it up and then throw it in the bin.

Regards, Justin.

G'Day "jmj",
I recently purchased a Bosch 125mm, light weight variable speed,
Model #GEX125-1AE Random Orbital Sander @ $124 from both Sydney Tools Penrith & Gasweld Penrith;
PLUS a Bosch 125mm, standard random Orbital Sander
Model #GEX125AC 125mm Random Orbital Sander @ $299 from De Rossi Industrail, Lidcombe.
I also have the Bosch 150mm Random Orbital Sander, some 15 years old; great tool.

Sanders, Planers & Routers - Bosch Power Tools for Professionals

That's my two bobs worth.
Cheers, crowie

The awesome wife gave me a Festool 150/3 for my birthday

So far I've had two ROS's give up on me just outside in warranty. The last one, a Black and Decker, would also give me pins and needles in my hands for the next 20 hours.

I've used the Festool only once so far. Along with giving a much more beautiful finish, there was no tingle in my hands afterwards.

The cost of the first two ROS's was almost $400, plus the $60 I was going to spend on anti-vibration gloves, so all up going the Festool route straight up would have only cost me an extra $100.

Nathan.

I recommend the Makita BO6030 150mm Random Orbital Sander (ROS). Once it is on the workpiece, I can hold it with just the one hand while it works away, sanding without leaving any marks. Bit of skill required to sit it evenly on the workpiece at first, without gouging where the edge comes in contact with the work initially.

But I find the the ROS is really only good for large flat surfaces, like doors etc., and for taking large amounts off rough timber, so a ROS may not be best suited to your requirements like doing edges and chairs etc

The message here is that one sander is not going to do everything for you, so I suggest you also get a Makita Sander 1/3 Sheet BO3700SP sander, or equivalent for the fiddly bits. Also, have a look at the neat Bosch delta sanders that get right in to corners.

When using my Makita sanders, I connect a vacuum cleaner to suck up the dust. You can pick the vacuum cleaners up cheaply at Super Cheap Autos or Auto Barn sales, but be quick as they sell like hot cakes

Hope this helps

Wow!! What an amazing response from obviously very experienced wood workers )
It is very interesting to learn about the different sanders available. I am leaning in the direction of the Festool or the Metabo as my main concern is doing a good job on the ash table, which was given to me by my sister. I am also heeding the advice from info from Justin and Jill about the dust. I will be doing all the sanding in our sheltered, paved courtyard.
Thank you so much for your help and advice.
Jan
PS.Where is the best place to buy sanders?

Try Sydney Tools online, or your local Glenfords or Bunnings

Hi Jill,
Just looked at Sydney tools. What a great online resource. They have all the various sanders recommended by everyone who was kind enough to reply. I will have great fun - I think - working out which one to buy.
Cheers
Janet

Yes, that's the one my tradesmen sons use to get their Makita gear

Hi Jan, Buying online is good when you know what you want but if you have a chance to see them in a shop, might make a big difference. Have a feel of it, get some advise there, if you got to a festool place you can usually have a try as well.
One thing about the festool, the systainer seems expensive but it saves your sander. I have found the sanding pad gets quiet easily damaged (not flat anymore) if you don't store it in its box. A new sole is not cheap either.

Originally Posted by jmj

Hi Jill,
Just looked at Sydney tools. What a great online resource. They have all the various sanders recommended by everyone who was kind enough to reply. I will have great fun - I think - working out which one to buy.
Cheers
Janet

There are three (that I can think of quickly) places you should check in Fyshwick for serious tools - I know where they are but the names and addresses I would have to dig up

Fisher, Combined Electrical (who I am certain have Festool) and the other doesnt come to mind

Or

You could come to the wood show at the Budawang pavilion at natex this weekend and see who and what is there

Neil

Yeah, Combined Electrical are the Canberra Festool people (in Fyshwick, near the Clarke Rubber store, just down from Bunnings). The Festool stuff is just to the left as you walk in the door. (or was, last time I was in there).

Good Morning JMJ

I have a Festool 150/3, bought by SWMBO who is terrified that I will get cancer, on the recommendation of the local joiner and the local panel beater. They do not buy them for their staff because they cost heaps of $$$'s, she reasoned. I was initially dismayed by the price, and did not use it for six months - we can get a refund later .........

With the vacuum system the Festool is virtually dust free. It is also much quieter than any other sander that I have used. Also less vibration, faster sanding and better finish, less tiring, etc. If we were revisiting the purchase I would now look at the even more expensive Festool Rotex - a slightly more powerful and versatile sander.

Perhaps you might like to have a look on the Festool Australia website, view their videos, and then ring your local Festool demonstration centre and make an appointment for a hands-on demonstration. But be aware, Festool is addictive.

Cheers

Graeme