Thread: Festool BS 105 Belt Sander

Not the 105, but have used the 75mm version. You can adjust it so precisely it can be operating at full speed whilst resting in it’s frame on the work surface, that it is only making just enough contact work surface and removing smallest smount of material. At this very minimal contact setting it does not even begin to take off and run away across the work surface. A non frame belt sander of course using it’s own weight, would press down on the work piece surface and run away forward.

Unlike my Bosch belt sander, has excellent dust collection. The Festool better collects the dust using only its own attached dust bag, than my Bosch does hooked up to the vacuum cleaner.

After reading Dean's Belt Sander Review (available from festool.com.au) I decided to make the plunge. Fortunately I was able to buy the BS 105 on eBay at a very good price in "shopsoiled" condition.

This is a serious beast built to the high standards that sperates Festool from the rest...

Strengths: 1) Precision Guiding frame that allows precise control of sanding depth and ease of control 2) Efficiency - can remonve material with surprising speed over large areas 3) Speed Control - works very effectively even on the lowest "quiet" setting 4) Sanding Quality - surprisingly good for a Belt Sander

Weaknesses 1) Noise fairly high compared to Festool Orbital and Eccentric sanders - but fairly typical for a belt sander

Overall 9/10

Hi warmtone,

Looks like we bid were bidding against each other for that sander. You got the first one, and I picked up the second. I paid slightly more than you did though. But great value none the less. I have used the 75mm version with sanding frame, but was really wanting the 105. What a beast!
Look for private PM.

I have almost every brand of tool made but I do not own a Festool. Do I understand you right that the belt sander has a stand that floats over the work controling the cut. I am in need of another belt sander. I hate Makita but I have had great luck with their 3 x24" belt sanders. They are light and well ballanced. I see Festool at the AWF fair here in California. This year it is going to be in Las Vages. Can't go because I am going to be in Coff's. Any information on the Festool sanders would be a big help. Thanks Richard

Yes - Have a look at this article, it is a good comparison between various belt sanders across a broad price range and capabilities.

http://www.festool.com.au/images/Aus...oodreview2.pdf

And more Festool reviews here:

http://www.festool.com.au/artikel/ar...ten.cfm?id=348