Thread: Correct Festool Sandpaper

I use the brilliant2 for anything finer than 180g, usually 240g for intermediate sanding then 400g before i apply my finish.

Originally Posted by lesmeyer

Guys,
just purchased the ETS150/3 EQ and I am not sure what the correct type of sandpaper to use. Is the Brilliant suitable for wood finishing or do I have to use the Rubin that only goes up to 180 grit?
Regards
Les

Les,

The Brilliant is brilliant () above 180 grit. No worries. Rubin doesn't clog as quickly on bare wood, but at higher grits you aren't taking much anyway, so it would be little advantage in extending the Rubin line above 180. I regularly use Brilliant 220, 320 and 400. 320 seems to be the go for quick sands between coats, as well.

Here's a link you might find handly:

http://www.mcfeelys.com/tech/abrasives-types.htm

HTH

Bob,
so would you suggest using the Rubin for the coarser grits and the Brilliant for finer grits? My confusion arises from the Festool website info that states that the Brilliant is used for varnished surfaces etc. It does not mention raw timber, as it does for the Rubin.
Regards
Les

Originally Posted by lesmeyer

Bob,
so would you suggest using the Rubin for the coarser grits and the Brilliant for finer grits? My confusion arises from the Festool website info that states that the Brilliant is used for varnished surfaces etc. It does not mention raw timber, as it does for the Rubin.
Regards
Les

Spot on. Use Rubin for bare wood up to 180 and Brilliant thereafter. I use lower grit Brilliant for paint removal, etc., but Rubin will work as well. Brilliant is just fine on bare wood and sometimes I think Festo makes it all too esoteric.

Another difference between Brilliant and Rubin the is backing material. The Rubin is heavier and stands up to rough sanding better (especially for recycled timber rustic finishing), where Brilliant has a lighter weight backing material.

Originally Posted by nt900

Another difference between Brilliant and Rubin the is backing material. The Rubin is heavier and stands up to rough sanding better (especially for recycled timber rustic finishing), where Brilliant has a lighter weight backing material.

Quite right and I should have mentioned that. Rubin is tough stuff, you can't kill it. I have been known to need a pair of pliers to peel it off the sanding pad as well.

Originally Posted by Honorary Bloke

Quite right and I should have mentioned that. Rubin is tough stuff, you can't kill it. I have been known to need a pair of pliers to peel it off the sanding pad as well.

The same pliers you need to pull dominos out of domi-mortises.

Yeah, if working on something rough you notice the Brilliant tearing around the extraction holes, swap over to a Rubin.

Bob and Anthony,
thanks for the replies. This clears up the confusion I had and it turns out to be quite straight forward.
Testing the ETS150/3 yesterday was most satisfying. Minimal vibration compared to the Bosch Gex150. Also used it hooked up to the CT22 and did not spot any dust around.
Les

Last woodshow bought 3 boxes(100 in each) of the Rubin... only way to go.... from the Festo stand...LOVE MY SANDER....

80 grit...
180 grit
320...I think it was...then had to buy half dozen of each the 600,800, 1200....
what a finishs....
Wished I had bough more 600...using them heaps now that I use the shellac...
Love the 80 on rustic pine to grab in and get rid of the crap... then work my way up to the 320...seal...then 600 wow what a finish I am getting now...OK its all country cottage stuff...but the best finish you'll ever see!