Anti-Vibration Gloves - Are they effective?

[Glen Blanchard]

Anyone wearing anti-vibration gloves (like in the link below) while using an ROS? Are they of benefit?

http://woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=632

Along these lines, I use a P/C 333 (I think that's the model number) ROS and wish it were quieter with less vibration. Are there any out there that meet these criteria? Dewalt? Festool? Others?

[Jack Ferrell]

Glen, I don't have that paticular pair of gloves as I bought a pair off the bay with a gel pad in the palm. It did seem to help some, but not as much as I had hoped. Those may be better, dunno. Good luck.

[Doug Shepard]

Dont know about that particular brand but in general I'd say they're effective. I just reach for the pair I bought for bike riding when I need them. I usually forget about them until after my hands are already tired and sore from ROS use, but putting them on sure seems to help. Just wish I could remember to put them on before I start.

[Jim Becker]

I wore them when I owne my PC333 sanders...they did help. I still have them somewhere as I sometimes use the left one when turning something that is throwing off hot shavings to avoid a burn. But I don't need them with my current ROS system.

[Glen Blanchard]

But I don't need them with my current ROS system.

Let me guess.....Festool?

[Jim Becker]

Let me guess.....Festool?
Bingo.... :D

Seriously, I can sand for hours with the 150/3. Even with the gloves I had to stop after about a half hour with either of the PC 333 sanders...my hand would get numb and tinglie... Without the gloves...it was painful. But my hands are somewhat sensitive, too...I have a lot of problems with my right hand and wrist and do anything I can to avoid making it worse.

[Joe Jensen]

Bingo.... :D

Seriously, I can sand for hours with the 150/3. Even with the gloves I had to stop after about a half hour with either of the PC 333 sanders...my hand would get numb and tinglie... Without the gloves...it was painful. But my hands are somewhat sensitive, too...I have a lot of problems with my right hand and wrist and do anything I can to avoid making it worse.

Jim, what other Festool sanders do you have? I have the 1/2 sheet RS2-E and it's super smooth. I have the RO150 and it's ok in random mode, about like my Porter cable 6" RO. I also have the RS400, and it's harder on my hands that the old Makita 1/4 sheet I've used for years. I agree the 150/3 is awesom and it's my next purchase...joe

[Robert Goodwin]

And they do help. I wear them when I use my PC ROS. I would love the Festool, but for now the gloves keep my fingers from going numb:eek:

[Dan Drager]

I have a Dewalt ROS and I have been pleased with the releif I get from a pait of palm padded leather gloves. Try www.conney.com (http://www.conney.com) for your gloves. Cheaper than Woodcraft and shipping is scary fast. I use these guys for all kinds of things like my safety and sun glasses, gloves, dust masks, etc....

[Glen Blanchard]

Seriously, I can sand for hours with the 150/3.
Is the 150/3 available in a 5" version?

Is it quieter than my P/C 333?

[J.R. Rutter]

I have to use gloves even with my Festool sanders or my carpal tunnel syndrome acts up. Any glove helps. I've started wearing the latex dipped gloves - the thermal version has just enough cushioning for me. I've used the gel gloves in the past and they worked very well for me.

[Jim Becker]

Jim, what other Festool sanders do you have?

I have three, Joe...150/3, RO 150 and the DS with both the rectangular and "corner" pad setups. All of them are very smooth with nearly no or no noticeable vibration. The 150/3 is pretty much attached to the CT-22 all the time so I can quickly grab it. I actually use the sander a lot more now, smoothing components prior to assembly when it's easier to do so, rather than putting it off until the end.

[Jim Becker]

Is the 150/3 available in a 5" version?

Is it quieter than my P/C 333?

The ES125 is a 5" ROS. The RO 125 is a 5" dual mode ROS/Orbital sander. I happen to like the 6" versions, but they certainly seem to sell a lot of the 5", too. Bob Marino could give you a good rundown on the key differences.

I find the Festool sanders to be reasonably quiet. I never did a direct comparison to the PC, however. I also cut noise down by throttling back the CT-22 to about half speed which is all that is necessary during sanding and helps reduce "sticking" of the tool when you get to the finer grit abrasives.