Originally Posted by
Greg Parrish
Can you expand on that? Right now I’m using a ridgid orbital sander with a 16gal ridgid shopvac over a rockler down draft table connected to my Oneida v3000 cyclone. My issue is that the ridgid has been very difficult to manipulate given the stiff shopvac hose. Not sure if the festool would add any benefit or if I should focus on more flexible hose instead.
A good flexible hose makes a LOT of difference. Bosch makes a good not too expensive hose that is possible the same hose as the Festool non anti-static hoses. You can also use expandable hose covering and heat shrink to combine the hose and cord for easier control. The Festool sanders have the advantage of detachable cords so you can use the same hose/cord combos for all their tools if you use the heavyweight cord with the hose.
The best new brushless ROS (Mirka, Festool EC series, Surfprep/Airvantage) have significant advantages in maneuverability, power, control, weight, form factor, longevity and vibration. They are simply in another league even compared to the high-end Bosch which are solid sanders in their own right.
Of all the laws Brandolini's may be the most universally true.
Deep thought for the day:
Your bandsaw weighs more when you leave the spring compressed instead of relieving the tension.