Originally Posted by
Greg Parrish
Played with a kapex setup today that had their dust collector on it. Would love the kapex but Am considering my first festool in the form of a 5” sander with the dust collector but am not sure. The price of all the festool stuff is just so high. It’s hard to commit as a pure hobbiest.
Can the festool 5” ROS use generic paper or does it require festool paper? I’ve got a ton of Freud diablo paper on hand to use up.
also, if I take the leap, which dust system would be the best choice for the first purchase? Would be in shop only. Hobby use. And I have Oneida central system for my major tools so this would be sander and maybe other similar items only.
Thanks for any i put out as I’m struggling with the price versus reward equation right now.
With all the replies you've had so far, I'm sure this has probably already been said but here goes anyway...
First, Festool sanders are absolutely worth it. I own five of them and when the time comes that I need another type, I'll buy it without hesitation.
Forget the 5" sander. Go for the 6". IMHO... My first Festool purchase was the Rotex 125 / CT 26 combo. Then I bought the ETS 125 because I already had the sandpaper. When I got to a kitchen remodel I found the 5" just took too long so I bought the ETS 150-3 and later the 150-5. I use those two all the time. The Rotex 125 and ETS 125 are rarely used.
The sandpaper is a substantial investment, probably as much as the sanders. I bought the Granat 100 packs years ago and that may last me many more years to come. I didn't go with all the different types of paper such as the Rubin, just the Granat, and I've never had a regret. I know the other types have their uses but Festool says "Granat is our most long-lasting and highest performing abrasive and is well suited for nearly all applications, including bare wood, paints, most modern paint systems, VOC clear coats, plastic materials, solid surface materials, acrylics, and composites. Hardened Aluminum Oxide, Synthetic Resin, Closed Coated" and I've found that statement pretty much true.
My next favorite is the Rotex 90. It's multi-functional and great for getting in tight corners and doing narrow edges. I have used it to sand off the finish on kitchen cabinet carcases on two houses and it knocked it out in less time than stripping with no mess.
Overall I absolutely love the Festool sanders. They almost make sanding fun. And I did say "almost"
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness..." - Mark Twain