What’s the Best Sander for Woodworking?
Asked by WoodWhisperer88
Hey everyone! I'm new here, but I've been into woodworking for over 7 years, mostly making cutting boards. I'm pretty tired of the long sanding process, even though I have a drum sander that helps. I currently use a basic Bosch random orbital sander, but it's a bit slow. I'm considering upgrading to the Festool RO 150 FEQ 6" Rotex Sander. Do you think that's a good choice? Any other recommendations would be super helpful. Thanks!
Answers
Honestly, the Bosch GET75-6N is the best bang for your buck! I got mine in 2015 and it's still going strong. It's comfortable to use for long periods, and I prefer it over the Rotex. Plus, it has amazing power!
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The new Bosch GET series is getting some solid comparisons to the Festool Rotex. You might want to look into that as well!
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If you're looking for a sander that really delivers, Bosch, Mirka, or Dewalt are all good. Festool can be overpriced, and I've seen many tools break down after a few years.
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I’ve heard the Festool removes stock fast, but my 6" Porter Cable has done well for me and is way cheaper. In my experience, Festool’s price doesn’t justify the difference for home projects.
WoodWhisperer88: I’m really aiming for efficiency, but maybe Festool is overkill for me... What do you think?
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I’ve been happy with my Festool, especially its dust control. But for production-level work, I think Surfprep might have the edge. It's worth looking into if you're doing heavy work!
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Definitely go for a 6" sander! They cover more area and are worth the slight price increase. I like my Bosch GET sander too, but it does have some vibration issues. It's great with dust collection when hooked up to a vacuum, though!
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Festools are fantastic, but just a heads up, the Rotex is a beast. It's powerful and great for end grain, but it may be more than you need. I'd suggest trying it in-store first. You could also consider the ETS 150/5 EQ-Plus, which is less aggressive. Personally, I love Mirka sanders for their ergonomics!
CuriousCrafter: That’s good to know! I usually work with end grain, so I might appreciate that power. I’ll definitely check them out in a local store first. Thanks!
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Great question! I've been checking out Surfprep sanding kits myself, but I can't speak to their efficiency just yet. I'd love to hear what others think about them too!
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OldToolFan: That’s not my experience at all! My Festool tools are over 15 years old and still run perfectly, and I use them daily.