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View Full Version : Makita 150mm ROS vs Festool RS2????















Gordo78
23rd January 2011, 11:01 PM
I'm in the market for a sander to finish a tallowood slab dining table. I am interested in the Makita 150m ROS having gotten ideas from this forum and am trying to find a cheap price on the net when i stumbled across a Festool RS 2 on ebay in my area. I found an article on the net by a guy who uses the Rs 2 everyday to finish large flat pieces of timber (sounds like what i'm trying to do).

Can anyone comment on the suitability of this sander for what i'm trying to do. Will the 1/2 sheet help give me a smoother finish as the pads won't bite in as much as a ROS?

thanks in advance

underused
24th January 2011, 03:03 PM
If the slab needs a fair bit of flattening, go for a belt sander mate, then follow up with a ROS or half sheet. The Festool belt sander, with the frame takes some beating.

If the slab is already flat, and just requires finishing (smoothing) both ROS and Half Sheet will do it. I have both, but reach for the half sheet for table tops and slab work.
I owned the Festool RS2, but didn't think much of it, and sold it on...it was very jumpy, and swirly. I used it for several months, but couldn't tame it.
I bought a ten year old Rupes Half sheet sander, and that is the dogs goolies! it's gear driven, cuts quickly, leaves a very smooth finish and no jumping around.