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So my 5" Makita ROS is about 10 yrs old and needs to be replaced. Actually, it still works but I would like a better tool.

I am looking for something specifically for guitars. I would love to get something like a 3" dynabrade but just don't have the CFM from my shop air supply (I can only pull about 4CFM at 90psi). So I'm looking for an electric model and will pretty much consider anything under $500. I'm willing to pay a fair amount because it's something I use a lot.

For the 5" models I'm leaning towards a Festool 5" ROS but would sure like to hear some opinions (I know that's a lot to ask for around here ).

I think a smaller sander, about 3" might work even better but I haven't been able to find an electric one.

But I'm open to all options so let er rip

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

I got a Millwalkee ROS with variable speed. It has the hook and loop paper , LOVE IT.

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
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I've been looking at the Mirka CEROS for a year or so. Like you I don't have a large enough compressor (or room for one) to run air sanders. It would be at the top end of your price range.

http://www.woodessence.com/Mirka-CEROS-Sander-P186C59.aspx


Josh

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Josh House

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I think the 5" or 6" Bosch has about the best non vacuum dust collection. I like mine a lot. Better than my last Makita which lasted only a couple of years. Fairly pricey though, but not Festool pricey.

not sure that animal exist ..... I'm a porter cable kinda guy.

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I have the 5" Festool ROS. It works great. Variable speed, doesnt shake too bad, thick long cord, seems very well made. It has a dust port designed for the Festool vac but I just use duct tape and attach it to my regular shop vac. It seems to keep all the dust out of the air.

Not as nice as a Dynabrade, but the 3" metabo still pretty smooth and reasonably priced.

http://www.amazon.com/Metabo-SXE400-8-I ... B00004YBX5

The 5" Milwaukee gives a smooth finish and works well with a vacuum, but is not very aggressive and leaves your hands buzzing after a session.

-jd

I would vote for the Festool 5". It works extremely well with my Festool dust extractor, and I like the features. I didn't go for the high-dollar one with the "overdrive" function, by the way. If I had to do it again, I would seriously consider the Bosch machines. For the $200 I paid for the Festool, I could have bought a couple of Boschs, and had enough left over for a year's worth of abrasives.

The abrasive discs for the Festool are not priced much more than normal discs, though.

If, as you say, you are willing to spend $500, then it's a no-brainer.

The Mirka CEROS is light years ahead of anything else, performance wise.

I would consider this since I do my power sanding at a downdraft table and I have carpel tunnel. So I am willing to pay a premium for something that would make the job easier and faster with less wear and tear on my joints.

Murray, are you using this unit now? Is anyone else? Is it lighter? Less vibration??

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

I appreciate all of the other input too. I do like Milwaukee tools; I have one of their sawzalls and it's the best one I've used. I'm considering the Festool because I've heard good reports from several folks.

It's going to be a difficult decision, I suppose.

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

I have a craftsman professional I really like , I was looking for one I could attach my shop vac too I use it for fine sanding and for finish sanding using superpad abrasivies....

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MK5acoustics.com

I like my older Bosch 5". I've only owned two others to compare it to, but it's the best so far. I replaced the original pad with a more rigid one, which gets a much flatter surface where the surface hardness varies, like purfling and rosettes on a spruce top.

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

Festool ROS125.
Dual modes make it versatile, it's well-built, circuitry designed to prevent burning it up, it's ergonomic, and has awesome dust collection.

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Always have plenty of sandpaper; it's rough out there!

No I do not own it, I saw it demonstrated at a woodworking show a few weeks back, and had a chance to try it out ...the difference in vibration is like night and day, and it is far lighter than any other ROS I have used...I own and use a Bosch at the moment, I have used Porter Cable (back in the Us of A) and have colleagues who use the Festool Rotex...the Mirka CEROS totally eclipses them ..leastways on my brief encounter... the simplicity of the design and the dramatically fewer number of moving parts leads me to believe that the long term reliabilty would be greater than with any other comparable AC sander ...and in answer to your question, it is unbelievably light and easy to handle, and almost vibration free.

If I had $500 going spare, with no other pressing needs, I would have one in a heartbeat. But... it's not a big enough deal for me at the moment, I will continue using my Bosch ..."adequate" is the kindest description of the Bosch ...

Depends on your budge. I love my festool 6" with dustex, but Mirka......mmmmmmmm!

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Pat

Don't know about the Mirka, but I use a Festool 125 ROS and really like it.

Chuck

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Steve,
Next time you're in Knoxville stop in and see me and play with the Festool. Bring something you want to sand and try it out. I think you will like it.
Paul

The big difference with the Mirka is that they do the electric conversion in a box on the floor instead of in the sander. Which makes it way lighter. It is basically an electric dynabrade.

I have a Metabo 5" palm sander that's really nice, and a lot cheaper than some of the alternatives. I use it mainly on bare wood, as I wet sand most of my finishes.

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if I was going to spend up to $500 I would buy the mirka, the only question would be which size...

....you mentioned you have carpal tunnel syndrome....are you aware that vibration causes/exacerbates carpal tunnel condition....? an orbital sander is about the ideal vibration machine.....

You're going to get a ton of opinions about sanders. I know because I just had to replace mine. I looked at the Festool but just can not justify the expense, regardless of how good they are. I decided to go with Bosch after many years with Porter Cable. For heavy work I chose the Bosch 1250DEVS, and for lighter work I have the Bosch RO10.

I've only had a chance to use the RO10 so far while I await my 1250. For a 5", moderately priced sander, its pretty darn good. Vibration is modest. I don't think that you can have NO vibration, and vibration is also an issue depending upon how you hold the sander. Another issue is the "drag" effect created by the spinning disc. Some sanders are terrible for this, the Bosch is quite good. For guitar work I'd choose the variable speed option, definitely.

And I can buy 4 of the Bosch for one Festool.

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Expectation is the source of all misery; comparison the thief of joy.
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I've noticed. This is why I am looking for something smoother, lighter, less irritating to my condition.



Agreed - the oscillating mass makes it difficult to balance everything out and no doubt some manufacturers do it better than others. My goal is just to minimize the amount of hand sanding and make the machine sanding as easy as is practical. I hate to spend $500 on a sander but will consider it if I think it can reduce the wear and tear on the wrist joint.

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

Hey Paul, I need to pick up a tool I ordered last time I was there. Tried to go by today but couldn't get through the traffic to turn left in the parking lot, guess I'll wait till after Christmas. I'll check it out when I come in.

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"