Joslyn is back and we set out to use another sanding/finish method — the
Festool Rotex Sanders.
Joslyn has picked out a good Koa sample and has hot glued the block on the
bottom. She will secure that into the Workmate.
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She
should be putting on a new sanding disk, but this one, while used, has very little
clogging of the disc. It is a 36 grit paper. Sandpaper discs for the Rotex last
longer due to the vacuum flow from the center hole to the perimeter holes. This increases
the dust collection efficiency tremendously and reduces clogging of the abrasive surface.
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Joslyn
sets the Festool Rotex 150 to the aggressive mode. It should smooth over the rough sawn
board in short order. For most of the
sanding/buffing process, Joslyn and I both tend to use the less aggressive mode. It makes
it easier to handle and also gives us the right sanding/buffing speed.
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You can see the cross
hatching of the rough sawn texture.
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In
the aggressive mode, Joslyn keeps both hands on the sander. It doesn't take long to level
the rough sawn surface.
In the background is the Festool RO 125 — a newer "cousin" to
the Festool RO 150 that Joslyn is using.
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Roslyn
kneels down to inspect the surface against the light. She can see that the 36 grit paper
in the aggressive mode has eliminated all the rough-sawn swirl marks.
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Joslyn
decides it is time to switch over and try the new Festool RO 125. It has the
switchable modes like the 150 but it is smaller, 5" instead of 6". It also has a
more ergonomically designed body and is somewhat lighter.
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Joslyn switches the vacuum hose to the RO 125. You can't see it in these pictures, but
when using any Festool unit, connecting it to the vacuum gives you almost a total dust
free environment. For information, the two of us sanded for about 2 hours straight and
noticed no dust in the air whatsoever. We can't say the same about the belt sander we used
last week. It was aggressive and it produced a lot of dust. These Festool sanders
are "lung friendly."
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The inset is the picture from above where Jos is using the small handle to change modes.
On the new unit, it is a simply switch that can be slid from aggressive to normal mode.
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The Festool Rotex 125 has a different but nice feel. The body is molded in such a way that
it fits the hand better. The 5" pad is less sanding surface than the 6", so it
does take more time to sand the surface.
By the way, please note that Joslyn and I always wear hearing and sight
protection. It is just a good standard practice. Fact is, both Festool Rotex units are
rather quiet, especially compared to the belt and thickness sander.
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Having
worked through the sanding grits of 80, 120, 150 and 180, she stops and inspects her work.
It is uniformly smooth and ready for the next step.
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