Sander Types and Applications
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Choosing the right Festool sander for your needs can seem complicated, but by understanding the key differences between the types of sanders, you can make an informed decision. Festool Australia's lineup of "Power Sanders" is designed to provide a solution for every application, from rapid material removal to fine finishing.
Understanding Sander Types
Orbital Sanders (Finishing Sanders)
Often referred to as finishing or sheet sanders, these tools are ideal for achieving a smooth, flawless surface. Their sanding pad moves in a tiny circular or orbital motion. Because of this, they are excellent for smoothing out large, flat areas and are particularly effective for sanding corners and edges due to their rectangular or triangular pad shape. They are less aggressive than other sander types, making them perfect for preparing surfaces for painting or staining and for intermediate sanding between coats.
Example: The DTS 400 REQ is a great example of a triangular-shaped orbital sander that excels at getting into tight corners.
Random Orbital Sanders
A versatile and popular choice, the random orbital sander combines two motions: the circular orbit of the pad and an independent rotation of the pad itself. This unique "random" action prevents the sandpaper from following the same path twice, which significantly reduces the risk of leaving circular scratch patterns or "swirl marks" on the surface. These sanders are fantastic for all-around use, as they can remove material quickly with a coarse grit and leave a high-quality finish with a finer grit.
Example: The ETSC 125 18V is a compact random orbital sander that is highly versatile.
Geared Random Orbital Sanders
Rotary sanders are designed for heavy-duty, high-performance tasks, with a pad that spins aggressively to remove large amounts of material quickly. This makes them suitable for stripping old paint or varnish, sanding down tough surfaces, and preparing surfaces for polishing. However, this aggressive action can leave a coarser finish, requiring a separate finishing step.
Festool’s ROTEX series offers a unique "geared random orbital" mode that combines the rapid material removal of a rotary sander with the fine finishing capabilities of a random orbital sander. With the flick of a switch, you can change the sanding mode. This dual-action functionality makes them incredibly versatile for both coarse sanding and fine finishing with a single tool.
Example: The RO 150 ROTEX 3 in 1 sander, for example, is a geared random orbital sander that can switch between aggressive rotary mode and a fine finishing random orbital mode, eliminating the need for a separate finishing sander.
The Right Sander for Your Needs
To choose the best Festool sander, consider the type of work you will be doing most often:
For Fine Finishing & Detail Work: If you are primarily working on delicate surfaces, preparing for a finish coat, or sanding in corners and edges, a standard orbital sander like the RTS 400 is your best bet.
For General-Purpose Sanding: A random orbital sander is the ideal all-rounder for most woodworking and home improvement projects. It offers a great balance of material removal and a fine, swirl-free finish. The ETS series from Festool is a perfect choice here.
For Heavy-Duty & Multi-Purpose Tasks: If you need a single tool to handle both aggressive material removal and high-quality finishing, a geared random orbital sander from the ROTEX series is the ultimate solution.
Ultimately, the best sander is the one that aligns with your most frequent applications. Festool's system-based approach ensures that no matter which sander you choose, it will integrate perfectly with their dust extraction systems and a wide range of abrasives for a healthier, more efficient workflow.
Sander Types and Applications:-
ETSC2 18V (Cordless): Round random orbital sanders for walls, doors, and decking.
RTS 400 (Corded): A rectangular orbital sander suitable for corners, architraves, skirting, and windows.
DTS 400 (Corded): A triangular orbital sander for corners, architraves, skirting, and windows.
RTSC 400 18V (Cordless & Corded Hybrid): A rectangular orbital sander for corners, architraves, skirting, and windows.
DTSC 400 18V (Cordless & Corded Hybrid): A triangular orbital sander for corners, architraves, skirting, and windows.
ETSC 125 2mm 18V (Cordless & Corded Hybrid): A round random orbital sander for walls, doors, decking, and finishing.
ETS 125 2mm (Corded): A round orbital sander for walls, doors, decking, and finishing.
ETS 150 3mm and ETS 150 5mm (Corded): Round random orbital sanders for walls and doors.
ETS EC 150 3mm and ETS EC 150 5mm (Corded): Round random orbital sanders for walls and doors.
LHS 2 225 PLANEX and LHS 225 PLANEX Easy (Corded): Round drywall sanders for walls and ceilings.
RO 90 (Corded): A random orbital geared round/triangle sander for corners, architraves, skirting, and walls.
RO 125 and RO 150 (Corded): Round random orbital geared sanders for walls, doors, and decking.
| Model | Stroke (mm) | Pad (mm) | Motor | Weight (kg) | Power (W) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETSC2 | 3.5 | 150 | brushless | 1.2 | - |
| RTS 400 | 2 | 80 x 133 | brushed | 1.2 | 250 |
| DTS 400 | 2 | 100 x 150 | brushed | 1.2 | 250 |
| RTSC 400 18V | 2 | 80 x 133 | brushless | 1.4 | - |
| DTSC 400 18V | 2 | 100 x 150 | brushless | 1.4 | - |
| ETSC 125/2 18V | 2 | 125 | brushless | 1.4 | - |
| ETS 125/2 | 2 | 125 | brushed | 1.1 | 200 |
| ETS 150/3 | 3 | 150 | brushed | 1.8 | 310 |
| ETS 150/5 | 5 | 150 | brushed | 1.8 | 310 |
| ETS EC 150/3 | 3 | 150 | brushless | 1.2 | 400 |
| ETS EC 150/5 | 5 | 150 | brushless | 1.2 | 400 |
| LHS 2 225 PLANEX | 4 | 225 | brushless | 4 | 400 |
| LHS 225 PLANEX Easy | - | 225 | brushed | 4 | 400 |
| RO 90 | 3 | 90 | brushed | 1.5 | 400 |
| RO 125 | 3.6 | 125 | brushed | 1.9 | 500 |
| RO 150 | 5 | 150 | brushed | 2.3 | 720 |
Festool offer free tool demonstrations, so you can get hands-on with the tools you’re looking at.
Benefit from expert advice and get set up for success with our team of Technical Sales Consultants.
Frequently asked questions
How much time can a tradesperson save by choosing the right Festool sander?
Choosing the right sander for the task has a direct impact on time on the tool. A painter sanding a door, door jamb and 12 lm of skirting with a basic tool or manual approach takes around 45 minutes plus 30 minutes of cleanup. The same job with the correct Festool sanding system takes 24 minutes with significantly less cleanup, saving around $60 per room at $80/hr. For wall and ceiling prep with the PLANEX, the saving on a 28 m² room is around $153 per room. Use the Festool Value Calculator to model the return for your specific trade and task volume.
What is the difference between an orbital sander and a random orbital sander?
An orbital sander moves its pad in a fixed elliptical path. This makes it well suited to flat surfaces and corners, but the repeated motion can leave a pattern in the surface if the sander stays in one spot too long. A random orbital sander combines pad rotation with an independent random orbit, which means the abrasive never follows the same path twice. This eliminates the swirl marks that orbital sanders can leave, making random orbital sanders the better choice for any surface that will be painted or finished. Festool's random orbital sander range includes both corded and cordless options across 125 mm and 150 mm pad sizes.
When should I use a geared random orbital sander like the RO 150 ROTEX instead of a standard random orbital?
The RO 150 ROTEX is the right choice when the job requires both aggressive material removal and a fine finish from the same tool. In rotary mode it removes old paint, varnish, or heavy coatings quickly. Switch to eccentric mode and it finishes to a standard that doesn't require a second sander. For a painter stripping and re-finishing doors this means one tool covers the full prep process, with no tool change between stripping and finishing. A standard random orbital can only finish. It cannot replace the coarse removal stage.
How long does each Festool sander type take to complete a typical sanding task?
For skirtings, architraves and door jambs, the RTSC 400 cordless delta sander completes the task in around 24 minutes versus 45 minutes with a basic tool, on a door, door jamb and 12 lm of skirting. For walls and ceilings, the LHS 2 225 PLANEX completes a 28 m² room in 15 minutes versus 1.5 hours with a standard 150 mm random orbital. The time difference is largest when the sander type is matched specifically to the surface geometry and scale. A 150 mm random orbital on a wall is the wrong tool for the scale; the PLANEX is designed for it.
Does Festool dust extraction work with all sander types in the range?
Yes. Every Festool sander in the range is designed with a dust port that connects to a compatible Festool dust extractor. On corded sanders, the extractor's appliance socket starts and stops the extractor automatically when the sander runs. On cordless sanders, Bluetooth connectivity between the battery and a compatible extractor provides the same automatic response. The CTM Midi M-class extractor is the standard pairing for random orbital and delta sanders used on timber, MDF, and painted surfaces, retaining at least 99.9% of captured dust. See the dust extractor classification guide for the correct extractor class by application.
Which Festool sander is best for corners, edges, and tight areas?
For corners and tight internal angles, the RTSC 400 cordless delta sander is the purpose-built choice. Its triangular pad reaches into 90-degree corners that round pads cannot access, making it the right tool for skirtings, architraves, window reveals, and door jambs. The DTS 400 corded delta sander covers the same applications in a corded format. For very tight radii, grooves, and moulded profiles, hand abrasives with an interface pad remain the correct approach alongside the power sander.
What Festool sander setup do I need for a complete interior painting prep system?
A complete interior painting prep system covers three surface types with three purpose-matched sanders. For skirtings, architraves and door jambs: the RTSC 400 cordless delta sander with a Granat abrasive Systainer. For doors and vertical surfaces: the ETSC 2 cordless random orbital sander or the RO 150 ROTEX where paint removal is needed. For walls and ceilings: the LHS 2 225 PLANEX with the CTM 36 AC PLANEX extractor. Pair all three with the CTM Midi M-class extractor for skirtings and door work. Speak to your authorised Festool dealer to build the right kit for your workload.