And priced like it’s made of unobtainium More on reddit.com

Firstly, Festool sanders are designed to be used with a dust extractor. It doesn't need to be a Festool dust extractor (you can buy a coupler for connecting other brands) but you need one. That's gonna be a few hundred minimum on its own. Second, yes. Festool sanders are worth it if you're willing to pay. There are two major differences: Electronic motor control. Festool uses the same kind of digital power control systems you'll see in many high-end routers for its other tools. This ensures the motor maintains consistent output, and self-corrects for dynamic loading (which would otherwise change the effective output power of the motor). This produces more even, consistent results. The active dust removal. This produces a virtually loading-free sanding experience. Not only does it make sanding sheets last much longer than they otherwise wood, it provides a more consistent, even finish. If you're looking at buying a Festool sander, there are three different types. The ETS is the palm finish sander. It's meant to be easy one-handed operation for small area and spot finishing. The DTS is the precision version of the ETS, and is like a "mouse sander". It's otherwise the same product. The ROTEX is the one-and-a-half-handed sander. It can be used one-handed (although it requires above-average upper body strength and proper ergonomics to do so effectively), but it has a layout for two-handed usage similar to a power buffer. The ROTEX's default mode is basically the same as the ETS, but it has a gear-driven mode which is designed to really tear through material. I used it to put a 1/2" roundover on a squared piece of maple in about 10 seconds with a 100-grit pad. It is ideal for cleaning up slabs that just came out of a flattening mill. If you're looking for an upgrade, the ROTEX is the Cadillac of sanders. It has the same functionality as the ETS, but with the gear drive function for large surface cleanup. If you just want to shave time off your sanding, the ETS is still a very good choice for that and its performance will be easily seen within the first half hour of using it. Just remember that you need a dust collector with it, so you're looking at a ~$600 cumulative buy-in to get a Festool sander to begin with. It's worth what it costs, but only you can decide if that expenditure is worthwhile to your production demands. More on reddit.com

Dust extraction with festool products is essential. And using their dust extraction is ideal. It’s expensive but it really works well. It doesn’t surprise me you’d have vibration without it. But I’d never dream of sanding without the dust extraction. That’s like, 90% of the joy I’ve experienced with festool. No dust whatsoever when I sand. Like 1% or less. I run grinders too so I get the concern about vibration on your hands. It takes a toll. More on reddit.com

This is a reminder to those commenting on this post (not the person that posted it): Comments not related to woodworking will be removed. Violations to rule 1 including crude jokes, innuendo, sexist remarks, politics, or hate speech may result in an immediate ban I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. More on reddit.com