Flatten large surfaces with the Festool RS 2 E half sheet sander.

I call this sander Festool’s Cadillac not just because it’s their best sander, it also reminds me of the 73' Cadillac my buddy had in high school. That car rode so smooth just like the RS 2 E. And they are both just as fun to take for a spin.

I would like to thank Tim Colwell of Festool Junkie for providing this sander. Stop by his Festool online store sometime.

Don’t be fooled by the RS 2 E’s unassuming appearance. This tool has some nice features. It can use both Festool’s StickFix abrasive sheets or any standard sheet sandpaper. The thing that sets this sander apart from other half sheet sanders is it’s ultra flat orbit! Coupled with the large sanding surface and 2.5 mm stroke, this sander produces exceptionally flat finished surfaces.

In this photo I’m sanding a cherry end panel for a client’s kitchen cabinet.

As you can see here the RS 2 E doesn’t have the Plug-It cord, the only thing this sander lacks.

A shot of the StickFix sanding pad and abrasive sheet.

To use a standard half sheet of sandpaper, lift the lever to open the jaws of the spring clamp and slide in the paper. The lever/jaws can be locked open to make it a little easier to attach the paper. Once the paper in on the sander, use the hole punch (sold as an accessory part # 481523) to the make holes for dust extraction.

In the Systainer.

Some details: sanding pad size: 4-1/2" x 9" (115mm x 228mm), 200 watts (1.66 amps), variable speed, 5.5 lbs; dust collection when hooked up to a vac is near 100%. Comes with sander, manual, one abrasive sheet and filter cartridge all in a Systainer # 2.

Well as they say, the proof is in the pudding, here are some shots of the finished panel.

This is the first project I’ve used the RS 2 E on so I haven’t even scratched the surface (pun intended)of what this sander can do. It is very easy for me to sum it up, this tool is a real winner.

And thanks again to Festool Junkie.