Good review. I have never used any Festool products and have not even checked into the cost of one but I am willing to spend the extra if it will produce a better quality product
Not sure if it would make a better product as the sanding results were the same however fatigue using the DeWalt vs the Festool was a noticeable difference one that would make me pay more money to have the Festool. I also felt I had better control over the Festool vs the DeWalt
I owned DeWalt, Makita, rupes, mirka and festool sanders, rupes and festool are the oldest and still going strong after 10 years, and are very easy on the body when sanding for hours at a time. Mirka lasted only 6 months. Makita and DeWalt are ok , and still work but not as user friendly
I’ve had dewalt and makita tools for 17 years as a carpenter. I will say that most not all festool products are miles better for woodworking. Just purchased the cordless sander with one battery for £286 on offer!! What a bargain!! Will replace my makita 18v orbital
Finally, an honest review. I feel like most people that own a festool and have spent festool money, have no choice but to defend it. I have the XR sander and I see nothing wrong with it. If I spend $$ on the festool vac, I’ll get the remote to turn the vac on
Thank you for the comment and encouragement. I do think the smoothness in the festool is much better however if you don't use it every day or a few times a week. I would recommend the dewalt sander it works fine.
I bought that DeWalt 2 days ago and immediately spent around 4 hours sanding a whiskey barrel. My model is slightly different with the battery release button being on top instead of the side. Cost me £150 for the body alone WITHOUT any batteries which was a bit pricey, hell of a tool though!
Got the dewalt and use it every day for long periods upto an hour.. Mostly on setting 1 as its powerfull.. I only use mirka abrinet abrasive ive only ever had mild fatigue at worst.. With the smaller battery it is very compact and versatile..
I got the dewalt, in my opinion no need for the expensive one, when I'm sanding I choose the right grit sandpaper and fastest I go is the 5 speed setting. Can't beat the Dewalt for price and performance. Vibration? Don't press too hard and let the tool do the job, learn how to use and hold it and you'll get the best out of it.
Late to the comments… noise on device isn’t bad on either. The noise is when you connect the Dust vac.. I have a Festool 48 AC and connected to anything: router, saws, sander; the noise is vacuum running through the connection. Much louder than device & dust bag. The Bluetooth Auto-on is nice… my track saw has it. Although you can add the BT module to several Festool dust vacuums and place button at end of hose, then any device can be used and just press button near device.
You have a festool vac which dramatically improves the performance of both. Frankly, I would never buy an orbital without a middle hole feeding cold air. We sand 1000s of square feet of plywood and would use Mirka or Festool mostly. Metabo at a pinch.
I am glad this was able to help. I know personally. I just need to know if I made the right discussion or if I should have spent the extra $ or be ok with the lest costly version.
A newbie woodworker probably doesn't even need a Dewalt sander - the Ryobi one is just fine for the first year or so if you're not sure that this a hobby you'll stick with.
if you're gonna compare the super kit with two batteries and a power converter to use a cord plus a nice systainer case from festool to the bare bones kit from Dewalt then yes big price difference. Next time try an apples to apples price comparison. would have liked to seen a better demo on wood you seem to have plenty of pieces behind you. do some pencil markings next time. Also a little translation: aggressive equals jumpy, timid equals controlled. Final point, if you had to drive to work an hour each way would you want to have to do that in a junkie car that's noisy vibrates a lot and constantly veers off the road where you have to make corrections or would you like to enjoy the luxury and quietness of a Mercedes with perfect steering. That is what we're talking about here.
Interesting talking about how the dewalt cant go up to the side as it will catch the edge with no gaurd correct me if im erong but you cant go up to the edge with the gaurd on the festool because there is a gap between the gaurd and the paper 😅
@@HowYouCanMakeIt I more meant doesn't that negate the point of the gaurd .. the only time I imagine the gaurd would be handy is sanding the edge . You mentioned it on your video when sanding the edge the DeWalt might get caught on a side piece a gaurd for the middle of the workpiece seems a bit strange
Not sure the quality is enough to warrant 6X the price. It’s like buying a Ferrari to use in rush hour traffic. The convenience of dust extraction when turning it on and the less vibration is good for long sanding periods, but otherwise money is better spent on other tools. Also, I’ve learned the hard way that some cordless tools draw a lot of power so not worth going cordless either, like sanding, routing or tablesaws. What’s the point of a cordless sander if you’ll have dust extraction hose anyway. Just tape a corded sander to the hose and keep going.
Yeah I would agree unless you really need the dust extraction and understand the motor in the Festool creates less vibration therefore less fatigue go with the DeWalt for occasional sanding.
It's kind of an odd comparison. While I get the gist of the point, the reality is really about dust control and finesse, and whether dust control is a priority. The Festool by itself is a good sander. Pair that good sander with a quality dust extractor and it becomes a great sander. The DeWalt on the other hand is an ok sander, and then buy or 3d print an attachment to connect it to the same quality dust extractor and it is still just an ok sander. Ergonomics of long use sessions make the costs beneficial. So yes you are correct if you are occasionally sanding a diy project and use a sander half a dozen times a year then absolutely save your money. I use the Festool sanders and dust extractors as a selling feature because as a paint and drywall guy my work is done in customers homes. Because of this my primary focus is ergonomics and dust control, so for me I get the return of the investment off the tools that a weekend warrior likely would not.
@@Worldsbestname well it popped up in my suggested feed because at the time I was going back and forth on another Festool, a ETS EC 150/5, or the Mirka Deros 150/5. It had a Festool sander in it so I watched it. As I said originally it is like comparing apples to tangerines, but I do understand the gist of the comparison. I'm happy that it was a good fit for you. I'm now curious on what won out on your decision making process. Was it the affordable 5" box store sander of a Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, or was it the higher priced type sander you leaned to? And whichever way you leaned towards what was the tipping point?
Thx for that review i was looking at the Dewalt but i think i ll stick with my Bosch coeded....Btw check out the bosch 12v 5" sander.would like to see a review ...
Do not patronize any companies that moved their manufacturing to Mexico or China. Their are no sanders made in USA. DeWalt sander is made in Mexico. Festool is made in Germany.
Wrong... DeWalt= $100 Festool= 250. Tool only. A complete Festool setup with 2 batteries + charger = around $600 A complete DeWalt setup with 2 batteries+ charger= around $200.
Not everything Festool makes is great. As germans they over engineer everything and at times their price doesn't justify the value. Only great tool they make is domino machine. Rest, competition is better.
Interesting point of view. I do believe the reason they are more expensive than the completion is they pay their employees 2x than most and take care of their team like family most other companies don’t care about their employees like Festool
@@HowYouCanMakeIt Sorry but it has nothing to do with payment. They use better material and it's manufactured in Germany, as compared to outsourcing it which takes cost up. Making it in China or Mexico with same material will be cheaper. On top of that ike Apple, they charge extra for 'brand' value and extra features that consumes a lot of research. NOTHING to do with employee salaries. I do like Festools, they are refined but not everything they make is great.
Festool is the Apple of tools. Proprietary, overpriced, and occasionally high quality. That green color is the equivalent of having white things sticking out your ears.
@@HowYouCanMakeIt Maybe so but my DeWalt still humming along and if and when it craps out, I can buy it 5 more times for the price of that festool. Each DeWalt has a 3 year warranty and haven’t needed it yet. I can use the same sandpaper and my boards going to be as smooth as yours. If you have money to throw away, go ahead and toss it. I don’t mind a new tool every 10 years.
For starting out I totally would recommend the DeWalt. However the features the Festool has with the dust extractor are great and I personally like the Festool ergonomics better for long sands
@@HowYouCanMakeIt How about instead of comparing speed 1-7 on the Dewalt vs speed 1-6 on the Festool, go look up what the Min and Max no-load speeds are and discuss that. Comparing numbers means nothing if you don’t explain what the numbers represents. For instance, the Festool setting of 1 equals 6000 rpm while a setting of 6 equals 10,000 rpm. On the Dewalt, a setting of 1 equals 8000 rpm and 7 equals 12,000 rpm. That explains your comments with facts rather than some subjective “it feels more aggressive/not as smooth.” What about stroke length? What about warranty? Battery life? Battery charger time? Weight? Or what about the fact that the Festool can run off mains power for unlimited sanding time? A comparison video should cover most, if not all aspects, otherwise it really is a terrible comparison.
Good review. I have never used any Festool products and have not even checked into the cost of one but I am willing to spend the extra if it will produce a better quality product
Not sure if it would make a better product as the sanding results were the same however fatigue using the DeWalt vs the Festool was a noticeable difference one that would make me pay more money to have the Festool. I also felt I had better control over the Festool vs the DeWalt
@@HowYouCanMakeIt That would be my thought is if the tool is easier on me then I would do a better job I believe
👍🏻
I owned DeWalt, Makita, rupes, mirka and festool sanders, rupes and festool are the oldest and still going strong after 10 years, and are very easy on the body when sanding for hours at a time. Mirka lasted only 6 months. Makita and DeWalt are ok , and still work but not as user friendly
I’ve had dewalt and makita tools for 17 years as a carpenter. I will say that most not all festool products are miles better for woodworking. Just purchased the cordless sander with one battery for £286 on offer!! What a bargain!! Will replace my makita 18v orbital
Great point!
Finally, an honest review. I feel like most people that own a festool and have spent festool money, have no choice but to defend it. I have the XR sander and I see nothing wrong with it.
If I spend $$ on the festool vac, I’ll get the remote to turn the vac on
Thank you for the comment and encouragement. I do think the smoothness in the festool is much better however if you don't use it every day or a few times a week. I would recommend the dewalt sander it works fine.
I bought that DeWalt 2 days ago and immediately spent around 4 hours sanding a whiskey barrel. My model is slightly different with the battery release button being on top instead of the side. Cost me £150 for the body alone WITHOUT any batteries which was a bit pricey, hell of a tool though!
Thanks for sharing
I have compare an older wired version of Festool palm sander. It was significantly slower and weeker than the dewalt wireless.
No I haven’t but that is good to know
Got the dewalt and use it every day for long periods upto an hour.. Mostly on setting 1 as its powerfull.. I only use mirka abrinet abrasive ive only ever had mild fatigue at worst.. With the smaller battery it is very compact and versatile..
Good to know thanks
I got the dewalt, in my opinion no need for the expensive one, when I'm sanding I choose the right grit sandpaper and fastest I go is the 5 speed setting. Can't beat the Dewalt for price and performance. Vibration? Don't press too hard and let the tool do the job, learn how to use and hold it and you'll get the best out of it.
Thanks for sharing
ear plugs will take care of the sound do not need an expensive sander when it is the paper that does the sanding.
vibration was the biggest difference.
The power cable adapter is a nice touch for the festool. but the price. 🤑
I know the price is high but worth every penny
Late to the comments… noise on device isn’t bad on either. The noise is when you connect the Dust vac.. I have a Festool 48 AC and connected to anything: router, saws, sander; the noise is vacuum running through the connection. Much louder than device & dust bag.
The Bluetooth Auto-on is nice… my track saw has it. Although you can add the BT module to several Festool dust vacuums and place button at end of hose, then any device can be used and just press button near device.
Thanks
You have a festool vac which dramatically improves the performance of both. Frankly, I would never buy an orbital without a middle hole feeding cold air.
We sand 1000s of square feet of plywood and would use Mirka or Festool mostly. Metabo at a pinch.
Good to know thanks
After watching this, I'm 100% satisfied with my box wire sander.. got it for 50 bucks. I feel like I saved myself $550
I am glad this was able to help. I know personally. I just need to know if I made the right discussion or if I should have spent the extra $ or be ok with the lest costly version.
For 500 dollars less I’ll take a vibrating hand. 😂
hahaha
The festool feels like a toy compared to the dewalt xr
The DeWalt XR tools are solid as I own several. I didn’t like the DeWalt sander.
How is the dust collection with the Festool without the vac?
Great vid
It is good, does the job. I would say it is lightly better than the DeWalt but not by much.
You didn't mention that Festool has an amazing service program. 3years. Send it in, and they fix it for free.
That is true thanks for mentioning that
A newbie woodworker probably doesn't even need a Dewalt sander - the Ryobi one is just fine for the first year or so if you're not sure that this a hobby you'll stick with.
Yes I would agree. Never used a Ryobi tool but I am sure they are great for getting started
@@HowYouCanMakeIt Ryobi reps everywhere just stopped whatever they were doing to gasp that you hadn't tried one of their products. 😂
👍🏻
if you're gonna compare the super kit with two batteries and a power converter to use a cord plus a nice systainer case from festool to the bare bones kit from Dewalt then yes big price difference. Next time try an apples to apples price comparison. would have liked to seen a better demo on wood you seem to have plenty of pieces behind you. do some pencil markings next time. Also a little translation: aggressive equals jumpy, timid equals controlled. Final point, if you had to drive to work an hour each way would you want to have to do that in a junkie car that's noisy vibrates a lot and constantly veers off the road where you have to make corrections or would you like to enjoy the luxury and quietness of a Mercedes with perfect steering. That is what we're talking about here.
Thanks for the feedback.
If you try new Bosch brushless sander, you will change the mind on $100 one VS $600 Festool sander.
I should try it, what makes the Bosch sander great?
@@HowYouCanMakeIt Less vibration, better handling , better dust collection and $100
I will have to check it out
Thanks god bless
Always welcome
Interesting talking about how the dewalt cant go up to the side as it will catch the edge with no gaurd correct me if im erong but you cant go up to the edge with the gaurd on the festool because there is a gap between the gaurd and the paper 😅
There is a guard on the festool however it can be removed to go right up to the edge.
@@HowYouCanMakeIt I more meant doesn't that negate the point of the gaurd .. the only time I imagine the gaurd would be handy is sanding the edge . You mentioned it on your video when sanding the edge the DeWalt might get caught on a side piece a gaurd for the middle of the workpiece seems a bit strange
The guard is useful when I am sanding on a section next to another surface I don’t need to get sanded. It has protected the edge if that makes since
@@HowYouCanMakeIt ok thanks buddy good video 👌
👊🏻
Not sure the quality is enough to warrant 6X the price. It’s like buying a Ferrari to use in rush hour traffic. The convenience of dust extraction when turning it on and the less vibration is good for long sanding periods, but otherwise money is better spent on other tools. Also, I’ve learned the hard way that some cordless tools draw a lot of power so not worth going cordless either, like sanding, routing or tablesaws. What’s the point of a cordless sander if you’ll have dust extraction hose anyway. Just tape a corded sander to the hose and keep going.
Yeah I would agree unless you really need the dust extraction and understand the motor in the Festool creates less vibration therefore less fatigue go with the DeWalt for occasional sanding.
It's kind of an odd comparison. While I get the gist of the point, the reality is really about dust control and finesse, and whether dust control is a priority.
The Festool by itself is a good sander. Pair that good sander with a quality dust extractor and it becomes a great sander. The DeWalt on the other hand is an ok sander, and then buy or 3d print an attachment to connect it to the same quality dust extractor and it is still just an ok sander.
Ergonomics of long use sessions make the costs beneficial. So yes you are correct if you are occasionally sanding a diy project and use a sander half a dozen times a year then absolutely save your money.
I use the Festool sanders and dust extractors as a selling feature because as a paint and drywall guy my work is done in customers homes. Because of this my primary focus is ergonomics and dust control, so for me I get the return of the investment off the tools that a weekend warrior likely would not.
Would agree
TBH This review may not have been for you then. It was great for me!
Glad you liked it
@@Worldsbestname well it popped up in my suggested feed because at the time I was going back and forth on another Festool, a ETS EC 150/5, or the Mirka Deros 150/5. It had a Festool sander in it so I watched it. As I said originally it is like comparing apples to tangerines, but I do understand the gist of the comparison.
I'm happy that it was a good fit for you. I'm now curious on what won out on your decision making process. Was it the affordable 5" box store sander of a Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, or was it the higher priced type sander you leaned to? And whichever way you leaned towards what was the tipping point?
ergonomics was my tipping point
100dollars well your lucky in Europe its 200dollars just for the sander no battery included
wow 2x as much!
Thx for that review i was looking at the Dewalt but i think i ll stick with my Bosch coeded....Btw check out the bosch 12v 5" sander.would like to see a review ...
Thanks for the tip!
The dewalt sander is Bluetooth as well……
Good to know
I could understand using Festool if you’re German. No reason otherwise.
There engineering in Festool is quite good
You were bias from the start.
I used a DeWalt for 5+ years before getting a Festool
Until you have tried a Festool you can’t go back
Do not patronize any companies that moved their manufacturing to Mexico or China. Their are no sanders made in USA. DeWalt sander is made in Mexico. Festool is made in Germany.
Thank you for the manufacturing details
Wrong... DeWalt= $100
Festool= 250. Tool only.
A complete Festool setup with 2 batteries + charger = around $600
A complete DeWalt setup with 2 batteries+ charger= around $200.
Good point.
Not everything Festool makes is great. As germans they over engineer everything and at times their price doesn't justify the value. Only great tool they make is domino machine. Rest, competition is better.
Interesting point of view. I do believe the reason they are more expensive than the completion is they pay their employees 2x than most and take care of their team like family most other companies don’t care about their employees like Festool
@@HowYouCanMakeIt Sorry but it has nothing to do with payment. They use better material and it's manufactured in Germany, as compared to outsourcing it which takes cost up. Making it in China or Mexico with same material will be cheaper. On top of that ike Apple, they charge extra for 'brand' value and extra features that consumes a lot of research. NOTHING to do with employee salaries. I do like Festools, they are refined but not everything they make is great.
@@HowYouCanMakeIt We don't pay premium price for what a company pays to employees, we pay to get the quality tool. Festool is overpriced.
@@SwapnilBhartiya interesting perspective
@@SwapnilBhartiya they are great tools for sure
Festool is the Apple of tools. Proprietary, overpriced, and occasionally high quality. That green color is the equivalent of having white things sticking out your ears.
There may be some truth in that.
You have to justify that extra $500.00. And you get the same result. Feat not accomplished
The motors in the Festool are 100% better
@@HowYouCanMakeIt Maybe so but my DeWalt still humming along and if and when it craps out, I can buy it 5 more times for the price of that festool. Each DeWalt has a 3 year warranty and haven’t needed it yet. I can use the same sandpaper and my boards going to be as smooth as yours. If you have money to throw away, go ahead and toss it. I don’t mind a new tool every 10 years.
For starting out I totally would recommend the DeWalt. However the features the Festool has with the dust extractor are great and I personally like the Festool ergonomics better for long sands
What a waste of time. Terrible comparison
What type of information and questions were you wanting answered that I didn't mention?
@@HowYouCanMakeIt How about instead of comparing speed 1-7 on the Dewalt vs speed 1-6 on the Festool, go look up what the Min and Max no-load speeds are and discuss that. Comparing numbers means nothing if you don’t explain what the numbers represents.
For instance, the Festool setting of 1 equals 6000 rpm while a setting of 6 equals 10,000 rpm. On the Dewalt, a setting of 1 equals 8000 rpm and 7 equals 12,000 rpm. That explains your comments with facts rather than some subjective “it feels more aggressive/not as smooth.”
What about stroke length? What about warranty? Battery life? Battery charger time? Weight? Or what about the fact that the Festool can run off mains power for unlimited sanding time?
A comparison video should cover most, if not all aspects, otherwise it really is a terrible comparison.
Great feedback thank you 👍🏻
@@augievelasquez831 It was a free review so I can't complain. I appreciated his perspective :)
👍🏻