First time Finish Sanding with Festool Planex 2

It's FAST and POWERFUL but does it have FINESSE or even SAVE TIME??

[cyberpremccc]

I also have this sander and the older version: Planex Easy. This one oscillates more like any random sander, but it also rotates (same as Planex Easy). The fact that it oscillates helps greatly in fine sanding. You probably are using 180 grit that came with the sander, but you should try 240 for much better results and lower the speed to 1-2 instead 5 for much more control on how much mud gets removed with each pass. Also, having used my Planex Easy for many years without fail, I'd suggest dusting off ( I use a dewalt cordless leaf blower) your sander after sanding, so it doesnt accumulate dust in that brushless motor. Unfortunately, Festool 36 AC vacuum you're using doesn't have a blower port to help with that. One more thing, when you disconnected the extension you put the sanding head down and didn't check the sand paper before resuming sanding. You'd be surprised how many times a few grains of sand got stuck to mine when I did that and I had swirl marks all over that plaster.

[pwhsbuild]

I've got the original Planex and get great results from it. Have to turn it on on the
wall or ceiling and turn it off on the wall/ceiling. Turn the vac down all the way then turn up to where it is just at the point of not dropping dust. Also use a finer grit then you normally do. I keep my old 220 paper that is still in good condition for light touch up or difficult areas where I need careful blending. Once you get the hang of it, it saves so much time in sanding and cleanup. Deff a learning curve but I can sand in a house without having to put plastic over everything or Walling off rooms. Still need to cover what is directly below you and I still hang plastic in critical areas just in case. A soft interface pad also helps in some situations. Turned my last ceiling job into less than an hr of sanding vs most of a day sanding with a pole. Great Video!

[rubencarvalho]

That's a powerful tool, maybe you need to use a considerably finer grit sandpaper?

[swordsinging]

Hyde makes a nice vacuum pole sanding kit that I use to finish sand using mirka mesh sanding screens. also festool makes a hand sanding vacuum block that works for even smaller applications. Between the Planex, the Hyde pole sand tool and the hand sander basically all of my sanding is done through a vacuum system.

[timcorbett]

I have the original Planex, and for finish sanding use the interface pad, 320 grit mesh (not sure if that's available for the new one, but huge difference from the granet), speed 2-1/2 to 3 tops. Always start and stop on paper with the head fully contacting. The dust itself has the odd gritty bit that can leave swirl marks, so light pressure, and clean often. Takes some practice and finesse with the vacuum settings.

[Pattington]

Hey Ben - not sure if you’ve done this already, but you can turn down the suction on the CT vac itself, that should help reduce the grooving.

[RadioJoke]

If you are going to be doing a lot of overhead sanding with the Planex, suggest using their harness which supports all of the machine weight. 120 grit appears to work well for finish sanding.

[zzlnuhx]

The recommendation at least for the old Planex model was that you should start the machine only after it's in contact with the drywall and it should be removed only after the machine has stopped. Otherwise it can gouge the surface (which I've done).

[Lukasz]

I would say the old and new planex are great tools for large surfaces with harder material on them, it will make it really flat. On softer ones you will get ridges unless you have the surface mirror-like flat already.
For the softer finish materials pick something like Mirka LEROS, the random orbital movement makes a huge difference. Result will be close/better to a hand polish with a sponge.

both have their pros and cons.

I guess best to have both planex for the first coats of hard material - target: get a flat surface. LEROS for the finish coat. Welcom to Poland and the absurd expectations of our customers :)

[ericlotze]

6:38 As an electrician i can tell you that doesn't need sanded...*The Bus Bars Inside However* can use a little sanding

(Joking, hopefully obviously, look up Arc Blast; it's no joke)

[adude]

The trick is keeping the head level not to put too much pressure on any of the edges. I found instead of following a straight line I zig zagged across the edges keeping the pressure light and moving fast. Every time I have used it I would work up a sweat just keeping the head moving.

[hunterfiedler]

If you’re not already my drywalling company uses 220 grit sand paper on our circular power sanders and it sands out completely smooth and flat

[michellet_thatsme]

I love your videos a bit too much I think. I have close to no interest in this planex, yet I chose to watch all three videos in the playlist and I’m not even disappointed with myself lmao. You are one of my absolute favorite YouTubers. I appreciate your context, thank you.

[Displays..]

I use a Mirka Sander it leaves no scratches atall, and I think the ceiling version is even

[pf]

Awesome! I just ordered one a few day ago. Getting delivery tomorrow and I’m pretty freaking excited.

[adude]

Try moving the sander the way you moved your hand across the joint at 8:16 in the video . That way an edge of the sander doesn't ride into your joint go lightly and quickly. I did my entire kitchen in 25 minutes with the older version.

[darenrigby]

Ok..I have this sander.
Turning the dial to the ceiling suction engages the centre holes and towards the wall suction engages the outer rim suction.
The centre hole suction are what take the weight of the whole unit but it ties of more mud due to pressure from suction towards the drywall.
The Hilti sander is way lighter and much more manoeuvrable with a 180°head, it never spins off on you and you can hold it literally vertically above you making ceilings easier on the shoulders.
A COB L.E.D. usb light around the edge attached to Milwaukee usb battery and your golden.
Much more gentle sander.
Only ever use 220 grit and keep the revs on 2 to 4

[zackb]

If you use softer lightweight I recommend 220 or 180 if you don’t like the aggressive scratches

[jasonhill]

once again an excellent video. Looks much smoother than the fridge door video. Lol

[andrewcusack]

Isn’t there a belt rig for this thing for when you sand ceilings? The unit sits on an open pin on the belt (which holds all the weight) and then you just use your arms to control the sander.