Festool Sanding Discs P80 vs P180: Grit Order Explained
By Premium CNC & Router Bits for Precision Cutting | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the correct grit progression from P80 to P180 for Festool DX 93 E and RO 90 DX sanders, and how to choose between 50pc and 100pc packs.
Quick answer
Start with P80 to remove material and level the surface, then switch to P180 for finishing. Use P80 only when you need to shape or strip, and always follow with P180 to remove scratches. For Festool DX 93 E and RO 90 DX sanders, the V93/6 discs are available in both grits and pack sizes.
Why the jump from P80 to P180 works for most projects
Skipping intermediate grits is tempting, but going directly from P80 to P180 can leave visible scratches if the P80 left deep marks. However, on softer woods or when using a random orbital sander, the leap is often acceptable because the sander's action blends the scratch pattern. Test on a scrap piece first: if you see swirl marks after P180, add a P120 step.
The key is to inspect the surface under raking light after each grit. P80 is aggressive and removes material quickly; P180 refines the surface for finishing. If you plan to apply a stain or clear coat, the P180 scratch pattern is fine enough for most film finishes, but for high-gloss finishes you may need to go to P240 or higher.
When to choose 50pc vs 100pc packs
A 50-piece pack of P80 is a good starting point for small projects or occasional use, while a 100-piece pack of P180 makes sense if you do a lot of finishing. P180 discs tend to wear out faster because the finer grit loads up more quickly with dust, so you'll replace them more often. Buying the larger pack reduces cost per disc and keeps you from running out mid-project.
Consider your workflow: if you frequently jump between grits, having both packs on hand saves time. The Festool 497392 (P80, 50pc) and Festool 497396 (P180, 100pc) are both compatible with the DX 93 E and RO 90 DX sanders, so you can standardize on these two grits for most tasks.
Step-by-step grit progression
- Inspect and prepare the surface: Before sanding, check for nails, staples, or old finish. Start with P80 only if the surface is rough or you need to remove material. Common mistake: skipping inspection and dulling a disc on hidden debris. Mark areas that need extra attention with a pencil.
- Sand with P80: Attach a P80 disc to your DX 93 E or RO 90 DX. Use moderate pressure and keep the sander moving. Sand until the surface is level and previous scratches are gone. Common mistake: pressing too hard, which causes swirl marks and premature disc wear. Vacuum the surface and inspect under raking light before switching grits.
- Switch to P180: Replace the P80 disc with a P180 disc. Sand the entire surface with light pressure to remove the P80 scratches. Common mistake: skipping this step and applying finish over coarse scratches, which shows through. Wipe with a tack cloth between grits to remove dust.
- Check and refine: After P180, inspect the surface. If scratches remain, repeat with P180 or step to a finer grit. For most projects, P180 is sufficient before staining or clear coating. Common mistake: over-sanding with P180, which can burnish the wood and prevent stain absorption. Test finish on a scrap piece to confirm the scratch pattern is acceptable.
Product facts
- Festool 497392 Sanding Disc Granat P80 V93/6 50pc pk: P80 grit, 50-piece pack, compatible with Festool DX 93 E and RO 90 DX sanders. The 50-pack is ideal for smaller jobs or when you need to remove material quickly without committing to a large supply.
Festool 497392 Sanding Disc Granat P80 V93/6 50pc pk - Festool 497396 Sanding Disc Granat P180 V93/6 100pc pk: P180 grit, 100-piece pack, compatible with Festool DX 93 E and RO 90 DX sanders. The 100-pack offers better value for frequent finishing work, as finer grits tend to wear faster.
Festool 497396 Sanding Disc Granat P180 V93/6 100pc pk
