150mm and/or 125mm sanders?

[JakobProgsch]

I was browsing sanders and keep wondering if I eventually want both sizes (150mm and 125mm) in my collection? Specifically I was looking at the Mirka Deros and was asking myself "in what situation would I want to switch to the other pad size?".

I can see how this would be subject to preference for handling reasons. But I can't think of "functional" reasons to diverge from that preference afterwards. It's not like the 125mm sanders have a lower profile or let you get all that much closer to corners (you still have to do the corners separately either way).

 

[leakyroof]

Funny post for me since I just bought a ETS EC 125 sander after owning the larger EC 150/5 version for a while now. For me, it's going to be using the smaller diameter sander on narrower trim/mouldings where my 6"/150mm sander has too much pad overhang, leaving dust to escape easier since the pad is just too wide for the work.
I do own a Rotex 90 in case you're wondering, but really like the ergonomics of the EC sanders for wall and ceiling/overhead work.
I would like the EC 125 in a 5mm orbit choice, but it only is offered as a 3mm model at this time.
Mirka does offer a 125mm/5" in 5mm orbit I think, but I didn't want to switch out on brands just for one sander just yet.

 

[Holmz]

I got the DEROS but I have never went to the small pad...
The DEROS does have the 5-mm stroke, which one does not have withe EC 125.
Whether that is better or not, sort of depends.

I have a DX93 and the Deros, and a 1/2-sheet.
Either a corner sander or 1/2-sheet is probably more useful that having both a 5 and 6" sander...(IMO)

 

[JustinWG]

FWIW,

It really boils down to how much production are you doing?  What scale - large (cabinet boxes or doors) v. small (trim or intricate pieces)?  Oh, and how frequently?  If you're sanding large blanks for several hours a day, it's could be argued that you'd save/create some time by having a larger pad.  Larger sander is also more cumbersome.  Perhaps not by much, but they are.

After more than 20 years in a finish painting environment, I'd honestly prefer a good edge sander paired with a separate 125mm x 3mm stroke.  For my applications, I feel that provides me with the best overall efficiency.

To answer your question, I think 2 pads are appropriate, but a matter of size and style is really a matter of preference that only you can answer.

 

[semenza]

I do a wide variety of work and have 150 sanders, plus 90 Rotex, Anything I have used a 150 on (which is pretty much everything) has not left me thinking I should have a 125 instead. But I have never had a 125 either soooo....

I have the 90 for when I truly need a small sander or the delta head. I actually don't like it for edge/narrow sanding at all compared to the 150 size. Unless of course the 150 just won't fit or will hit something that is adjacent. In those cases I find that a 125 would probably also hit.

This is one of those questions that is hard for anyone else to really give the answer , everyone has their preference and particular usage.

Seth

 

[semenza]

FWIW,

It really boils down to how much production are you doing?  What scale - large (cabinet boxes or doors) v. small (trim or intricate pieces)?  Oh, and how frequently?  If you're sanding large blanks for several hours a day, it's could be argued that you'd save/create some time by having a larger pad.  Larger sander is also more cumbersome.  Perhaps not by much, but they are.

After more than 20 years in a finish painting environment, I'd honestly prefer a good edge sander paired with a separate 125mm x 3mm stroke.  For my applications, I feel that provides me with the best overall efficiency.

To answer your question, I think 2 pads are appropriate, but a matter of size and style is really a matter of preference that only you can answer.

Welcome to the forum!  [smile]

  Thanks for the input  [thumbs up]

Seth

 

[AlexThePalex]

I like 'em both. Big surfaces get the 150 and smaller surfaces get the 125. I wouldn't want to be without either one of them.

 

[Michael Kellough]

FWIW,

It really boils down to how much production are you doing?  What scale - large (cabinet boxes or doors) v. small (trim or intricate pieces)?  Oh, and how frequently?  If you're sanding large blanks for several hours a day, it's could be argued that you'd save/create some time by having a larger pad.  Larger sander is also more cumbersome.  Perhaps not by much, but they are.

After more than 20 years in a finish painting environment, I'd honestly prefer a good edge sander paired with a separate 125mm x 3mm stroke.  For my applications, I feel that provides me with the best overall efficiency.

To answer your question, I think 2 pads are appropriate, but a matter of size and style is really a matter of preference that only you can answer.

Welcome Justin!  Please describe a "good edge sander". Is this a manual pad or something powered?

 

[JustinWG]

Welcome Justin!  Please describe a "good edge sander". Is this a manual pad or something powered?

Honestly, it depends on the intended purpose and application.  How picky are you and/or the customer?  How important is it? 

For relatively flat surfaces, something like a powered delta pad.  There are cheap version from B&D, up to the beloved Rotex 90.  Pick your poison.  If you have something small, fragile, near other finished work, etc. etc... there is no substitute for a scrap piece of material, some old fashion paper, sweat, and maybe a few choice words.

 

[ben_r_]

Note that if you get the ETS EC 125/3 it can "unofficially" use the ETS EC 150 pads, so you get the best of both worlds. However it is not the same in reverse.