A New Sander - Recommendations Please.

[tuffduck]

Hello,
I am looking to buy a new sander and dust extractor combo. I am new to Festool but I like what I have been hearing from others and from tool reviews. I am a fine furniture maker and I am also renovating a house and making reproduction furniture to go in it. There will also be a couple of hardwood floors to sand. I use natural oil finishes from earthpaint.net. I also make urns that I would like to polish more easily than by hand.

That said, what are your recommendations?

The sanders I have been researching are the Rotex RO 150 FEQ and the ETS 150/5 EQ. I have a budget for just one, currently.

The dust extractor I have been looking at is the CT36.

 

[dltflt]

I would go with the RO150.  That way you have the aggressive mode(Rotary) and the fine mode(random) which is the same as a 150/5.  This was my first sander and I absolutely love it.  You know that once you use this sander you will want more.

 

[VW mick]

I would agree with donT  RO150 although I don't actually have one (I've got RO125 and RO90 ETS125)

But if you only going to get one that will do it

Although be warned it is proven to be physically impossible to own just one festool sander

 

[waho6o9]

After the brushes set, the RO 150 will run smoother.

You'll own all of the sanders, just give it time.

As VWmick stated:

"Although be warned it is proven to be physically impossible to own just one festool sander" 

Sooooooooooo true

 

[Just F Me]

I'm not by any means a Festool expert, but if you're dealing a lot with wood that is already in pretty good, and you're just wanting to FINISH it and make it better, then go with an ETS150/3.  If you need something more aggressive, ETS150/5.  The /3 means 3mm stroke, /5 means 5mm stroke.  Bigger stroke = more cutting power = not as good of a finish.  You'll have to figure out which one you need NOW.  Both the 150s use a 6" sanding disc. 

If you need even finer, ETS125, which has a 2mm stroke, but it comes with a 5" sanding disc size.  This for some people is a deal breaker because they know they're getting another sander and many have said that the RO150 is easier to handle than a RO125, plus it's some 30% more surface cutting area on the 6" sanding disc vs a 5" sanding disc.

The Rotex 150 has the same 5mm stroke as the ETS150/5, but again, do you need a 5mm stroke for more cutting power?  It's nice that the RO150 can switch between dual action and direct drive (more aggressive).  Yes, the RO150 and ETS150/5 both have the same stroke, however, The RO150 is MUCH heavier than the ETS150.  The ETS150/3/5 is a smoother, balanced, and light WEIGHT sander.  I bought a ETS150/3 as my first sander and it's quite amazing.  I only deal with plywood right now, so personally, I don't need anything powerful like a Rotax150. 

Like many have said, you're probably going to end up with more than one sander, however, I decided that my next sander will probably be a RO150.  I can use the RO150 to do some aggressive cleanup with the 5mm stroke, going from direct drive to dual action, then use the ETS150/3 to finish it off.  If you need furniture quality finish, the ETS125 might be another sander you can get later or now.  All depends on what your needs are now.  Here's some things to read/watch...

You can do some great stuff with the RO150, but it's just heavy if you compare it to an ETS150.  Just depends on how much you're going to be sanding I guess....?

http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/store/blog/296/Which%20Festool%20Sander%20Should%20I%20Get

 

[PreferrablyWood]

I'd go for a more Finishing type sander for your uses, they are more comfortable to use and lighter.. The ETS 125 or ETS 150/3.

A new pair of sanders have come out in Europe the ETS EC 150/3 + 150/5  that have a even nicer egronomics but it will be a while before they make to N. America. Check the Sticky thread on availability for new tools in N. America..

 

[roblg3]

I vote for Ro150&Ro90.  You really have most everything in that combo.  Sure ets150/3 get a slightly smoother finish, you could just take a little more time and another grit up with the rotex

 

[tuffduck]

Thank you all for your quick and detailed input. There is a general trend here,I will probably be buying more sanders. LOL. I think that goes for any type of tool. No matter who the sales people are It is always nice to get feed back from the people who use it everyday. I appreciate your time and will be posting more.

 

[SS Teach]

No question about it, you will end up with more than one sander, and it will happen much more quickly then you thought. As long as you have a CT you will be happy. The Ro 150 is a great start then the Ro 90 as a compliment, what a pair. The ETs are super smooth and easy to use. No matter which you choose you will be happy. I have a CT 36 and it is great. 

 

[roblg3]

Not sure if you are aware, but if you buy it and hate it 30 days later...just return it! and try something else. no questions asked.

 

[hopper]

Where in Canada are you?  Here is a good deal on a used  RO 125 at CT36 plus accessories.
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-power-tool/barrie/festool-vac/1005718760?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

 

[tuffduck]

Hello Hopper,
Thanks for the Kijiji link. I fired off a response to the ad but haven't heard back.