Best Sander: ETS125 or 150?

[Dave Rudy]

If I didn't have to keep paying the bills, I'd think Festools multiply when you turn the shop lights out.

 

[butzla]

Smart alec here.

I find that Festool sanders are like pistachio nuts.

You may set out just to have 1 or 2.....

p.

That's the way I feel, Per.  I'm gonna buy sanders as I need em.  The 125 made sense for this project, which I finished last night.  I'm luke warm on it's performance though. 
It's plenty smooth enough.  It bothers me not to see it spinning much.  (Is that normal?)  It mostly vibrates I'd say it spins around 40 rpm's.  The demo I tried at Rockler was the same.  I spent about an hour on the first chair before I said "awe, heck" and broke out the rotex.  I took the slats off and chucked em in my new MFT3.  I can see why you guys love this table so much, I'm already thinking of getting another and I've only had it up and running for a day.  But I digress.  The Rotex plowed through 3 of these chairs in the same time frame and with much better results. 

I didn't take any "before" pictures but when western red cedar is exposed to the elements for 2 years without any sealant, then gets pressure washed, it raises the grain I'd say a good 3/32".  The Rotex with same grit as 125 (120 Rubin) leveled the grain with 2-3 passes.  Granted it is a very soft wood but it was remarkably faster than the ets125.  I guess that's what I was hoping for.  A mini rotex.  I never thought of the RO125 (hmmm.)

I will keep the ETS125, it was a nice compliment to the rotex.  It was instrumental in sanding the edges but don't expect too much power from it like I did.  Mine is almost as smooth as the RO150, I don't know where all the complaints are coming from.  Good stuff.

 

[greg mann]

I will keep the ETS125, it was a nice compliment to the rotex.  It was instrumental in sanding the edges but don't expect too much power from it like I did.  Mine is as smooth as the ets150, I don't know where all the complaints are coming from.  Good stuff.

The ETS150 and 125 are really finishing sanders, as you now know and have proven to yourself. Because of the small orbit size you can't get the aggressive action that the Rotex offers. I guess that's why they are like pistachios. Having the right sander for the job is such a luxury. It is interesting how many WWers swear by one sander, as if one is all anybody should ever need.

 

[Dave Ronyak]

What areas can a 125 get into that a 150 can not? 

Anywhere a 2 1/2 inch radius will fit and a 3 inch radius will not.  Please also consider the relative ease of balancing (keeping flat on the work) an ETS 125 versus an ETS 150 when you have only about 1 inch of a flat surface sticking out relative to an inside corner, e.g the underside of a table top that extends beyond the aprons (skirt) of the table.  See My updated post above.

Dave R.

 

[Jerry Work]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the nice comments and glad you find the manual helpful. 

Note: For those who might not have found them, all the manuals and tutorials are available on my web site athttp://jerrywork.com or on the various manufacturer's web sites.

Jerry

July 13 update.  After writing the above I finished refinishing the dresser (thanks Jerry Work for your manuals/tutorials on Target Coatings [Oxford brand] water-based finishes and HVLP spraying]. 

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the nice comments and glad you find the manual helpful. 

Note: For those who might not have found them, all the manuals and tutorials are available on my web site athttp://jerrywork.com or on the various manufacturer's web sites.

Jerry

July 13 update.  After writing the above I finished refinishing the dresser (thanks Jerry Work for your manuals/tutorials on Target Coatings [Oxford brand] water-based finishes and HVLP spraying]. 

Jerry, I found the manuals very helpful.  They helped choose a HVLP spray system, and learn a lot about choosing and using water-based finishes.  I also found the FAQ and forum at Target Coatings to be very helpful, too.  What I read there as posted by Target Coatings' founder probably saved me a lot of grief when building my Four Piece Entertainment Center which is the subject of a separate thread under the Projects section of FOG.  I especially appreciated his tips and admonitiions about dealing with the high tannic acid level in red oak, which is what I used to build this project.  I plan to discuss finishing of my entertainment center project as part of the overall description.

I also " tumbled" upon another great blessing when I went to Cleveland to pick up my first order of Target Coatings materials -- Jeff Jewitt of Homestead.  I bought his complete book of finishing on my most recent visit  (materials for my Four Piece Entertainment Center with Bookcases project).  He's a great guy, too, obviously very knowledgeable and very willing to share.  His book is a gem: comprehensive, concise and well-organized.

Dave R.