Bosch Gex 18v or Festool etsc 125 li

[Bigmath]

Hi

First post here so be nice  [smile]

I'm torn between the Bosch Gex 18v random orbit sander and the Festool etsc 125 battery version. I'm clear about wanting a cordless finish sander (I can borrow a mirca for more demanding jobs). I thought I would choose the Festool because I wanted to treat myself, but also because I wanted to give myself the best tool for a nice finish (wood). But after seeing reviews and holding both in my hands I'm leaning towards the Bosch. The feeling of quality is roughly the same and the Bosch is lower which I like. I believe the festool have more grunt and a slightly smaller stroke, but I don't think it beats the Bosch for passive dust collection (probably about equal). Right now there is good deal on the Festool in my local store only making I about twice the price of the Bosch.

The thing I wanna ask is whether the Festool will actually produce a better result? Less swirls and the like? Or will it be the same?

My expectations is that the Festool will be slightly better in almost all areas, but the Bosch is very nice also and cost much less. Plus I can use the rest of Bosch lineup with the same batteries. I want the cordless random orbit finish sander that produce the best results and I don't know whether the Festool actually makes a difference in the results.

I saw a YouTube video from blacktail studies where he said that in his experience Festool Sanders provided better results that the other name brands (excluding Mirca probably)(he was refering to the ets EC 150/3 though) but I do not entirely understand why it should sand with less swirls and the like. Plus the Bosch Gex 18v also seems to be a much nicer product than the cordless Dewalts and Makitas out there.

I'm not a professional just a hobbyist, but I have realized that when it comes to sanding  quality tools is a must.

All inputs are appreciated

Thanks, Mads

 

[Birdhunter]

All my sanders are Festool. My nonprofessional nonscientific opinion is that swirls are mostly due to “stuff” getting trapped under the sanding pad and not due to the brand of the sander. Festool is excellent at extracting “stuff”. That’s kind of their specialty. I do a lot of projects where swirls would really show up. I don’t have that problem with my Festool sanders.

 

[afish]

Im not a lot of help here since I dont know anything about that particular sander and I am a corded sander guy.  I will say when it comes to corded sanders I almost always go for the Festool.  The one exception would be the RO vs Bosch GET75 I would not spend the extra for the RO but every sander I own is festool which I think is currently 4 will be 5 when I get the 150/5 I do own the corded ETSc 125 and it pretty much lives in the edge guide otherwise the ETS 150/3 is used.  The ETSc is an ok sander but the ETS is much nicer.  I dont know exactly why you want the cordless as a hobbyist.  The only time I would want a cordless sander is if I was doing some exterior work off a ladder.  If its mostly bench work a corded sander with DC is what I prefer.  If it was me it would probably come down to battery platform I already have.

 

[Michael Kellough]

I’d get the Bosch. It’s just $129 at Lowes and INCLUDES a 4amp battery and charger.

I’m tempted and I already have the Makita 18v sander.

Lowes also has the similar 12v Bosch for $99 and that includes a 2 amp battery and charger. Could be just the thing it awkward to access locations.

 

[mino]

I have the corded version of the GEX.

Would not but it again. It was a good buy for the price BUT it is just not ergonomic:
- STUPID vac hose interface
- (NOT) anti-static body, so dust sticks to the sander body all the time and then falls off so I have to special-clean the stuck paint dust after sanding so it does not ruin my next piece by falling off
- vibrates more than Festool ETS /acceptable, but still mode/
- the 4-screw pad replacement is a chore
- no Edge Guide /or equivalent/ option

In general for corded, I would still call that Bosch a good buy, simply pecause is cost $100 against $350 for the Festool ETS.

For cordless, IMO the ETSC is just way too good to even consider the Bosch. The ONLY scenario I would consider the Cordless Bosch is if all 3 were true from below:
- I already had a good corded sander like the ETS 125
- I did NOT expect to used the cordless one much, so wanted something reasonably cheap
- I did already have the Bosch 18V platform

I any of the three above would not match, I would go with the ETSC + the Edge Guide and would seriously consider the Plug-It power adapter for the ETSC as well. It it is realistically usebale in a corded role in a shop. Unlike the GEX.

 

[jeh]

The cheap price is all I need to know. Suitable for use in a bind, but not for something you use regularly. I will readily admit though I have a decent amount of Milwaukee M12 and M18 tools for working on-site where precision does not matter. They are great because if someone wants to borrow I don't care. If they are stolen I don't care. If they are damaged I don't care. Learned my lesson when I handed someone my Vecturo after their Milwaukee equivalent broke. They were helping me with some electrical wiring for a cabinet I built that involved some rough in work so I could not say no if I wanted to finish that day. Within a few days I picked up an M18 kit and then later a few M12 pieces (the lights are good) to have in cases like this. The tools certainly are a bargain for what they are, but Festool or Mafell they are not. I call it preventative insurance. I would not have any of their stuff as primary tools.

 

[Bigmath]

Thank you for your inputs.

I have the corded version of the GEX.

Would not but it again. It was a good buy for the price BUT it is just not ergonomic:
- STUPID vac hose interface
- (NOT) anti-static body, so dust sticks to the sander body all the time and then falls off so I have to special-clean the stuck paint dust after sanding so it does not ruin my next piece by falling off
- vibrates more than Festool ETS /acceptable, but still mode/
- the 4-screw pad replacement is a chore
- no Edge Guide /or equivalent/ option

The cordless GEX is different ergonomically than the corded one which is actually one of main reasons its interesting. Take a look herehttps://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/sanders-gex18v-5n-210877-p/ Also its actually much lower in height than the Festool which in my book is a plus. The cordless GEX is fairly new product and I dont understand why they would not make an edge guide for it. Hardly the most difficult thing to do.

For cordless, IMO the ETSC is just way too good to even consider the Bosch. The ONLY scenario I would consider the Cordless Bosch is if all 3 were true from below:
- I already had a good corded sander like the ETS 125
- I did NOT expect to used the cordless one much, so wanted something reasonably cheap
- I did already have the Bosch 18V platform

Good points. Part of the story is that if I buy the Bosch I will change platform. Which is not as big of thing as it could given i only have my Milwaukee M12 drill to change out.

I’d get the Bosch. It’s just $129 at Lowes and INCLUDES a 4amp battery and charger.

Thats a good price. I'm not in the US so unfortunately I can't get it that cheap. For me the Festool is about twice the price of the Bosch.

Im not a lot of help here since I dont know anything about that particular sander and I am a corded sander guy.  I will say when it comes to corded sanders I almost always go for the Festool.  The one exception would be the RO vs Bosch GET75 I would not spend the extra for the RO but every sander I own is festool which I think is currently 4 will be 5 when I get the 150/5 I do own the corded ETSc 125 and it pretty much lives in the edge guide otherwise the ETS 150/3 is used.  The ETSc is an ok sander but the ETS is much nicer.  I dont know exactly why you want the cordless as a hobbyist.  The only time I would want a cordless sander is if I was doing some exterior work off a ladder.  If its mostly bench work a corded sander with DC is what I prefer.  If it was me it would probably come down to battery platform I already have.

This is perhaps what i fear a little bit. Everyone agrees that the ETS EC 150/3 is an exceptionally nice sander, but I don't see the same overwhelming praising og the ETSC 125 (Its very nice i'm sure but still the ETS EC seems to get the above and beyond). I can understand why you wonder about insisting on the cordless but it comes down where I often work and also that it can do passive dust collection which is very useful for me. Somewhere down the line I will probably buy the ETS EC 150/5 or /3, but right now they are impractical for me.

They are great because if someone wants to borrow I don't care. If they are stolen I don't care. If they are damaged I don't care.

Hehe good point. But I guess this is more a concern for professionals. TBH I can make do with cheap drill, cheap circular saw and i'm doing just fine with me cheap router as well, but when it comes to sanding i just cannot stand the cheap stuff.

All my sanders are Festool. My nonprofessional nonscientific opinion is that swirls are mostly due to “stuff” getting trapped under the sanding pad and not due to the brand of the sander. Festool is excellent at extracting “stuff”. That’s kind of their specialty. I do a lot of projects where swirls would really show up. I don’t have that problem with my Festool sanders.

That actually makes good sense to me. I haven't thought about dust extraction in these terms. It also makes a good argument for using a vac over the passive dust collection. Project farm recently did a cordless random orbital sander group test (unfortunately without the Festool) and the Bosch was order of magnitude better that the others in collecting dust (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCVXFhSvyeA).

 

[afish]

A couple more points. before changing battery platforms over a sander take a close look the entire lineup of tools for that brand and try to think about it as a whole not just for todays needs but future as well. No platform is perfect but try to settle on one that that offers the widest and best group of tools you could see yourself needing down the road. I have no idea how old you are but if your younger and just starting out things may change and grow.  some people dont mind having  3 or 4 different batteries and chargers. I personally hate it.  If you do a lot of mobile work combined with at home work its a PITA to have to gather up different batteries/chargers on top of everything else for a job.  you are bound to forget something somewhere. If you have a dedicated work van you work out of and everything stays in it then not so much of an issue.

since you are hinting about a ETS 150/125/3/5 down the road Which I would say 150 size is better size. I would be more tempted to get the cheap cordless and save the rest towards the ETS.  Unless you are saying you need the cordless 90% of the time.

I like PF and he does a good job of unbiased reviews. I used to own the Dewalt which scored pretty high on his review.  While it was decent I just found cordless sanders not to be for me.  They seem to be much more fatiguing over corded.  I almost always try to sand with dust extraction so the cord is a non issue.  With the cordless sanders they tend to deplete batteries pretty quick so the 5ah battery is the happy medium on the dewalt for me but that also starts to put more weight in the hand and more strain on the wrist, elbows and shoulder if sanding other than flat on a bench.  Even with the 5ah you will be switching batteries fairly often. I do get it though sometimes cordless is best but its not all it cracked up to be either.  corded is just much better balanced without a brick hanging off one side constantly making you fight the off center of gravity, The only place I could see me grabbing a cordless over a corded sander is if I was working off a ladder. Even working on scaffolding I would run a ford to the top or was working someplace with no power but you still need to charge batteries somehow too.

One thing is for sure just as there is no perfect battery platform there is also no "one" sander.  Every sander has its sweet spot and use its best suited for.  whether its cordless, corded or pneumatic.  I misspoke earlier when I said I only have Festool sanders I also have a 3m pneumatic long board jitterbug style I use for wet sanding. There are 3 types of people in this world. 1.Those that dont need or even know what a sander is and dont want too 2. those with multiple different sanders and 3. those that need multiple sanders but try to force one sander to do the job of many.

Also peter on 10 min. workshop did a good video comparing a bosch vs festool sander video.  It was with the RTS so its not a direct comparison to what you are looking at but still figured I would mention it. 

 

[Cheese]

I also wouldn't change battery platforms because of a cordless sander. The Milwaukee platform has so many different tools available that's just a very good starting point.

I have 2 battery platforms Festool & Milwaukee. I like my Festool cordless tools but I still need that cordless hedge trimmer, cordless Sawzall, cordless chainsaw and cordless tire inflator which Festool doesn't offer. I think 2 battery platforms are an inevitable reality if you want quality tools for every application.

I own an ETSC 125 that I originally purchased to use with the Festool edge sanding guide. Last summer I used it to refinish teak outdoor furniture and it worked really well not having to drag a hose around. However, using the dust bag only, it did not pick up 100% of the dust, I'd estimate it to be around 90%. That didn't make much difference for me because I was only using a single grit and I was re-oiling the surface. For a painted or clear coated surface I'd recommend using a dust extractor. That would also be the case when using multiple grits of sandpaper.

The battery lasted for 45-60 minutes because I'm not sanding constantly. If you need to sand for an extended length of time then the mains adapter (202502) is a nice option.

 

[mino]

Thank you for your inputs.
The cordless GEX is different ergonomically than the corded one which is actually one of main reasons its interesting. Take a look herehttps://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/sanders-gex18v-5n-210877-p/ Also its actually much lower in height than the Festool which in my book is a plus. The cordless GEX is fairly new product and I dont understand why they would not make an edge guide for it. Hardly the most difficult thing to do.

I see, apologies for mystification. Had the other/older cordless Bosch in mind, the one which was designed like the corded one.

That said, -I- see this new one even worse for shop use. The battery sticks way to the back, putting weight so one will need to constantly compensate for this by hand for it not to flip. Not good for a go-to sander.

Looking at the design, it should be a good carpentry finish sander for working up walls and ceilings on sites. I would not want to have it as my main shop sander though. Nor even as my main shop finish sander.

This is perhaps what i fear a little bit. Everyone agrees that the ETS EC 150/3 is an exceptionally nice sander, but I don't see the same overwhelming praising og the ETSC 125 (Its very nice i'm sure but still the ETS EC seems to get the above and beyond). I can understand why you wonder about insisting on the cordless but it comes down where I often work and also that it can do passive dust collection which is very useful for me. Somewhere down the line I will probably buy the ETS EC 150/5 or /3, but right now they are impractical for me.

Was already mentioned in other threads - search for the ETS versus ETS EC threads. Will be short then:

The ETS(C) 125 series are *finish* sanders.
That is those which you use for the final touches with high grits (above 120). The 2mm orbit and light weight etc. make them excellent at that. They are not "material removal" sanders in any way or form. They can still be used OK-ish as "the main sander" when most of what you do are sheet goods that do not need flattening.

The ETS EC 125/3 (and 150/3) and ETS 150/3 are the general(ist) sanders that can do it all.
They can do finish sanding OK-ish /the ETS 125 is still better being light and nimble/ and can also do some flattening and material removal. Do note that the ETS EC 125/3 is effectively the 150/3 with a smaller pad. It is a 400 Watt machine so it can handle the 150 pads - to the 250 Watts of the ETS 125.

My advice is that I you want ONE sander to cover all tasks, and do not mind the material-removal tasks taking long(er), the ETSC is IMO the tool to get.

The moment you are willing to go multiple - even in a future setting - the ETS EC 125/3 (+150 pad) is the "go-to-sander" to get and the ETSC + Edge Guide is a great companion. As are many others, including the GEX.

In other words, if you need "just something cordless", then the Bosch /or Makita, or Dewalt, etc./ for cheap may be a good fit.

If you expect the tool to be used as your go-to, I would pass on the GEX and seriously consider ETS EC 125/3 (or Mirka Deros etc.) in preference to the ETSC 125 with the vision to add the ETSC 125 down the line, once you would be getting the Edge Guide with it.

 

[mino]

There are 3 types of people in this world. 1.Those that dont need or even know what a sander is and dont want too 2. those with multiple different sanders and 3. those that need multiple sanders but try to force one sander to do the job of many.
...

4. Those that do not use the sanders enough such that a single goog finish /or a generalist/ sander is a better investment than several mediocre ones. Aka the hobby crowd messing around with sheet goods. This is the crowd where sanding a piece for 2 hours instead of 30 minutes is a non-issue since you do it once a year.

 

[afish]

I also wouldn't change battery platforms because of a cordless sander. The Milwaukee platform has so many different tools available that's just a very good starting point.

I have 2 battery platforms Festool & Milwaukee. I like my Festool cordless tools but I still need that cordless hedge trimmer, cordless Sawzall, cordless chainsaw and cordless tire inflator which Festool doesn't offer. I think 2 battery platforms are an inevitable reality if you want quality tools for every application.

I own an ETSC 125 that I originally purchased to use with the Festool edge sanding guide. Last summer I used it to refinish teak outdoor furniture and it worked really well not having to drag a hose around. However, using the dust bag only, it did not pick up 100% of the dust, I'd estimate it to be around 90%. That didn't make much difference for me because I was only using a single grit and I was re-oiling the surface. For a painted or clear coated surface I'd recommend using a dust extractor. That would also be the case when using multiple grits of sandpaper.

The battery lasted for 45-60 minutes because I'm not sanding constantly. If you need to sand for an extended length of time then the mains adapter (202502) is a nice option.

Ill echo that except im a dewalt guy. Milwaukee has a good line up too but they did me dirty long ago and swore never again.  The OP did say 12v so not sure about only 12v only line up.  I use a battery adaptor for a few misc. tools such as my Makita drywall saw it adds a little extra bulk but its not bad.  I wouldn't want it on something I use all day but things such as the drywall saw I only typically use for a few minutes at a time.  I wouldn't use it on a drill driver sander etc. That's why its important to think long term before switching willy nilly. I haven't looked at bosch platform for loooong time but I doubt they can compare with the offerings of the blue,red, or yellow line up. I'm strictly cordless except for my festool and some big stuff like concrete breaking equipment. 

Also Cheese mentioned using the bag on the etsc and it was ok.  Im also assuming he did the sanding outside which makes a big difference too. Sanding indoors or confined area with just a bag (with even a festool, and will say that the bag on the festool does above average job.) would easily make me switch over to corded with dust hose. 

 

[afish]

There are 3 types of people in this world. 1.Those that dont need or even know what a sander is and dont want too 2. those with multiple different sanders and 3. those that need multiple sanders but try to force one sander to do the job of many.
...

4. Those that do not use the sanders enough such that a single goog finish /or a generalist/ sander is a better investment than several mediocre ones. Aka the hobby crowd messing around with sheet goods. This is the crowd where sanding a piece for 2 hours instead of 30 minutes is a non-issue since you do it once a year.

Yes but sooner or later those people will try to use a sander not suited for the task. Thats the point I was trying to make. A lot of people dont see sanders differently.  pad size, pad shape, orbit size, type of orbit random/RO, linear, sanders for sanding in corners DTS, sanding profiles LS etc.  They all have a purpose. The fewer you have = more hand sanding. 

 

[semenza]

[member=78107]Bigmath[/member]    Welcome to the forum.  [smile]

  You should get lots of good input here.

Seth

 

[Michael Kellough]

I’d get the Bosch. It’s just $129 at Lowes and INCLUDES a 4amp battery and charger.

I’m tempted and I already have the Makita 18v sander.

Lowes also has the similar 12v Bosch for $99 and that includes a 2 amp battery and charger. Could be just the thing it awkward to access locations.

I went ahead and ordered the Bosch 12v sander. Already have a few of the Bosch 12v tools (although the little planer is the only one that gets frequent use) so the extra battery will be useful and the smaller size of the battery should make holding the sander with an extended arm easier. Planning to use this on a ladder instead of hand sanding. Should be a lot safer than slinging my arm back and forth and if the dust collection does anything at all it will be an improvement in that situation. As Mino said it should be good for vertical surfaces and with the extended battery mount it might help avoid moving a ladder as often.

 

[Bigmath]

A couple more points. before changing battery platforms over a sander take a close look the entire lineup of tools for that brand and try to think about it as a whole not just for todays needs but future as well. No platform is perfect but try to settle on one that that offers the widest and best group of tools you could see yourself needing down the road. I have no idea how old you are but if your younger and just starting out things may change and grow.  some people dont mind having  3 or 4 different batteries and chargers. I personally hate it.  If you do a lot of mobile work combined with at home work its a PITA to have to gather up different batteries/chargers on top of everything else for a job.  you are bound to forget something somewhere. If you have a dedicated work van you work out of and everything stays in it then not so much of an issue.

I'm in my thirties so not that young, but I fairly late realized that i love woodworking. I could not fit it all into the original post, but the only cordless tool I currently have is my Milwaukee M12 drill and although it has very good build quality and is surprisingly good power it has a slight wobble to it (you could call it a random orbit drill  [wink]). Milwaukee say that its within specs so i guess I'm  just a stickler... Anyway I'm a little bit dissapointed in Milwaukee not producing a drill that goes more round  [smile] Also I think I would prefer to put my money in a 18V system going forward or as was the original plan to both have a 12v and a 18v platform. 
I have come to the conclusion (like it seems you have) that it doesn't really matte whether you choose Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita or Bosch. They are all roughly the same as a platform. They all have their high and lows. Bosch have really nice circulair saw that can use guide rails which I will love to own. 

since you are hinting about a ETS 150/125/3/5 down the road Which I would say 150 size is better size. I would be more tempted to get the cheap cordless and save the rest towards the ETS.  Unless you are saying you need the cordless 90% of the time.

Thats kind of my thinking to. I'm just unsure how much the specific sander effect my ability to get a very nice finish (within reasonable time). Yes the Dewalt sander should be very good too actually more effective than the Bosch, but the Bosch has better ergonomics (imo), less noise, less vibrations and better dust collection. The latter stuff matter more to me given that I will be using it primarely as a finish sander and not to strip paint and the like.

I see, appologies for mystification. Had the other/older cordless Bosch in mind, the onw which was designed like the corded one.

That said, -I- see this new one even worse for shop use. The battery sticks way to the back, putting weight so one will need to constantly compensate for this by hand for it not to flip. Not good for a go-to sander.

Looking at the design, it should be a good carpentry finish sander for working up walls and ceilings on sites. I would not want to have it as my main shop sander though. Nor even as my main shop finish sander.

I can understand your initial reaction but it actually seems to balance quite nicely. See below
=100

Was already mentioned in other threads - search for the ETS versus ETS EC threads. Will be short then:

The ETS(C) 125 series are *finish* sanders.
That is those which you use for the final touches aiwht high grits (above 120). The 2mm orbit and light weight etc. make them excellent at that. They are not "material removal" sanders in any way or form. They can still be used OK-ish as "the main sander" when most of what you do are sheet goods that do not need flattening.

The ETS EC 125/3 (and 150/3) and ETS 150/3 are the general(ist) sanders that can do it all.
They can do finish sanding OK-ish /the ETS 125 is still better being light and nimble/ and can also doe some flattening and material removal. Do not that the ETS EC 125/3 is effectively a 150/3 with a smaller pad. It is a 400 Watt machine so it can handle the 150 pads to the 250 Watts of the ETS 125.

My advice is that I you want ONE sander to cover all tasks, and do not mind the material-removal tasks taking long(er), the ETSC is IMO the tool to get.

The moment you are willing to go multiple - even in a future setting - the ETS EC 125/3 (+150 pad) is the "go-to-sander" to get and the ETSC + Edge Guide is a great companion. As are many others, including the GEX.

In other words, if you need "just something cordless", then the Boash /or Makita, or Dewalt, etc./ for cheap may be a good fit.

If you expect the tool to be used as your go-to, I would pass on the GEX and seriously consider ETS EC 125/3 (or Mirka Deros etc.) in preference to the ETSC 125 with the vision to add the ETSC 125 down the line, once you would be getting the Edge Guide with it.

I'm clear about it being a finish sander and not a do-it-all sander. My dad owns a Mirca Deros that I can borrow if ever need it it. To be honest the combination you describe with the 150/3 or /5 (or 125 with 150 pad) and then the ETSC was what I saw as the ultimate combo, but then alot of other factors came into play like I could buy a cordless circulair saw fo ther difference between the Bosch and the Festool. I completely accept that the Festool is a better tool in most ways but what I'm unsure of is whether I will actually make things with better finishes if I go for the ETSC...

I own an ETSC 125 that I originally purchased to use with the Festool edge sanding guide. Last summer I used it to refinish teak outdoor furniture and it worked really well not having to drag a hose around. However, using the dust bag only, it did not pick up 100% of the dust, I'd estimate it to be around 90%. That didn't make much difference for me because I was only using a single grit and I was re-oiling the surface. For a painted or clear coated surface I'd recommend using a dust extractor. That would also be the case when using multiple grits of sandpaper.

The battery lasted for 45-60 minutes because I'm not sanding constantly. If you need to sand for an extended length of time then the mains adapter (202502) is a nice option.

90 percent dust collection with just a bag sound quite good to me even slightly less would be acceptable. I heard that you can espect that kind of runtime which is quite impressive from only a 3Ah battery

They all have a purpose. The fewer you have = more hand sanding. 

I do way to much hand sanding  :'(

[member=78107]Bigmath[/member]    Welcome to the forum.  [smile]

  You should get lots of good input here.

Seth

Thanks Seth. I was unsure how active the forums where especially a subforum like this. But I'm pleasantly surprised.

I went ahead and ordered the Bosch 12v sander. Already have a few of the Bosch 12v tools (although the little planer is the only one that gets frequent use) so the extra battery will be useful and the smaller size of the battery should make holding the sander with an extended arm easier. Planning to use this on a ladder instead of hand sanding. Should be a lot safer than slinging my arm back and forth and if the dust collection does anything at all it will be an improvement in that situation. As Mino said it should be good for vertical surfaces and with the extended battery mount it might help avoid moving a ladder as often.

Nice please share your experience when you get around to try it out. I saw it in the shop and it looks really nice addition to a main sander.

Edit: tried to embed a video a couple of times and corrected a few mistakes

 

[Cheese]

I'm in my thirties so not that young, but I fairly late realized that i love woodworking.

Hmm...I'm in my thirties so not that young...whoa...if I were a betting man I'd bet that at least 70% of the FOG responders are close to or over 50 years old.

It's a good thing to have you interested in fine woodworking tools at an early age. This type of precision tooling was NOT available 40 years ago.

 

[FestitaMakool]

I’m maybe a little late to chime in but, I have the Festool sander myself and recently an colleague bought this Bosch for sanding some outdoor benches (At this place there’s a few Bosch drills using the same battery, so..).

I had a chance to handle it briefly, no actual sanding though. At least I was curious and slipped on a battery and had a freehand spin.
Two things struck me right away:
It vibrates more, Festool’s are smother that way.
It’s back heavy with battery mounted. You need a firm grip and it could be tiring on a longer stretch.

Other things:
It’s very heavy by itself - maybe this is deliberate - to counterweight the battery.
Dust port on the side, upfront. I don’t know.. hose can be heavy and throw the balance of the tool. On the other hand: If you use two hands, you can support by holding the hose end too.

All in all, ETSC 125 is taller, but lighter and has much better balance in use.
It’s feels more refined too - so in this part of the world where these two sanders are closer price wise, I’d go with Festool.
Then, Metabo has released a trio of sanders on their 12V platform which seems interesting too.
They also are close to Festool in price. (€200 bare tool)

 

[Michael Kellough]

There can be no doubt that the Festool ETSC 125 is better and more refined than the Bosch GEX sanders.

If the Festool was only twice as costly as the Bosch I would have recommended it but in the States paying twice as much only gets the bare tool without a power supply, and the one that is required can only be used for Festool sanders. Even so, if a new sander is to be the OP's only sander for a while and if he expects to use it a lot I'd say get the Festool. I bought the little 12v Bosch as a supplement to replace hand sanding in awkward places from ladders. From heights I wouldn't want a Festool sander to fall.

 

[FestitaMakool]

Michael, I’ve seen the 12V version of the Bosch - handling would be much better I believe as those 12V Bosch batteries are lightweight (Not the high amp versions though, from 4Ah and up?)