Red Lion said:
I'm thinking about grabbing a sander with the ct 22. I'm caught between a RO 150 or a ETS 150/5. I'm focusing on doing cabinet work, not too much rough work. Acetool does this package - Festool P2571541 Package Deal ETS 150/5 Sander + CT 22 Vacuum - for $739 (usd). What do you think? Rotex vs. ETS?
Red Lion,
I have met Dan C. and trust that he will do his best to steer you right.
I have several Festool sanders including an RO 125, ETS 125, LS 130, Deltex 93 and ETS 150/3. Additionally, I have several Bosch sanders (4 x24 belt, 5 inch variable speed RO, Vario narrow belt, and 1/4 sheet RO pad), and some Milwaukee and Craftsman sanders. Why so many? I hate sanding, but know sanding is a very important part of achieving a good finish on a cabinet or piece of furniture for people like myself who are not proficient with use of hand planes and scrapers.
My recommendation is to think ahead as to what sanders will fill out your needs not only today but later. If you are certain that your only or primary use will be cabinet work and that you are not going to invest in another sander, by all means go ahead with your selection of an ETS 150/5. But if you plan to do other work, and if you want the best finish possible, consider making that and ETS 150/3 instead. I find it plenty aggressive enough for most purposes given the many types and grits of abrasives that are available. My RO 125 was my first Festool sander purchase; I used it extensively in removing a lot of old paint, varnish and cracked plaster, but since getting my ETS 125 and ETS 150/3, I don't need the RO 125 for woodworking as much now since the ETS sanders are much easier to control when trying to achieve a fine finish, especially on veneered plywood without sanding through. But the RO 125 is unsurpassed when used to polish and wax my cars. If you are making cabinetry and furniture, I recommend you also consider and LS 130. It is also very easy to control, especially when delicate sanding is needed as when matching an glued on edge to a sheet of veneered plywood, and for final sanding with the grain direction, including inside corners, and for quickly softening edges without risk of tearout.
Dave R.