Choice for ETS sander

[matt.mackinnon]

I have looked into the options, and found that I would get the most use out of getting an RO90 for sanding my bandsaw boxes, and stipping the occasional item that need the extra oompf of the Rotex.

I need to figure out however the finishing sander part of the equation.  I was looking to get the ETS150, but can't decide on the 5mm or the 3mm version.  I am thinking that the 5mm would be better as I don't ever see myself getting the RO150, so having the extra bit of orbit can't hurt,

Does the ETS150-5 do a good job at finishing sanding for larger surfaces? 

thanks

Matt.

 

[ccarrolladams]

Matt, having tried the ETS 150/5 as a finish sander, I much prefer the ETS 150/3, which I own. I do also own an Rotex RO 150, which in random orbit mode has a 5mm stroke. My experience is that this is too long a stroke to work well for me for finish sanding. Also, I prefer the ergonomics of the ETS. Most of the time I use hard pads on my ETS 150/3 and RO 150.

I do own several RO 90 DX which I find especially useful with the hard pad to finish face frames and the frames of cabinet doors and drawer fronts.

 

[jacko9]

Matt, In addition to my RO90, I got the ETS 150/3 and I use it to quickly smooth a board with planer ripple marks (planer blades are quite dull at the moment).  I would definitely recommend the ETS 150/3.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Matt,

I think you cannot go wrong with either ETS sander -- the 150/3 would be my recommendation if you ever intend to get a Rotex 150 in the future as you correctly indicated it has the 5mm orbit.  If you want only a more all around ETS, then I would recommend the 150/5.  On wood you would be hard pressed to find a difference between the two sanding strokes and the 150/5 will be a little faster.  The 150/3 is a super fine finish sander and it is an excellent sander too --ergonomics and feel will be the same between the two.  The RO90 is a great little sander for smaller areas and would compliment whatever round sander you get.  Regardless, I would get some hard sanding pads and paper in all grits through 400...Granat is awesome.

Good luck!

Scot

 

[dltflt]

Matt,

I think you cannot go wrong with either ETS sander -- the 150/3 would be my recommendation if you ever intend to get a Rotex 150 in the future as you correctly indicated it has the 5mm orbit.  If you want only a more all around ETS, then I would recommend the 150/5.  On wood you would be hard pressed to find a difference between the two sanding strokes and the 150/5 will be a little faster.  The 150/3 is a super fine finish sander and it is an excellent sander too --ergonomics and feel will be the same between the two.  The RO90 is a great little sander for smaller areas and would compliment whatever round sander you get.  Regardless, I would get some hard sanding pads and paper in all grits through 400...Granat is awesome.

Good luck!

Scot

+1

 

[semenza]

I have looked into the options, and found that I would get the most use out of getting an RO90 for sanding my bandsaw boxes, and stipping the occasional item that need the extra oompf of the Rotex.

I need to figure out however the finishing sander part of the equation.   I was looking to get the ETS150, but can't decide on the 5mm or the 3mm version.  I am thinking that the 5mm would be better as I don't ever see myself getting the RO150, so having the extra bit of orbit can't hurt,

Does the ETS150-5 do a good job at finishing sanding for larger surfaces? 
thanks

Matt.

Yes.    Plus what others have already said.  The /5 is a bit more all purpose (especially if you get all the pads). The /3 may be better sanding between finish coats. But I have the /5 and use it for all my  finish sanding including between coats.  I am pleased with the results.  I may add the /3 in the future.

Seth

 

[GPowers]

Yes.    Plus what others have already said.   The /5 is a bit more all purpose (especially if you get all the pads). The /3 may be better sanding between finish coats. But I have the /5 and use it for all my  finish sanding including between coats.  I am pleased with the results.  I may add the /3 in the future.

Seth

Plus one on this...

 

[Kev]

Yes.    Plus what others have already said.   The /5 is a bit more all purpose (especially if you get all the pads). The /3 may be better sanding between finish coats. But I have the /5 and use it for all my  finish sanding including between coats.  I am pleased with the results.  I may add the /3 in the future.

Seth

Plus one on this...

Unless you're only doing finer work, I'm in the ETS150/5 before the /3 camp too.

(I have the /5 ... The /3 is on my buy list - but after a DTS400)

 

[matt.mackinnon]

Bit the bullet and put in the order.  I went with the RO90 and ETS150-5.    Splurged for the hard pads for both along with the interface pad just to be sure.  I have to wait for the order however as I wanted a domino pack with the cutters heads and they seem to be sold out everywhere. 

I have to figure out if there are any people here around the GTA who want to split up several packs of paper disks for these units.  I begrudge that LV is charging almost double the price to get 10 sheets than if you were buying more bulk and getting them in 50's.

I hope it will be shipping in the next few weeks...  But as long as I get the right price, it doesn't matter if it takes a month.  I can wait.

Matt

 

[VictorL]

I do own full line of Festool sanders, but I do not use ETS-150/5 very often. ETS-150/3 is my choice.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Congrats on your purchase!  I think you will be pleased with the two options you selected.  With sandpaper I personally just buy the big boxes and while it will last a long time, it does not have a shelf life and you will eventually use it all up.  The 10 packs are nice if you are trying out different types of paper to see which kind you want but it is a better value to buy the bigger quantities if you can.  I should mention that both sanders will come with a nice assortment of disks in various grits and types so that you can try them out and see what you like.  I believe these may changes from time-to-time, but if memory serves me you get something like 25 pieces in each sander...the RO90 came with Granat and a couple of Vlies pads and the regular RO came with an assortment of grits ranging from 80 up to 320 in Rubin and Brilliant (at least when I bought mine -- Granat was not even available). 

Scot

 

[mouppe]

Bit the bullet and put in the order.  I went with the RO90 and ETS150-5.    Splurged for the hard pads for both along with the interface pad just to be sure.  I have to wait for the order however as I wanted a domino pack with the cutters heads and they seem to be sold out everywhere. 

I have to figure out if there are any people here around the GTA who want to split up several packs of paper disks for these units.  I begrudge that LV is charging almost double the price to get 10 sheets than if you were buying more bulk and getting them in 50's.

I hope it will be shipping in the next few weeks...  But as long as I get the right price, it doesn't matter if it takes a month.  I can wait.

Matt

Why don't you post an ad in the classifieds here on the FOG? I am sure there will be some takers.