Cordless sander differences

[Rick Herrick]

Can someone help me understand the difference between these two ?

Festool 201531 ETSC 125 18V Brushless Hybrid Cordless 125mm (5") Sander 3.1Ah SET

Festool 201524 DTSC 400 18V Brushless Hybrid Cordless Sander 3.1Ah SET

Other than the profile of the pad and the ~ $50 difference in sale prices.  Is there other things to consider?

I am also worried (no evidence, just a gut check) that these sanders are a step-child product.  My local shop doesn't even carry them.  I don't want to invest in something that will go way (at least new battery wise).

 

[mrboult]

Part of Festools warranty is that they will keep spares available (inc batteries) for at least 10 years after purchase, or replace for equivalent tool if spares not available. . . So I wouldn’t worry.

 

[Alanbach]

I don’t own any of festool’s cordless sanders but I am pretty sure that these two sanders are not brushless.

CORRECTION - Apparently I am incorrect. These sanders are brushless. Thank you [member=48572]Shane Holland[/member] ! I knew that I tagged you to this thread for a good reason(s).

 

[Alanbach]

Looks like Toolnut has these sanders on sale. That could mean that they are discontinuing or changing the model ...difficult to know why.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Part of Festools warranty is that they will keep spares available (inc batteries) for at least 10 years after purchase, or replace for equivalent tool if spares not available. . . So I wouldn’t worry.

Not true. One example, when Festool switched to airstream pads the earlier pads quickly disappeared, leaving many of us with incompatible abrasives.

Many years ago I bought Hansgrohe faucets thinking with their “lifetime” warranty I’d be set for the duration. Turns out “lifetime” means 10 years from the time the trim style is discontinued. Worse, when they changed from old fashioned compression valves to washerless ball valves they dumped the stock of washers and their only suggestion to stop leaks was to open the wall and install the washerless kit for ten times the cost of the valve. Fifty times the cost of the washer. So,  ow I buy washer stock in sheets and cut rings. If I could have just bought a dozen of the original washer I’d be set.

Rant over, but don’t count on the warranty.

 

[Alanbach]

[member=48572]Shane Holland[/member]

 

[Shane Holland]

Guys, as I've mentioned in another thread, if there were any major product changes coming we would typically see those in Europe 6-12 months ahead of a US introduction. There's nothing to indicate that's the case, nor has Festool USA specifically communicated that these tools are changing in any way.

These models are brushless, as noted in the product titles on our website.

Also, I'm quite confident that pads and abrasives will be readily available for many years to come.

Full 3 year warranty, in brand new condition.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Shane

 

[Shane Holland]

Sorry, missed the primary question, Rick.

The only difference is the pad shape. Otherwise, the two models are virtually the same.

Also, a quick look on Festool UK's website and I do not see any new formats for the ERGO batteries. Still 3.1Ah.

 

[Cheese]

Both Neither of those sanders are brushless. They are the cordless version of the ETS 125 & DTS 400 with slightly more sanding stroke. The only difference is the form factor. The DTS will get into the corners while the ETS will not.

I own both of the cordless sanders and for me they completely replaced the corded versions. I really enjoy not having to drag a hose around. Dust collection with the bag is quite good, not as good as a vac, but better than the original 200 watt corded versions.

If you want you can remove the bag and use a vac. Sanding times run in the 30-50 minute duration time slot.

Remember these are finish sanders so while they're more aggressive than the original 200 watt versions, they work well for finish sanding between coats.

 

[Shane Holland]

Neither of those sanders are brushless.

[member=44099]Cheese[/member]

The ETSC and DTSC are definitely brushless.

 

[Cheese]

The ETSC and DTSC are definitely brushless.

Thanks for that Shane...just noticed that when I went into EKAT. I should have looked at my sanders before I put my paws to the keypad.  [big grin]

Just above the entry port for the battery is a small EC-TEC label.  [embarassed] [embarassed]

I'll change my post.  [smile]

 

[AlexThePalex]

Strange that nobody mentioned it, but besides the pad shape there's a different movement pattern between these two, random orbit for the 125 and orbital for the 400.

Slight difference, but it gives each sander its own strengths. The 125 is best for swirl free finish work on larger surfaces like doors, small walls, and cars, while the 400 is prone to leave more swirls but works better on various woodwork around the house.

Micheal, I don't get your remark about incompatible abrasives, surely older abrasives still work on the newer pads?

 

[Rick Herrick]

Sorry, missed the primary question, Rick.

The only difference is the pad shape. Otherwise, the two models are virtually the same.

Also, a quick look on Festool UK's website and I do not see any new formats for the ERGO batteries. Still 3.1Ah.

Thanks Shane.  Trying to wrap my head around the ~ $50 change between corner pad and round pad.  Just don't have much corner pad sanding experience but the reason I want one is there are times when I want to go out in the backyard or somewhere not close to power or DC to sand a few things.  Its a lot of money to spend but I like convenience.. [big grin]

 

[Rick Herrick]

Remember these are finish sanders so while they're more aggressive than the original 200 watt versions, they work well for finish sanding between coats.

Thanks Cheese.  95% of what I do is finish related so these could be good for my needs.

 

[Shane Holland]

[member=72312]Rick Herrick[/member] I doubt Festool would ever give an explanation for their pricing strategy publicly. The prices were originally $70 difference before our discounts.

 

[Michael Kellough]

[member=5277]Alex[/member]  that was long ago when the disks only had a ring of large diameter (12mm) holes and the ring was too small a diameter to match the larger holes on the (then new ) airstream pads.

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

Do the cordless brushless sanders have the mains power option too?
We’re currently looking at sander options.

 

[Shane Holland]

Do the cordless brushless sanders have the mains power option too?
We’re currently looking at sander options.

[member=69479]Jiggy Joiner[/member] yes, you would need the ERGO AC Power Adapter (202502).

Note that we are prohibited from shipping outside of the U.S.

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

[member=48572]Shane Holland[/member]  Many thanks Shane, much appreciated.

JJ

 

[Rick Herrick]

yes, you would need the ERGO AC Power Adapter (202502).

Note that we are prohibited from shipping outside of the U.S.

Hi Shane, this mains adapter you mentioned, it does come with the ....

Festool 201531 ETSC 125 18V Brushless Hybrid Cordless 125mm (5") Sander 3.1Ah SET

doesn't it?  I just ordered it and it looked to be included but your comment had me concerned.  Thanks.