ES 125 vs ETS 150/3

[timinct]

Well, being new to the Festool world I need your input.  My first purchase was the RO 150 FEQ.  Wow, what a sander.  Anyway I added the ES 125.  I like the size of it, but I'm not sure about the operation.  It seems to bounce a lot unless I don't put any pressure at all.  I know let the sander do the work, but I would like to be able to hold it against the work.  Also it vibrates.  One thing I have read about Festool is the lack of vibration when using their sanders.  Right now I would rather use the rotex than the ES 125.  The rotex seems smoother in ROS mode than the ES 125.  I guess my expections are high after all the research I have done on Festool.  The ES 125 does not impress me.

So, question is would the ETS 150/3 be a better choice?  Does anyone have both of these?  Do they work the same or are they in different leagues?  The rotex will do everything, but I would like a smaller size sander for some applications.  That is why I got the ES 125.  Using the same size disk means nothing to me.  I would only want the ETS 150/3 for using with higher grits.  Any rough work will go to the rotex.

Thanks for your help.  Any input or suggestions would be great.
Tim

 

[Lou Miller]

Tim,

I'd get the 150/3 if I were you. You're not the first person that I've heard say that they aren't overly impressed with the 125. I really don't understand why the 5" is prefered by so many. I used 5" sanders for years before getting my 150/3. I don't find much difference in the weight or the bigger size being an issue at all. As far as I'm concerned, the 150/3 is the perfect sander for 120 grit and up. Besides, you'll be able to use the same paper on both sanders if you want to.

 

[tvgordon]

I have the ES 125 sander and haven't had any problem with it bouncing.  If the vacuum is turned up too high it can cause the sander to bounce.  I turned on the sander and vacuum and then adjusted the vacuum speed just until the sander smoothed out.  I like the sander for smaller projects (scrollsaw work, frames, etc.), but I would like to have one of the 6" sanders for larger surfaces.
Tom.

 

[Brice Burrell]

  Hello Tim, welcome to the world of Festool. I own the ES125, RO125 and the ETS150/3, and I love them all. Like Tom I turn the vac down to about mid way or so, and I have had no problems with my ES125. When I first got the ES125, I had to sand a lot of smaller rips (2 3/4" wide) of cherry, so I used it for three and a half hours straight. So I got used to it and now have a good feel on how to use it, I can put a some pressure on. Tweak the vac and your pressure until you get the "feel" for it too. Good luck.
Brice

 

[bill-e]

Tim,

The ES125 is not as smooth as the 150 sanders and does suffer from bouncing if the vac suction it too strong.

Here's some videos to illustrate what I'm talking about.
http://nhwoodworker.com/temp/stickingsander.wmvhttp://nhwoodworker.com/temp/sandersuction.wmv

Turn the suction down to about half or until you hear a change in tone of the sanding operation and things will smooth out quite a bit.  That being said the ES125 in my experience is still prone to bouncing a bit and is not as smooth a sander as the 150/x

 

[Bob Marino]

  Tim,

Good advice here. Turning down the vac is the answer, but having said that, Festool's ETS 150's are their smoothest sanders, with the possible exception of the RS 2.

  Bob

 

[Corwin]

Festool's ETS 150's are their smoothest sanders, with the possible exception of the RS 2.

  Bob

I love my ETS 150/3!  You mean that RS 2E is every bit as smooth, or maybe better?  Wow!

Corwin

 

[Bob Marino]

Festool's ETS 150's are their smoothest sanders, with the possible exception of the RS 2.

  Bob

I love my ETS 150/3!  You mean that RS 2E is every bit as smooth, or maybe better?  Wow!

Corwin

The RS 2E is one of Festool's hidden gems. Half sheet sanders have fallen out of favor, or at least have been over run in sales by the ros's.
It is a different type of sander - heavier, slower moving, but a pleasure to use.

Bob

 

[bill-e]

Bob,

Sanding + Pleasure = Oxymoron

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Funny... and very true, Bill.  PS - have a safe trip to the Down Under (you lucky dog).