ETS 125 disappointment:(

[semenza]

Re ETS 125
My new ETS 125 of three weeks was exhibiting similar problems to those above until this morning when I turned the vac down to one third, and it then superbly finish sanded a length of Australian Red Gum.

Stephen

Stephen,

Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

Glad you go that worked out. The suction level makes quite a difference.

Seth

 

[Kev]

Re ETS 125
My new ETS 125 of three weeks was exhibiting similar problems to those above until this morning when I turned the vac down to one third, and it then superbly finish sanded a length of Australian Red Gum.

Stephen

[welcome]

Our numbers are growing !

Kev

 

[sinbad]

Well, I let the sander run for apx. 8 hours the other night.  The next morning I tested the sander and regrettably found similar results as before.  Again, I just don't get why this sander does not rotate with any authority?  It does seem to rotate better with a courser grit disc which seems counter to what this sander is a "finish" sander?  I do a lot of curved work so I often use a 1/2" foam interface pad.  With this pad on the sander does not rotate at all.  Scott B. posted a youtube vid (6 seconds with Festool ETS 125) which clearly shows the pad NOT rotating for at least 3 of the 6 seconds.  While this might not bother some, it bothers me as I don't feel that is what a ROS should do?  I am going to buy a Mirka Ceros.  Any videos of the Ceros sander shows the pad spinning like a top. 

Not trying to argue sanding techniques or sander engineering here.  I am happy for anyone who is happy with this sander.  Just is not a fit for me 
I am not sure what the selling policy here is on this site, but if anyone wants this sander for half of what a new one costs send me a private message.  I will fed ex it to you at my charge (US only). 
Only has 8.5 hours on it, 8 of which is hanging on its chord running all night

A sincere thanks to all who tried to help.

John

 

[Brice Burrell]

Well, I let the sander run for apx. 8 hours the other night.  The next morning I tested the sander and regrettably found similar results as before.  Again, I just don't get why this sander does not rotate with any authority?  It does seem to rotate better with a courser grit disc which seems counter to what this sander is a "finish" sander?  I do a lot of curved work so I often use a 1/2" foam interface pad.  With this pad on the sander does not rotate at all.   Scott B. posted a youtube vid (6 seconds with Festool ETS 125) which clearly shows the pad NOT rotating for at least 3 of the 6 seconds.  While this might not bother some, it bothers me as I don't feel that is what a ROS should do?  I am going to buy a Mirka Ceros.  Any videos of the Ceros sander shows the pad spinning like a top. 

Not trying to argue sanding techniques or sander engineering here.  I am happy for anyone who is happy with this sander.  Just is not a fit for me 
I am not sure what the selling policy here is on this site, but if anyone wants this sander for half of what a new one costs send me a private message.  I will fed ex it to you at my charge (US only). 
Only has 8.5 hours on it, 8 of which is hanging on its chord running all night

A sincere thanks to all who tried to help.

John

Sorry to hear it's not working out.  If you decide to go with the Mirka let us know how you make out.

BTW, half price and free shipping, I'd do that any day on a like new ETS125.

 

[semenza]

Well, I let the sander run for apx. 8 hours the other night.  The next morning I tested the sander and regrettably found similar results as before.  Again, I just don't get why this sander does not rotate with any authority?  It does seem to rotate better with a courser grit disc which seems counter to what this sander is a "finish" sander?  I do a lot of curved work so I often use a 1/2" foam interface pad.  With this pad on the sander does not rotate at all.   Scott B. posted a youtube vid (6 seconds with Festool ETS 125) which clearly shows the pad NOT rotating for at least 3 of the 6 seconds.  While this might not bother some, it bothers me as I don't feel that is what a ROS should do?  I am going to buy a Mirka Ceros.  Any videos of the Ceros sander shows the pad spinning like a top.  

Not trying to argue sanding techniques or sander engineering here.  I am happy for anyone who is happy with this sander.  Just is not a fit for me  
I am not sure what the selling policy here is on this site, but if anyone wants this sander for half of what a new one costs send me a private message.  I will fed ex it to you at my charge (US only).  
Only has 8.5 hours on it, 8 of which is hanging on its chord running all night

A sincere thanks to all who tried to help.

John

John,

FOG has a Classified section  http://festoolownersgroup.com/classifieds/   If you decide to sell the sander just post a for sale listing there.

Seth

 

[Scott B.]

 Scott B. posted a youtube vid (6 seconds with Festool ETS 125) which clearly shows the pad NOT rotating for at least 3 of the 6 seconds. 

Sorry it didn't work out for you. Here is a more clear shot of how mine rotates when not under load on a surface. Of course, like any sander, things change when on a surface, and the orbitals are very responsive.

 

[mouppe]

Shame it didn't meet expectations but I hope you stick around on the fog.

 

[sinbad]

Thank you all again. 
I will definitely stay on this forum as I love Festool. 

My sander is now SOLD! 

I will definitely report on my Mirka.  I have read a lot of great info on FOG about this sander already. 

John

 

[oldie]

Hi John.
Guess I feel a touch deflated - was hoping issue would be quickly resolved,
with your then being able to give some feedback of the ETS from your point of view.
But not to be.
It's been some while since I briefly handled a Mirka - at a show; but have now re-read some
of the old threads about it, and had a browse around the net.
Never mind the disappointment with the ETS; can better understand the quick
assertive decision you made.  Certainly has impressed a lot of folk.
Even more now, I hope you can find the time to offer your feedback on the Mirka.
Might cause a re-think on my part.
I'm particularly interested in your thoughts about the ergonomics.
Not sure I like the paddle - suspect would prefer just a switch.
Also, wondering if it might become uncomfortable when used for long periods.
Thinking that having to keep the paddle depressed, might inhibit how to best hold it
sometimes.

Richard.

 

[Stephen B]

Re ETS 125
My new ETS 125 of three weeks was exhibiting similar problems to those above until this morning when I turned the vac down to one third, and it then superbly finish sanded a length of Australian Red Gum.

Stephen

And today I was reminded of the many viewpoints elicited by this discussion as my ETS125 breezed through sanding architraves and some plaster finish coat.

 

[jduke3]

I had a 6" Mirka Ceros for about a month and while it was a great sander, my hand was still vibrating 30 minutes after I stopped using it. I traded it in for an RO 150.
Two totally different sanders for sure but the vibration issue went away. Maybe the 5" mirka would have vibrated less. I really loved that sander but after sanding for an hour, I had to stop and massage my hand. Anyone else have a similar issue with the Mirka 6"

 

[Stephen B]

Do not know about the Mirka, but my 150 duel mode  Metabo vibrates if the speed is not specifically matched  to the paper grade.

Hence I tend to use this for construction work such as sanding paint an varnish for recoats. This leaves my two Festool ETS sanders for finer work, and they do not vibrate or cause hand tingles. A long term health issue!

 

[RParker]

I purchased an ETS 125 EQ about 2-3 years ago but have not used it a great deal (approximately 20-30 pieces of paper). Yesterday the pad separated, at the foam portion that holds the hooks for paper attachment, and fell to the floor.

Is this normal wear and tear? Perhaps the foam material breaks down over time??

Anyone have similar issues with this machine?

 

[Brice Burrell]

I purchased an ETS 125 EQ about 2-3 years ago but have not used it a great deal (approximately 20-30 pieces of paper). Yesterday the pad separated, at the foam portion that holds the hooks for paper attachment, and fell to the floor.

Is this normal wear and tear? Perhaps the foam material breaks down over time??

Anyone have similar issues with this machine?

Call Festool, there is a good chance they can help you out.

 

[tallnfast]

I also have the eta 125. used it for 4+ hours and think it is not worth the money.
it does not turn even on the proper task.
I  have lots of festool products that i love, the ets 125 is not one of them
it basically a vibrating palm sander.....
to each their own and I know I'm like an aethiest on this site for saying something negative, but the greatness of this site is that we are allowed to speak freely.
For the people who say this sander is great, I have one for sale!

 

[Holmz]

I have not heard good things about the Mafell UVA 150, so for a round-pad sander I will either use the existing Bosch or keep on considering a Mirka...

I have a 1/2 sheet Mafell UVA 115e, which is stunning with no vibration and requires no special skills or training to use, and no 10 hour break in. Even the Mrs likes it.
I goes 20000 RPM on setting 6, so it beavers away... however I usually use it on 2 or 3 with the Mirka screens.
Being 230v it may not work for many.
I sort of like the rectangular shape, but most of the time I an sanding rectangular pieces so it makes sense to me not use a round sander.

 

[jacko9]

It would be nice if sinbad reported back on his Mirka sander and give us his impressions of the differences.

Jack

 

[Holmz]

Maybe after the Hajj?