Hi everyone this is my first post so be kind [smile] I have recently started to outfit my shop with festool and so far so good till today. I just picked up a ETS 125 EQ Random Orbital Finish Sander and i am super unimpressed with it. It chatters like crazy on the wood almost to the point i cant use it. my cheap dewalt does a better job. i have turned down the dust extractor so its not pulling the sander into the material. I was using 180 grit. Do i need a softer pad?
ETS 125 EQ Random Orbital Finish Sander chattering very badly
- Thread starter nwfd98
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2013
- Messages
- 3,575
First, [welcome] to the FOG! Sorry your first post had to be about a problem, but I think we can help you out.
The ETS sanders are known for being 'smooth as a baby's bottom', so your experience certainly isn't normal. You didn't state if the sander was brand new or just 'new to you' but I'll assume that it's brand new. If that's the case, you might simply have gotten a bad one. Although it's rare, it does happen from time to time.
The first thing you should do is contact Festool service and talk to them. Based on what they say, you may have several repair options. None of which are likely to cost you any money. And if you purchased it within the last 30 days you can return it to your place of purchase for refund or replacement with NO HASSLE.
If you have ANY problems getting your dealer to help you out ( you won't! ) report back here and you will be assisted.
BTW, I speak only as an 'unofficial evangelist' - not as a formal representative of Festool - but I am so confident in their support that I do not hesitate to say this. They want you to be 100% pleased, and go out of their way to make sure it happens.
Again, welcome - and good luck!
The ETS sanders are known for being 'smooth as a baby's bottom', so your experience certainly isn't normal. You didn't state if the sander was brand new or just 'new to you' but I'll assume that it's brand new. If that's the case, you might simply have gotten a bad one. Although it's rare, it does happen from time to time.
The first thing you should do is contact Festool service and talk to them. Based on what they say, you may have several repair options. None of which are likely to cost you any money. And if you purchased it within the last 30 days you can return it to your place of purchase for refund or replacement with NO HASSLE.
If you have ANY problems getting your dealer to help you out ( you won't! ) report back here and you will be assisted.
BTW, I speak only as an 'unofficial evangelist' - not as a formal representative of Festool - but I am so confident in their support that I do not hesitate to say this. They want you to be 100% pleased, and go out of their way to make sure it happens.
Again, welcome - and good luck!
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2007
- Messages
- 8,426
One thing I don't see mentioned is the speed setting. You should almost always use speed setting 6. Using a slower setting may make it hard for the sander to overcome the friction of the abrasive.
As was mentioned, I would encourage you to swap it for another if you feel it's not functioning properly. If you purchased locally, ask the dealer to take it out of the box and run it before you take it home to make sure you're satisfied. If not, please use our 30-day guarantee and return it or exchange it for another model.
Shane
As was mentioned, I would encourage you to swap it for another if you feel it's not functioning properly. If you purchased locally, ask the dealer to take it out of the box and run it before you take it home to make sure you're satisfied. If not, please use our 30-day guarantee and return it or exchange it for another model.
Shane
Kevin McConville
Member
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2014
- Messages
- 164
Some of the dealers have knowledgeable people that can help - where did you purchase your ETS?
So i gave it another go today before i heading back to kms tools. Turns out it was operator error. 1 i let the material bounce a bit didnt clamp down 2. I was being to aggressive with the unit. So once i just let the sander do its thing it's wonderful. 
any one use the super soft pad?
any one use the super soft pad?
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2007
- Messages
- 8,426
Glad you sorted it out. [thumbs up]
I should have thought to ask about making sure the workpiece was secured. It definitely makes a difference.
I should have thought to ask about making sure the workpiece was secured. It definitely makes a difference.
