ETS-125 random orbit troubles...

[yetihunter]

Holmz: the DEOS was at a demo stand at the local Pushers Nest. I circled it like a vulture a few times and picked up the new RTS400REQ and compared them and it was obvious that for me the DEOS was a much nicer machine.

I have worked the DEOS hard last week and this week with about five-six hours of sanding and it is a great machine, it is definitely a step up from the RTS400 for me.

At first I was a bit concerned with the paddle switch as I sometimes have to sand in awkward positions and the RTS400 can simply be left running. It turned out that the ergonomics of the DEOS works so well for me that I actually don't mind the paddle switch. Did some awkward sanding today in a multitude of positions: over head, leaning under, reaching out to corners etc. Very high marks for agility on the DEOS. Vibrations are below the RTS400 for sure - but I have not compared the new RTS400 to the DEOS though. 

I am currently trimming down and restoring as well as building/replicating old style windows and the Mirka has found a place among the other favourites: RAS115, EHL65 Planer, Metabo LF724s paint stripper/router. Wouldn't want to be without any of them. Together they really speed up work.  Since I am finishing off with the Mirka it actually works well with the odd cable. The PlugIt rotates around the three other machines but the Mirka is constantly hooked up to the vac. 

In my field kit with the above machines the RTS400 was the "weak" machine and I am no fan of the Rotexes for windows (had the 90, didn't like it, have the 150 but it is too large for this type of job) and the Mirka DEOS made me forget about the shortcomings of the RTS400 very swiftly.

Just hoping the cord is not a Lemon, like on the DEROS.

I did not even know about the DEOS.
Henrik, my wallet hates you. 

 

[Steven Owen]

    Hi guys, I'm hoping maybe someone can help me out here. I have a Festool ETS 125 eq random orbit that's probably a good 5 years old or so. It's worked great in a one man shop over that time period. For the last couple weeks it's been intermittently having a problem where it loses power for a second or two and then goes back to normal, kind of like a brownout. Today it really started losing power badly and even stopping altogether. I took the top off and blew out the dust just for the heck of it but it did nothing. Then wondering if the speed control was the problem I took it out and tried without it, but while better....was still not fixed. Not sure what to do next? Anyone have this problem and know how to fix?

  FWIW I'll probably buy a new one when they come out with the new $200 version, but seems like all that's available now are the expensive ones and I'm not ready to drop $400 on a random orbit!

thanks in advance!

Jeff

I bought the newer EST-125 with the 250 W motor.  I can honestly say it’s nothing more than a light duty sander.  I wouldn’t trust it with any 80 Grit sanding.  It’s just a pure finishing sander.

I never bought it to be my main go it sander.  The ETS 125’s primary job will be 220 and 320 grit sanding on French polish, expos and Marine Varnish coats. 

I put the ETS 125 through the paces on cleaning up cuts on MDF and smoothing our some plywood.  It’s good had some time to spare this afternoon.  It’s just not made to be a primary go to sander.  It’ll be regulated to sanding in between finish coats and the odd dry wall patching job.

The 125 doesn’t have the guts to be your main goto sander.

Either the ETS EC or Mirka Deros are better choices.  There’s not much point waisting money On the older The ETS 150’s.  The Bosch ROS65VC-6 is a better much more powerful sander for less money.

 

[drmarylynn]

I'm having this same problem with my ETS 125.  I've tried all the suggested fixes with the cable and changing cables with no luck.  I agree that after 5 years I expected more from this tool. 

I can hear the motor engage when it's turned on and the Festool vacuum comes on. . . the sander just doesn't rotate.  (I also changed the festool pad with no luck.) 

Any other suggestions?  Thanks for any advice.

 

[jacko9]

One thing that has not been mentioned is the dust extractor connection to your sander.  I have the older CT22 and I do have issues with a poor connection to my Festool products.  I know I should replace the receptacle in my Ct and I will soon but you might want to see if it's a sander problem or an interface issue with your extractor.  Good luck.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I can hear the motor engage when it's turned on and the Festool vacuum comes on. . . the sander just doesn't rotate.  (I also changed the festool pad with no luck.) 

Burned field coil. Send it in for repair.

 

[drmarylynn]

As it turned out, in my frustration, I took the thing apart to see what was inside.  I took the bottom off and as I tried to get the center screw out of the copper plate, I could only loosen it. . .couldn't get it out.  Grrrr.  As I started to put it all back together and give up on it, I noticed the whole plate was turning freely now.  Seems the center screw had overtightened with use.  Put it all back together, plugged it in and it works perfectly. 

So there's something else to try if this happens to your sander.