ETS 125 sander and CT 26 HEPA dust extractor

[jethreaux]

I'm fairly new to woodworking. I'm working on a 10'x4' walnut table top. *Disclaimer: My local woodworking shop jointed, planed and dominoed the boards.* I assembled and am currently finishing. I have no shop, so I have to build and finish in my dinning room. I've done minimal sanding in the past and have never used any sander attached to any type of vacuum. I purchased the ETS 125 and CTS 26 HEPA after reading all the propaganda about it's dust collection capabilities. I was still skeptical and had mentally prepared myself and my wife for a lot of dust. This sander and dust extractor combo is unbelievable. I had to do a lot of sanding due to excessive glue squeeze out and boards that were warped or crooked (turns out 8/4 by 10' walnut boards are hard to find in decent condition) and did not line up evenly, except right at the dominoes. There is practically no dust. I don't even have residue on my fingers after wiping them across the surface. Unless I have the suction maxed out, I do not see any swirl marks. I'm basically writing this review in case others like me are new to woodworking and researching sanders. I'm not sure how any sander and dust extractor could be better. Larger and Faster, yes, but not better. If I continue to do large surfaces frequently, I may purchase the ETS 150 for the initial coarse grit sanding, and use the ETS125 for the final fine sanding because of the smaller rotation pattern. The Festool propaganda is true. I'm glad I joined the cult.

 

[KRKWW]

I have the same setup and truly enjoy the dust free sanding!

If I may respectfully suggest that if you are doing a lot of rough sanding, the Rotex 150 would speed you along considerably and is just as effecient with dust collection.

Enjoy your journey!

 

[Grakat]

I also agree with your statements. I had to do some repairs to my house which included repairing some gyprock where the front door had smashed through it after it was blown open in a severe gust. I was sanding back the plaster without any dust being left behind at all. This was with an ETS150/3

 

[rst]

The ETS 125 was my first sander also, six years later I own every sander excepting the RS-2E and the RO-150(I have the Makita BO4900V and the Bosch 1250DEVS from before Festool fever).  Each one has specific areas that excel.

 

[SS Teach]

The RTS 400 was my first. After using it for a few minutes of dust free sanding I ordered the ETS 125. I am a true fan of working in a dust free environment. Fast forward a few years and several Festools later I am still very happy with them. 

 

[anthonyz]

Funny to see how many had this as their first combo. That combo in my shop is what started my Festool shop, I have been over all happy with all my purchases. I may only use certain tools on a rare occasion, but when I do use them, they are a dream to use. But there are others I use daily. I had 6 different sanders and thought I was done, then I got my hands on the LS130. Yes now I have 7 and it's one of my favorites. I still get quite a bit of use out of my ETS125. I recommend it to a lot of people who want to dip their toe in the green kool-aide.