ETS 125 vs ETC EC 125 - Speed?

[waterloomarc]

It seems I've taken more of a backwards approach to Festool and I'm adding sanders last. I currently have the ETS 125 and while I'm happy with the finish, dust collection and vibration it is soo slow! From what I gather this is from the 2mm stroke. I'd like something a little faster but for the scale of most my work I'm not too keen on stepping up to the 150 - which eliminates the 5mm stroke available there.  I have a RAS115 if I really need to go crazy on something.

So my question is will the new brushless with a 3mm stroke have a noticeable improvement in speed when sanding at lower grits (100,120)? I appreciate the 30 day gaurantee but I don't want to buy one "just to see" and my local dealer didn't have one in stock to try.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Shane Holland]

Yes, definitely faster especially with lower grits. Not only is the stroke bigger on the ETS EC 125, but it's far more powerful.

 

[bobfog]

Yes, definitely faster especially with lower grits. Not only is the stroke bigger on the ETS EC 125, but it's far more powerful.

Would that mean that if one was in the market for a sander to produce the best possible finish, the older ETS would still be a better choice as it has a 2mm stroke vs. 3mm? Or has some other sort of magic with the stroke pattern, etc. been achieved to make the 3mm as fine a finish as the older 2mm?

 

[Shane Holland]

[member=60286]bobfog[/member], the stroke has more to do with the speed at which the abrasive removes material than the quality of finish. The grit is mostly what determines the finish. Using the same grit, it will take longer to remove the same amount of material with a 2mm stroke versus a 3mm stroke, for example.

An analogy would be made tiny circles with your hand using sandpaper versus doing larger circles.

However, the tighter stroke should produce a tighter scratch pattern, therefore a smoother surface should be the result. So if you wish to cover more area in less time, choose a larger stroke, and if a super fine finish is desired, choose a tighter stroke.

 

[waterloomarc]

Yes, definitely faster especially with lower grits. Not only is the stroke bigger on the ETS EC 125, but it's far more powerful.

Well I bit the bullet and ordered one. I was able to use it for a while this morning. It is definitely faster as was said. I also find it easier to control than the ETS 125. It jumps around less. First impressions are definitely good.