ETS 150/3 as a Compliment to the RO150?

[icecactus]

Hey guys,

I took the plunge and bought my first festool products this month. 2 of the many items I purchased were a RO90 and RO150. When I first got the RO150, I thought I choose the wrong size and I should have gotten the 125. It is HUGE. After using it for 15 minutes, I took a 180 and am glad I bought the 150. I love the larger pad!

I constantly hear the ETS 150/3 is a good compliment to the RO150. Why? I know it has a shorter stroke, 3mm vs 5mm of the RO150. Its a newb question (I am learning), but what does the stroke matter and why should I plunk down the cash for the ETS 150/3? What is considered fine finishing? is that sanding between coats of paint/lacquer? Can I not sand between coats with the RO150 or use the RO150 for fine finish?

I hear so many people say its a good compliment that I am considering picking it up before the price increase but I just cant seem to grasp why I would need both.

 

[Stephen B]

[size=11pt]

Congratulations on your purchase of the RO150.

You will love the ETS 150/3. It will give you a finer finish, particularly past around 180 grit. You could live without it, but once you have one you will love the balance, lightness and the quality of finish it can achieve.

Using it you will be able to both feel and see the difference between 5 and 3 mm stroke, particularly upwards from mid grits.

I have also found mine to be excellent for sanding in oil finish.

As you live in US the 30day trial is available to you, so try it out for yourself.

 

[sheeschen]

I went through the same debate with myself a while ago, having owned the RO150 for years (and the RO90 for about a year at the time), and finally decided to get the ETS150/3 based on the recommendations here.  I'm very happy I got it, and it's become my go-to sander for a lot of stuff.  I haven't done any real comparisons to the RO150 in terms of how nice the finish is with the same grit or anything, but it makes sanding more enjoyable.  It's lighter and easier to hold, and doesn't have a tendency to get a little wild like my RO150 does.

I would say my usage is split evenly between the ETS150/3 and the RO90, with a bit of RO150 thrown in for the big, rough stuff - maybe 45/45/10%

      Scott

 

[jacko9]

I own the RO90, ETS 150/3, ETS 125, and the LS130 and the ETS 150/3 is my go to sander.  I think it will compliment your RO150 perfectly since you get to share the same paper size.  I suspect that you will only us the RO150 for your heavy duty sanding and use the ETS 150/3 with finer grits and final sanding when you want to get that just right look.

Jack

 

[shed9]

Ditto, I went round in circles on the whole RO125 or RO150 issue fearing the 150 may be too big, but have a shiny RO90, RO150 and ETS150/3 turning up tomorrow morning (amongst other goodies).

I researched it to death and it seems the overwhelming advice is that the RO90/150 and ETS150 combination is a good balance.

I'm still (a little) apprehensive about a 6" sander and the size of the RO150 machine itself but good to hear your of your experience.

If your sat on the fence on the ETS purchase, try and find a disappointed ETS150/3 owner - I think you'll find them in the drawer under the ones marked Unicorns and talking bears.

EDIT: Icecactus, just saw your reply to me thread (after posting this one). Thanks for that, appreciated.

 

[Julian Tracy]

I had the Rotex 150 (new version) for years before getting the ETS/5, than traded that for the ETS/3.  Love the ETS/3 - it's a pleasure to use.  I was barely using the Rotex, as it's not that great for general sanding work outside of heavy duty use, so I recently sold it.

Very impressed with my ETS/3 though, maybe feel like I wish I had the ETS/5 instead, now that I don't have the Rotex, but The /3 is very aggressive in it's out right too.

Rounding out my ETs/3 is the RO90 - great, versatile little guy, a 1/4 sheet 400 pad sander and the RAS grinder/sander.

Any heavy sanding or scribing that I don't use the RAS for, I use my little 2 1/2" Porter Cable belt sander - great little tool too.

JT

 

[wow]

I would say my usage is split evenly between the ETS150/3 and the RO90, with a bit of RO150 thrown in for the big, rough stuff - maybe 45/45/10%

This is about what I would expect. Since I have the RO90- I think my next sander will either be the Mirka 6" or the ETS105/3.