I am eventually going to need a good sander for my shop. I am pretty set on getting the ETS 150/x just not sure which stroke length to get. Basically the sander needs to be the best of the two for all around purposes. What does the stroke length mean in relation to sanding? Is a higher number better for finish or rough sanding?
ETS 150/3 or 150/5?
- Thread starter pghmyn
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pghmyn said:
The /5 will be better for all purpose than the /3. The smaller stroke will be less agressive and not do as well with coarse grits. I purchased the ETS150/5 many years ago for all purpose use. It was the only sander I had for several years, and still is the only one I have for true finish sanding. It has been used for everything from material removal and stripping to sanding between coats of finish. Get the hard pad too, it helps get the most out of it.
I have since added a Rotex for more agressive stripping and material removal, and plan to get a /3 for sanding sanding between coats. But the /5 really is the sweet spot for an all purpose woodworking sander. Yes, technically the Rotex can do more, but it is harder to use for fine finish work, and I have found that even though the orbit is the same as theETS150/5 that I do not get as good a result on finishes.
Seth
Timtool
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I'm with Seth on this one, the /5 is my go to sander.
I even think it was the original version, and that they later introduced the /3 as a sander destined for finer finish sanding. The gap between the 150/5 and 125 was probably too large.
As with proper sanding techniques i can get perfect finishes with the /5, i see no reason to opt for the /3
I even think it was the original version, and that they later introduced the /3 as a sander destined for finer finish sanding. The gap between the 150/5 and 125 was probably too large.
As with proper sanding techniques i can get perfect finishes with the /5, i see no reason to opt for the /3
Bob Marino
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I agree with Seth. You specified "all around purposes"and the 150/5 fits the bill pefectly.
The "3" and "5" designate the size of the orbit - the sander's movement and all things being equal - as in the ETS 150 sanders, the larger orbit will be more aggressive and the smaller orbit will offer a finer finish. The major caveat here, is that IMHO, technique as well as using the proper abrasives are more important in obtaining a higher quality finish than the orbit size.
Bob
The "3" and "5" designate the size of the orbit - the sander's movement and all things being equal - as in the ETS 150 sanders, the larger orbit will be more aggressive and the smaller orbit will offer a finer finish. The major caveat here, is that IMHO, technique as well as using the proper abrasives are more important in obtaining a higher quality finish than the orbit size.
Bob
ajones
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Hi
I bought the 3 first and was very happy with it, I thought that there would not be a great deal of difference between the 3 and the 5 that a grade or 2 of paper could not sort.
However... having bought a 5' I was wrong, the 5 is a much more agresive sander and a joy to use so now I use the 5 and a dts or rts to finnish (mostly)
I think the oneof most important parts of the sander is the pad, to soft and you can destroy stuff with the 5 so a hard pad is needed on edge work......
I bought the 3 first and was very happy with it, I thought that there would not be a great deal of difference between the 3 and the 5 that a grade or 2 of paper could not sort.
However... having bought a 5' I was wrong, the 5 is a much more agresive sander and a joy to use so now I use the 5 and a dts or rts to finnish (mostly)
I think the oneof most important parts of the sander is the pad, to soft and you can destroy stuff with the 5 so a hard pad is needed on edge work......
Higher number, less fine the finish. Get the 5 for an all around'r, and eventually you will realize you need a true finish sander along side of it. I have a DTS 400 and a RO125 (which has a 3mm stroke-albeit a little sloppy) and the difference between those two is astounding. The DTS produces a finish like no other sander I have used, but the Rotex compliments it incredibly well for quick material removal. Its quite a duo.
My point is, you need more than one to get the best overall results. But yes, the 5 is a good all around, until you need a truly fine finish.
My point is, you need more than one to get the best overall results. But yes, the 5 is a good all around, until you need a truly fine finish.
Kev
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My first Festool sander was the ETS150/5. I've since added many, including ROTEX and 150/3 in the 150mm class. The ETS150/5 is still my "go to" sander. It's partner in crime tends to be the DTS400.
Prior to Festool I was using Rupes BR5 and Delta ... almost a similar "go to" combo - but much less refined (though they were still head and shoulders above most of the field).
Prior to Festool I was using Rupes BR5 and Delta ... almost a similar "go to" combo - but much less refined (though they were still head and shoulders above most of the field).
