ETS 150/3 vs ETS 125

[thender]

I realize this has been hashed over before, but I've done some searching and read a number of threads but I'm on the fence... 

I need a finish sander, for preparing unfinished wood for the final finish.  I'm a hobbiest;  most of my projects are small/mid sized furniture made from hardwood and/or hardwood veneered sheet goods (oak, cherry, etc).

So far, I've been reasonably happy with the results I've gotten from my Dewalt and Bosch 5" random orbit sanders, but I'd like to move up to Festool for less vibration and better dust control.

SO....  looking through the Festool info, and the posts here, it would seem that it would be a push between the ETS 150/3 and the ETS125. 

Anybody have any thoughts on how to select between the two? 

Any thoughts about how this purchase might affect future purchases due to common abrasives, etc?

And as for abrasives, I presume I'm looking for Brilliant, in the usual grits?  (~150ish to ~220ish).

Thanks in advance....

-TH

BTW I'll be using these with the CT22.

 

[peter halle]

Tom,

I got my 150/3 two weeks ago.  I also have a Rotex 150.  I chose the  150/3 because I have a ton of 6" disks. The 150/3 that I got had the new pad design and I did order some of the new paper.  I love the dust collection of the new system.  My sander has already paid for one half of itself in increased productivity, and will have totally paid for itself in the next couple of weeks.

Personally, between the two I would go for the 150/3 with the new hole pattern.  That is not available on the 125.

Your paper choices match Festool recommendations.  I have 2 systainers full of paper, but those are the ones that I use the most.

Peter

 

[justinmcf]

hi tom.

its a pretty easy question to answer mate.
go for the ets 150/3.

the ets 150 is a fantastic all round sander. perfect for small and large jobs. where as the 125 is only for small jobs.

i would not waste my money on the 125.

if this is the only festool sander you will own i would be looking at the 150/5 or the 150/3.
the 150/5 is just a little more aggressive with its 5mm stroke.
great for those larger jobs. but when you work through the grades, just turn down the speed and the finish is amazing.

i have been using brilliant. but a festool rep give me a few rubin discs lately. they are a bit more sturdy.
i dont know if rubin discs last longer.
maybe someone else can tell us their thoughts.

regards, justin.

 

[Guy Ashley]

Hi Tom

I echo the previous comments and suggest you go for the 150/3. I make furniture both solid hardwood, veneered and inlaid tops and the 150/3 is an awesome machine and with the superb dust collection you will not get better.

If you make smaller veneered items like trinket boxes etc, I would strongly suggest you look at the RTS 400 as the square shape allows you to get right into corners.

Guy

 

[thender]

Thanks folks -- I appreciate your thoughts.

So I'm off to Woodcraft -- hopefully they have one in stock!

-TH

 

[danrush]

I kinda-sorta agree with the thoughts posted above, BUT, the 125 is my go-to sander for the fine finish work prior to finishing.  It is just so handy and easy to use, palms easily in my hand for one-handed work, details nicely, everything a small sander should do.  I wouldn't blow this sander off without some serious thought given to the final sanding requirements you might need. 

Dan

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I kinda-sorta agree with the thoughts posted above, BUT, the 125 is my go-to sander for the fine finish work prior to finishing.  It is just so handy and easy to use, palms easily in my hand for one-handed work, details nicely, everything a small sander should do.  I wouldn't blow this sander off without some serious thought given to the final sanding requirements you might need. 

Dan

I like it as well.  It is easy to use in any position.
Light, comfortable and a great sander.
Fits in well with my ras, ro125 and dx93.

 

[EcoFurniture]

Another vote for the 125....

After using it for almost 3 years and many many pieces of furniture/kitchen cabinets I can asure you that this sander is up to the task!
Very nicely balanced and WAY lighter than the 150. Also keep in mind that the 5" paper is cheaper....

Cheers,
Andreas

 

[bruegf]

I'll chime in here too - and start by saying I've never used the 150.  I bought the ETS125 because I had the RO125.  I really, really like the ETS125 and if you're not sanding a lot of large panels I think you'll be very happy with it, plus save a bit of money.  If you think you'll do a lot of larger surfaces in the future, go for the ETS 150.

Fred

 

[Brice Burrell]

I kinda-sorta agree with the thoughts posted above, BUT, the 125 is my go-to sander for the fine finish work prior to finishing.  It is just so handy and easy to use, palms easily in my hand for one-handed work, details nicely, everything a small sander should do.  I wouldn't blow this sander off without some serious thought given to the final sanding requirements you might need. 

Dan

I'm another big 125 fan. Don't get me wrong, I love my ETS150 too. I use the 125 way more than I thought I would. I agree with Dan, very handy, easy to use and one heck of a good finish sander. It's not the most aggressive sander so you'll what to factor that into your decision making process. I strongly recommend going to your dealer and demoing both.

 

[bruegf]

I agree w/ Brice, your best bet is to go try both. 

Fred

 

[voodoochile]

I was in a similar dilemma, sort of. Ended up with the ETS 150/3 and the DTS 400. I also already had some 6" disks from my PC R/O sander, though the Festool disks are better. The DTS 400 is not only lighter than the ETS 150/3, it's also lighter than the ETS 125. And it does corners well, which was my main interest, otherwise only the ETS 150/3 would have sufficed. While the ETS 150/3 is a rather large sander compared to a 5" unit, the smoothness of operation and ease of control make it handle at least as easily as a competing brand 5" sander in horizontal applications, which is where most of my use is. The thing is sheer joy to use, and when you turn it off, you are simply done sanding- rather than beginning a huge cleanup operation. Sorry to gush, but I'm very happy with these sanders, after finally overcoming the seemingly outrageous entry fee. Upon using these sanders, the cost of entry seems to be more than fair. My work is better, and I no longer have to budget excessive time for dust cleanup. A relative baragin when you consider all ancillary activities associated with sanding and finishing.

All that said- if I thought I would be using it overhead mostly, I would have opted for the smaller ETS 125 model. In a perfect world, I'd have two of everything they make, but the world is far from perfect! I think you will be happy with ANY sander you buy from Festool. And if you are not, just take it back and try a different model. You don't hear of that very often, though.

 

[Holzhacker]

I don't have a 150/3 but have played with one, it's on my list. If I were sanding bigger pieces, I would have already bought one. The ets125 works great for the smaller work that I usually do. You can't go wrong buying either one. Getting what is more size appropriate to the work you do might be a good criteria. I also use the ds400 with the ets, makes for a nice combo. Don't forget about the break-in period on the ets. It runs sort of like a cheap black & decker until its broke in.
Good luck

 

[thender]

I strongly recommend going to your dealer and demoing both.

Indeed this is good advice.

I did test-drive both, and for my near-term needs the ETS125 seemed to be the best choice.  Unfortunately they were out of stock but had them on order, so I should have it in a few days.

Thanks to all for your thoughts and advice -- it was all very helpful.

-TH

 

[voodoochile]

Looking forward to your impressions, Tom. It's all good stuff, for sure.