ETS 150/3 vs ETS 150/5

[J Hunter Woodworks]

I purchased the ets ec 150/3 because I read the finer stroke leaves fewer swirl marks. I build mostly tables and for the tops I thought the 3mm would be better but I’m wondering if the more aggressive 5mm would have been a better choice. I typically use Rubio monocoat which only needs sanded up to 120.  It’s the only sander I plan on using and don’t want to have to buy another expensive sander so I’m hoping the 3mm will get the job done. So my question is if I’m only going to have one sander should I have gone with the 5mm instead?

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[squall_line]

Depending on when you purchased the sander and when you are planning to do the work, you could always just try it out and return it during the 30 day return period if it doesn't meet your needs.

I have a hard time advocating buying both of them and testing them both out, but that's an option as well.

I have never taken advantage of Festool's 30-day like-or-return policy myself, but a situation like this is why it exists.

The alternative is to see if your local dealer has demo units that they can set up and you can try both out side-by-side.

 

[semenza]

Hmmm, well I used Rubio for a countertop once and found the Rotex RO150 in rotex mode with sheep skin was excellent to buff and evenly distribute the monocoat. I think I had previously sanded to 150gr. with either the Rotex in random orbit (5mm stroke) or the ETS150/5.

I think either the /5 or /3 will do that job well. I would choose based on what other sanders you have and get the one that is the most different.

In general I have been a proponent of going with the ETS/5 if someone wants to stick with a single sander.  Coupled with a wide range of abrasives and all the sanding pads, it is a very good one sander set up. Most will say the Rotex is a better all purpose sander but for finish sanding it doesn't float as well.

Considering that you are doing Rubio tables ................... it is possible that the Rotex RO150 could be the best choice due to it's buffing capabilities.

Seth

 

[afish]

If you think you might want an RO sander. Check out the Bosch GET75 From everything I have seen its just as good as the RO150 for less than half the price. There are lots of videos on the sander. This will get you the best of both worlds for minimal cost.

 

[J Hunter Woodworks]

Hmmm, well I used Rubio for a countertop once and found the Rotex RO150 in rotex mode with sheep skin was excellent to buff and evenly distribute the monocoat. I think I had previously sanded to 150gr. with either the Rotex in random orbit (5mm stroke) or the ETS150/5.

I think either the /5 or /3 will do that job well. I would choose based on what other sanders you have and get the one that is the most different.

In general I have been a proponent of going with the ETS/5 if someone wants to stick with a single sander.  Coupled with a wide range of abrasives and all the sanding pads, it is a very good one sander set up. Most will say the Rotex is a better all purpose sander but for finish sanding it doesn't float as well.

Considering that you are doing Rubio tables ................... it is possible that the Rotex RO150 could be the best choice due to it's buffing capabilities.

Seth

I didn’t realize the rotex had buffing capability. That might the way to go then. I’ve used the rotex before at a previous job and it was kinda bulky and uncomfortable to use that’s kinda why I went with the ets 150. I’m hoping it’s a more comfortable sander to use. But since it doesn’t have the ability to buff maybe I should get the rotex instead and just suck it up.

 

[J Hunter Woodworks]

If you think you might want an RO sander. Check out the Bosch GET75 From everything I have seen its just as good as the RO150 for less than half the price. There are lots of videos on the sander. This will get you the best of both worlds for minimal cost.

That’s a really good idea. I just read that it also has buffing mode to buff in the Rubio monocoat as well. Sounds like it can be pretty aggressive to on the “3x” mode to replace a belt sander it says.

 

[J Hunter Woodworks]

Depending on when you purchased the sander and when you are planning to do the work, you could always just try it out and return it during the 30 day return period if it doesn't meet your needs.

I have a hard time advocating buying both of them and testing them both out, but that's an option as well.

I have never taken advantage of Festool's 30-day like-or-return policy myself, but a situation like this is why it exists.

The alternative is to see if your local dealer has demo units that they can set up and you can try both out side-by-side.

I just purchased this week so it’s definitely within the 30 day window. Hopefully they don’t charge you shipping on returns.

 

[ear3]

At the lower grits the differences between the 3mm and the 5mm are negligible, and thus it's worth it IMO to get the 5mm over the 3mm for the speed/efficiency. I've found an improvement in the finish quality between the two only starting around 320 or 400grit -- and even there it's more an issue of consistency rather than an absolute overall difference.

I purchased the ets 150/3 because I read the finer stroke leaves fewer swirl marks. I build mostly tables and for the tops I thought the 3mm would be better but I’m wondering if the more aggressive 5mm would have been a better choice. I typically use Rubio monocoat which only needs sanded up to 120.  It’s the only sander I plan on using and don’t want to have to buy another expensive sander so I’m hoping the 3mm will get the job done. So my question is if I’m only going to have one sander should I have gone with the 5mm instead?

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[4nthony]

Jason Bent published a video about his Festool sanders and mentioned if he could only have one, he'd opt for the 150/5.


I just realized you've got the ETS. His review mentions the ETS EC.

 

[afish]

If you think you might want an RO sander. Check out the Bosch GET75 From everything I have seen its just as good as the RO150 for less than half the price. There are lots of videos on the sander. This will get you the best of both worlds for minimal cost.

That’s a really good idea. I just read that it also has buffing mode to buff in the Rubio monocoat as well. Sounds like it can be pretty aggressive to on the “3x” mode to replace a belt sander it says.

When I suggested that I meant keeping the 150/3 and adding the GET75 That way you can keep the 150/3 as your fine finish easy to use and control sander and use the GET75 for the more more challenging tasks and buffing the Rubio.  That way you will have both 5mm & 3mm sander with rotex/turbo mode which is the same thing.  I'm a big Festool sander fan but I would buy the the GET75 over the Rotex but will also say it would get very little use.  I would never advocate having a Rotex type sander as ones only sander I know some do but I wouldn't.  There is no one size fits all sander each type has unique abilities or features that make them more suited for a particular task.  Picking just one is hard to imagine.  You could also look at adding a dedicated buffer.  Im not sure which cordless platform you use but pretty much all have some type of cordless buffer. I use the Dewalt DCM848m and its great.  The freedom of no cord on a buffer is amazing not only in the shop but on the cars too I could never go back. 

 

[J Hunter Woodworks]

Jason Bent published a video about his Festool sanders and mentioned if he could only have one, he'd opt for the 150/5.


I just realized you've got the ETS. His review mentions the ETS EC.

My bad, forgot to put the EC part in there. I got the ets ec 150/3

 

[mino]

At the lower grits the differences between the 3mm and the 5mm are negligible, and thus it's worth it IMO to get the 5mm over the 3mm for the speed/efficiency.

Seconded.

If I had to choose a single sander AND wanted it to be as ergonomic as possible for heavy use, I would go with the ETS EC 150/5.

Anything beyond a single sander restriction, I would go for at least two sanders. Probably that Bosch "rotexy" one to rough it out combined with an ETS 125 finish sander with the angle guide. Talking hobby use here.

Having -just- a Rotex sander, while versatile, is IMO not optimal. It is tricky getting the proper finishing result out of it even though the excenteric mode is equivalent to a 150/5. One just cannot fake the weight and two-handed nature of the beast.

 

[afish]

I agree with almost everything Jason B. said in his video.  Not so much a 5mm stroke as your "only" sander part but... Thats a tough call.  If you build mostly with solid wood then maybe but if you sand a lot of veneer or finishes then the 3mm makes more sense.  However pretty much everything else was spot on. 6" as primary size and having the little ETS 125 REQ on the edge sander attachment is fantastic if you do a lot of edge sanding.  I love that little set up.  If it wasn't for the edge guide I would have sold my REQ when I got the ETS EC 125/150/3  but my REQ lives in the edge guide. Plus having some type of sander to get into corners is a must for me.  I went with the DTS but still a little pissed at Festool for not making the RTS/DTS bases swappable. It was kind of dumb they might have lost a few sander sales but would have made extra abrasive sales.  I will never by the both sanders but would have stocked both papers. I use a 3m 2.75x7.75 sander in lieu of an RTS and it works better anyways since I use it mostly for wet sanding or very fine sanding.   

 

[J Hunter Woodworks]

I agree with almost everything Jason B. said in his video.  Not so much a 5mm stroke as your "only" sander part but... Thats a tough call.  If you build mostly with solid wood then maybe but if you sand a lot of veneer or finishes then the 3mm makes more sense.  However pretty much everything else was spot on. 6" as primary size and having the little ETS 125 REQ on the edge sander attachment is fantastic if you do a lot of edge sanding.  I love that little set up.  If it wasn't for the edge guide I would have sold my REQ when I got the ETS EC 125/150/3  but my REQ lives in the edge guide. Plus having some type of sander to get into corners is a must for me.  I went with the DTS but still a little ticked at Festool for not making the RTS/DTS bases swappable. It was kind of dumb they might have lost a few sander sales but would have made extra abrasive sales.  I will never by the both sanders but would have stocked both papers. I use a 3m 2.75x7.75 sander in lieu of an RTS and it works better anyways since I use it mostly for wet sanding or very fine sanding. 

So I do build with almost all hardwoods especially ash most often. I’m used to a crappy dewalt sander so this ets ec will be a huge jump for me. One of my draw backs is having to wait another 3 months to get the 150/5 if I change my mind and decide to send the 3mm back. I liked someone’s suggestion of getting the Bosch get75 sander for hogging off lots of material at first since it’s only $300 compared to getting a rotex.

 

[afish]

youtube will be your friend here. lots of videos that compare these 2 sanders. this is the first that popped up.  I tjink you will be hard pressed to find a review that says the festool is worth 2x the price.

 

[mino]

youtube will be your friend here. lots of videos that compare these 2 sanders. this is the first that popped up.  I tjink you will be hard pressed to find a review that says the festool is worth 2x the price.

Well, that Bosch is pretty much carbon copy of the Rotex after the patents expired. So it better be cheaper.

Which is also the reason one might want to save here if the details on the Festool do not call you.

Certainly better overall deal getting that Bosch + ETS EC than just having the Rotex 150 on its own.

 

[afish]

its funny but I read somewhere that bosch had the geared drive sander before festool. not sure if its 100% accurate since I never took the time to research it.

 

[mino]

its funny but I read somewhere that bosch had the geared drive sander before festool. not sure if its 100% accurate since I never took the time to research it.

Geared drive would likely mean something like the RS100. There the gearing was used to increase the available torque from motors of the time. Would not be suprised if it came from Bosch in the 60's or 70's.

What is(was) unique on the Rotex is not so much the reduction gearing but the special dual movement gearing which allows for both excentric and rotational movement at the same time.

Came from Festo around 1990 with the patents expiring 20 years later. I expect similar with the Domino where I am sure Bosch already has their own version in the works. To be ready in 5 years or so when the patents expire.

Nothing good or bad about it. Just when you copy you either have to better-up or provide a better price. The "Bosch rotex" is the second option from what I saw.

EDIT:
One thing worth mentioning is there be no PlugIt and no Airstream pads for the Bosch. That is Festool tech only on the Rotex. For hobby use that may not be worth 2x the price. But these have some real value. Airstream pads significantly increase sandpaper life and thus running costs, besides allowing faster material removal. So very much worth it for those who expect to sand all day long ...

 

[afish]

The plug it cords can be good and bad.  On one hand they are nice when switching from Festool to Festool but since I use a mix of different brands It also can be a PITA.  Plus they have a history of going bad.  I do enjoy the convenience when it happens but its 50/50.  As far as the airstream pads extending abrasive life and removing more material that one is questionable. Of all the videos and reviews I have seen the bosch is neck in neck with the Rotex in both material removal and dust collection with some even giving the edge to the Bosch. Ill take that with a grain of salt but its hard to ignore when almost everyone sides with the bosch. So Im not a big believer in the airstream pads making a night and day difference.  If there is enough air flow in the bosch pad to be on par or even offer better dust collection than the rotex then logic tells me that there is going to be enough air flow to keep the pad as cool or close to it. So any extended abrasive life is marginal at best IMO.  Plus the airstream pads are more expensive and would more than offset any abrasive savings if any.

Either way both seem to be top notch sanders and performance wise Ill call it even.  If having a matching systainer and plugit cord is worth $359 bucks then get the Rotex.  If you are looking for the most bang for your buck then the Bosch and the 125/150/3 is a perfect combo for not much more than the Rotex alone.  I would never even consider the Rotex priced more than double that bosch and thats coming from a big Festool sander fan.  I would say thats the only electric sander currently I would choose over a festool sander.  Now if the Rotex was only $100ish more than I would probably go with the Rotex. Sorry Festool,  love your sanders but that GET75 just makes the Rotex look like a rip off IMO.   

 

[mino]

The plug it cords can be good and bad.  On one hand they are nice when switching from Festool to Festool but since I use a mix of different brands It also can be a PITA.  Plus they have a history of going bad.  I do enjoy the convenience when it happens but its 50/50.  As far as the airstream pads extending abrasive life and removing more material that one is questionable. Of all the videos and reviews I have seen the bosch is neck in neck with the Rotex in both material removal and dust collection with some even giving the edge to the Bosch. Ill take that with a grain of salt but its hard to ignore when almost everyone sides with the bosch. So Im not a big believer in the airstream pads making a night and day difference.  If there is enough air flow in the bosch pad to be on par or even offer better dust collection than the rotex then logic tells me that there is going to be enough air flow to keep the pad as cool or close to it. So any extended abrasive life is marginal at best IMO.  Plus the airstream pads are more expensive and would more than offset any abrasive savings if any.

Either way both seem to be top notch sanders and performance wise Ill call it even.  If having a matching systainer and plugit cord is worth $359 bucks then get the Rotex.  If you are looking for the most bang for your buck then the Bosch and the 125/150/3 is a perfect combo for not much more than the Rotex alone.  I would never even consider the Rotex priced more than double that bosch and thats coming from a big Festool sander fan.  I would say thats the only electric sander currently I would choose over a festool sander.  Now if the Rotex was only $100ish more than I would probably go with the Rotex. Sorry Festool,  love your sanders but that GET75 just makes the Rotex look like a rip off IMO. 

Ref. PlugIt, once you have a cable-in-hose setup which is an absolute must for me for sanding, it is is a great value.

Ref $100, it would actually mean the cost is the same. The Festool all-inclusive warranty and 10 year parts gurantee is basically $50 and the systainer is the other $50.

Any price less than about $150 above the GET75 would an "affordable" area where the Festool is only slightly more expensive for the PlugIt and Airstream ergonomy pieces. Also, I believe the GET body is not anti-static as with the rest of the Bosch sanders.

Personally, the lack of PlugIt means for me a kludge worth $100 plus against the Bosch. It means I would have to retrofit it to make it useful in our sanding station which is not only $20 for the pigtail but also couple hrs work and lost warranty.

That said, for a non-Festool hobby user, the price on the Bosch is hard to beat. For a pro use, I would recommend the Rotex with PlugIt, Airstream pads, Festool abrasives (big 50/100 packs), anstatic case in a heartbeat. I believe it is good value.

Actually the biggest plus for the Bosch for hobby use is IMO you do not need the Festool abrasives, can buy paper piecemeal at tle local hobbymarket. Which is also why I see it as a level below the Rotex as the overall package. With a price to match.