Ok, so I have an opportunity to purchase an ETS 150/5 for a really good deal. I already have a Rotex 125 and an RS2E. What is the difference between the 150/5 and the 150/3? Does the stroke really make enough difference that one is that much better than the other? And, since I have an RO 125, should I get the ETS 125 rather then the ETS 150, since I would already have the paper for it?
ETS 150/5 or 150/3
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nickao
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I have an ETS 125 for sale I used it once. Make me an offer. I'll get another PC 390 with the money.
I returned my ETS 150/5 because I had an RO and it did not leave the finish any better than the RO.
The ETS 150/3 on the other hand is a true finishing sander and leaves the best finish I have seen with any sander.
The ETS 125 is weak, wood magazine said it is smooth that's about it. Otherwise it came in near last out of all the other sanders. It is not aggressive enough for me.
Get the 150/3 instead of the 150/5 if you have the RO 125 already. The ETS 150/5 will not give a better finish in the end then the RO you have already.
Nick
I returned my ETS 150/5 because I had an RO and it did not leave the finish any better than the RO.
The ETS 150/3 on the other hand is a true finishing sander and leaves the best finish I have seen with any sander.
The ETS 125 is weak, wood magazine said it is smooth that's about it. Otherwise it came in near last out of all the other sanders. It is not aggressive enough for me.
Get the 150/3 instead of the 150/5 if you have the RO 125 already. The ETS 150/5 will not give a better finish in the end then the RO you have already.
Nick
jaegerhund
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nickao said:
Nick, I'm a little confused. Aren't the ETS 150/3 and ETS 150/5 both 6" sanders with different stoke lengths? 3 mm vs 5 mm ?
I just want to clarify this.
Justin
jaegerhund
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mwhafner said:
O.K. -- yeah , I reread Nick's post and understand better now.
Justin
It really depends on what you are doing. I originally bought the RO125 and ETS 125. The RO is awesome, but I didn't think that the ETS was any better than the Bosch and Porter-Cable that it was replacing. I had an opportunity to pick up a RO150 and ETS150/3, and it opened up a whole new world.
I had a Rigid 6" sander before my Festool plunge, but was never impressed. I used the Bosch and PC sanders, and left the Rigid on the shelf.
If a 5' sander is all that you need, I would pick up the RO125 and probably the new low profile PC.
If you are working with larger panels, the RO150 and ETS150/3 are an awesome combination.
Before finding the "system", I had pretty simple rules when buying tools.
#1 always watch what Bosch is doing. This is the one company that could change my pre-conceived notions about who makes the best tools.
#2 when buying a router or sander, I looked at Porter Cable. PC also makes some spectacular specialized tools. In addition to numerous PC routers, I still use my 4" trim saw, dovetail jig (which will soon be replaced by an Akeda), and biscuit jointer on almost every project.
#3 when buying a saw, I looked at Makita. Many will argue here, but I have a 5007NBK that has outlasted 7 other circular saws (PC, Dewalt, Milwaukee, etc). While I don't own the Kapex yet, the LS1013 is still my favorite miter saw. I have the new Milwaukee with digital readout, but still love the Makita.
#4 when buying a drill, I looked at Milwaukee or Hilti.
The system has turned all but #4 on their ears.
I had a Rigid 6" sander before my Festool plunge, but was never impressed. I used the Bosch and PC sanders, and left the Rigid on the shelf.
If a 5' sander is all that you need, I would pick up the RO125 and probably the new low profile PC.
If you are working with larger panels, the RO150 and ETS150/3 are an awesome combination.
Before finding the "system", I had pretty simple rules when buying tools.
#1 always watch what Bosch is doing. This is the one company that could change my pre-conceived notions about who makes the best tools.
#2 when buying a router or sander, I looked at Porter Cable. PC also makes some spectacular specialized tools. In addition to numerous PC routers, I still use my 4" trim saw, dovetail jig (which will soon be replaced by an Akeda), and biscuit jointer on almost every project.
#3 when buying a saw, I looked at Makita. Many will argue here, but I have a 5007NBK that has outlasted 7 other circular saws (PC, Dewalt, Milwaukee, etc). While I don't own the Kapex yet, the LS1013 is still my favorite miter saw. I have the new Milwaukee with digital readout, but still love the Makita.
#4 when buying a drill, I looked at Milwaukee or Hilti.
The system has turned all but #4 on their ears.
a 5" sander is really all I would need, but am concerned about it not having enough power after reading this post. I probably have more application at removing material than getting a really fine finish. I have a Kapex and must say it's a nice saw but IMO of any tool a SCMS is really one where you build a relationship with and how it has nuances. It's a great saw and I haven't had any trouble with grinding or anything. I have also had enough time to make inner peace with what it cost me but really my trimwork doesn't look any better from when I was using a 12 year old tuned up DW705
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Hi Victor:
The big difference in a Festool 150 or a Festool 125 is the area that you are sanding. The 125 is going to cover about 70% of the area of a 150. That essentially means that if there is no other reason to use the smaller pad/sander, that you will spend close to a day and a half to do a day's work with the smaller sander relative to the bigger sander. I really dig the Rotex 150 when I have to get something done...
I invite you to PM me or call. There are a lot of considerations and they can be defined.
Tom
The big difference in a Festool 150 or a Festool 125 is the area that you are sanding. The 125 is going to cover about 70% of the area of a 150. That essentially means that if there is no other reason to use the smaller pad/sander, that you will spend close to a day and a half to do a day's work with the smaller sander relative to the bigger sander. I really dig the Rotex 150 when I have to get something done...
I invite you to PM me or call. There are a lot of considerations and they can be defined.
Tom
nickao
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Please don't even try to lump in the ETS 125 as a smaller version of the 150/3 or 150/5, its far less.
The ETS 125 is the weakest tool in the entire Festool lineup, IMHO.
You can get better 5" sanders, some for more than 50% less and I can name them if interested.
An RO 125 is one thing, but the ETS 125 is NOT anything like a smaller version of the ETS 150, it a totally different and to me ,not very good sander. Any Porter cable 5" is better and the PC 390 blows it away.
The Milwaukee 5" I have seen for as low as 69.00 and side by side the Festool should be embarrassed.
My opinions only, from actually using these sanders side by side in my shop. If you like the 125 and have not used another to compare you should. I am certain you will concur.
Of course a 6" covers more ground, my problem is the Festool 5" ETS 125 just does not measure up to other 5" sanders on the market.
Here is one publication that agrees with me to a point, no magazine can slaughter an advertisers product, but the test results speak for themselves. I can not put up the article as they charge for it. If you have this Wood magazine or have access read it. Or if you belong to Wood magazine online you can read it free. It is found here:
Wood magazine 5" sander tests
Nick
The ETS 125 is the weakest tool in the entire Festool lineup, IMHO.
You can get better 5" sanders, some for more than 50% less and I can name them if interested.
An RO 125 is one thing, but the ETS 125 is NOT anything like a smaller version of the ETS 150, it a totally different and to me ,not very good sander. Any Porter cable 5" is better and the PC 390 blows it away.
The Milwaukee 5" I have seen for as low as 69.00 and side by side the Festool should be embarrassed.
My opinions only, from actually using these sanders side by side in my shop. If you like the 125 and have not used another to compare you should. I am certain you will concur.
Of course a 6" covers more ground, my problem is the Festool 5" ETS 125 just does not measure up to other 5" sanders on the market.
Here is one publication that agrees with me to a point, no magazine can slaughter an advertisers product, but the test results speak for themselves. I can not put up the article as they charge for it. If you have this Wood magazine or have access read it. Or if you belong to Wood magazine online you can read it free. It is found here:
Wood magazine 5" sander tests
Nick
I guess other folks have a keener eye than I do because I find the finish left by the 150/5 to be excellent. In addition it can be quite aggressive with the coarser grits.
Even though the RO125 creates a similarily great finish I will grab the 150/5 every time when finishing furniture because I believe it handles better than the Rotexes.
Even though the RO125 creates a similarily great finish I will grab the 150/5 every time when finishing furniture because I believe it handles better than the Rotexes.
nickao
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It totally is easier to handle than the Rotex!
I went to the 150/3 only because of certain woods I could not get as smooth unless I went down another grit or two. I think where on the 150/5 I needed 180 grit, on the 150/3 I could get away with 150 grit.
I think the 150/3 may be even smoother and easier to handle than the 150/5 when used side by side, though it is very close, both are so smooth.
I went to the 150/3 only because of certain woods I could not get as smooth unless I went down another grit or two. I think where on the 150/5 I needed 180 grit, on the 150/3 I could get away with 150 grit.
I think the 150/3 may be even smoother and easier to handle than the 150/5 when used side by side, though it is very close, both are so smooth.
Nick, for me as only a hobbyist I'm not concerned that I may have to go an extra grit to get the finish I need. I'd prefer that and have the added versatility of the 150/5's aggressiveness with the coarser grits.
Of course I say this not ever having used a 150/3
Of course I say this not ever having used a 150/3
