Is the EC version worth the extra money over the standard ETS? The ETS is on sale a few places for around $300 but the EC version is $510. So just wondering if that extra $210 is really worth it. If I get either, I plan to get the 150/3 as I have a Rotex 150.
ETS 150 vs ETS EC 150 - worth the extra $$$?
- Thread starter ChiknNutz
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DynaGlide
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ChiknNutz said:
[member=64379]ChiknNutz[/member]
Woodcraft has the ETS EC 150/3 on sale now for $410, the previous model without the Multi Jetstream 2 pad (~$49 part). However, you may be interested in getting a ETS EC 125/3 for $400 and then a Multi Jetstream 2 6" pad which fits and works fine on the ETS EC 125/3. It's been discussed here if you look around.
"Worth the extra dough" probably depends on your use case. If you intend on doing any vertical/overhead work, my answer is 100% yes. If all you do is flat, horizontal work, I'd probably save the cash, as the extra weight of the non-EC might actually be beneficial. The only extra benefit to the EC that might sway your decision is that there is practically no way to get the sander to bog down, it just keeps going. After coming from 5" sanders, the 6" EC is a wonderful jump, no matter if you are modifying the 5" or just getting the 6".
chrisrosenb
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ChiknNutz said:
In my opinion, yes it is. The EC being a shorter sander, it is a lot easier for me to use. The EC sanders can easily be used with one hand. The 150/3 sanders cannot easily be used with one hand. I suggest trying both before you buy if you can. If not, buy them both & then return the one you do not like.
Scott in San Diego
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For me, absolutely YES.
For over 15 years I have owned a variety of ETS 150/3 and ETS 150/5 sanders. I sold them immediately after buying the ETS EC 150/3 and ETS EC 150/5 models.
For over 15 years I have owned a variety of ETS 150/3 and ETS 150/5 sanders. I sold them immediately after buying the ETS EC 150/3 and ETS EC 150/5 models.
My current and foreseeable needs for this sander are 95% for horizontal work to finish where I left off with the Rotex, and will be used almost entirely with the dust collector.
One thing I don't like so much about using the Rotex in ROS mode is that it seems to have a mind of it's own and wanders quite a bit...seems a bit "grabby" if you know what I mean. That is with the least amount of down pressure so as to keep RANDOM in ROS. Do the ETS sanders also do this? I have seen a few claims saying you can let the ETS sander just do it's thing and kinda guide it around with the hose. I can't imagine doing this with the Rotex in ROS mode (and of course not in Rotex mode).
One thing I don't like so much about using the Rotex in ROS mode is that it seems to have a mind of it's own and wanders quite a bit...seems a bit "grabby" if you know what I mean. That is with the least amount of down pressure so as to keep RANDOM in ROS. Do the ETS sanders also do this? I have seen a few claims saying you can let the ETS sander just do it's thing and kinda guide it around with the hose. I can't imagine doing this with the Rotex in ROS mode (and of course not in Rotex mode).
chrisrosenb
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Before getting the EC sanders, I used the RO 150 & then finished with the ETS 150/3. After getting the first EC sander & seeing how much nicer it was to use, I decided to get a second EC sander & use those for all the sanding except for where I need to remove a lot of material. Then I use the RO 150. The RO 150 does not get a lot of use now.
I use my EC 150/5 everyday with a wide range of grits. It's a pleasure to use. It doesn't go berserk like the Rotex. I rarely need the extra power of a Rotex - the EC is so capable even cutting a shape at 80 grit.
I used to have a 150/3, but sold it. The 5/3 difference isn't big enough for me to warrant keeping it when I can use the RTS, LS, or a cabinet scraper. The higher grits don't take that long to need the bigger area for my work... and if you've never used a sander with a pad break you don't know what you're missing.
I used to have a 150/3, but sold it. The 5/3 difference isn't big enough for me to warrant keeping it when I can use the RTS, LS, or a cabinet scraper. The higher grits don't take that long to need the bigger area for my work... and if you've never used a sander with a pad break you don't know what you're missing.
Cheese
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I own and use the Rotex 125, ETS 125, ETSC 125, Pro 5 and the ETS EC 125. My 2 favorite sanders are the cordless ETSC and the corded ETS EC which I can use both the 125mm and 150mm pads on.
So, for only $20 more than a ETS 150 you can purchase an ETS EC 125 and then swap out the 125 pad for a 150 pad. Two sanders in one. [big grin]
Besides, all the ETS EC sanders are brushless and they are also more powerful than the ETS series, 400 watts vs 310 watts. Pretty much a no brainer all around. [smile]
Using the 150 pad on the ETS EC with 120 grit paper, I can guide the sander around a teak table by just the hose. It doesn't fight you or bounce, it just sits and spins.
So, for only $20 more than a ETS 150 you can purchase an ETS EC 125 and then swap out the 125 pad for a 150 pad. Two sanders in one. [big grin]
Besides, all the ETS EC sanders are brushless and they are also more powerful than the ETS series, 400 watts vs 310 watts. Pretty much a no brainer all around. [smile]
Using the 150 pad on the ETS EC with 120 grit paper, I can guide the sander around a teak table by just the hose. It doesn't fight you or bounce, it just sits and spins.
I hadn't looked at the 125 series since all of my Festool sandpaper is 150, though I do have a bunch of 5" stuff for my Bosch sander. Geez, why is the 150 $110 more than the 125 as they look IDENTICAL except for the pad...like all they did was put the 6" pad on the 5" sander! All you do is put the 6" pad on there, no mods?
Cheese
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ChiknNutz said:
They are identical except for the 3 or 5 button on top and the drive shaft assemblies. However EVERYTHING else is the same. So 150 pads fit on a 125 BUT 125 pads will not fit on a 150.
So pull the one screw holding the 125 pad and screw on a 150 pad. Couldn’t be easier. [big grin]
I’ve been using mine like this since they first came out in the fall of 2016.
Great thread and answers here!
Slightly off topic, but I was torn between the DTS400 (which I bought) vs. the ETS EC125. My immediate need was a countertop strip and refin and some drywall patch finish sanding, so the DTS seemed the easiest entry into Festool. Can the EC use a delta attachment?
The DTS performed yeoman's duty, but I have plenty of exterior vertical stripping ahead of me and can't help thinking that the ETS EC might've been a better choice for all around use.
I should know this, but even if I've used my 1-week old DTS400 can I still return it to my local dealer and get the ETS EC instead?
Slightly off topic, but I was torn between the DTS400 (which I bought) vs. the ETS EC125. My immediate need was a countertop strip and refin and some drywall patch finish sanding, so the DTS seemed the easiest entry into Festool. Can the EC use a delta attachment?
The DTS performed yeoman's duty, but I have plenty of exterior vertical stripping ahead of me and can't help thinking that the ETS EC might've been a better choice for all around use.
I should know this, but even if I've used my 1-week old DTS400 can I still return it to my local dealer and get the ETS EC instead?
chrisrosenb
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h1pst3r88 said:
The ETS EC only uses round pads. The RO 90 can use both round & delta pads.
You have 30 days to return a Festool tool for any reason.
Thanks, guys.
So my sense after reading that excellent sander guide that's a sticky here is that the EC 125 would still be an excellent finish sander but also has the grunt to for exterior sanding or taking decades of paint off of our interior staircase treads and risers.
After using the DTS with 80grit granat, I didn't really feel like it could take on my interior stairs strip job, though maybe I'm wrong?
I am leaning strongly toward the EC and the fact that I can put a 6" pad on it makes it even more attractive.
So my sense after reading that excellent sander guide that's a sticky here is that the EC 125 would still be an excellent finish sander but also has the grunt to for exterior sanding or taking decades of paint off of our interior staircase treads and risers.
After using the DTS with 80grit granat, I didn't really feel like it could take on my interior stairs strip job, though maybe I'm wrong?
I am leaning strongly toward the EC and the fact that I can put a 6" pad on it makes it even more attractive.
Cheese
Member
h1pst3r88 said:
The DTS is really a finish sander because of its 2 mm stroke and it is only 250 watts. Here's how Festool describes it. "The DTS 400 is designed for fine sanding small, angular surfaces that are difficult to reach."
The ETS EC sanders are general purpose sanders with a 3mm or 5mm stroke and 400 watts of power.
