Ets and surfix

[MahalaHomecraft]

I recently got a great deal on a surfix set ($75!), and everything it comes with is designed for use with a 150 sander.  I don't have one yet, but if someone's just gonna hand me an excuse to buy another festool I'm sure as he'll gonna take it.  I've been reading a lot on FOG about the differences between the /3 and the /5, and I've been leaning toward the /5, but I haven't found any info on whether the stroke difference will have a noticeable effect on use with the surfix kit.  For background, I already own an ets 125 and an ro 90.  Thoughts?

 

[tjbnwi]

I use my ETS 125 or RO 125, just trim down the pads and get the proper paper.

Tom

 

[MahalaHomecraft]

That would kill my excuse to get a 150, which I want, but thanks, I might do that in the interim.

 

[TOOLTOWN]

As it sounds like you know, the difference in stroke translates to a difference in aggressiveness.  

As far as I can tell in my usage, the 5mm stroke will act quicker on the surfix finish than the 3mm stroke.  In other words, the /5 will work faster then the /3, but the /3 is more forgiving since it removes material more slowly.

Hope this makes sense.

Ken

Edit:

If you already own an ets 125, and still want an ets 150 I would suggest getting the 150/5.  The ets 125 has a 2mm stroke, so you can use that for any sanding that needs to be more delicate, and use the ets 150/5 for slightly more aggressive work.

 

[MahalaHomecraft]

Makes perfect sense.  It sounds like if I'm careful with my grits and my technique, I might actually be better off with the /5, which for other reasons I'd prefer anyway.  Thanks for the input!

 

[TOOLTOWN]

No problem. 

Let me know if you need anything else.  I'm here to help.

Ken

 

[leakyroof]

Generally I use my 150/5 with my Surfix kit, but I've also used my Shinex as well, which is a straight rotary polisher in the higher grit or Vlies burnishing.