ETS EC 125 vs ETS 125 - handling and ergonomic issues

[air19]

I own the older ETS 125.  Today I spent an hour at my local Festool dealer testing this model vs. the newer ETS EC 125.  My large sandpaper stock is all 5" so if I get a new sander I want to stay in the 5" series. 

But I had a harder time handling the new ETS EC.  When you connect the vacuum hose it leans backwards, and you need to constantly have a forward pressure on the front part of the sander to keep it level.  With the older ETS and the vacuum hose connected it still stands up straight.

I tested the new ETS EC and couldn't get comfortable with any grip on the back half of the sander.  In any position on the back half I had to constantly "lift" the sander to keep it level.  On the other hand I could put one finger on the front of the sander to keep the front "down" and it worked with minimal effort. 

When I use the older ETS I constantly move my hand position around to relieve any issues I have with my hands (too many years working on computers and driving snowmobiles).  But with the ETS EC it felt like I really didn't have as many options with different hand positions.  The only one that worked was pushing down on the front. 

Just my first exposure to the ETS EC, anyone find a way around this? 

 

[bobfog]

I'm sure people who own this sander, Festool and various people who review tools for Festool will deny this, but the ETS EC is really primarily aimed at car paint shop workers working on primarily vertical panels. I don't believe it is really suited for primarily horizontal sanding that most woodworkers encounter.

The hose detection feature is a clear sign IMO that the tool was always intended with paint shops in mind.

 

[waterloomarc]

I have both of these. The ETS I've had for a few years, the EC I just bought this month. like you I find it is back heavy. I've had decent luck hooking my ring finger through the handle and kind of pulling up with it (don't know if that makes any sense). This works enough to keep it level. I'll also grip the whole thing more towards the back and that works pretty well. The other thing I found was that I can keep the suction a little higher on the new model.

Lastly, since I don't have a boom arm system I'm used to sanding while holding the sander in one hand and the hose in the other. This is a foolproof method for counteracting the balance issue - just hold the hose up. But if you're using a boom I'd guess that's a pretty useless suggestion.

Overall I've been very pleased as I find it much faster. I wasn't willing to step up to a rotex since I don't need their aggressiveness  so this was a big improvement from my ETS to me.

 

[ajcoholic]

We use two of the older ETS 125's in the shop (pretty much daily for the past almost 5 years).

I picked up the new brushless one last November.  Took me almost two months of using it to get really comfortable (I found the handle a bit large - compared to the other pneumatic ROS's I use and also the Mirka Ceros I use most of all).  Seriously, I figured after the first month it was a matter of just using it more.  And, after a few more weeks of using it at least a bit each day, it grew on me.  Now it is my go to sander in the shop (out of 8 ).

I still cannot see how you can hold a tool in the store for a few minutes and decide how it will work.  For me it takes time (whether a sander, router, saw etc).  In a real work environment.  Just my 2 cents.  Its a nice sander.  WHy not take the 30 day test drive?  You can return it if it isnt a good fit for you.

 

[junk731]

The ETS 125 was truly the weakess link in the entire Festool sander lineup. There has always been a great debate of the merits of this particular sander and the points of view are well documented in previous posts since this forum was started. That all changed with the addition of the EC model, it has actually been given the power a sander like this needs along with the finesse to do fine finishing. It doesn't take long to see this in the actual operation of sander if you have used the other lame duck. The instant on, instant off is also rarely discussed, which in a constant use shop situation is one of the best features.

John

 

[air19]

Thanks for all your comments.  I understand why the EC is such a superior sander than the older model.  But for myself, it all comes down to ergonomics.  I have overworked my hands after many years working with computers, running chainsaws on a tree farm, and running a snowmobile for 40 hours a week grooming ski trails.  For me it all comes down to can I handle the tool without pain. 

Waterloomarc - I found your ideas most helpful.  I'll go back to the store and try your hand position and see if it's better.

Ajcoholic - I didn't just pick the sanders up in my hands.  I ran them for 60 minutes at the store.  10 minutes with one sander and then 10 with the other, back and forth for an hour.  But your advice is well taken that maybe I need to just do the 30 day trial because it might take that long to get comfortable with this tool.  Strange though that this high end sander would take that long to get used to. 

Waterloomarc - I am a big fan of the older ETS 125.  For me it was a big step forward compared to the generic random orbital sanders from Dewalt and Milwaukee. 

I'll head back to the store next week and put in another hour and see if I can get more comfortable. 

THanks everyone....

 

[Holmz]

I'm sure people who own this sander, Festool and various people who review tools for Festool will deny this, but the ETS EC is really primarily aimed at car paint shop workers working on primarily vertical panels. I don't believe it is really suited for primarily horizontal sanding that most woodworkers encounter.

The hose detection feature is a clear sign IMO that the tool was always intended with paint shops in mind.

i have the DEROS, so i know what you mean. The ETS EC is very similar.

Thanks for all your comments.  I understand why the EC is such a superior sander than the older model.  But for myself, it all comes down to ergonomics.  I have overworked my hands after many years working with computers, running chainsaws on a tree farm, and running a snowmobile for 40 hours a week grooming ski trails.  For me it all comes down to can I handle the tool without pain. 
...

Nordic trails? where do you reside?

My 1/2 sheet sander is better than my round sander in many aspects. vibration and noise included.... (But slower as its stroke is 2.3 and not 5-mm)
Have you considered a 1/2 sheet?

What the 1/2-sheet does not do well is vertical sanding as it is heavier than the Mirka, but on a flat board, I can just about leave it and get a coffee.

 

[air19]

Nordic trails in northern Vermont.  This year was a bust - we had one week of skiing.  But that left a lot of time for woodworking. 

I haven't tried a half sheet because I make a lot of cabinets.  With the cabinet doors with rails and stiles with grains going 90 degrees to each other, I have always preferred a random orbital to go around the frame.