ETS EC 150 / 3 vs 150 / 5

[Holmz]

If someone were using an RO150 and needed a finishing sander, which would be the preferred of the two, or is that an open question.

Which one is the 1/2 sheet sander?

 

[Wuffles]

If someone were using an RO150 and needed a finishing sander, which would be the preferred of the two, or is that an open question.

Which one is the 1/2 sheet sander?

Very droll. I have no need to reinvest in more sheets of a different size and shape.

 

[Holmz]

If someone were using an RO150 and needed a finishing sander, which would be the preferred of the two, or is that an open question.

Which one is the 1/2 sheet sander?

Very droll. I have no need to reinvest in more sheets of a different size and shape.

I suppose I am pretty old school.
But if the circular one is in grits to 150/180 then the 1/2 could be 180/240+ ??

Plus I am not doing canoes, nor organic shapes, so a flat sander is right for me. Horses for courses.

 

[leakyroof]

People stare themselves blind on the stroke size. You can achieve identical results with both sanders, by adjusting grit and technique. Using one or the other just gets you there with more ease, depending on what you want.

  Agree, that's why I held off buying a 150/3 for so many years since I could get what I wanted out of my /5. But, once you have the finer orbit sander, it is easier for certain jobs... [big grin]

 

[leakyroof]

If someone were using an RO150 and needed a finishing sander, which would be the preferred of the two, or is that an open question.

I think you'd go with the 150/3 since you already have a 5mm orbit in Random Mode with your Rotex. Seems like the most logical choice given that you already have the abrasives for a 6"/150mm sander.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Alex: is it fair to say that the lesser stroke, 3mm, makes the machine behave a little "less aggressive", and runs smoother/softer?

I own the ETS 150/3 which I use sparingly, and briefly had the 150/5 which I hardly used at all. As far as I remember, I could not feel a noticable difference between the two in the way they handled.

The sanders are almost identical, don't overestimate the difference 1 mm on either side makes. A millimeter is pretty small.