ETS EC 150/5 is it supposed to "wobble"

[binettea]

I just got an ETS EC 150/5. I really love everything about this sander, but I find it "wobbles". I sent it out for repair as soon as I got it and the Festool tech was amazing, great service, fast turn around. He replaced a bunch of parts which made it a bit better, but still wobble. Having heard all the positive comments and reviews on how smooth Festool sanders are, I wasn't expecting that. Also, if I put a protection pad, it makes it worse. I guess I'm wondering if it's "normal" ? I was going to attach a quick video showing what it does, hoping somebody could confirm based on their experience with the same model if they feel it is normal, but it seems I can only attach a picture.

 

[ScotF]

Does not sound normal to wobble. A video would be good if you could share it.

 

[binettea]

I got a small video but I don't know how to share it.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Get a YouTube account and upload the video there. Then copy & paste the link you find in the adress bar on top of your browser onto this forum. Do not use the short "Share" link you find under the video, that won't work here.

 

[chrisrosenb]

Are you pushing down on the sander when using it?

 

[Cheese]

You should be able to take your hands off of the sander and it will sit in one place and just rotate. You can guide it with just the cord.

 

[binettea]

Thanks for the YouTube tip, great idea.



I start to feel silly obsessing about that, but given how much those sanders are, and that the 30 day window is closing, I really want to make sure I am doing the right thing. In one video, you can see the sander stands still when I don't hold it.

 

[squall_line]

Thanks for the YouTube tip, great idea.



I start to feel silly obsessing about that, but given how much those sanders are, and that the 30 day window is closing, I really want to make sure I am doing the right thing. In one video, you can see the sander stands still when I don't hold it.

Fixed the links...

How much does the vibration change, if any, if you turn down the speed?  Are you attached to dust collection?

What grit are you using, on what type of surface?

I don't have a flat piece to lay mine on right now, but it feels smooth when it's up in the air not touching anything.  I can see the head oscillating in its 3mm arc (I have a 150/3, rather than /5).

 

[AlexThePalex]

Thanks for the YouTube tip, great idea.

You're welcome, but I specifically told you which link to use and which not.  [doh]

 

[Cheese]

Mine, an ETS EC 125 fitted with a 150 mm pad is a little smoother than that but not a lot, it's awful close. I'd chalk it up to normal production line variation.

Why not go to your local dealer and check out how much his inventory vibrates compared to yours.

 

[binettea]

Guys, thanks so much for all the quick replies. On the YouTube link, I couldn't see how to share differently. I was in the app, maybe I needed to be on the web browser? The video where I'm holding it on the small block of wood is poplar with Granat 80 and a pad saver, not pushing hard. The other video is on hemlock with Rubin 80 without the pad saver. All this with the sander attached to a CT26 on low suction.  Free standing video was on speed 6, and I realized I must have been on 5ish on the other video. Faster seems better (less pronounced vibration/wobble). Local dealer is 2 hours away, and doesn't even have the EC on demo, just the regular ETS. I'm starting to think what I experience is "normal".  However, just now as I was sanding more with it, the intermittent stopping issue started!!! Otherwise seems like a really nice sander, high removal rate which is what I wanted it for, nice ergonomics, light and low profile, etc. Darn...

 

[MaineShop]

I run on of these 5 days a week sometimes all day. Those videos look normal to me. It's a sander, they have tons of vibration. They are great sanders and the dust collection is top notch. If you are worried you are making a mistake spending the money go get a retail brand from the box store and do a comparison, you will be sold.

 

[binettea]

Thanks for weighing in. That's the kind of feedback I was looking for.

 

[gmcg]

Hello all,

New to Festool Owners Group, new to Festool ownership (ETS EC 150/5 just like the OP, purchased about a month ago). I am experiencing the same thing with the Festool specified granat net protection pad (Festool 203343) with 3M 710w netting, which is a shame, given the value of the abrasive.  The wobbly/grabby behavior is nullified when the pad saver is removed and the granat paper provided with the sander kit is used. I am able to place the pad saver nearly center on the sanding pad (I'm sure it's not perfect), but no luck in solving the behavior. I tried both of the velcro units in the Festool pack, just to make sure it wasn't a one-off issue with the saver itself.

I can use the same pad saver on my Bosch GET75-6N, and it performs nicely. I imagine there are some added vibrations to this sander as well though minimal, and it's as grabby, despite also have a 5mm oscillation as well.

Let me ask this: Are there people using an EC 150/5 with pad saver and NOT experiencing wobbles or greatly increased vibrations?

 

[luvmytoolz]

I've been doing a fair bit of late with the 3M mesh discs and the Festool interface pad on my ETS EC 150/5 and it's smooth as anything, definitely no rocking or excessive vibration. I might try and take a video on the weekend if I get time.

 

[gmcg]

I've been doing a fair bit of late with the 3M mesh discs and the Festool interface pad on my ETS EC 150/5 and it's smooth as anything, definitely no rocking or excessive vibration. I might try and take a video on the weekend if I get time.

Thanks for the feedback, appreciated!