ETS EC 150/5 vs. 3. Would a smaller grit size compensate for a larger stroke?

[Steven Owen]

This is a question I'm struggling with myself, so I'll pile on.

For my application, I may need to lightly sand ~700 lineal feet of 1x6 Maple once it has been passed through a thickness planer with a Byrd Shelix head. I already own a RO-150, but for this quantity of medium-->fine sanding I'd prefer something lighter but still in the 150mm pad size.

My painter has requested I deliver the material sanded to 150, so I plan on experimenting with whether I can go straight to 150 off the Shelix, or if I need a lower grit or two.

With the above information, would I be better off with the ETS EC 150 /3 or /5, sanding raw hardwood in the ~120-180 grit range?
Thanks!

If you’re pushing the wood through a Planer it’s gong to better to start at 80 grit.  The Shelix cutters are known for having a tiny amount of snipe.  You’ll have to start at 80 grit.  Unless you have a high end Planer, it would be very hard to start at 150 grit.