Ets ec 150 vs Rotex 150

[Feelwoodworking]

Yo.  I am looking to upgrade my sanding scene. Any recommendations between the ec150/3. And the ec150/5..And does the Rotex truly make a fine finish?

 

[grobkuschelig]

I have both, a Rotex 150 and an ETS EC 150/5.
Since the Rotex also features the 5mm stroke, I think your decision might hinge on the use cases.

I really love the ETS EC for its light weight and low center of gravity. It makes sanding quite effortless.

The RO150 really is a beast. But if you need to remove a lot of material, it makes it quick...

 

[ProCarpenterRVA]

I was using a Dewalt sander for my work a few years ago. I just kept burning them up! I thought, why not try one of the Festool sanders. I now have 7 of their sanders, and a few Dewalt, Bosch sitting around... There's your warning. [emoji16] You'll get hooked...

So, I think it's all dependent on your intended  use. 

I use both THE ETS EC 150 3 and 5 mm for cabinets and hardwood projects. These newer brushless motors run cooler and have less vibration than the Rotex will have. They are also much lighter. This is a big deal when sanding veneer plywood, where the weight of the sander can cause sanding through the veneer if you linger too long in one spot. The EC line of sanders would be my first choice for vertical work as well due to the light weight.

Where the Rotex shines is in the rotary mode for stock removal on slabs, or stripping existing finishes. I use it mostly for removing planer chatter and other defects from both stain grade and paint grade pine and poplar ,using mostly 80 and 120 grit in both modes. A lot of floor sanding guys are buying them. I have the RO 125 and have used it for finish sanding and it can get hot, and fatigue will come faster due to the weight. That being said, it will do it all for you if you need to go to 400 grit before you oil something, it'll take you there.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[rst]

If you are a looking to keep your sander collection simple but a Rotex and an ETS 150/3 EC, either 125 or 150.  The Rotex will handle any rough sanding imaginable and the ETS will give you as fine a finish as possible with the right grits.  Just my two cents as a wood butcher since 1971.

 

[Cheese]

And does the Rotex truly make a fine finish?

Yes it does...but it comes at a cost. It's heavy, awkward and just not that fun to use if you're finishing cabinetry. On vertical surfaces your use is limited to 15 minutes before your arm gives out.

My go-to trifecta of sanders started with a DTS 400, then an ETS 125 & finally a Rotex 125. With those 3 sanders you can handle just about anything. I've since replaced the ETS 125 with an ETS EC 125, that move is well worth the expense.

However be advised, even though the trifecta works well, I now own 9 Festool sanders.

 

[leakyroof]

And does the Rotex truly make a fine finish?

Yes it does...but it comes at a cost. It's heavy, awkward and just not that fun to use if you're finishing cabinetry. On vertical surfaces your use is limited to 15 minutes before your arm gives out.

My go-to trifecta of sanders started with a DTS 400, then an ETS 125 & finally a Rotex 125. With those 3 sanders you can handle just about anything. I've since replaced the ETS 125 with an ETS EC 125, that move is well worth the expense.

However be advised, even though the trifecta works well, I now own 9 Festool sanders.

  Which really seems like you need to rename your Trifecta to NINE-Fecta... [wink]

 

[Eddiethebuilder]

Repeating a lot that's already been said but figured I'd add my 2 cents. I do a lot of laminated table tops and the RO in rotex mode mades taking off high spots, glue and planer chatter. After I hit the table top with the RO I sand up my grits with my ETS 150/3 EC. The RO does an amazing job of taking off material then the ETS 150/3 is fast an efficient at sanding from 80-240gr.

 

[Mike S]

However be advised, even though the trifecta works well, I now own 9 Festool sanders.

I resemble that remark... I am at 7.

 

[leakyroof]

However be advised, even though the trifecta works well, I now own 9 Festool sanders.

I resemble that remark... I am at 7.

I'm worse, or at least, more equipped.... [embarassed]
2- DX 93 Sanders, [2] DTS 400 Sanders, 1 of the following: RTS 400, Pro 5, ETS EC 125/3, EC 150/5 and Older ETS 150/3, Rotex 150, Ro 90, RAS 115, Planex, LS 130 and finally, RS 2 Half Sheet Sander

 

[rst]

I'm with Leaky, only exceptions are that I only have one each RX 93 and DTS 400.  Nearly bought another LS 130 of Ebay quite a few times.

 

[rljatl]

I am with the guys that have more than 3 Festool sanders.  That darn "refurbished" sale hasn't helped at all.

 

[duburban]

Since this thread has wandered a little already...

Should I buy a LS 120 if I only intend to straight sand with it?

 

[waho6o9]

Since this thread has wandered a little already...

Should I buy a LS 120 if I only intend to straight sand with it?

Festool's Duplex LS 130 EQ linear sander makes detail sanding faster, easier, and cleaner.http://www.bobmarinosbesttools.com/linear-sander-ls-130t-loc-/p/567852/

The LS 130 works great for linear work.