Festool ETS EC 125/3 with Fein Turbo II HEPA Set?

[HanumDesign]

Hi all,

Setting up my workshop and trying to find the best solution for sanding and dust extraction. Based on my research, I’m thinking the best investment for me is to get the Festool ETS EC 125/3, which I am planning to use as my primary sander and for finishing. For dust extraction, I was looking into the Fein Turbo II HEPA Set, which I was also considering using as my primary shop vac. I know I’ll need to get a Festool hose to connect.

Are there any red flags with this plan that I’m missing? In particular, are there any concerns with pairing the Festool with the Fein for extraction, or with having the Fein also being used as a shop vac for detail cleaning machines/surfaces/floors (after sweeping, of course)?

Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

 

[onocoffee]

I don't know anything about the Fein but you might want to check their hose, it may already be compatible the the ETS sander. Also, check around for the sander. This past summer, there was a special where you could get the ETS EC 125/3 and the Systainer full of Granat paper (or was it Granat Net?) for a discounted price. I bought my 150/3 that way.

 

[Cheese]

I used an early Fein Turbo II for years with multiple Festool sanders. I don't remember any issues with connecting them to Festool sanders. The larger issue was that the original Fein didn't have variable suction so I had to jury-rig a variable suction valve.
The Fein is a real workhorse...no complaints with that vac, after I purchased the CT 22, I then used the Fein for years on the Kapex.

 

[rst]

Fein’s are great vacs, I have three, all have adjustable pressure. Two are connected to my table saw, one thru an Oneida metal cyclone sitting on a 15 gallon metal drum.  This doubles as my general shop vac.  Those are both IIs, the I is house vac. The Fein hoses are good although it anti-static.

 

[rvieceli]

Fein makes a great vac.

Another alternative is the Flex vacuum. It is a rebadged Nilfisk Attix. I have had this one for a few years and it has been an excellent addition to the shop.
https://www.acmetools.com/flex-vce-...ng-kit-bundle-444251445053k/400442000741.html

Ron

 

[rst]

There are so many quality quiet vacs available now.  The Fein’s were first quiet vacs r reasonably available in the US.  I first came in contact with one at my local Stihl distributor.  He bought it at a European trade show.

 

[EggCola]

I run a Fein 2 with my sanders without issues.  Hose connects fine to Festool and you can adjust the pressure on the hose

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Fein are nice machines, the main thing you lose by not going Festool is the form-factor. Mostly meaning Systainer compatibility and possibly overall height, depending on the CT you compare it to.

 

[Holzhacker]

No issues over the years hooking up my Fein turbo 2, to any festoons. The Fein is a good machine.

 

[HanumDesign]

Thanks so much to all who replied! Can you speak a little more to the variable pressure? What pressure should I have my vacuum set to when using it with a sander?

 

[rvieceli]

[member=82575]HanumDesign[/member] In general, you want to get to a happy medium on suction at the sander head. Full blast suction tends to suck the sander too tightly to the workpiece. Making it harder to move and tends to lead to swirl marks. Too low suction tends to leave a bunch of sanding dust on the workpiece surface and isn't ideal either. The sticking seems to be more exaggerated in the larger head sanders but happens across the product line.

Usually if I'm sanding a larger flat area I'll have the suction set to somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2. If I'm sanding an edge or a smaller profile where a lot of the sander head is not touching the surface, I will usually crank the suction up.

I also think the Rotex sanders in geared mode tend to require a bit more suction than the random orbit sanders because of the amount of material removed.

So probably start out lower and if you are seeing a lot of dust that doesn't get captured then level up the suction until it reduces the left over dust.
Ron