Festool Sanders

[UltraFest]

So I went to local Festool dealer and was pleasantly surprised with RO 150 size and weight..Last time I had one in my hand was some 2 years ago and I had a impression that it was way bigger and heavier.. So I’ll pul the trigger on RO 150 and ETS Ec 125 and in the future get RO 90..

 

[AlexThePalex]

I don't think you'll be sanding vertically for 2-3 hours with either of the large Rotex sanders...they just weigh too much.  [smile]

Routine for me.

Funny thing, due to its power, the Rotex will do this the fastest. Sure, an ETS EC 150 is lighter, but you'll be needing two hours extra to do the same job. What is more important, your time, or your muscles? You can get more muscles, but you'll never get more time.

And I never get the comments about the finish quality of the Rotex, sure, it is easier to do with the smaller sanders, but the Rotex can get you there also with the proper technique. You've got two modes to choose from, a whole bunch of RPM's to vary, and 10 different types of paper, ranging from 24 to 1500 grit. Options aplenty.

 

[squall_line]

I don't think you'll be sanding vertically for 2-3 hours with either of the large Rotex sanders...they just weigh too much.  [smile]

Routine for me.

Funny thing, due to its power, the Rotex will do this the fastest. Sure, an ETS EC 150 is lighter, but you'll be needing two hours extra to do the same job. What is more important, your time, or your muscles? You can get more muscles, but you'll never get more time.

And I never get the comments about the finish quality of the Rotex, sure, it is easier to do with the smaller sanders, but the Rotex can get you there also with the proper technique. You've got two modes to choose from, a whole bunch of RPM's to vary, and 10 different types of paper, ranging from 24 to 1500 grit. Options aplenty.

I was going to add something along the lines of "for decks, porches, and patios, a multi-pass, mirror-smooth finish probably isn't the desired end result for sanding."  Not to discount the value of a consistent, even result, but I've never really thought of outdoor architecture requiring significant gloss/smoothing unless it's restoration of historic Victorian detail work, in which case you're still probably stripping before sanding and then painting over the resulting work.

That's all IMHO, and as an amateur/homeowner who hasn't done this sort of thing for a living.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I was going to add something along the lines of "for decks, porches, and patios, a multi-pass, mirror-smooth finish probably isn't the desired end result for sanding."  Not to discount the value of a consistent, even result, but I've never really thought of outdoor architecture requiring significant gloss/smoothing unless it's restoration of historic Victorian detail work, in which case you're still probably stripping before sanding and then painting over the resulting work.

That's all IMHO, and as an amateur/homeowner who hasn't done this sort of thing for a living.

I don't get it, what does your comment have to do with anything I said above?  [scratch chin]

And besides that, why would mirror smooth not be desired? Wobbly's preferred? [scratch chin]

 

[mrboult]

I agree with Alex’s last post.

I own the RO125 and will keep it forever as the 125mm is my favourite and most used paper size. But it is a handful to use, takes some time to master.  While I’ve gotten used to it, I don’t love using it, other than enjoying the speed at which it sands.

The RO150 is faster at removal with its bigger pad and larger 5mm orbit, but it is also way way smoother and easier to use.

But you have the 30 day trial period in the USA so no harm in giving it a go if you feel the 125 size of more your taste.

I love that RO 150 is easier to use then 125 but I guess that’s only for flat horizontal surfaces. My main concern about RO 150 is the weight if I have to send something vertical for 2-3 hours .. Would I be better of getting RTS EC 150 5mm instead of ETS EC 125 for some rough vertical sending?
The way I see this developing is I might end up with 4 senders in the near future.. You got a give the Festool marketing department a thumbs up for their work

Both rotex are too much for hours of vertical use unless your a strapping young lad/las. I have the ETS EC 125 & Mirka Deros 5mm. Both run at 125mm.
The Mirka removes way faster than the ETS EC. Maybe it’s the 5mm orbit, maybe it’s also the sander.  . Never used the ETS EC 150/5 to compare.

The Mirka is so impressive I’d say with 60 grit it removes as fast as the RO125 with 80 grit.

 

[squall_line]

I was going to add something along the lines of "for decks, porches, and patios, a multi-pass, mirror-smooth finish probably isn't the desired end result for sanding."  Not to discount the value of a consistent, even result, but I've never really thought of outdoor architecture requiring significant gloss/smoothing unless it's restoration of historic Victorian detail work, in which case you're still probably stripping before sanding and then painting over the resulting work.

That's all IMHO, and as an amateur/homeowner who hasn't done this sort of thing for a living.

I don't get it, what does your comment have to do with anything I said above?  [scratch chin]

And besides that, why would mirror smooth not be desired? Wobbly's preferred? [scratch chin]

It wasn't intended in contrast to your statement, but in addition to it.

In my mind, a mirror-smooth deck / walking surface is undesirable, especially when wet.  That doesn't mean that a person would want swirl marks everywhere, but if you're going to be covering it up with stain or paint, you're probably not sanding a deck or patio progressively to 400 or 800 grit.

To me, a rank amateur who knows very little about things, there's something about outdoor architectural pieces like decks and patios that says "rough sand it once, finish sand it once, seal or finish it, and move on", compared to a bookshelf or interior hardwood piece of heirloom furniture that might take progressive passes with higher and higher grits, multiple coats of finish, etc.

That said, I also seriously disliked the paint job that I paid to have done on my house a few years ago.  There was a rough scrape, putty fill, prime coat, and final coat (should have been at least two coats of paint on top of the primer).  I wasn't as upset about the lack of second coat as the quality of the base when it was all said and done.  Lap siding should look smooth, not like it had 6 different people scrape off the old paint and miss half of it along the way.

Half the time I post I'm just thinking out loud, honestly.

 

[Bertotti]

The Rotex will get you a mirror finish if you want it. It takes a bit more skill with the machine because as easy as the big beast is to handle I actually find random orbit mode harder to use than Rotex mode. I spent two hours today with the Ro90 vertically and should have just used the RO150 because it would have turned the two-hour job into a 35-minute job. I was just being lazy only realized afterwards the mistake in my choice. You'll love your sanders go make some saw dust.

 

[Coen]

The Rotex 150mm has 5mm stroke.

The ETS (EC and brushed) 150 is available in 3 and 5 mm
The ETS EC 125 is 3 mm
The ETS (brushed) 125 is 2mm.

Getting the EC upgrade on the 125 makes it like 65% more expensive...  at least overhere.

The choice in sandpaper is bigger for the 150.

The 125 is nice for some things, but the 150 really covers a lot more surface. It's 20% wider... but that means 44% more surface covered.

 

[UltraFest]

Thanks again everyone, very kind of you!
So I just ordered RO150 and RO90 with extra pads and plenty of sending paper..
I am thinking ordering ETS EC in the next couple of weeks but now stuck with decision which one.
Can someone explain me what is the main deference between them..
Much appreciated..
Iggy

 

[FestitaMakool]

From what you’ll do, in relation to your OP I think you’re on to a great start!
There’s almost always jobs in line for the RO 150 and 90. I’ve an old Bosch 150 turbo which amazes me how it handles tough removal and then on to fine sanding. They are two handed machines, and this also gives you great control and feel. The 90 fills in where the 150 is way to big, and it handles corners too. I recently bought the ETSC 125 for lighter and one handed work (although, I more than often use both hands, or constantly shifting hands) I’ve yet to try the 125, but it will be a secondary choice compared to the two rotary sanders. Much later I’ll look into a ETS EC 125 for its great ergonomics and the more finish approach of sanding mostly flat surfaces. Now that the temperature rises here, my RO 90 will see loads of use restoring windows and details. I’ve also used it for handheld shaping of smaller wood pieces, the small size makes it a widely universal tool. I’ll always keep it.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I am thinking ordering ETS EC in the next couple of weeks but now stuck with decision which one.

Be aware of the issues right now with the ETS EC sanders, you might want to wait till they get it sorted out.

 

[mrboult]

Thanks again everyone, very kind of you!
So I just ordered RO150 and RO90 with extra pads and plenty of sending paper..
I am thinking ordering ETS EC in the next couple of weeks but now stuck with decision which one.
Can someone explain me what is the main deference between them..
Much appreciated..
Iggy

There are only really two choices: ETS EC 125/3 or ETS EC 150/5

There is no reason to buy the ETS EC 150/3 as it is literally the same sander as the 125 version but will not take the 125mm pad. BUT the 125 version will take the 150mm pad.

So the difference really is the /3 or the /5. That refers to the size of the orbit in mm. 5mm generally removes quicker with a slight reduction in fine finish quality noticeably only to those who are looking for it.

5mm orbit makes sanding up to edges even harder as you struggle not to bump the adjacent edge with that large 5mm orbit fluctuation.

So do you want the 125mm option and the finer finishing, gentler ETC EC 125/3
Or the more aggressive 150/5.

 

[binettea]

Agree with [member=5277]Alex[/member], avoid any EC sanders until Festool figures out the issue that is plaguing them. On another note, I had picked up from another FOG post a very interesting article on ROS machine strokes.

http://www.buffdaddy.com/files/1519584/uploaded/KBM-Kevin%20Brown%20Method-Machine%20Stroke%20-%20How%20It%20Affects%20Sanding%20and%20Polishing%20Performance.pdf

 

[Crazyraceguy]

What is the problem with the ETS EC?
Is it a recent thing? The one I have now is from summer of 2019. It has been great. The dust collection aspect and from-factor were the biggest selling points for me. There are days when I don't touch it at all, but others it might get several hours of near continuous use. Never had a problem.

 

[Cypren]

I concur; if these are having widespread motor problems, it must be fairly recent. I have an ETSC and DTSC (which I believe use the same motor as the ETS EC?) manufactured in Feb. 2018 and March 2019, respectively, and haven’t had any issues.

 

[rjboch]

I have had a 150/3 ETS EC on backorder since January. Today I found them available at another large US online dealer... so I decided to go for it and cancelled my original order and placed order with new authorized dealer. The sander arrives early next week and I will keep everyone posted on performance and if I experience any issues. What do I have to lose?

 

[AlexThePalex]

I have an ETSC and DTSC (which I believe use the same motor as the ETS EC?)

No, completely different sanders, different motors.