Cheese said:
Alex said:
If I may ask, because I have not had the chance yet to use this sander myself, why do you think it is pointless and infuriating?
Ya I'd be interested also...the ETS EC 125 is so nice and smooth compared to the regular 125 sander. My ETS 125 has not been turned on since i purchased the EC 125.
Hi Alex
Pointless (IMO) within the scope of my use, which is mostly on joist fixed floorboards, because when the machine slows down the vibration still occurs (the joist or board instability is still present) but at a slightly lower frequency. So. Instead of a higher frequency vibration for X seconds the user experiences a lower frequency vibration for X+ seconds. The frequency is less but the duration is more. Assuming that a lower frequency vibration is less harmful but that the cumulative volume of vibration time is actually more the feature doesn't appear to help much, from a health point of view.
From a tool control point of view the sander is not powerful enough to offer a significant meaningful benefit. On the RO150 Rotex in DA mode for example on uneven surfaces this automatic control feature would be helpful as occasionally the tool can oscillate wildly and very occasionally jump.
Annoying (IMO) as I do a very large volume of sanding, up to 6hrs a day and 40hrs a week and for me I want full speed all of the time so I can work faster. Annoying because even wearing my Peltor X5 ear defenders the frequent drone of automatic power reduction and back up to full speed is very fatiguing.
To the occasional user who Sands for a few minutes every week or two this may not be a problem, to me it's very annoying!
I have e several thousand hours using sanders, mostly hand held sanders and agree, the machine is very good and IMHO currently possibly the best single action ROS out there.
It's a shame Festool do not allow you the option to turn this feature off, like the automatic anti dust hose decoupling shut off feature, which is largely redundant now after the introduction of Festools bayonet hose end system.
I feel Festool wanted to show off the microprocessor possibilities of the EC controlled motor, which is fine, but seeing as every other one of their multitude of sanders doesn't have this feature, including the newer ETS EC electronic commutated sanders it's hard to claim it as a work or health benefit.
As I said, I am a fourth generation City and Guilds qualified French Polisher and Antique Restorer and have owned dozens of sanders which I have used for decades and have never found a need or use for an 'anti vibration control' feature.
I feel it's basically a gimmick, which should be turn offable! The sander is actually very smooth and vibration free anyway by design and IMHO does not need this feature.
