First post and first Festool

[SilviaS7]

Hello all!  I live in Ohio and went to Work Werks Supply in Columbus over the weekend during a big sale/event they held to ask about getting a Festool sander.  I wasn't sure when I went in if I was going to buy, but the gentleman I spoke to (Tom if I remember correctly) was able to find the right tool for me based on my budget and what I'm working on.  I walked out with the ETS EC 125/3 EQ on Saturday, and got to put it to its first use yesterday.  WOW, okay, this is about as close to a religious experience I've ever had, hahah!  I was hoping that investing in a higher quality tool, the first time I've ever done this, would be worth it, but I'm so impressed that even my high expectations were blown away.  It feels like the epitome of what a power tool should be - the tool does the work and you just need to guide and direct it.  I can see why people talk up the sanders so much if they all perform similarly.

Anyway this isn't meant to be a post of me gushing about my new sander, although that is part of it.  ;D  Hello all, I'm Silvia, and I'm new to woodworking.  Right now I'm working on refinishing the hardwood floors in my home, which I needed a more powerful sander to help with some of the hard to reach corners and inside closets, etc., which the ETS EC 125 has been awesome for so far.  I've also gotten into refinishing and repainting old furniture, but not with the whole shabby-chic look which I kinda hate.  So I'm hoping to use this for some finish sanding and lighter duty work as well.

The funny thing is, the guys at Work Werks warned me when I was buying, they said "You're going to get hooked, just warning you.  Once you buy one Festool, you'll want more."  omg I think they are right, hahah.  The thing that will be most useful to me as I have some woodworking projects planned that involve building furniture, is the track saw which it looks like is one of their most popular tools, just based on browsing this forum.  So maybe I'll start saving now.  ;D

 

[live4ever]

Welcome!  I'm glad you're enjoying your new purchase.  It's a really nice sander.  Hopefully you're using it with a dust extractor/shopvac?  I ask only because it's not designed to be used without.

Don't worry, we're all here to help you spend your money.  [thumbs up] (And maybe help with your projects too.). But mostly spending your money.

 

[dltflt]

Welcome to FOG. You will love the sander. I agree with live4ever about the CT. You will be spending your hard earned dollars on more of the green

 

[SilviaS7]

Welcome!  I'm glad you're enjoying your new purchase.  It's a really nice sander.  Hopefully you're using it with a dust extractor/shopvac?  I ask only because it's not designed to be used without.

Don't worry, we're all here to help you spend your money.  [thumbs up] (And maybe help with your projects too.). But mostly spending your money.

Hahaha, yes I am using it with a shop vac.  I have an older super tiny 2.5 gallon shop vac that works awesome with this tool, because it's not super powerful to provide too much suction.  Looking at the Festool vacuums I'm sure I'll get one someday, especially since they have HEPA filtering in them.

 

[mclaeys]

Silvia for future vac opportunities: 
check back here for members items for sale; i've been able to pick up a couple things on craigslist; sign up for festool reconditioned items email list (festoolrecon.com); and save up any credit card points you may have...every little bit helps.

My first festool tool was the Rotex 125 and I too was hooked after that. Have fun creating some saw dust.

 

[nclemmons]

Welcome Silvia!  Look forward to seeing some of your projects!  Plenty of help here.  Just ask!

 

[sancho57]

Silvia, you messed up. You went down the green path and drank the green Kool aid. You are now addicted and it becmes a uncontrollable urge to buy everything green and blue.

We have a 12 step self help group to help with that addiction, but honestly it doesnt help. [big grin]

 

[SilviaS7]

Thank you everyone for the welcome, I appreciate it.  While the sander is still my only Festool, I started a new project to build a bed with storage (because I can't start with easy things, it's just how I do everything) and I've had so much fun cutting everything.  One day I will get a track saw to make it easier, but the Kreg jigs I have for cutting sheet goods have been a godsend.

 

[manuc]

I bought the Pro 5 Ltd when they offered it for $99. Since then I’ve spent way to much on Festool. I’m hoping when I start the kitchen cabinets and other remodeling they will more than pay for themselves. It’s a slippery slope for you from here on out...

I also bought the same sander that you have. The reason I went with it is you can put the 6” pad on it as well. I can say I use the 6” more often than the 5”.