First use ETS 125 REQ Plus

[johnmpf]

I bought the ETS 125 a couple of months ago from the Recon site. I finally used it yesterday. I had no idea it was so good. Smooth, quiet and easy on my old arms and wrists.
I liked my old orbital sander, but it will not get much use now. I am trying to decide between the older ETS EC and the new ETSC 2. I don't think I will be disappointed with either.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I bought the ETS 125 a couple of months ago from the Recon site. I finally used it yesterday. I had no idea it was so good. Smooth, quiet and easy on my old arms and wrists.
I liked my old orbital sander, but it will not get much use now. I am trying to decide between the older ETS EC and the new ETSC 2. I don't think I will be disappointed with either.

I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed with either, but the ergonomics of the ETS EC125 make a huge difference. It has a much lower center of gravity.
It doesn't have the internal fan though, so an extractor is required.

 

[Ebuwan]

The EC's are so nice

 

[luvmytoolz]

+1 for the ETS EC's, they are sensational! Best I've ever used.

 

[onocoffee]

Like CRG said, if you go with the ETS EC model, the "downside" is that it requires an extractor - which makes it a $1300+ expense - if you go with the CT MIDI I (which you should). The ETSC 2 is similar to your ETS in that they both have internal blowers allowing you to use dust collection bags.

But now, you've got choices. The ETS EC 150 comes in both 3mm and 5mm orbits versus the ETSC 2 which has a 3.5mm orbit.

 

[luvmytoolz]

Like CRG said, if you go with the ETS EC model, the "downside" is that it requires an extractor - which makes it a $1300+ expense - if you go with the CT MIDI I (which you should). The ETSC 2 is similar to your ETS in that they both have internal blowers allowing you to use dust collection bags.

But now, you've got choices. The ETS EC 150 comes in both 3mm and 5mm orbits versus the ETSC 2 which has a 3.5mm orbit.

Given the dangers of the dust generated I would consider an extractor as mandatory for any use other than extremely casual sanding. Especially with some of the timbers that are renowned for being toxic or hazardous.

 

[johnmpf]

I was able to do a little work with the ETSC2 125. So far so good. Not too heavy and easy to handle. I have a MIDI so I am all set in that department. I hope to use it on a much larger project soon.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Given the dangers of the dust generated I would consider an extractor as mandatory for any use other than extremely casual sanding. Especially with some of the timbers that are renowned for being toxic or hazardous.

Agreed 100% The dust extraction capability, along with the non-vibrating smoothness, are some of the best features of Festool sanders. By-passing that seems a little crazy