Have RO 90 and 150. Should I add an ETS EC 125 or 150?

[tbeaulieu]

I’m just a hobbyist with an unhealthy festool addiction. Read: 35 systainers at the moment. Is there a good reason to add an ETS EC, other than comfort, since I don’t spend hours and hours sanding? I do think I should add a liner, and I’ve already got a supply of 130mm paper and all the hand sanding blocks. Same results as rotex in osc mode?

Thank you!

 

[afish]

 

[tbeaulieu]

Shoot. I had asked similar question in the last and had forgotten. I’m still not entirely sure about the gain of an ets EC over a rotex… but… I’m leaning towards helping the economy and getting the 125 so that I can use my 150 paper. Obviously, to be the very best consumer, I’d stick up on 125 paper as well, plus another systainer. Sooo.. final question/answer… get the ets EC 125 to supplement the two rotex sanders?

 

[afish]

I think I responded to your last post but to lazy to go back and search.  I got my ETS 125 a month or two ago and reeeeeally like it.  I have no use for a Rotex but I couldnt imagine only having a Rotex as my primary sander.  If you have some spare cash and use your Rotex in non rotex mode more than once in awhile I vote to go for it.  After all you have 30 days to return if you dont like it but Im thinking you will be keeping it if you spend anytime behind a sander.  Im about to get the 150 pad for my 125 as soon as I use up some more of my 125 discs. 

 

[Stan Tillinghast]

The ETS EC 125 is a huge pleasure to use. Your wrists will thank you. Yes, I have the 150 pad , works fine including the brake.

 

[tbeaulieu]

Thanks all. 125 it is. To be clear I always use my rotexes in rotex mode. Money isn’t my primary concern as this is a hobby and addiction. This clearly means another $400 or so in paper for 125 mm mode.

 

[Chainring]

ETS EC is lots lighter and so much quieter that the Rotex. I love that beast of a sander that is the RO 150, but there's no denying it is a beast.

 

[Scott V]

You should read this thread:
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/...xist/30/?PHPSESSID=iks5sfiq891qfuohia40ecqfg7

 

[afish]

If you dont need a 125 just get the ets150/3 and save on paper cost.  The 125 just gives you more options but the 50 bucks for the 150 pad evens the cost up to a point.  I came from a different direction and already had a bunch of 125 paper so I started with the 125 with plans to add the 150 pad later. 

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I had the RO90 first, then got a ETS EC 125 as a replacement for a pneumatic 5" sander. So when I went looking for a bigger RO, I went with the 125, mostly for paper compatibility.
The RO150 is a nice machine, you can't go wrong with either. We have one at the shop where I work for the installers when they do solid-surface seams in the field.

 

[elfick]

If you are a true addict, you would get the ETS EC 150/3 to compliment your ROTEX... then get the ETSC 125 to dedicate to the edge sanding attachment.

 

[Bertotti]

RO90 and RO 150 here and I have no desire to get another sander. I have not come across anything I can't do with this combination. I find that I always take the finest paper and give some strokes in the direction of the grain with every project, old habit, maybe but it is what I do regardless of the sander I use. Why would I want to add an ets?

 

[Cheese]

Why would I want to add an ets?

Do you ever do any vertical or overhead work? I can't imagine using an RO 150 on a bathroom ceiling for more than a 10 minute session.

I guarantee you, if you were to pick up an ETS EC and use it for 30 days...you would not return it even though you could. [smile]

 

[tsmi243]

Yeah, it's definitely the ergonomics.  I was sold on the EC after picking up a display model at Woodcraft. 

It wasn't even plugged in, and I knew it was the one. 

You are right in thinking that it "does the same thing" as the Rotex, but MAN.  Totally different experience for the user.

 

[afish]

The older I get the more comfort and efficiency plays a role in everything I do. It all comes down to what type of work you do mostly.  If you process a lot of hardwood a Rotex is probably the best fit.  If you build mostly with engineered sheet goods and do a lot of finish work the ETS EC is a much better choice.  After all a 125 req will do the same thing as a EC too.  It boils down to how much value you place on your time and comfort.  However, personally I could never have a rotex as my only sander. 

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Totally agreed. As much as I value the RO, it would not be my first choice for a sander either. For me, the ETS125 req isn't either. It's the ergonomics of pretty much all of the electric sanders in that category. They are way too tall for the diameter and just feel awkward. The whole reason I got the ETS EC was that the form-factor is so much closer to the pneumatics that I am used too. That instant stop when you shut it off is just fantastic.

 

[Bertotti]

Why would I want to add an ets?

Do you ever do any vertical or overhead work? I can't imagine using an RO 150 on a bathroom ceiling for more than a 10 minute session.

I guarantee you, if you were to pick up an ETS EC and use it for 30 days...you would not return it even though you could. [smile]

That pretty much explains it everything I do is usually horizontal or vertical no overhead and vertical is limited.