Help me spend my money on a new sander

[ear3]

Not that I need an excuse, but I figured the pending price increase is a good reason to get another sander.  So I'm wondering if I could get some advice trying to choose b/w ETS 125, ETS 150/3 and RTS 400.  I'm working with a lot of open flat surfaces at the moment, but will be moving to some furniture pieces soon with tighter spaces, lots of board edges and at fairly high grits (400 and above).  Here's the pros and cons I've come up with so far:

ETS 125 pro:
-cheaper
-finest sanding stroke
-might be better for medium boards since I have RO150 and RO90
ETS 125 con:
-have to buy whole new line of sandpaper

ETS 150/3 pro:
-bigger = less time sanding
-share paper w/my RO150
ETS 150/3 con:
-more expensive
-too much functional overlap w/RO 150
-maybe I'll want the EC if it ever becomes AINA

RTS400 pro:
-best for board edges and tight vertical surfaces on shelving
-share paper w/my LS130
-best for occasional overhead drywall sanding
RTS400 con:
-realistically, in how many situations, other than doing board edges and corners (or drywall/plaster sanding, which I only do occasionally), would I reach for RTS over my RO150 or RO90?

I'm leaning towards the RTS right now.  Appreciate any additional input, thanks

 

[AlexThePalex]

DTS400. Much nicer than the ETS125 and RTS400. And you don't need the 150 because you already have the Ro150.

 

[Cheese]

Why not substitute the DTS 400 for the RTS 400. You mentioned you'll be dealing with tighter spaces and the DTS fills the bill.

 

[SS Teach]

I have used the RTS 400 and the ETS 125 sanders for many hours and they are both sweet to use. They are light and will give you a smooth as glass finish. The ETS 150 is considered by many to be the best sander Festool makes. True it costs more than the 125, but weigh that against the cost of the 125 and a systainer of paper for the 125. There is no getting around the fact that sandpaper is a consumable that will always need to be replaced. So whichever sander you get you will be getting more paper sooner or later. Corners you can do with your RO 90. I used my RTS 400 to do corners before I got my RO 90. It worked quite well until the pad got too banged up, but it was easily replaced. Choose one of your options, try it out, if you are not satisfied return it in the 30 day period and try another.

 

[jacko9]

I'd suggest the ETS 150/3 which is a whole lot lighter than your RO150 and much easier to control.  I have both the ETS 125 and ETS 150 but only use the 125 when I final sanding a furniture after glue up where the vertical surfaces need touch up then the weight difference and control between it and the 150/3 is noticeable.  Sharing the same paper with your RO150 is a big savings that will more than offset the difference between the two sanders.

Jack

 

[ear3]

In what sense much nicer?  Because of its ability to do corners?  Thanks for complicating my decision :!

DTS400. Much nicer than the ETS125 and RTS400. And you don't need the 150 because you already have the Ro150.

 

[dpetrzelka]

I have found my DTS400 to be very useful on a number of furniture projects where I may have used my RO90. The RO90 will fit in similar tight corners, but the balance of the DTS400 is unbeatable. The DTS400 has also been very useful when refinishing wooden window frames as I have very fine control and a light touch.

The EST150/3 is great for larger areas - I don't have an RO150 so can't speak to the over lap in function, but the ETS150 is great for larger flat surfaces, and is nimble enough to handle edges of 3/4 material.

 

[nclemmons]

I do a lot of furniture and really like the DTS400 - shares paper with the Festool hand sander HSK-A sanding block with hose as well as you say, the LS130.  Really nice for board edges, corners, inside drawers, etc.  Yes the RTS400 might be an option, but you have the RO90 which gets you into the small spaces if you need that option.

I do have the ETS150/3 and like it a lot for wide open spaces - tabletops, cabinet sides, etc.  Much more comfortable to use than the Rotex for finish sanding.  Not as useful to me for furniture details, board edges or inside and around drawers, raised panels, etc.

Not sure the 125 series does much that you 150 does today and as you say, more of a commitment to a paper assortment.

All good choices.  Good luck!

neil

 

[dutchie]

Perhaps anyone here has used the Bosch GEX 125-150 and can share his or her experiences?

Looks like a nice sander to me, supposedly very nicely dampened, good dust collection and interchangeable 125mm and 150mm pads!

 

[ear3]

Sorry if I'm not understanding here, but when you said DTS, dis you instead mean the RTS (the one that shares paper with the LS130 and HSK)?  And vice versa (DTS having the delta pad)?

I do a lot of furniture and really like the DTS400 - shares paper with the Festool hand sander HSK-A sanding block with hose as well as you say, the LS130.  Really nice for board edges, corners, inside drawers, etc.  Yes the RTS400 might be an option, but you have the RO90 which gets you into the small spaces if you need that option.

I do have the ETS150/3 and like it a lot for wide open spaces - tabletops, cabinet sides, etc.  Much more comfortable to use than the Rotex for finish sanding.  Not as useful to me for furniture details, board edges or inside and around drawers, raised panels, etc.

Not sure the 125 series does much that you 150 does today and as you say, more of a commitment to a paper assortment.

All good choices.  Good luck!

neil

 

[nclemmons]

Apologies Edward

Yes I meant I like the RTS400. Always seem to get the two confused!

neil

 

[ear3]

Thanks neil.

 

[fdeloncker]

I only skimmed through the posts above, but here is my quick dime. I have used or own all of the sanders you listed except the RTS400. I Have the RO150 and only use it for aggressive sanding as its a bit harder to balance. I have the ets150/3 and LOVE it. I do not know why I went so long without it. It is my go to for almost all of my furniture. My ets125 is wonderful too, but its only for smaller pieces and edge work now. Paper is a massive investment when jumping to a new size, but I would go DTS over RTS simply because of it being able to get into tight corners, especially those that arent 90. I use my buddies DTS all the time and actually just ordered one last week.

If you have the RO150 then it would be a cheaper start with the ETS150 since you probably already have some paper for it.

for what its worth; If you go DTS I need to order some paper for it and plan on getting 100,120,150,180,220,240. if you want to go halves on the box prices Im down!?  [cool]

Frank

 

[c_dwyer]

Does anyone know if the new ETS EC 150/3 and/or 150/5 are going to be available in NA at any point in the future?

https://www.festool.com/Products/Pages/Product-Competence.aspx?foc=ol_exzenterschleifer_1596

They look like they have a lower center of gravity than the current 150's, not that I know because I don't have one. I'm in the market for a new sander myself, so this post is very helpful (like so many others…)

 

[sae]

Does anyone know if the new ETS EC 150/3 and/or 150/5 are going to be available in NA at any point in the future?

https://www.festool.com/Products/Pages/Product-Competence.aspx?foc=ol_exzenterschleifer_1596

They look like they have a lower center of gravity than the current 150's, not that I know because I don't have one. I'm in the market for a new sander myself, so this post is very helpful (like so many others…)

It's listed as No ETA in the thread on top: http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/eta-for-new-product-introductions-in-na/

That's better than being in the "no plans for introduction" list.

In the meantime, if you're considering a ETS EC, you should consider a Mirka Deros. The ETS125 is a bargain at $195, but in Europe, the ETS EC is the same price as a Deros, and lacks the fine control of the paddle switch that makes it so great. I'm not sure what the market is for the ETS EC, but it doesn't really bring much above the ETS, while asking a whole lot more money.

 

[ear3]

Just ordered the RTS400.  Thanks for all the input.