Here we are a year later already

[Bill Wyko]

I won an ETS 150 last year around this time. Now a year later this has become my go to sander. Most of the projects I do are very small but surprising even to me is the maneuverability and control I get from this sander. I own a total of  4 Festool sanders but this one gets more use than the rest combined. It's very controllable and with variable speed I can get very precise with it. It also works very well in tight places and along edges. Because of the fantastic balance it has, it is extremely controllable. My previous sander had so much vibration that my hands went numb. A tool that does this to you doesn't lend to accuracy or enjoyment. How many of you have an ETS 150 and how do you like it compared to your other sanders? On a 1 to 10 scale I give this sander a 10 ;D
Here's a pic of one of my latest projects using the ETS150

 

[John Klemm]

Very beautiful and impressive work - gratz on the the win and making something of it.

Curious, would you have the RS 2 in your collection and any insights to its capabilities?

John

 

[nclemmons]

I have three Festool sanders and several other brands and the ETS 150/3 is also my standard go-to.  A 10 in my book.

neilc

 

[Bob Marino]

Bill,

VERY NICE WORK! And that wood is incredible.
I generally use the Rotex for anything under 120 grit, after that the 150/3 comes out  of the systainer - for all the reasons you mentioned. Agree with Neil - it's a 10.

Bob

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Bill,
As always, excellent work!

The main reason behind the FOG contests is inspiration -- both for the contestants (to try to win) and the rest of the forum (to be inspired by the projects that win).  You definitely have both kinds of inspiration going here.

Keep posting your projects.

Stay in touch,
Matthew

 

[Bill Wyko]

One of the reasons I haven't been around much is due to my hobby becoming another business. This makes 3. My humidors have become in high demand. I have enough orders to keep me busy for months at this point. 6 desk tops and 2 cabinet humidors to build and the orders keep coming. I get home, eat, relax for 15 minutes and head to the shop. My LOML works nights so this works out perfectly. One of the BOTL (Brothers of the Leaf) has made me a website. He wouldn't even let me pay him or even send him some good cigars. This was very kind of him. It should be running in a few days. I'll keep you updated.

Good thing I have quality tools like Festool. ;D

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Bill,

Your work is always exquisite and elegant, very high class!! You set a very high bar for others to aspire to.  Have you ever considered making musical instruments?  You certainly already possess the artistic skills to choose beautiful wood combinations and the technical skills of fine joinery and finishing.  There is no doubt in my mind you can acquire the additional skills needed to construct wood instruments, if you don't already possess them.  I've seen some beautiful custom guitars and banjos, and can imagine what you might create.

Dave R.

 

[nickao]

Hey Dave I emailed you a few days ago, but it bounced back, new email address? Email me whenever.

Nick

 

[tbellemare]

Dave:

I think if Bill started making musical instruments, he might have to change his name to Stradivarius.

Tom

 

[AlexThePalex]

But ....... in order to be able to make an instrument you should also be able to play it .......

 

[Bill Wyko]

BINGO! If I could make a beautiful instrument I could ruin it by playing it.  I tried to learn guitar when I was young but I held it lefty and the teacher kept telling me I was holding it wrong. Thanks very much for the wonderful compliments though. You guys are a true inspiration. I think the curved humidor cabinet I'm working on now will be my masterpiece. It's being made frome the same woods as the one above.

 

[Dan Clermont]

Wow Bill!!! That box is exquisite! Is that bubinga I see?

The ETS 150/3 is a favorite of mine as well

Dan Clermont

 

[Bill Wyko]

Thanks and yes sir it is. Bubinga is one of my favorite woods. Hard as hell though. I have to bust out with BRUTUS to sand it ( RO150)

 

[lordinteriors]

im thinking of getting one of these sanders my ro150 is just a bit to much of a beast

lee

 

[Bill Wyko]

You'll be glad you did. You can use the same paper and it's a one hander. Good luck with it.

 

[Frank Pellow]

Beautiful Box!

I use my Rotex for alsmost all my sanding.  Seeing projects like your makes me wonder if I should expand my Festool sander collection.

 

[RONWEN]

That is incredibly beautiful craftsmanship!

 

[Bill Wyko]

Beautiful Box!

I use my Rotex for alsmost all my sanding.  Seeing projects like your makes me wonder if I should expand my Festool sander collection.

You can never have too many Festool sanders. [big grin] (I think I have 6 now [scared])

 

[RONWEN]

Very beautiful work!