I give!! Need a new finish sander

[Holmz]

I agree with [member=40772]Holmz[/member]  on the RS2 E, which was my initial sander purchase.  If you want to do horizontal sanding, and getting something flat is critical, it can't be beat.  It also excels at saving money on consumables because you can use anyone's sheet sandpaper (with the optional sandpaper punch).  However, it does get heavy when you go vertical or overhead.  My second sanding purchase was also discussed (and linked) by Holmz , when I purchased the hand sanding blocks capable of using dust extraction.  My next sander purchase will be the LS130, for detail work. 
https://www.festoolusa.com/power-tools/sanders/ls-130-eq-linear-detail-sander-567852

Fortunately, my sandpaper supply fits all the sanders I just mentioned.

In fact, if I was not so busy buying chisels right now, I would already have my next sander.

The ETS EC was a good choice.
A used DX93 would be a good sidekick to it.

Mine in order: uva115e, DX93, DEROS, hand sanding vac blocks, and soon a BS105.

That LS130 is worth a passing thought if one does work that can use it.

 

[ben_r_]

Yea seriously, cant go wrong with the ETS EC 150/3! Love mine!

 

[worldburger]

I have used the ETS EC 150/5 extensively over the last months. I love it. I also have the Rotex 150.

It all depends on what type of surface you are preparing, and size. For a finish sander I think the ETS EC is great.

I sanded down 96 doors during the last month and a half, both sides, and up to three times (matting down, surface fix, resanding before primer and then one more time before top coat . Had I used the Rotex I would have been worn out. It was a breeze with the ETS EC. Literally. I used the Rotex 150 for a couple of doors that needed more aggressive sanding and it was a relief to get back to the ETS EC... The ETS EC does reasonably well with slightly aggressive sanding provided you use the right paper! With Festool and Mirka paper for removing/sanding paint the papers last a looooong time but with the papers for bare wood, not so much when sanding down painted surfaces.

We also have a Mirka Deros 150 and it was used as well but for the most part I preferred the ETS EC 150.  Dust collection is excellent. Sander is quiet. I have no regrets.

The ETS EC isn't a very aggressive sander but it does "well" with lower grits. With higher grits I find the ETS EC 150/5 works better for me than the 150/3. We do spray painting (HVLP) in the shop and don't see the need for the 150/3 for our work flow.

Would be the "only" sander for me? No, I have the RTS 400, the Rotex 150 and the ETS EC 150 and a RAS115.

Can you explain why you prefer the ETS EC over the DEROS? I have a CEROS (6” and 5” pads, which I love) but I’d love to hear from you (and anyone else) why people like one over the other. 

 

[Steven Owen]

I'll be darned!

When I started my search I had thought I would end up with the 5". But now I am sold on the 6 from a versatility perspective. And it helps with my desire to speed up my finishing work so I can keep on building new projects.

My only concern is sanding face frames. Can you still sand narrow stock with the 6" or is that more of a job for a 5"?

Congrats OX.

You’ve started down a slippery slope buying the high quality sander.  High quality finishes are addictive.  Right now you might be telling yourself you’ve purchased the only sander you need.

High quality sanders are extremely addictive.  You may just purchased your first, “gateway sander”. 

 

[pingvinlakrits]

I have used the ETS EC 150/5 extensively over the last months. I love it. I also have the Rotex 150.

It all depends on what type of surface you are preparing, and size. For a finish sander I think the ETS EC is great.

I sanded down 96 doors during the last month and a half, both sides, and up to three times (matting down, surface fix, resanding before primer and then one more time before top coat . Had I used the Rotex I would have been worn out. It was a breeze with the ETS EC. Literally. I used the Rotex 150 for a couple of doors that needed more aggressive sanding and it was a relief to get back to the ETS EC... The ETS EC does reasonably well with slightly aggressive sanding provided you use the right paper! With Festool and Mirka paper for removing/sanding paint the papers last a looooong time but with the papers for bare wood, not so much when sanding down painted surfaces.

We also have a Mirka Deros 150 and it was used as well but for the most part I preferred the ETS EC 150.  Dust collection is excellent. Sander is quiet. I have no regrets.

The ETS EC isn't a very aggressive sander but it does "well" with lower grits. With higher grits I find the ETS EC 150/5 works better for me than the 150/3. We do spray painting (HVLP) in the shop and don't see the need for the 150/3 for our work flow.

Would be the "only" sander for me? No, I have the RTS 400, the Rotex 150 and the ETS EC 150 and a RAS115.

Can you explain why you prefer the ETS EC over the DEROS? I have a CEROS (6” and 5” pads, which I love) but I’d love to hear from you (and anyone else) why people like one over the other.

Sorry for not getting back earlier with a reply. Forgot about this thread.

I honestly think Mirka and Festool are on par as for quality of sanding. I do prefer the on/off switch on the Festool over the paddle. I think the paddle is good - but sometimes when sanding edges or other vertical sanding tasks I prefer to shift my hand slightly and then I prefer the versatility of the Festool grip since it is not controlling the on/off with a pad.

For sanding a lot of surfaces in succession I think the Mirka is superb, that's when the paddle comes into its own. For more general sanding purposes I think the switch is better.

Unfortunately I have had failures with both the Mirka and the ETS EC 150. Festools customer service on the ETS EC 150 once it failed made sure I will not buy a sander from Festool ever again - or any other similar tool I can get from another brand. 

 

[pingvinlakrits]

On a side note I have worked a 150/3 for a while and there is a difference between the 150/5 and the 150/3 for sure.

The 150/3 is marketed as a finishing sander and it truly is. It is brilliant at that and it reduces the risk of ruining sensitive surfaces.
On the other hand it is not optimal for intermediate sanding or general sanding tasks - it is far too gente for that.

The 150/5 needs a lighter touch for veneer and finishing sanding as it is a little bit more aggressive but is on the other hand great for general sanding too.

If I were to choose all over again I think I would still choose the 150/5 but it was nice to try some finishing work (teak veneer and spray painted surface prep for final coat) with the 150/3. It does a great job at that.