I need some help choosing a festool sander

I

imianga

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Joined
Dec 12, 2007
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Hi,
I am currently using Dewalt 5" RO sander and want to upgrade to a festool sander to go with my TS55 and OF1400.
Which one will be the best all purpose sander?  I wish I can purchase 2-3 different kind, but can't afford all at once.
I would appreciate your input.
 
For all round sanding purposes, you can't go past the RO150. It will handle the roughest timber you can throw at it, yet will give a finish you'd be proud to own.

Regards,

Rob
 
A little additional information about your primary sanding needs would be helpful.  The most likely candidates to replace a Dewalt 5" ROS would be the ETS 125 or the ETS 150/3.  I prefer the 6" ETS 150/3 because it handles easily and covers over 40% more surface area compared to a 5" sander.
 
I have the RO150 and absolutely love it.  The dual mode is great, it can take aggressive cuts or do a decent finish.  I agree with David it does depend on what type of sanding you are going to be doing.
 
I have an Ro125 and a couple others including the ETS150. If you do a lot of rough sanding, then the R)150 is a good choice because it does the full range of sanding, just like my RO125. But, if you do more medium to finish sanding, then the ETS150 is a great machine. I mostly use my ETS 150 and for more rough sanding I break out the RO125.

If I could only have the RO125 or the ETS 150, I would choose the ETS150
JR
 
Hi,

  The RO150 is the best all purpose. But that is a much wider all purpose than any other sander made.  I guess what I am saying is that if you are replacing a random orbit sander , and mainly using it for finishing work. The RO150 may be more all purpose than you need (not that it doesn't do great finish work).  If you are thinking mainly finishing as opposed to hogging out material then finishing (the RO150 will do both) then you might want to consider the ETS 150 / 5. I have it and it is a true finish sander, but has an aggresive enough stroke (5mm) to be used for  some rougher tasks too. And I have had great success getting the most out of it by using the super soft , soft (comes on it), and hard pads.
   
    Another thing to keep in mind is that the RO150 is also a great polisher!

Seth
 
semenza said:
you might want to consider the ETS 150 / 5.
Click to expand...

Just to replace a random orbit for finishing sanding, the 150/3 is the best choice.  Best sander I have ever owned (and I own the 150 and several other Festool sanders).  Minimal vibration (can work with sander over your head without getting tired) and leaves an incredible finish.  I have never used the 150/5 but I understand because of the more aggressive orbit it is slightly less desirable as a finishing sander.
 
Here's my two cents:

First, definitely go with 6 inches - much faster than five.

I have the RO150, the ets 150/3, the LS132, and the DS400. The last two are special purpose sanders in my work.  I use the RO150 for aggressive sanding and for polishing.  The 150/3 is superb for grits above 80.  I think I use the 150/3 about 85% of the time, the RO150 10%, and the others 5% together.  My hobby is making furniture.
 
Hi,

     While it is absolutely true that the ETS150/3 is the ultimate finish sander, and I plan to purchase it at some point. Make no mistake about the ETS150/5- it is a finish sander, trust me. I do my finishing with it- I have had nothing but compliments so far.  For pure finishing  go with the ET150/3. But if you want to use it at all for material removal (with out going to the ROTEX) the /5 will be a better choice.

    imianga,  You will be hapy with any of the recommended sanders. They are all head and shoulders above the competition. The choice will come down to the exact nature of what you want it for, the price, and personal preference. If this thread runs a little longer , every Festool sander will eventually be suggested.   Do your best to make the choice keeping in mind that you can add more later ;)   And keep the 30 day gaurantee in mind. If it whatever you get is not right for you send it back.   Do you have a store to try them out at?

Seth
   
   
 
Jesse Cloud said:
Here's my two cents:

First, definitely go with 6 inches - much faster than five.

I have the RO150, the ets 150/3, the LS132, and the DS400. The last two are special purpose sanders in my work.  I use the RO150 for aggressive sanding and for polishing.  The 150/3 is superb for grits above 80.  I think I use the 150/3 about 85% of the time, the RO150 10%, and the others 5% together.   My hobby is making furniture.
Click to expand...

I have the same compliment and I use the 150/3 most of the time.  The RO150 is large and heavy, great machine, but not one I want to handle for hours on end...joe
 
ETS 150/3 Is the best ROS I have ever used. That being said....now that my RS 2 E is fully broken-in, it has been my go-to sander of late. The more I use it the more I like it.

Keedy
 
Thank you for all your replies...
Based upon what i read, I narrowed down to RO150 and 150/3.
I finally decided to order RO 150 for right now and eventually order 150/3 in near future.
I do a lot of home improvement and RO 150 sounds more useful for non-woodworking projects.
Thanks again
 
Better late than never, here goes.

I've got the ETS 125, great little sander but I wish I had the ETS 150 instead.

The only knock I've heard against the RO 150 is it's weight.  One FOG member commented it was a bit tiring working over his head with it.

Of course this is just an anecdote and probably doesn't mean much here  ;)

Steve
 
I'm headed down the same path  (Slope) you chose.  Got the RO 150 first, and after several projects, couldn't be happier.  I've since added the Deltex for the finer work, and will probably get a linear sander for future projects.

Just be aware that it takes time to break in this tool, it will get rather hot till 10+ hours of running.  I swapped out my first one thinking there was a defect, but the second one did the same thing, I just noticed it later in a project.  It's almost too hot to the touch just behind the palm grip part of the tool, more pronounced in Rotex mode, but happens in all modes and speeds.  Having a vac attached helps some with the heat issue.

Don't worry about that as it has been getting better over time, brushes seating, gears meshing and all that.

Enjoy your slide down the green/black slope, it's a blast.  ;D
 
In woodworking a lot of time is spent sanding. In commercial shops a worker might spend all day repeatedly doing the same task on multiple parts. For work like that you really want a tool that is most appropriate for the task and Festool has more designs than anyone.

Ideally we'd all have a dozen different Festool sanders. But, to upgrade from a garden variety 5" ro without spending a lot of money I'd agree with Per on the 150-3.
 
imianga said:
I wish I can purchase 2-3 different kind, but can't afford all at once.
I would appreciate your input.
Click to expand...

Whether your talking about blondes or sanders, you really should try as many as you can before buying! ;D
 
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