Interested in ETS EC vibration

[dukebird]

Hello out there,  I have been around for quite some time and i have never posted anything.  I have been the recipient of the FOG's knowledge and creativity for quite some time.    I have a good list of festool equipment and been very pleased. 

For Festool sanders i currently have a rotex 150 and what i like about it is that i can run this machine for hours and not have any numbness in my hands and arms. 

I have tried the mirka offerings and found that either i am far to sensitive or need something different.    Now that some of you have had a couple days working with the EC versions...(here in the US).    How comfortable are they with respect for vibration? 
thanks for your responses.. 

 

[Scott B.]

Hello out there,  I have been around for quite some time and i have never posted anything.  I have been the recipient of the FOG's knowledge and creativity for quite some time.    I have a good list of festool equipment and been very pleased. 

For Festool sanders i currently have a rotex 150 and what i like about it is that i can run this machine for hours and not have any numbness in my hands and arms. 

I have tried the mirka offerings and found that either i am far to sensitive or need something different.    Now that some of you have had a couple days working with the EC versions...(here in the US).    How comfortable are they with respect for vibration? 
thanks for your responses..

Hi db

I think you would find the attitude of the ec sanders to be pleasing if you have enjoyed the delicacy of the RO150 experience so far. The power to weight ratio on the ec sanders, facilitating one hand use on vertical and overhead work would likely be pleasing. And floaters horizontally.

 

[ear3]

I haven't logged any marathon sessions yet, but in my experience thus far I would say that the vibration on the EC is slightly more than on the regular ETS, but not nearly as much as the Rotex.  Obviously your personal tolerances are your own, but as someone who got such a severe case of carpal tunnel from sanding (non Festool sander) that it required surgery (on both hands!), I can say that the ergonomics of the EC are well suited for sensitive hands.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

I have fairly sensitive wrists when it comes to vibration (years of climbing and woodworking takes its toll) but for me the ETS EC 150 works great. Sure, after a two hour sanding session you do feel it - but I would not say that wouldn't happen with any sander. I have the Rotex 150, the ETS EC 150 and have access to a Mirka Deros 650, which I used to own.  The only time I find Mirka a little tiring on the wrists is running it on full blast. In this mode I think it sands better than the ETS EC but it is still a far cry from a Rotex for removal so - horses for courses - the Mirka does very fine sanding and the Rotex does the rest.  I very seldom run the Mirka at full throttle and when I do it is usually medium sized surfaces and it is not a problem for me.

I find them all excellent when it comes to vibration within their "comfort limits". For finer sanding I prefer the Mirka, for all the rest I like the Rotex. The ETS EC is a very good machine but I find it a little bit underpowered and a step behind Mirka Deros. I still chose the ETS EC and sold my Mirka for system integration with Plug-It and dust hose.

I like that the ETS EC stops spinning almost instantly, it is much appreciated. The Mirka is sometimes activated by accident when reaching for it or putting it in the wall holder (and DON'T put it down on its back to change papers when it is activated...) but for general handling I think the trigger and palm sized grip is just right for me.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

Longest sanding run as of yet with the ETS EC 150 was around three to four hours straight sanding down panels (with short coffee sip and panel shuffle intervals). It did get my wrists tingling, but I found the sander very manageable except for edge sanding where I find the Mirka is nicer to handle. 

 

[AlexThePalex]

The ETS EC is also the first sander I know of with active electronic vibration control. If the sander senses the vibration becomes too much it slows down.

https://www.festool.com/Microsite/Pages/ETS.aspx

 

[andreasg]

Not to hijack this tread, but got a couple of related questions. Not sure which version of EC those who answeres has? Is there a noticeable difference between the 3 and 5mm stroke?

And are there longterm consequences that one should be aware of? I ask because I´m wondering about doing a lot of work professionally that involves sanders. Starting at the age of 45.. Just bought some anti vibration gloves, and hope the take away at least a little.

 

[Stone Message]

Hello out there,  I have been around for quite some time and i have never posted anything.  I have been the recipient of the FOG's knowledge and creativity for quite some time.    I have a good list of festool equipment and been very pleased. 

.....

How comfortable are they with respect for vibration? 
thanks for your responses..

Like one of the contributors above, I have very sensitive wrists and finger joints from Arthritis yet I can (and often have) used the ETC EC 150/3 for several hours in a morning or afternoon. I probably use it for a maximum of 10 minutes, check my work or move to another piece then continue. My finished walnut pieces get sanded at 120 (briefly) then 180 and then important faces might get 240 grit. Some of my other work has required 80 grit for extra wood removal and those sessions have been for a bit longer.

This machine is so light and easy to handle, even with the hose connected, and so I doubt whether anyone would have an issue with it.

Peter

 

[dukebird]

thanks for all the information guys.    all good info

 

[AlexThePalex]

Is there a noticeable difference between the 3 and 5mm stroke?

If you're very familiar with sanders you will definitely notice the difference. The /5 removes material quicker, the /3 leaves a bit nicer finish. But with using the proper technique and papers, identical results can be achieved with both of them.

And are there longterm consequences that one should be aware of?

Yes, there are long term consequences for using Festool sanders. They multiply uncontrollably, and you're wallet becomes a lot thinner than you'd like.

Kidding aside, vibration from sanders (and other power tools) can lead to carpal tunnel and other problems. But there's no saying who gets it and from which source, some people can hold vibrating tools all day and never have a problem, others work an hour and need surgery. Suffice it to say that toolmakers are very aware of this problem and try to make their tools as easy on your hands as possible. And as for yourself, make sure you don't work too long with one tool, diversify and change tasks to give your hands rest.

 

[andreasg]

Thanks for your answer The first concequence, with the wallet, is already noticed.. hehe. And although I have a few sustainers now, I feel like I´m miles away from the bottom the wishlist

 

[w802h]

I used my new ETS EC 150/5 briefly today on some sawhorses and noticed plenty of vibration in the hand holding the board, but not the one holding the sander.  My brief experience informed me (like Edward) the ETS 150/3 is a little smoother vibration-wise than the EC 150/5, but I really like the light weight and reduced height.