So, in my quest for choosing some new sanders I am wondering what/why is the reason for ETS EC 150/5 I understand its a little more compact and cheaper than the RO150 but essentially it seems like the same sander just without the added benefit of the Rotex mode. It would stand to reason that anyone that has over 500 to drop on a new sander could afford the extra 100 for the Rotex. It would also stand to reason that anyone that is in the market for a 5mm sander might need or want the Rotex feature. I dont do much heavy sanding typically so Im eyeing the ETC EC 150/3 for a 6" sander but curious if anyone has owned a RO150 and felt the need for the ETS150/5
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Kevin Johnson
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I have the RO150, a 150/3, and a small 5" sander from them that has a model number I can't remember right now. It was a special sander from them and it was under $100.
Anyway, the RO150 is great, but there are times when you want something smaller. I feel that the RO150 is a 2 handed sander, where the the other sanders are more one handed. There are times when I want the finesse if the one handed sander.
I primarily use the RO150 when I need it to be in it's most aggressive mode and then after the heavy stuff is off, I can switch it to the random orbit mode.
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Anyway, the RO150 is great, but there are times when you want something smaller. I feel that the RO150 is a 2 handed sander, where the the other sanders are more one handed. There are times when I want the finesse if the one handed sander.
I primarily use the RO150 when I need it to be in it's most aggressive mode and then after the heavy stuff is off, I can switch it to the random orbit mode.
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AlexThePalex
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afish said:
Some people just want a bit more power in their hands without immediately having to go for The Beast which is a heavier, more complicated and more expensive machine. Great to have a choice.
Is it wrong I’m watching this thread closely thinking about the next one? I only just got my first and the second hasn’t arrived at my dealer yet, and my mind is on the next one. There has got to be something wrong with me.
I looked at the ETSec 150 it was a very nice machine. I opted for the to first because I do use ruff lumber and am currently doing floors so it just made more sense at the moment. But one of those two the /3 or /5, I suspect, will be my next.
I looked at the ETSec 150 it was a very nice machine. I opted for the to first because I do use ruff lumber and am currently doing floors so it just made more sense at the moment. But one of those two the /3 or /5, I suspect, will be my next.
DeformedTree
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ETS-EC and a Rotex just are not the same thing. I have both in 125mm form. Rotex is great for removing material, and for polishing stuff up. But as just a general sander...no. The Rotex really is not nice, it jumps and jerks and takes all your focus to run. The ETS-EC you just sand with, no drama.
Like so many before, I bought the Rotex with the same logic as everyone else "do all", and bought the ETS-EC very soon after. The 2 go together.
Like so many before, I bought the Rotex with the same logic as everyone else "do all", and bought the ETS-EC very soon after. The 2 go together.
AlexThePalex
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Bertotti said:
Come back to us when you've had that "next one" feeling 12 times. [tongue]
DeformedTree said:
And that's what you get for buying the 125 over the 150. [wink]
Jim_in_PA
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The similar 5mm orbit aside, try to get to a Festool retailer that has both so you can feel the difference in your hand. Rotex is heavier and many of us consider it a two-handed tool, too, relative to balance. (even more so for the older version) 95% of my sanding is done with the non-Rotex version and I only pull out the RO for when it's truly needed for what it does best which is significant stock removal and shaping as well as utility needs like rust removal on metal things.
ear3
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For me, the EC 150/5 is the best sander in the Festool lineup. I take a slightly different view on the RO150 vs EC 150/5 comparison, in that I don't see the EC as a compromise choice. The EC is actually a faster sander than the Rotex when the latter is running in Random orbit mode. Geared mode on the Rotex will certainly beat out the EC (it's around 20% faster), but the surface finish quality of the EC is ultimately superior. The electronic pad brake may seem like a gimmicky feature at first, but it actually makes a big difference over long sanding sessions with frequent abrasive changes going up through the grits -- and once you come to expect it, it feels like others sanders take an eternity to wind down after the power switch goes off.
There are obviously some unique things you get with the Rotex. If you're going to be doing heavy stripping work, then it makes sense to have the gear driven power of that tool. The Rotex also excels as a polishing machine with the appropriate attachments.
But in terms of an all-around sander, I don't think there's anything better than the ETS-EC 150/5, and it is the one that handles the majority of my sanding tasks.
There are obviously some unique things you get with the Rotex. If you're going to be doing heavy stripping work, then it makes sense to have the gear driven power of that tool. The Rotex also excels as a polishing machine with the appropriate attachments.
But in terms of an all-around sander, I don't think there's anything better than the ETS-EC 150/5, and it is the one that handles the majority of my sanding tasks.
I think the 5mm orbit is to much for the work I do. I mostly do all finish sanding on flat panels usually in the 180+ range. Im leaning heavily toward getting an ets 125 as my 5" which will probably spend most of its life in the new edge guide paired with the ETS EC 150. Im aware of the 125 pad swap not working on the 150 but I honestly dont see myself ever using it as a 125 so I will probably just get the 150 straight out of the gate instead of having an extra 125 pad kicking around that I will never use. Unless, for some reason the 125 ec pad fits on the ets125 but knowing festool I'm thinking no. Plus the DTS for the nooks and crannies should round out my needs other than the Planex2 I have my eye on.
leakyroof
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The new EC sanders mimic the style and shape of much older air powered sanders that were common in auto body shops. Festool and 3M have partnered to try selling Festool into Auto Body Shops as an alternative to their not well known Festool Pneumatic Sanders at least here in the US. I haven’t heard how much inroads they’re making with that approach, since air powered tools are so dominate in the auto repair industry.afish said:
For the rest of us, you get a low profile, lightweight sander that does things the older, taller, ETS sanders , or the Rotex sanders would struggle to match.
I have stripped finishes off older wood items like doors using an EC Sander only, never needing to reach for one of my Rotex sanders. Brushless Motor is a big part of it.
Single hand usage AND powerful is another.
I love both my 150/5 and 125/3 EC sanders
