New Festool ETS EC 125/3 EQ sander - auto suction detection?

[djcook50]

Greetings,

So the Festool ETS EC 125/3 EQ sander (Festool No. 576340) finally came in stock at my local Festool dealer.

I was under the impression that this model has the “suction detection of the ETS EC automatically ensures that the tool will only start if a suction hose is connected” (description for the EC 150 machines).  It was also mentioned by the sales tech who sold me the new sander on the display models, but I do not see that feature now that I’ve gotten it home and played with it a bit.  It seems a great sander and a way step up from my old PC orbital sander.

Not having the auto vacuum detection is not a problem for me as I’ll always be connecting my trusty CT Midi.  I get that it's designed to work with a dust extractor.  I’m just wondering if there has been a recent change to this model or maybe it never had it. The ETS EC 150 models appear to still have the feature.

Do other folks have the model that includes the suction detection feature?  Just curious of recent changes. Maybe less to goe wrong with the electronics.

Thanks much,
Dave

 

[rmhinden]

It should have the extractor detection feature.  From the manual:

7.3 Extractor signal

The electronic extractor signal detects whether an extractor hose is connected at the power tool. Upon
activation the power tool can only be switched on with a connected extractor hose.

Switching the extractor signal ON/OFFThe extractor signal is supplied in a deactivated state.

- Switch on power tool by briefly pressing the ON/OFF button [1-1].
- Switch off the power tool again and hold down the ON/OFF button [1-1].
  Power tool beeps once.
- Turn speed control [1-2] to both end positions(Level 1 and 6).
  Power tool beeps three times for ON and twice for OFF.
- Release ON/OFF button [1-1]

Hope that helps.

Bob

 

[djcook50]

Thanks Bob, will check that out.  I just didn’t see the graphics on the side of the unit like the 150’s so was confused.  I appreciate the details you posted and give it a try.

My manual doesn’t have a section 7.3.  Hmmm…

Cheers,
Dave

 

[Cheese]

This is just a public service announcement as a lot of water has gone over the dam since this tool was first announced for sale in late 2015.

The vac detection feature was added to this sander because in order to decrease the overall height of the sander and improve its ergonomics, the normal internal dust collection impeller was removed which means that this sander MUST be used with a vac.