New member saying Hi

[Damon M]

Hi Everyone,

Well, I just purchased my first Festool item three days ago, a CT Midi I. Most of my sanding is done at my lathe with a Mini Gorilla dust collector running however I'm starting to use my Dewalt random orbital sander as well as hand sanding more and noticed my breathing is a bit more labored afterwards (COPD). So I decided to ask my spouse for an early Christmas gift and we came home with the Midi I. I hooked it up to my Dewalt sander, the hose fit perfectly without adapters, and all I can say is WOW! I have the suction setting on 2 and I had to check if I was actually sanding anything, there was hardly any noticeable dust! I actually enjoyed sanding! Unfortunately, while I was at Woodcraft, the manager allowed me to handle a demo ETS EC 125/3 sander. When I turned it on I was surprised how quiet it was, and the vibration, I mean lack of vibration, another wow moment! If he had one I would have bought it. I didn't want to wait two weeks or so I came home and decided to buy my own Christmas gift. It's arriving today. The Dewalt is nice and all, but I have wanted a variable speed sander for quite some time. Was it evil for the manager to let me handle the sander? Yes. Am I glad he did, absolutely. I'm wondering now if I just stepped into a black hole that's going to suck money out of my wallet.....

 

[peter halle]

Welcome the FOG! It is wonderful to read a "first timer's" story. Remember when you start with your Festool sander to turn your suction down to about 1/4 so that it isn't sucked onto your work piece, and remember, if you have questions or frustrations there are tons of people here willing to give you an internet hand.

Peter

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Was it evil for the manager to let me handle the sander? Yes.

He was doing you a favor. The form-factor of the EC is way better for most people, and that's 3rd place behind vibration and noise.

Am I glad he did, absolutely. I'm wondering now if I just stepped into a black hole that's going to suck money out of my wallet.....

Also yes. It seems that you are primarily a turner, which may help. If, however, you get into more "flat work", as in cabinets, shelving, tables, cutting boards, etc. you have found the right place.

 

[luvmytoolz]

Congrats! The ETS EC are just sensational sanders!

I'm not exaggerating at all when I say you've done your health and wellness a huge favour getting a CT and a quality sander, that coupled with the low vibration will mean vastly reduced risk of RSI over time..

 

[onocoffee]

Unfortunately, while I was at Woodcraft, the manager allowed me to handle a demo ETS EC 125/3 sander.

This is how I believe we all fell, at one point or another. Welcome to the group!

And while it's difficult, your Woodcraft manager might be doing you a favor. If you have to wait a couple weeks while they order a tool for you, it might temper your acquisitions. My local Woodcraft, on the other hand, is always well stocked and ready to assist in acquisitions at a moments notice. And they seem to do that for everything. Need a 5hp SawStop PCS today? They got you covered. People have driven five hours to my Woodcraft because they maintain a stock of tools.

 

[Muttley000]

Welcome, this is a good place with great info and much less fluff to skip over than most. My first Festool was a vac and ETC sander, you won’t be disappointed if you decide to move forward.

 

[waho6o9]

Welcome aboard Damon M! Festool sanders and lathe work are an excellent combo. Looking forward to your lathe turnings.......

 

[Damon M]

Also yes. It seems that you are primarily a turner, which may help. If, however, you get into more "flat work", as in cabinets, shelving, tables, cutting boards, etc. you have found the right place.

I have been primarily a turner for the past ten years however I've been doing a lot of cnc and other flat work for the past two years. During good weather I take my stuff out to the shop's patio to sand but I can't do that in the winter. With my lungs I think the Festools sander and ct midi will be a great addition to my nice tool collection. Even though I'm a hobbyist, I have a tendency to buy top tier tools. It stings in many circumstances but never for very long.