New Sander - ETS 125 or 150

[aleo1203]

I'm looking to get a new sander and was wondering if people had some feedback.  If I can only get one right now, which to start with the 125 or 150?  Thanks.

 

[AlexThePalex]

150

 

[Alan m]

[welcome] to the fog.
could you give us an idea of what type of work you will be doing
125/150mm it depends on the area you will be sanding. the 150 has a lot bigger surface area than the 125mm. the 150 will be better for flattening but the 125 is better to follow a curve if you want that

i have a rotex 150 and love it. i would reconment it and the 150mm disks over the 125mm. but thats me. i will get a ro90 to compliment it

 

[Wonderwino]

I'd agree that we need to know the surface sizes you will commonly be sanding.  For large panels, casework and "grinding" rough surfaces, the RO150 will be faster.  For face frames, rails & stiles and smaller pieces, the RO 125 will be easier to handle.

I have the RO125FEQ which has been a stellar sander.  Also keep in mind that if you want to follow with a finish sander, (i.e. ETS125 or ETS150/3 or ETS150/5) you may want to match the pad size so your sandpapers will be interchangable.

Don't forget to get a dust extractor to go with it in a package deal!  The Festool sanders truely excell when used in combination with the dust extractors.  For sanding alone, a mini or midi will be sufficient.  If you plan on more tools in the future (gulp), like a saw or router, go with the CT26 or 36.

Welcome!  [welcome]

 

[Dan Clermont]

I likecthe balance on the ETS 150 and most of my customers do as well althoughbthe ETS 125 has a 2mm stroke and is a finer sander

Dan Clermont

 

[Neill]

I have both of the 125's, the Rotex 150 and the 150/3.  Frankly, the only one I am disappointed in is the Rotex 125.  It just does not have the balance of the others and does not have a specific purpose in my line up of sanders.  I am just using it until my supply of the appropriate abrasives is gone.

The small 125 is great for final sanding and sanding between coats of finish.  The 150/3 is used for prep after planing and prior to applying the finish.  The Rotex 150 works well for removing old finish and general rough stock removal.  It also works well for prep but the final finish is not as smooth as with the 150/3.

If I had a choice of just one, at this time it would be the Rotex 150.

Neill

 

[AlexThePalex]

the 150 will be better for flattening but the 125 is better to follow a curve if you want that

The 150 and 125 are equally as good with curves, makes no difference at all.

Btw, Alan and Winderwino, you both talk about the Rotex, but as you can see in the title the OP asks about the ETS.

I suggest the ETS 150 because it is a better all purpose sander than the ETS 125. More power and more surface and still delicate when you need it to be. I estimate that in only 20% of the cases the smaller size of the 125 is a benefit, while in 80% of the cases the bigger size of the 150 is a lot more useful. And as for the power ....... well, the more power in a sander the better, as it makes quicker work of the tedious sanding jobs.

I have the ETS 125 and it is a nice sander, but I sure wouldn't want it to be my only sander because it's only fit for the smaller jobs.

 

[aleo1203]

Wow, thanks for all of the feedback.  I would mostly use it for prep and finishing of smaller projects, you know like a small table, toolchest, etc.  I think I'm leaning towards the 150.  Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[Alan m]

i was saying that i had a ro150 and was reconmending the 150 over the 125. i was sayin g that the ro 90 would be a good combination with a 150mm sander.

i think the 125 mm would be better for tight curves as it  has a smaller radius albeit only 1/2 ".

 

[Steve R]

ETS 150 would be the first one to buy. 

Also buy all the sand paper systainer and load it up.

Second would be the RO 90 full kit with Delta head.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[MadViking]

I would recommend the 150 over the 125. I have the ETS 150/3, and a Metabo 125 sander. The 125 almost never gets used, and it's not because it isn't a Festool. If I do smaller stuff I use the RO 90 instead, or the RTS 400.

Btw the ETS 125, RTS 400 and DTS 400 are all pretty much the same machine, with a 2mm stroke. The RO 90 has 3mm (same as ETS/3). For furniture the ETS 150/3 and RTS 400 (or DTS 400) thus make a good combination.

 

[semenza]

Hi,

The EST150.  But you also need to decide between the /5 or /3 (3mm or 5mm stroke). Most folks will probably say to go for the /3, and I would too unless it will be your only Festool sander for a while. I have the /5 and I think it is a better all around sander than the /3. So if you don't plan to get the RO150 for quite some time the /5 may be the better choice.

Seth

 

[aleo1203]

Thanks again everyone, this is some great feedback and will save me time, money, and heartache (or is it heartburn?) down the line .  I'm going with the 150/3.  Now I just have to crack open the wallet  [crying].

 

[Deke]

i was saying that i had a ro150 and was reconmending the 150 over the 125. i was sayin g that the ro 90 would be a good combination with a 150mm sander.

This is exactly what I have and I feel like I am totally set as far as sanding is concerned - home hobby shop.