Random Orbital Sander ETS EC 125/3 EQ-Plus variable speed?

[Scott V]

Looking at Random Orbital Sander ETS EC 125/3 EQ-Plus on the Festool USA website I see no mention of variable speed capability under either "Functions" or "Technical data".  The Festool UK site says it has "Continuously variable speed" of "6,000-10,000 RPM".  Which is correct?

 

[afish]

I just got an ets ec 125 from Hartville a month or two ago and it is 100% variable speed.  Not sure of the min. max RPM's but there is a small green dial on the US version too.

 

[Scott V]

Thanks.  Looks like maybe Festool engineering genius didn't infect the web marketing group.

 

[squall_line]

The ETS EC 125/3, having the exact same internals as the ETS EC 150/3, has the following technical specs (copied from the 150 PDF manual, and reads the same in my 125 manual that I have in my hand):

Eccentric sander ETS EC 150/3 A EQ
Power  400 W
Idle speed 6000 - 10000 min-1
Sanding stroke 3,0 mm (0.12 in.)

I don't think I've seen a Festool sander without a variable speed control.  That said, I haven't seen every single sander they've ever made, but every one I have of theirs is variable speed (RO 90, ETS EC 125, 150, ETS 125, RTSC 400).

 

[Scott V]

Good info...thank you.

 

[ScotF]

They all have variable speed.

 

[notenoughcash]

the only sander i have ever seen without variable speed is a crappy bosch green mouse style sander that cost about 15 quid and vibrates your hand off by looking at it.

 

[mrboult]

Just to muddy the waters, I believe festool have made non variable speed sanders until relatively recently. .

I think the DTS/RTS family had a cheaper variant without the variable speed. So be mindful of buying an older second hand variant of the dts/rts/ets sanders. Might be imagining it, but fairly sure that was a thing. .

 

[AlexThePalex]

I think the DTS/RTS family had a cheaper variant without the variable speed. So be mindful of buying an older second hand variant of the dts/rts/ets sanders. Might be imagining it, but fairly sure that was a thing. .

It sure was. I have one, RS400 Q, without electronics. I like it better than those with electronics. At least now I'm 100% sure it is always at full speed. With the other ones I have, the speed dial has a tendency to dial down because of the vibrations. And accidental touches. Just like with the car, I don't need any speed less than 100%.  [tongue]