Recently picked up a Rotex 125, now debating a ETS125 or ETS EC125

[JonSingh]

Hi All,

Was hoping for some opinions. I recently picked up a rotex 125 and I absolutely love it, going from an old dewalt 5" inch to the rotex was a great experience, I am now thinking of picking up a dedicated finishing sander and have been debating the ETS vs ETS EC 125/3.

I understand the ETS EC is a new model, requires dust collection and has some extra power compared to the ETS. The ETS on the other hand could be considered a bit more versatile since  you can use a dust bag with it, and its also cheaper.

If you're only sander was a rotex, which model would you choose?

I do mostly hobby work and mostly furniture building, at least at the moment.

Thanks for the help!

 

[yetihunter]

You’re going to get mixed replies on this.  The ETS 125 “REQ” is actually sort of the newest of the two.  It’s a very nice update on a much older sander.  The ETS EC series came out shortly before the update of the ets/rts/dts trio as a rather obvious response to Mirka’s electric line but with features familiar to electric sander users versus Mirka’s full investment into trying to replicate the pneumatic sanding experience. 

I’ve had the six inch ETS EC since it was available in the USA.  I have also at one point owned the  ETS 125, RTS and DTS.  I really loved the current ETS 125.  I’ve actually just repurchased it today.  I like the form factor more than the ETS EC 150.  That said, when I purchased the ETS 150, I did not know something that others have since figured out.... the ETS 125 EC takes the 150 pads (and conveniently not vice versa).    This may have changed since but if the keyways on the pads are the same now as they were then, you basically get two sander sizes in one if you purchase the ETS EC 125.  It’s no brainer that I would have pounced on if I had known, beforehand.  That said, if all you want is 5” and it’s just for finish sanding... I’d grab the $200 one.  The 400 watts would be nice for auto detailing but for wood...the wood certainly won’t know the difference.

Whenever you need more 5 sandpaper, I can vouch for Klingspor’s AZ-Plus. I have not tried their Greentec but it’s on it’s way.  PS33 I was never blown away with.  Of course, Granat and Rubin are good.  People love Abranet and I see that Festool is offering it now but it’s just not for me I guess.

 

[Josh2]

That said, when I purchased the ETS 150, I did not know something that others have since figured out.... the ETS 125 EC takes the 150 pads (and conveniently not vice versa).    This may have changed since but if the keyways on the pads are the same now as they were then, you basically get two sander sizes in one if you purchase the ETS EC 125.  It’s no brainer that I would have pounced on if I had known, beforehand.  That said, if all you want is 5” and it’s just for finish sanding... I’d grab the $200 one.  The 400 watts would be nice for auto detailing but for wood...the wood certainly won’t know the difference.

Whhhat? The ETS EC 125/3 EQ-Plus (Link) takes 6'' pads (ultra-soft, soft and hard) versions:
https://www.festoolusa.com/accessory/202458---st-stf-d150mj2-m8-w-hthttps://www.festoolusa.com/accessory/202459---st-stf-d150mj2-m8-swhttps://www.festoolusa.com/accessory/202460---st-stf-d150mj2-m8-h-ht

I just purchased the ETS 150/3 because of the lower price compared to EC versions. But if that is the case, I would return and get ETS EC 125/3. Is EC 125/3 smaller and less powerful compared to EC 150/3? So do you get the ability to use 6'' pads but with less power?

 

[manuc]

The motors are the same in the 125 and 150 ETS EC.  I use the 6” pad a lot on mine with no issues.  They brake works on mine with a 6” pad but I’ve heard others say it doesn’t work...

 

[Cheese]

Is EC 125/3 smaller and less powerful compared to EC 150/3? So do you get the ability to use 6'' pads but with less power?

No they are the same sander with the same motor so they have the same power. There are only 3 different parts between them, the driveshaft for the pad, a label and a molded plastic insert. That's it, everything else is the same.

Here's a shot of the inside of my ETS EC 125...notice the parts stamped with 150/3.

[attachimg=1]

 

[Josh2]

Is EC 125/3 smaller and less powerful compared to EC 150/3? So do you get the ability to use 6'' pads but with less power?

No they are the same sander with the same motor so they have the same power. There are only 3 different parts between them, the driveshaft for the pad, a label and a molded plastic insert. That's it, everything else is the same.

Here's a shot of the inside of my ETS EC 125...notice the parts stamped with 150/3.

[attachimg=1]

Thanks! So what do these difference mean? I can use 150 pads on 125 with no drawbacks (but not the other way around)? That really makes you wonder why they sell two different sanders.

 

[Joebuck]

To the original post:

Having owned the RO 125 for a few years (it was my gateway into Festool sanders), I recently plopped down for the ETS EC 125/3 and couldn’t be happier. As everyone knows, the Rotex can be hard to handle in certain sanding applications, jumpier than most common orbitals, and a bit oddly shaped. The 125/3 on the other hand purrs in your hand and is extremely ergonomic. I highly recommend it as a second sander purchase, and of course abrasive sharing between the two is a plus.

As a side note, I also picked up the RTSC 400 in order to have cordless capability and I now wish that ALL my sanders were free from the tether.

Cheers.

 

[Cheese]

Thanks! So what do these difference mean? I can use 150 pads on 125 with no drawbacks (but not the other way around)? That really makes you wonder why they sell two different sanders.

I picked up the ETS EC 125 in September 2015 when Woodcraft received their first one. At the same time I also looked at the ETS EC 150 pad and decided to purchase it also and somehow make it fit. To my surprise, it bolted right on.  [cool]

Prior to the Woodcraft purchase, I compared the parts list of the 125 vs 150 and realized that the sanders were the same except for the 3 parts I've already mentioned. I wanted to make sure that by substituting the larger diameter pad I wouldn't be compromising the performance or the life of the sander. Five years later she's still humming along. Here's the 125 with a 150 hard pad attached.

[attachimg=1]

 

[JonSingh]

I'm curious, do you guys know if the hardpad from the RO 125 will fit the ETS EC125?