Recommendations for First Festool Sander?

[Stephen B]

I am thankful that I read this thread.

I ordered an ETS 150/5 and it arrived 1/22.  The first time I used it, it was silky smooth  MirkaNet 120.. I think.  Since then, every time I use it, it digs and bucks with various speeds and grits from 80 to 320.  I may have even tried 600.  Something was not right.  It was very hard to control.

Since I want it more for finish rather than stock removal I sent it back to Amazon and ordered the ETS 150/3.

Thanks for the posts.

Check your vacuum setting, less than 1/3 will solve many of the problems you highlight. This sander and the 150/3  should almost be 'hovering' not being sucked down on the work surface.

 

[Kev]

I am thankful that I read this thread.

I ordered an ETS 150/5 and it arrived 1/22.  The first time I used it, it was silky smooth  MirkaNet 120.. I think.  Since then, every time I use it, it digs and bucks with various speeds and grits from 80 to 320.  I may have even tried 600.  Something was not right.  It was very hard to control.

Since I want it more for finish rather than stock removal I sent it back to Amazon and ordered the ETS 150/3.

Thanks for the posts.

That's certainly not how a 150/5 behaves in normal conditions. Either faulty or you're doing something very wrong [eek]

Shane will tell you ... if you ever have a problem with a Festool not working to expectation, call their service department.

 

[iamnothim]

I am thankful that I read this thread.

I ordered an ETS 150/5 and it arrived 1/22.  The first time I used it, it was silky smooth  MirkaNet 120.. I think.  Since then, every time I use it, it digs and bucks with various speeds and grits from 80 to 320.  I may have even tried 600.  Something was not right.  It was very hard to control.

Since I want it more for finish rather than stock removal I sent it back to Amazon and ordered the ETS 150/3.

Thanks for the posts.

Check your vacuum setting, less than 1/3 will solve many of the problems you highlight. This sander and the 150/3  should almost be 'hovering' not being sucked down on the work surface.

[big grin]  As a noob....  Is there any other CT power setting than full on ?
You make a lot of sense although it's hard to fathom.  That said, and to add credibility, I did not have the CT Midi when the 150/5 arrived.
I used it with the bag, which, drum roll, has zero suction.  It worked perfectly !  You are 100% right.

Perhaps it's in the manual that I didn't read.
After all who reads a sander manual???  [big grin] 

I'm still swapping for the 150/3.

Many thanks.

 

[jacko9]

I am thankful that I read this thread.

I ordered an ETS 150/5 and it arrived 1/22.  The first time I used it, it was silky smooth  MirkaNet 120.. I think.  Since then, every time I use it, it digs and bucks with various speeds and grits from 80 to 320.  I may have even tried 600.  Something was not right.  It was very hard to control.

Since I want it more for finish rather than stock removal I sent it back to Amazon and ordered the ETS 150/3.

Thanks for the posts.

Check your vacuum setting, less than 1/3 will solve many of the problems you highlight. This sander and the 150/3  should almost be 'hovering' not being sucked down on the work surface.

[big grin]  As a noob....  Is there any other CT power setting than full on ?
You make a lot of sense although it's hard to fathom.  That said, and to add credibility, I did not have the CT Midi when the 150/5 arrived.
I used it with the bag, which, drum roll, has zero suction.  It worked perfectly !  You are 100% right.

Perhaps it's in the manual that I didn't read.
After all who reads a sander manual???  [big grin] 

I'm still swapping for the 150/3.

Many thanks.

I think you really like the 150/3.  The CT has an speed adjustment right in front, from Rabbet to Turtle or something like that!

Jack