RO 150, ETS EC 150/5 EQ

[l0pht]

First post, long time lerker.

I'm debating between either a 125mm, RO 150 or ETS EC 150/5 EQ.  I have a DTS400 and Pro 5 LTD. I paint (fine finish stuff) and build furniture/cabinets (both a side business not my full time job). I'm also seriously considering the Mirka DEROS since it has the ability to convert from 6" to 5" sanding pads. I've read through a lot of helpful posts and still can't decide [embarassed]

I have a very old home and will be painting it this summer or fall. It's all 4in cedar and then shakes up top, I'd like to get it all sanded as it has multiple layers or paint (yes I know it has lead paint and will take all the proper precautions to contain and dispose of it safely).  I also have doors inside, trim and plaster work to do.  Building a couple dinning room tables, cabinets for our new kitchen, refinishing stairs and landings.  Writing this maybe I've taken on a little to much [eek]

The Pro 5 LTD has been a great finish sander but obviously lacks in the stock removal aspect with a 2mm stoke.  So I guess I have 2 questions.

1 - any recommendations on sanders? Can I do this all with one of them, recommended purchase order, etc
2 (the one I'm most interested in) - if you own any of these sanders what grit abrasives do you find yourself using the most with them and how "effective" you feel they are.  For example I've seen a lot of mention aroud the RO sanders really shining at lower grits.

 

[ProCarpenterRVA]

In reading your future needs, it seems that you are heading to the vertical use area in painting, and need aggressive sanding. If you want the best and lightest sander you can find it in the ETS EC 150/5. I have used it for sanding the inside of tons of cabinet cases, and it is a dream for vertical use. The 5mm stroke is not an issue, I still get an amazing finish. It's also good with the lower grits, like 120. I used that combination yesterday to rip off the finish on some cherry raised panels so I could cut them down and recycle them.

I'm a RO125 guy, it's a good sander but heavy. I'm thinking that your best first choice is the ETS EC 150/5.

Good luck with your projects!

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[leakyroof]

The EC 150/5 will strip old finishes unless you really need a Rotex on something with multiple layers like old paint.  The ECs are lighter than the Rotex 125 or 150.
I recommend a EC 150/5 as a powerful all-around sander to add to your existing DTS 400.

 

[Sanderxpander]

I don't have any Festool EC sanders but I do have a Rotex 90 and a Mirka Deros and an old home. Mine is brick but all the window frames and obviously doors etc inside are wood, so lots of work to do on that. My experience in a nutshell:
The Rotex 90 easily beats the Mirka in stripping speed. The delta pad is useful but the ergonomics of the sander work against it being "nice to use" in delta mode.
The Mirka Deros is waaaaaay, waaaaayyy more comfortable to use in every situation. Being able to switch pads has been more useful than I thought it'd be though obviously you then need both sizes of abrasives (same goes for the Rotex/delta).

Both have a use in my situation. I bought the Rotex first, thinking it would be an all around solution since I didn't have too many large surfaces to do. I thought it was pretty uncomfortable to use straight away, even more so on vertical surfaces. I know some disagree but to me it's a two handed sander and doesn't even compare to an EC style sander for ease of use. I bought the Deros after because I was building a cabinet (large surface and disappointment with the Rotex made me look for another option) and I also had some door styles that were a good fit for its 125mm pad. I smile everytime I use it. It's powerful, light and super easy to control. Still, if I have to really strip layers of old paint from those door styles, the Rotex 90 with Granat P40 wins by a mile. If you have large surfaces to strip, perhaps a RAS or belt sander would be quickest, you can then finish up with a Deros or ETS EC. I think the Rotex, awesome as it is, is meant more as a versatile unit for occasional stripping. I don't think you'd enjoy holding one on end for hours to do an entire house. Disclaimer: the above mentioned sanders are the only "professional" sanders I've used, I'm just an overzealous DIY guy. I've never used a RAS and I've never used a belt sander in that capacity. I just figure they'd be quicker and easier. Personally, I feel if I add a DTS400 I can tackle almost anything in my house with those three sanders.