Sander help

[arctic_rogue]

I recently picked up a CT 36E and have the Bluetooth module on the way.

My upcoming projects include a making couple of kitchen cabinets, a full set of kitchen cabinet doors, and a little down the road, a full bedroom set. I also am going to refinish some kitchen cabinets.

I am looking for a sander. I currently have an older Makita 1/4 sheet sander that isn't cutting it.
I'm open to any sander. Have looked at the 125 REQ, ETS EC 125 3, ETS EC 150 3, ETS EC 150 5 as well as the new festool cordless sanders.

I want 1 versatile sander that can do mostly everything. I think the ETS EC 150 5 is top of the list now.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

There absolutely will be people coming along to disagree....... But as an "only sander" IMHO, the ETS EC 150 is not it.
If you worked in a cabinet shop, sanding large surfaces all day, sure. Regular guy, doing lots of different things, no.
It's just simply too big and has the "old fashioned" really tall form-factor. It's a beast, totally overkill for face frames and cabinet doors.
The ETS EC 125 is a far more controllable, "one-handed" sander. It is very low profile and very light. The true beauty is that you can add a 150 pad to it, for the occasional large project. The only downside is that it requires the use of a dust extractor, since there is no internal fan, to remove the dust.

Versatile? I don't know about that, it is still a round random orbit sander. You still need to deal with interior corners somehow.
The most versatile is the RO90, but it's too small for large flat surfaces. It would be great for face frames and/or rail and style doors, it could even do the inside corners of flat-panel doors, while also having the locking Rotex feature.
However, it's not an "only sander" either, too small.

 

[arctic_rogue]

There absolutely will be people coming along to disagree....... But as an "only sander" IMHO, the ETS EC 150 is not it.
If you worked in a cabinet shop, sanding large surfaces all day, sure. Regular guy, doing lots of different things, no.
It's just simply too big and has the "old fashioned" really tall form-factor. It's a beast, totally overkill for face frames and cabinet doors.
The ETS EC 125 is a far more controllable, "one-handed" sander. It is very low profile and very light. The true beauty is that you can add a 150 pad to it, for the occasional large project. The only downside is that it requires the use of a dust extractor, since there is no internal fan, to remove the dust.

Thanks. I thought the ETS EC 150 and 125 have similar physical body sizes.

 

[luvmytoolz]

If I had to limit to just one sander to cover all tasks, the RO150 would be it, but that's way too cumbersome to use for extended periods. I can happily use the ETS EC 150 all day long without issue, but it won't do the really grunty stuff like the Rotex.

If I'm doing doors or panels, the RS2E would be the sander of choice. In other words, no one tool will cover all bases, there will need to be compromises made if sticking to the one tool model.

I can't comment on the ETS EC 125 CRG mentions, as it's not available here in OZ, but to me the 125/150 look the same model but just different pad size?

However, I've always preferred the 150 over any 125's due to the much larger surface area, which means cheaper discs usually, and more sanding done in less time.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

If I had to limit to just one sander to cover all tasks, the RO150 would be it, but that's way too cumbersome to use for extended periods. I can happily use the ETS EC 150 all day long without issue, but it won't do the really grunty stuff like the Rotex.

If I'm doing doors or panels, the RS2E would be the sander of choice. In other words, no one tool will cover all bases, there will need to be compromises made if sticking to the one tool model.

I can't comment on the ETS EC 125 CRG mentions, as it's not available here in OZ, but to me the 125/150 look the same model but just different pad size?

However, I've always preferred the 150 over any 125's due to the much larger surface area, which means cheaper discs usually, and more sanding done in less time.

My bad, I was confusing the regular ETS 150, not the EC. sorry.
There still is no "one sander" option.

 

[luvmytoolz]

My bad, I was confusing the regular ETS 150, not the EC. sorry.
There still is no "one sander" option.

I had a feeling you meant the ETS, I had an ETS 150 and it was a really terrific sander, but I still far preferred the low profile of the ETS EC over it so I gave it to my daughter and SIL.

But yeah, one sander for all doesn't exist. If you went two, an RS2E for larger panels/doors/grunt work, and an ETS/ETS EC for all else would do within reason.

 

[onocoffee]

I agree with the others that there is no One Ultimate Sander. However, I do think the ETS EC 150/5 is a good place to start. It's actually the sander that I started my Festool journey with - and that has led to a phalanx of Festool sanders.

But for your first time out, you're already ahead of the curve with a proper extractor that you can reduce the suction to get better Glide while sanding - it makes a world of difference in both user experience and finish results. And with the 150/5 you can achieve nice finish sanding with it, but chances are you'll soon be wanting for the rest of the range.

The sander that surprised me most was the DTS 400 REQ delta finish sander with 2mm orbit. I thought I would use it very infrequently as it's kind of a niche sander. But I feel like I use that thing all the time. Lovely finish results, not overly bulky and can get up close into corners and joints in a way the others can't.

But the ETS EC 150/5 and the CT36 - A Good Beginning.

 

[Cheese]

If this were my problem...I'd opt for the ETS EC 125 to save $100 bucks and then spend the extra money saved on a RO 90 to use for the inside corner work and for the future kitchen cabinets. You really don't want to be hand sanding inside corners...especially if you're staining the cabinets. Painting the cabinets hides a plethora of sanding sins.

 

[arctic_rogue]

Thanks, all.

I am painting the cabinets, so will help hid any issues.

Is there enough of a benefit with the new ETSC 2 125 or 150 to justify over the ETS EC 150 5?

 

[Vondawg]

I have not done this …but many have the 125 and pick up the 150 pad …they interchange and then you’re covering both bases

 

[Steve1]

Since you have a vacuum hose attached to the sander, I don't see the benefit of going cordless for the power.

150mm will get you more sanding between paper changes than 125mm. If you do the math, I bet it saves you money on the paper too.

I have 3mm orbit. Gives fine finish, but a bit slow. If its your only sander I would tend to agree with Oncoffee and go with the 5mm orbit.

3M cubitron papers cut faster and last longer than Festool paper. The net abrasives are supposed to be better still, but note that you are supposed to use a protection pad.

 

[onocoffee]

Thanks, all.

I am painting the cabinets, so will help hid any issues.

Is there enough of a benefit with the new ETSC 2 125 or 150 to justify over the ETS EC 150 5?

The benefit is that it’s cordless and has a great raking light. It also has a 3.5mm orbit which is somewhere in-between 3mm and 5mm and I don’t understand what the reasoning is other than a compromise to entice the uninitiated into Festool.

But I no longer subscribe to the Tethering Theory as I use cordless routers, have those connected to my CT and find it very enjoyable only having the hose to deal with - as opposed to both the hose and cord.

Like if I’m using the D27 BSD to collect the dust while drilling, I’m not going to forgo the cordless TPC just because!

 

[Cheese]

Is there enough of a benefit with the new ETSC 2 125 or 150 to justify over the ETS EC 150 5?

I think the projects you've mentioned don't really demand a cordless sander. The ETSC 2 and ETS EC sanders perform equally well and both of the 125mm versions will accept 150mm pads so there's really no major differences between them.
Having said that, the ETSC 2 is heavier than the ETS EC which makes a difference when sanding vertical surfaces. The ETSC 2 becomes dirtier on the outside which may translate to being more susceptible to dust falling off and onto the project. And if using the DTSC 2 with a bag only, the dust port will slowly fill with dust and needs to be cleaned every so often.

I purchased the ETSC 2 to sand house siding while standing on a ladder.

Here's several sander comparisons starting at reply #62.

Thread 'NEW ETSC 2-125 & 150-18V battery powered'

Nov 12, 2024

There are two new kids on the (sander)block.
ETSC 2-125 & 150 which are powered by regular 18V batteries.
And has a circular LED light around the sanding disc.
Can be used with a bag or dust extractor.

• neeleman
• Replies: 110
• Forum: Festool Tools & Accessories

 

[smorgasbord]

I want 1 versatile sander that can do mostly everything. I think the ETS EC 150 5 is top of the list now.

Yes.

The only reasons, in my view, to get the ETC EC 125 instead are:
• You already have a lot of 125mm papers
• You do mostly smaller work where the 150 would be bigger than necessary

The reasons not to get the ETS EC 125 are:
• 3mm orbit vs 5mm orbit means slower sanding, especially at the lower grits
• You're going to want the 150mm pad for anything like furniture or larger
• Having both pads means having both 125mm and 150mm discs, and that gets expensive/takes up shop space, and you'll be bummed every time you switch if you're like me.
• You're probably going to want another sander some day anyway, and the combo of the ETS EC 150 with the RO90 is pretty great. And at that point, having 150, 90, AND 125 papers will be annoying.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Yes.

The only reasons, in my view, to get the ETC EC 125 instead are:
• You already have a lot of 125mm papers
• You do mostly smaller work where the 150 would be bigger than necessary

The reasons not to get the ETS EC 125 are:
• 3mm orbit vs 5mm orbit means slower sanding, especially at the lower grits
• You're going to want the 150mm pad for anything like furniture or larger
• Having both pads means having both 125mm and 150mm discs, and that gets expensive/takes up shop space, and you'll be bummed every time you switch if you're like me.
• You're probably going to want another sander some day anyway, and the combo of the ETS EC 150 with the RO90 is pretty great. And at that point, having 150, 90, AND 125 papers will be annoying.

My reasoning behind the use of 125mm sanders is exactly smorgasbord's first point. I have both machines based on that. It was the supplied size, in the shop, where I worked. The only change needed was the move to the Festool hole pattern, instead of the "no holes" that was previously stocked. I like the smaller stroke, since I have other means of heavier removal.

As far as multiple papers, that ship has sailed. I also stock 8" PSA and the rectangular stuff for the RTS. The one I have the least of, is the little deltas for the RO90. I use it pretty rarely.