I just found this forum and it looks very interesting and active. I started reading the discussions and there is a tremendous amount of good information here. I am hoping to get some of your thoughts and recommendations on a choice of sanders for me.
I just purchased a ETS EC 125/3 EQ COMPACT BRUSHLESS FINISH SANDER and a 5M HOSE W/ SLEEVE. I got it for its reportedly excellent dust collection and my Porter Cable 5" sander died.
Before I got a chance to use it I received an advertisement for the new hybrid sanders. I am considering exchanging what I purchased for one of the hybrids and would appreciate any input you have on the battery option, the shorter stroke, and the alternate pad shapes for use as a primary sander.
This is my first post, so let me give you some context for this. I have been building furniture as a hobby with some commissions for many years. I have a website which will give you an idea of the type of work I do.http://allentownsendwoodworking.com. My work ranges from small items to adding a deck with mostly custom one of a kind furniture. I have a well equipped shop which includes a few Festool pieces, namely a TS55EQ plus Track saw and 3 tracks, clamps etc; a Domino 500Q-plus; and a CT22E vacuum with the Oneida ultimate dust deputy. I am impressed with the Festool quality and design.
As far as portable sanders go I have a Bosch 6" dual mode sander which I use for rough work and polishing table tops, a Fein multimaster tool that I use for detail sanding. My primary portable sander was the 5" Porter Cable random orbital sander which I am replacing with the Festool ETSC 125/3. I will use this for sanding flat and curved surfaces with a soft pad.
I also own a fiberglass sailboat. I do some maintenance while it is in the water. This is one application where battery power would be a plus for me both from easier accessibility without a chord and safety around water.
I would also appreciate any thoughts as to the shape of the pad. I have always used the 5" round pad for general sanding. My experience with other shapes is that they came with underpowered sanders and were disappointing. Given that the Festool sanders probably have adequate power, I am curious if I should consider the delta shaped pads for my primary sander. If anyone uses this shape particularly with Festool sanders for furniture and general sanding I would appreciate your thoughts.
I realize this is a long post and has several questions, but I hope the background helps. I look forward to your thoughts and reading more of the discussions in the forum.
Thank you for your time and insights.
Allen
I just purchased a ETS EC 125/3 EQ COMPACT BRUSHLESS FINISH SANDER and a 5M HOSE W/ SLEEVE. I got it for its reportedly excellent dust collection and my Porter Cable 5" sander died.
Before I got a chance to use it I received an advertisement for the new hybrid sanders. I am considering exchanging what I purchased for one of the hybrids and would appreciate any input you have on the battery option, the shorter stroke, and the alternate pad shapes for use as a primary sander.
This is my first post, so let me give you some context for this. I have been building furniture as a hobby with some commissions for many years. I have a website which will give you an idea of the type of work I do.http://allentownsendwoodworking.com. My work ranges from small items to adding a deck with mostly custom one of a kind furniture. I have a well equipped shop which includes a few Festool pieces, namely a TS55EQ plus Track saw and 3 tracks, clamps etc; a Domino 500Q-plus; and a CT22E vacuum with the Oneida ultimate dust deputy. I am impressed with the Festool quality and design.
As far as portable sanders go I have a Bosch 6" dual mode sander which I use for rough work and polishing table tops, a Fein multimaster tool that I use for detail sanding. My primary portable sander was the 5" Porter Cable random orbital sander which I am replacing with the Festool ETSC 125/3. I will use this for sanding flat and curved surfaces with a soft pad.
I also own a fiberglass sailboat. I do some maintenance while it is in the water. This is one application where battery power would be a plus for me both from easier accessibility without a chord and safety around water.
I would also appreciate any thoughts as to the shape of the pad. I have always used the 5" round pad for general sanding. My experience with other shapes is that they came with underpowered sanders and were disappointing. Given that the Festool sanders probably have adequate power, I am curious if I should consider the delta shaped pads for my primary sander. If anyone uses this shape particularly with Festool sanders for furniture and general sanding I would appreciate your thoughts.
I realize this is a long post and has several questions, but I hope the background helps. I look forward to your thoughts and reading more of the discussions in the forum.
Thank you for your time and insights.
Allen