Sanding Swirls with a RO 125

[JimmyB1775]

I grabbed a demo 150 from work and tried it and it was much smoother.  But ultimately, it have me a better idea of how to hold my 125.  Still need a finish sander.

 

[rst]

Jimmy, get one of the ETS ECs, 3 or 5 depending on your preference.

 

[Sanderxpander]

Just my opinion, but I'd recommend the ETS EC 125 if you want the 5" pad size, otherwise the same version sander in a 150.

That limits your options...the 150mm ETS EC will only accept a 150mm pad, the 125mm ETS EC will accept both the 125mm & 150mm pad. Get it while you still can...this just may become an endangered species.

I’m actually thinking about purchasing a used ETS EC 150/5 and incorporating certain parts to produce an ETS EC 125/5 that will accept both 125mm & 150mm pads. The best of all worlds.

So 2 sanders that will support 4 different versions of the same sander.

Or just buy a 5mm stroke Mirka Deros.

 

[nixy]

If your going to buy the ETS EC 125 sander, I would consider looking at the Mirka Deros. I compared the two side by side. The Mirka Deros was much easier to use, handle and grip positions were excellent. The Festool on/off button was awkward to keep pressing and the grip was bulky.

I have used the Mirka Deros to sand walls, doors, even narrow beeds of square profiled wood. The handling is amazing.

The only tiny small criticism on the Mirka Deros is you cant leave it running permanently (spinning) without keeping the paddle pressed with your hand, if you take you hand off - the sander stops. But its only a small thing.

(Sorry to upset the Festool enthusiasts). A friend new to wood working also tried both sanders, he preferred the Mirka instantly.

But I will admit the flappy paddle on the Mirka is not for all. Some don't always like it.

 

[Sanderxpander]

If you really don't like the paddle you could just use a rubber band or cable tie to keep it in place and use the on/off switch like on the Festool. I love the Mirka/Abranet combo, but to be fair I have never used an ETS EC.

 

[JimmyB1775]

Re: the "Other" sander

We had a NCAA Championship Game customer appreciation event at Dave & Busters Monday and it was sponsored by Dewalt. Dewalt is VERY open with free goods but I can't have any at events. I'm the distributor. I've been hounding my rep for the new 20v cordless 5" palm sander and the 20v palm router. He brought a sander as a giveaway. I made mention of it and he quickly recovered "I brought that for you, go put it in your truck before everyone starts showing up!" So now I have the palm sander which I'll say is quite efficient considering its a $99 sander. All that said, I grabbed the Fes ETS EC demo from work to test it side by side with my RO 125 and the Dewalt. I'm sure I'll find it amazing and I won't be able to live without it, but perhaps now that I have a new 5" palm sander, I might be able to save myself $400 for a while. Buy something else I don't need.