What to purchase next? And the classic "What Sander is best..."

[cuc717]

Hello everyone, I have just loaded up this weekend on some wonderful Festool tools after switching over from Milwaukee. I started getting the Festool bug and itching to get some more. I have purchased the HK 55 EQ - FSK 420, Carvex PSBC 420 EB, CXS set, Mobile workshop, CT MINI and the ETS 125. I live in an apartment, so I want to keep my tool load low (started the Festool switchover once I saw the HK can replicate some of the functions I used from my table and miter saw and allowing me to have half of my living room back). Are there any tools anyone would recommend to obtain next? Or any accessories? I have a Milwaukee drill and driving bit set, but the set from Festool is enticing. I also have 3 clamps for the mobile workshop; are there any accessories recommended for that?

I also haven't used the ETS 125 at all yet, but I'm having second guesses right now. I strongly dislike sanding (I don't have the largest hands so after a minute or so on my old Milwaukee touter, my hands would cramp up badly and would have to wait another minute or soe before restarting) due to vibration. The ETS was nice when I tested it in store, but that was the only one I was able to test. My local shop did just get a new shipment in of all of the sanders, so I'm thinking of going back and testing a few more. In the meantime, what would you guys recommend? I was looking at the ETS EC 125 also and potentially the Rotex. Besides finishing, I also want to start restoring old furniture, which is why I was looking into the Rotex. Thanks for any and all guidance!

 

[AlexThePalex]

For shaping wood you might want to add a router, definitely a must-have. The OF1010 and OF1400 Festool offers are nice choices. The 1010 has an 8 mm collet, while the 1400 can have a collet up to 12,7 mm/ half inch, so it takes bigger bits.

An EHL 65 planer is also nice to have.

As for sanders, I have a few of them, and the DTS400 and RO150 are my most used sanders, and the ETS125 as a distant third. The DTS and Rotex offer almost all the functionality I need.

If you already have the ETS125 there's little to gain to get the ETS EC 125, they're more or less the same. It might have been a better idea to get the ETS EC 125 instead of the ETS125, because it has a bit more power and you can put a 150 mm pad on it also. If you're still within your return window for the ETS125, you might want to think about that.
   

 

[cuc717]

For shaping wood you might want to add a router, definitely a must-have. The OF1010 and OF1400 Festool offers are nice choices. The 1010 has an 8 mm collet, while the 1400 can have a collet up to 12,7 mm/ half inch, so it takes bigger bits.

An EHL 65 planer is also nice to have.

As for sanders, I have a few of them, and the DTS400 and RO150 are my most used sanders, and the ETS125 as a distant third. The DTS and Rotex offer almost all the functionality I need.

If you already have the ETS125 there's little to gain to get the ETS EC 125, they're more or less the same. It might have been a better idea to get the ETS EC 125 instead of the ETS125, because it has a bit more power and you can put a 150 mm pad on it also. If you're still within your return window for the ETS125, you might want to think about that.
 

Thank you for your response!

I would love to have a router or planer at the moment, but my neighbors in my apartment complex are not fans of the loud noises that come out of my apartment (Another reason I had to return my miter saw, received a noise complaint).

I am within the return window for the ETS 125, so I'll have to go talk with the store again. Would you recommend the ETS EC 125 over the RO125/150?

 

[AlexThePalex]

Would you recommend the ETS EC 125 over the RO125/150?

No, I would not.

It is not about which sander is best, it is about which sander is the best for the job you need to do. All have their strengths and weaknesses.

The ETS EC 125 doesn't have the power the Rotexes have. So you better use that sander when you don't need to remove much material. The Rotexes have lots of power, especially the 150, so you can use them for when you need to remove lots of material. But because the Rotexes are dual mode sanders, you can also do fine work with them, and they do that perfectly well.

So when you mainly need to do fine work, the ETS EC 125 is a better choice because it is easier to handle than the heavy Rotexes. 

But if you also need fast removal, then the Rotex is best. And when I say Rotex, I mean the RO150. The RO125 is pretty much crap compared to the 150.

I'm not a believer in one-tool-fits-all, that's why I once had 13 Festool sanders, now down to 6. I use the one that best suits the job. 

 

[ear3]

The Rotex is a great sander, but I would actually recommend the ETS-EC 150/5 over the Rotex, unless you are going to have heavy duty stripping operations where the geared mode of the Rotex  might be needed.  The ETS-EC 150/5 is actually faster than the RO150 in regular ROS mode.  And since you have some concerns about vibration, I think you will find the ergonomics and performance of the ETS-EC preferable.

 

[jcrowe1950]

The Rotex is a great sander, but I would actually recommend the ETS-EC 150/5 over the Rotex, unless you are going to have heavy duty stripping operations where the geared mode of the Rotex  might be needed.  The ETS-EC 150/5 is actually faster than the RO150 in regular ROS mode.  And since you have some concerns about vibration, I think you will find the ergonomics and performance of the ETS-EC preferable.

    I own both the ETS EC 150/5 and the ETS EC 125/3. I really like the ergonomics of them as far as one handed use goes. The Rotex sanders are excellent for aggressive sanding but they require a bit more mastery of technique. Sedge demonstrated this in one of the Festool Friday videos. Regardless of which sander you choose, in my experience, learning to let the tool do the work can be a very positive experience. If you do go for one of the ETS sanders, remember to turn your dust extractor down to the lowest setting and don't bear down on it. Those two techniques should eliminate swirl marks. Best of luck in your pursuits.

 

[cuc717]

Thanks, everyone! I went in today to exchange the ETS 125 for the ETS EC 150/5. I got to test that one out and the Rotex and the ETS EC is so smooth, I fell in love. It also fits my hands perfectly. I also really liked the Rotex 125.

I am re-thinking my choice as I know someone selling the Rotex 125 for $300 (I paid 510$ for the ETS EC 150/5). I am also eying the Domino 500, so now I'm torn on whether or not to again return the sander to use that extra money towards the Domino... Ugh, this addiction is hard...

 

[imdking]

Thanks, everyone! I went in today to exchange the ETS 125 for the ETS EC 150/5. I got to test that one out and the Rotex and the ETS EC is so smooth, I fell in love. It also fits my hands perfectly. I also really liked the Rotex 125.

I am re-thinking my choice as I know someone selling the Rotex 125 for $300 (I paid 510$ for the ETS EC 150/5). I am also eying the Domino 500, so now I'm torn on whether or not to again return the sander to use that extra money towards the Domino... Ugh, this addiction is hard...

Then after you finish building a chair with the Domino 500, you'll return it so you can get a dust extractor....

I suggest you keep the sander, which you like, and save for the Domino and get it later.