which ets

mike9

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May 28, 2014
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Iam looking at buying a new sander. Looking at the ets  orbitla sanders but not sure. I usually sand for finishing if that helps.
 
There are two choices: ETS 150/3 or an ETS 125 with stroke 2 mm.
When sanding large areas the ETS 150 is the better one because it has 45% more area then the ETS 125.
But having an orbital sanders only is not enough, because they cannot reach for inside corners or at the sides of standing material.
So a DTS 400 or RO 90 DX would accompany an ETS very good.
 
I have the ro90 and I currently use a pc 390. I like the low profile of the pc, but not the vibration. I saw an ets ec 150 but I don't see it in the US, is going to be available here.
 
I pretty much swear by the ETS150/3. It's my go to for everything I am working on. Most of the time I am using S3S and ply so not a lot of need to use grits below 100 and the ETS150/3 works great with everything above that and even the occasional use of 80 is fine. I tried a ETS125 and it was nice but I'd say 150 grit and up is where its sweet spot is. It's also not as comfortable to hold for me as the ETS150 is but I am 6'3" tall with big hands so that may play a part in that :)

I use a RTS400 for corners along with sanding blocks for odd shaped areas. I use the pocket stick fix block all the time, I wish they'd make some higher grits for it but it is pretty useful with the small selection of brilliant2 abrasives they do make for it.

If there are dealers around, I'd say go and try a few. Nothing beats getting some hands on the tools and seeng what you like and don't like in person.
Good luck
-Jim
 
I bought an ets 125 eq today . I tried it on a planed piece of walnut with the 80 grit pad that comes with it and the vibration from it is more intense than my pc 390. I only used it for a minute, turned it off and my hands were tingling. Is this common, is there a break in period.
 
Sorry to hear that your initial experience wasn't euphoria.  In order to help out I have to ask a few questions so that your next experience is better.  So,

Did you happen to note what speed the sander was set to?

Where you using dust collection of any sort?  If you were using a Festool CT what was the suction dialed to?

We are standing by to help!

Peter

mike9 said:
I bought an ets 125 eq today . I tried it on a planed piece of walnut with the 80 grit pad that comes with it and the vibration from it is more intense than my pc 390. I only used it for a minute, turned it off and my hands were tingling. Is this common, is there a break in period.
 
I have both but, the answer is easy - go for the 150/3 it is the most versatile sander for your purpose.

Jack
 
What about the ETS150/5. I have one and love it and I mostly do finish sanding. I also have the ETS125. While it also does a great job, the ETS125 is a little more difficult to control even with a CT dialed down to the lowest setting. I haven't used it a ton, so I have heard that there might be some break-in period which I might not have completed yet. For me, the ETS150/5 is a much better sander, well balanced, and vibration free. The problem is that it can't get into smaller areas. I also recently bought a DTS400 which I'm looking forward to using on some drawers I'm making.
 
My

My ETS 125 was smooth as silk right out of the systainer. It did not need a break in period. My hand did not go numb as it did with the old DeWalt. I did not look like I just came in from a dust storm. I ran it at full speed and my CT was at full vacuum.

ets
 
I don't have any issues with my ETS 125 except it is smaller and slower than my ETS 150/3.  The reason I like the 150/3 instead of the 150/5 is the swirl marks left over that need to be hand sanded out if your doing a smooth top of nice dark hardwoods.  The only reason I would buy the 150/5 is if I had to remove a lot of material quickly but, building furniture all of that material removal is done with my Jointer/Planer and the sander is just for finishing up.  The 150mm diameter is a great size for even doing large desk or chest tops and the 3mm swirls are just a little bit easier to remove at the end.

Jack
 
I have been using the ETS150/5 and then finishing up with 180 and 220 grit using the ETS125. It works great. I get done faster because the 150/5 does a great job faster. Using this combo I haven't noticed swirl marks. However, I have not done any dark woods with it so can't speak to that.
 
grbmds said:
I have been using the ETS150/5 and then finishing up with 180 and 220 grit using the ETS125. It works great. I get done faster because the 150/5 does a great job faster. Using this combo I haven't noticed swirl marks. However, I have not done any dark woods with it so can't speak to that.

You'll notice the swirl with Black Walnut, Rosewood and other dark woods otherwise if you can't see it don't worry about it.

Jack
 
Not worried actually. I love the ETS150/5 because it is so smooth with no vibration. I can just use it with one hand and it is effortless. The ETS125, however, is not so effortless; still a great sander and it does a great job. However, it is lighter and, I think because of that, is not quite as stable on the workpiece while sanding. Also, there is a little more vibration. The results are still great though and essentially dust free.
 
grbmds said:
Not worried actually. I love the ETS150/5 because it is so smooth with no vibration. I can just use it with one hand and it is effortless. The ETS125, however, is not so effortless; still a great sander and it does a great job. However, it is lighter and, I think because of that, is not quite as stable on the workpiece while sanding. Also, there is a little more vibration. The results are still great though and essentially dust free.

Something about that just doesn't seem right, my ETS 125 is a one hand machine with no effort to keep on track.  How long have you had yours?

Jack
 
jacko9 said:
grbmds said:
Not worried actually. I love the ETS150/5 because it is so smooth with no vibration. I can just use it with one hand and it is effortless. The ETS125, however, is not so effortless; still a great sander and it does a great job. However, it is lighter and, I think because of that, is not quite as stable on the workpiece while sanding. Also, there is a little more vibration. The results are still great though and essentially dust free.

I haven't used it a lot, I guess. I do woodworking for a hobby, not for a living and currently have a full-time job which, unfortunately cuts into my woodworking time (along with other things that cut into that time). I guess that is the one thing I don't know - Is there a break-in period? I've never heard that is the case with the ETs125. Plus, my ETS150/5 was smooth from the very first time I used it. So, I guess I was expecting the 125 would be also. It's not bad, but just not as smooth as the 150.

Something about that just doesn't seem right, my ETS 125 is a one hand machine with no effort to keep on track.  How long have you had yours?

Jack
 
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