which Festool sander to buy?

dollar bill · May 31, 2015

Folks,
I need to replace my D***** sander and I want to buy a Festool sander. Rotex vs. ETS vs. DTS vs. RTS. Too many from which to select!! I am leaning toward a RO 90 except I'm concerned it is too small in diameter for larger flat surfaces. I am open to the idea of having 2 but which 2? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

AlexThePalex · May 31, 2015

Generally speaking, if you have a round sander (Rotex, ETS) and a pointy one (RO90, DTS) you can do almost all sanding tasks.

But to steer you into the right direction we need to know what things you want to sand mostly, paint or bare wood, large surfaces like house siding or smaller things like furniture.

dollar bill · May 31, 2015

bare wood no wider than approximately 15". Possibly as long as 6 feet.

Runhard · May 31, 2015

My vote would be for an ETS150 and RO90.

AlexThePalex · May 31, 2015

Runhard said:
My vote would be for an ETS150 and RO90.

Sounds good, yeah.

rst · May 31, 2015

I third the motion for the ETS-150 and RO-90, but it really doesn't matter. If you do enough different types of work you will eventually own most of them anyway, but again the 150 and 90 is a good way to start.

SS Teach · May 31, 2015

RST is right. In the end you will purchase many sanders. I started with the ETS 125 and RTS 400. I have added the Ro 90,150 plus the LS 130. I use all of them. It just depends what the current project is. Start with what your current project needs. Then, when a new project calls for a different sander get it. For large flat surfaces the ETS or RO 150 would be great. The disk on the 90 is 3.54 inches, kind of small for large flat surfaces. Great for smaller areas, and the delta pad is equilateral. If you do not have a dust extractor get one you will work in a very clean environment and your lungs will appreciate it. One last thing put your sand paper in a systainer, you will know where to find it.

TheTrooper · May 31, 2015

Runhard said:
My vote would be for an ETS150 and RO90.

That's a Good balanced set-up.
I like the RO150 and DTS 400 as well

Scorpion · May 31, 2015

I have an ETS 150 and a RO90 and I always grab the RO90 and never the ETS 150. I find the variety of modes easy to step through sanding ops and rarely find a surface needing more after RO'ing at 220 or greater. All over again I'd buy just the RO and wait to see if I ended up left wanting.

Holmz · Jun 1, 2015

I have a hard time believing that $2000 of sanders are required, unless it was corner, belt, disc, and finish.
Does one really need multiple RO sanders and multiple finish sanders if they are not running a full time shop?

waho6o9 · Jun 1, 2015

Holmz said:
I have a hard time believing that $2000 of sanders are required, unless it was corner, belt, disc, and finish.
Does one really need multiple RO sanders and multiple finish sanders if they are not running a full time shop?

Yes

leakyroof · Jun 1, 2015

Holmz said:
I have a hard time believing that $2000 of sanders are required, unless it was corner, belt, disc, and finish.
Does one really need multiple RO sanders and multiple finish sanders if they are not running a full time shop?

Wellll, yes, says the man who owns all the sanders Festool offers here in the US except any of the 5" models... ;D ;D
I also own 3 different sized Belt/Disc Combo sanders, a Benchtop Spindle sander, a 8" Floor Sander, and a portable/hand held belt sander- so I'm covered in the sanding dept.
Look at it this way, I don't own 12 routers, but I fully respect the 'Router Guys' who have all of them, with that 1 bit in the collet at all times... [embarassed]

Holmz · Jun 3, 2015

leakyroof said:
Holmz said:

I have a hard time believing that $2000 of sanders are required, unless it was corner, belt, disc, and finish.
Does one really need multiple RO sanders and multiple finish sanders if they are not running a full time shop?

Click to expand...

Wellll, yes, says the man who owns all the sanders Festool offers here in the US except any of the 5" models... ;D ;D
I also own 3 different sized Belt/Disc Combo sanders, a Benchtop Spindle sander, a 8" Floor Sander, and a portable/hand held belt sander- so I'm covered in the sanding dept.
Look at it this way, I don't own 12 routers, but I fully respect the 'Router Guys' who have all of them, with that 1 bit in the collet at all times... [embarassed]

Yeah...
I also we see always see that "If you have 2 router you do not need to take a couple of minutes changing bits".
Which begs the question as to why does one need top-shelf routers, if they are always fixed position with a single bit in them?
It is like buying a new cordless drill every time one needs to drill a different sized hole.

For a shop which is doing those 2 or 3 bits all days long, then I can appreciate the logic of 2 or 3 routers.
A 1/4 (or 8-mm) and a 1/2 I can also seeing good arguments for.

Df1k1 · Jun 4, 2015

Runhard said:
My vote would be for an ETS150 and RO90.

Agree

cliffp · Jun 5, 2015

Agree with ETS150 and RO90 (I have both plus the RO150).

dollar bill · Jun 6, 2015

Can someone please explain to me why there exists a 150/3 and a 150/5? I know the /X is the stroke but I don't understand why one would have one versus the other.

GarryMartin · Jun 6, 2015

Shane covered this previously at http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/ets-sanding-stroke/msg190886/#msg190886

"The ETS 150/3 has a 3mm stroke and the ETS 150/5 has a 5mm stroke. The tighter stroke is for fine to superfine sanding and the larger stroke is for intermediate to fine sanding. The larger the stroke, the faster the feed rate and rate of material removal; the opposite is true for the smaller stroke. Basically, if you want to cover more area in less time, choose the ETS 150/5. If a super fine finish is desired, choose the ETS 150/3.

The same principles would apply to the ETS 125 with a 2mm stroke.

So, basically, the larger the stroke, the faster the sander does it's job. The grit is the grit, regardless of stroke. However, grit can also play a factor in the rate of material removal, but it's true purpose is the resulting depth of the scratches in the material."

dollar bill · Jun 9, 2015

Are you saying a ETS-125 will give a smoother finish than a ETS-150/3 assuming the same grit?

leakyroof · Jun 9, 2015

dollar bill said:
Are you saying a ETS-125 will give a smoother finish than a ETS-150/3 assuming the same grit?

. Well, 2mm orbit of the 125 compared to the 3mm orbit of the 150/3 is really close.
I would think experience and technique would match both sanders decently.

AlexThePalex · Jun 9, 2015

You will not notice that 1 mm difference unless you put it under a microscope.

which Festool sander to buy?

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