Which sander and dust extractor for newbie

[cwn]

I have been lurking on this forum for awhile and have gleaned a lot of useful information (thank you all), but I have come out of the woodwork because I wanted some advice before make what for me will be a huge purchase.  I just recently moved into a house and I am setting up a small shop in my garage, but it is also a shared storage space for kids bikes, and toys, and my wives craft supplies.  I have been working on putting together some built-ins that have required a fair amount of finishing and my entire garage is now covered in dust and my family is starting to get upset.  In past places that we have lived we didn't have any space in the house to do projects so I spent most of my time outside where dust collection was less apparent, but now that I have some space I would like to be able to work in it. 

Reading about the superior dust collection of the Festool system I am finally prepared to make an investment.  I need a system that has maximum versatility for an aspiring occasional woodworker and since it seems that I spend the majority of all my projects sanding I thought best to put my money there.  After doing research here I think I have decided on the ETS 150/5 and the CT Midi .  So what do you all think? Am I making the right decision or should I consider something else that would provide me more versatility for not much more money (or if possible less money)? 

 

[jacko9]

I would think ahead to possible future purchases like the Domino Joiner, etc and get the ETS 150/3 and CT26 combination.  The 150/3 will handle all of the rough sanding you need by using lower grit Garnet discs and will have fewer swirls for doing your finishing work.

Welcome to the Festool world and a relatively clean shop, I don't miss the clouds of dust for one minute.

Jack

 

[AlexThePalex]

Hi cwn, welcome to the forum. I agree with what Jack says, 150/3 + CT26 is a great combo. And I also agree with your choice, the 150/5 + CT Midi, just as great.

When it comes down to it, the two options are not that different, and you can do good work with both combos. The differences are pretty small so it's not that criticial.   

 

[roblg3]

[welcome]  this is a question that gets the answer, "It depends".  A Rotex 150 is an incredibly versatile sander.  If you really want to do "fine finish" sanding the 150/3 is probably your best choice.  dust collection is the same with all ctl machines.  only real difference is size.  I have a mini and it accomplishes everything for me.  it fills up quick if i'm doing jobsite clean-up, but seems to almost never fill during sanding operations.  think about size with the dust extractors, that's really the main point there.  if you sand mostly small things then get a small sander, large things;large sander.  might as well go big with one, and then add the smaller later.  most people are not buying the 125 sanders because they are either just too small or just too big.  Do you have a dealer near by?  You can go in and put "hands on" and see for yourself. even take a test drive!  But, here's the kicker!!  FESTOOL offers the 30 day money back no hassle guarantee. so there's really not too much to worry about.  buy it, try, and if it's not what you want try something else. 

 

[NiteWalkerGR]

The ETS 150/3 and CT 36 will likely be my sander/vac combo. Maybe even the CT 48 if it's not too much bigger.
I'd rather not have to change bags too often.
Another sander I'll be getting is the RO 90 too.

 

[Scott B.]

I'd go 150/5 over /3. Better to have a little extra stroke than not. Easier to tone one down than to ramp one up.

 

[jacko9]

I've never found the 150/3 wanting for finishing hardwood but I would imaging that the swirls caused from the larger orbit of the 150/5 might require a lot more hand sanding before final finishing.

As far as aggressive sanding just use a lower grit.  I should mention that I don't use my sander for removing paint or for reclaiming used wood, etc.  I'm just sanding hardwood for furniture and cabinets and the 150/3 is ideal for me.

Jack

 

[Scott B.]

I've never found the 150/3 wanting for finishing hardwood but I would imaging that the swirls caused from the larger orbit of the 150/5 might require a lot more hand sanding before final finishing.

As far as aggressive sanding just use a lower grit.  I should mention that I don't use my sander for removing paint or for reclaiming used wood, etc.  I'm just sanding hardwood for furniture and cabinets and the 150/3 is ideal for me.

Jack

I can cover the /3 bases much better with the /5 than vice versa. But, I do want to be able to throw 80g on a 6" sander and go sand a deck.

Everyone's mileage will vary.

 

[grbmds]

I don't know much about sanders but, as for the dust extractor, if you are getting a Festool, you should determine what else you might use it for besides sanding. For things like the TS55, a router, or a Domino, the smaller bags would fill up quicker. The difference in price between each size is not that large (from smallest to largest a bigger difference of course). If you won't ever use it for those other tools, then smaller should be OK for sanding.

 

[mouppe]

I would get a dust extractor that can support a boom arm in case you want to get one down the line. A CT22 has worked well for me for years, so I would look at a CT26 if I were you and buying new.

I'd also get a rotex over a 150 as it is more versatile (from heavy sanding to fine sanding to polishing) and you can take advantage of the 10% combo discount on a larger total purchase price.

 

[RADuffy]

I was facing the same decision just two months ago. I had seen the 150/5 in action and the Rotex 90 and 150 in action and was blown away by their performance. I purchased mine from the local Woodcraft store and they let me tryout and compare the RO125 and RO150. After using both for about a half hour, I eventually decided to go with the Rotex 150, I have not regretted this even once. I just found the fit of the 150 a little better for my hands and needs. The more I use it the better it seems to get. I also decided to go with the CT Midi. That part of the purchase was determined solely by the size of the DE and the height of my tonneau cover. The Midi was the largest one that would fit. If I would have had a cap, I would have gone with the 36 or the 48 as I plan to expand my Festool collection.

Just my thoughts on my experience...
Ryan

 

[lashomb75]

After doing research here I think I have decided on the ETS 150/5 and the CT Midi .  So what do you all think? Am I making the right decision or should I consider something else that would provide me more versatility for not much more money (or if possible less money)?  

From what I've seen the 150/5 is a slightly "faster" ETS offering, mainly aimed at contractors. Both will get you there. I had considered myself set on the 150/5, but after trying them out, I don't think it matters much which ETS 150 I end up with. Both are fine. After using it, it's easy to see why the ETS is a common favorite.

 

[iamnothim]

I had the ETS 150/5 and switched to the ETS 150/3.
This sander is for finishing woods and veneers only and never sees the light of day.

I have a CT-Midi

 

[VW mick]

After doing research here I think I have decided on the ETS 150/5 and the CT Midi .  So what do you all think? Am I making the right decision or should I consider something else that would provide me more versatility for not much more money (or if possible less money)? 

From what I've seen the 150/5 is a slightly "faster" ETS offering, mainly aimed at contractors. Both will get you there. I had considered myself set on the 150/5, but after trying them out, I don't think it matters much which ETS 150 I end up with. Both are fine. After using it, it's easy to see why the ETS is a common favorite.

you might aswell realise this thread will end with the fact you will need more festool sanders lol

 

[grbmds]

After doing research here I think I have decided on the ETS 150/5 and the CT Midi .  So what do you all think? Am I making the right decision or should I consider something else that would provide me more versatility for not much more money (or if possible less money)? 

From what I've seen the 150/5 is a slightly "faster" ETS offering, mainly aimed at contractors. Both will get you there. I had considered myself set on the 150/5, but after trying them out, I don't think it matters much which ETS 150 I end up with. Both are fine. After using it, it's easy to see why the ETS is a common favorite.

you might aswell realise this thread will end with the fact you will need more festool sanders lol

You only need as many sanders as you will use. As for the dust extractor. I'd go bigger unless you never plan to use it for anything else like a saw, router, or Domino.

 

[wow]

First, [welcome] to the FOG.

Sometimes I think this place is very aptly named, in that there is a lot of FOG surrounding our decisions. At least that's true for me!

I think your initial choice is just fine for a 'universal' sander. If you had to pick just one - more on that later - the ETS150/5 is a great 'combo' sander that can do finishing as well as show it's rougher side when needed. I wouldn't hesitate to buy it if I were in your shoes.

Whatever you decide, don't agonize too much about it. As mentioned above, we'll all pretty much bet that it won't be your last Festool sander. And even if you change your mind down the road about which sander(s) you want, the Festool products hold their value so well that you could sell it for nearly what you paid for it in order to get what you really want. You kinda can't lose?

As for the DE, the only real difference is the size of the bins. I'd simply buy the largest one that you are comfortable with for your needs. In your case, if the only use you'll have is for the sander. the MIDI is very adequate. And it's cute!

And welcome to the addiction. We'll start a betting pool on how long it takes you to buy your next Festool product after you get these. My bet is 60 days ... or less.

[big grin]

 

[cwn]

Thank you all for the responses.  I think I am going to stick with the 150/5.  I really like the RO 150 and it really does seem to be the most versatile sander our there, however the extra heft and expense has me sticking with the 150/5.  I like the /5 over the /3 because it is more capable for material removal if that I end up needing that down the line (thanks Scott B. for your video).

I am still up in the air about the dust extractor.  I think I will be investing in other Festool products (domino 500 for sure, TS 55, carvex, OF 1010 or 1400), but I am not sure of the time frame (wow says 60 days or less but my wife would probably laugh at that).  I am leaning towards to the CT26 for its slightly larger size and boom arm support, but if anyone has any other thoughts please let me know as I probably will not pull the trigger until later this week.

 

[grbmds]

From a versatility aspect, I think you have the right idea buying a larger dust extractor.  I went larger than that even and I am glad I did. As for the boom arm, I originally thought it was a good idea, bought it, had to cut it down to fit the ceiling height in my workshop, and have been using it with some reservations. I have just recently gotten accustomed to using it and it works well for the TS55. However, it does get in the way sometimes and it's a challenge to determine exactly the right position for the vacuum so the arm and hose are out of the way. The final word isn't in on the boom arm for me.

 

[Oso Rojo]

Take a look here. This was written by Joel a Festool dealer here in NYC. He also is a hand tool monger which make for an interesting mix, hahaha.

http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/store/blog/296/Which%20Festool%20Sander%20Should%20I%20Get

 

[NiteWalkerGR]

Thanks for the link. Good read.