I need to make a step up from my old reliable Bosch 5” random orbit sander. So i need some advice on which model to choose for general overall work for preparing projects for the topcoat. Current projects that are in progress now are 2 interior doors that will be finished with tung oil and about 24 window sashes that will be primed and sprayed with latex paint. How would you guys spend my $$
Which sander for overall use
- Thread starter MVWood
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usernumber1
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i would buy the 6" mirka deros again and again. maybe even add the new square one with rpm reporting function. i feel like festool is lagging
I concur. Currently (arguably) the best sanders on the market. There's currently a pretty good deal on a DEROS 5mm & DEOS twin pack, with a few (30?) abrasives & an extra 125mm Random pad thrown in.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mirka-DE...563081001?epid=6027973405&hash=item2f29b35329:g:es8AAOSwlx9cOGf0:rk:1
f:0
They're lighter, smoother running, powerful and (for me so far) reliable too. The small orbital has a super-agressive but smooth 3mm orbital action. The abranet abrasives, esp. the costlier ceramic ones (Ace, Plus etc.) are consistently useful, relatively long-lasting & pretty swirl-free. They are, however, subject to tearing on nails & other sharps, however, just as papers are.
Given that any standard Mirks or Sia net abrasive will work, plus the whole range of (for the 150mm round) 16 hole abrasives from Sia, Klingspor, Mirka, 3M, Festool etc. plus literally dozens of east asian manufacturers there's a disc for just about any conceivable use! The smaller 80 x 133mm DEOS has a range of abrasives available from quite a few manufacturers too.
Having a compact sander so capable & powerful yet < 1 kg in weight really is a revelation in use. The only thing I don't particularly like is the fact that the operator must keep the speed paddle depressed in use. Otherwise this pair, and an equivalent Delmeq Delta, have effectively replaced just about all my other sanders altogether. Once you go brushless, all the rest seem downright crude in comparison.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mirka-DE...563081001?epid=6027973405&hash=item2f29b35329:g:es8AAOSwlx9cOGf0:rk:1
f:0They're lighter, smoother running, powerful and (for me so far) reliable too. The small orbital has a super-agressive but smooth 3mm orbital action. The abranet abrasives, esp. the costlier ceramic ones (Ace, Plus etc.) are consistently useful, relatively long-lasting & pretty swirl-free. They are, however, subject to tearing on nails & other sharps, however, just as papers are.
Given that any standard Mirks or Sia net abrasive will work, plus the whole range of (for the 150mm round) 16 hole abrasives from Sia, Klingspor, Mirka, 3M, Festool etc. plus literally dozens of east asian manufacturers there's a disc for just about any conceivable use! The smaller 80 x 133mm DEOS has a range of abrasives available from quite a few manufacturers too.
Having a compact sander so capable & powerful yet < 1 kg in weight really is a revelation in use. The only thing I don't particularly like is the fact that the operator must keep the speed paddle depressed in use. Otherwise this pair, and an equivalent Delmeq Delta, have effectively replaced just about all my other sanders altogether. Once you go brushless, all the rest seem downright crude in comparison.
Yes the Mirra-D is a good one but since you’re here, on a Festool site.. asking about a sander...ETS 125 and a 6” pad, you can run both the 5” and 6” with a quick One bolt change...good option and a comfortable good machine
Edit: correction, ETS EC 125..... thanks mrB
Edit: correction, ETS EC 125..... thanks mrB
mrboult
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^^^ he/she means the "ETS EC 125"
The regular ETS 125 will not take other sized pads. And nor will the ETS EC 150 while we're at it. Only the ETS EC 125 will take both sizes..
I have two Ro125s, they're amazing do it all sanders, but not the most comfortable of relaxing to use. (Heavy and a bit erratic at times, but you learn to handle it)
If i was buying only one sander and igniring the Rotex with its powerful direct drive mode, id go ETS EC 125/5. If I was going to go for the 150/3 id get the 125/3 instead so I could use both size of pads.
The regular ETS 125 will not take other sized pads. And nor will the ETS EC 150 while we're at it. Only the ETS EC 125 will take both sizes..
I have two Ro125s, they're amazing do it all sanders, but not the most comfortable of relaxing to use. (Heavy and a bit erratic at times, but you learn to handle it)
If i was buying only one sander and igniring the Rotex with its powerful direct drive mode, id go ETS EC 125/5. If I was going to go for the 150/3 id get the 125/3 instead so I could use both size of pads.
Sanderxpander
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Another vote for the Mirkas, I have both the 5/6 inch Deros kit and the Deos and they are far better than any other sanders I've ever handled. I have the 5mm orbit Deros version but for me it's smooth enough to finish with. They do a 2mm and an 8mm version too.
That said, as this is a Festool site, the ETS EC 125 with a 5 and a 6 inch pad is probably the closest Festool option.
That said, as this is a Festool site, the ETS EC 125 with a 5 and a 6 inch pad is probably the closest Festool option.
Ok thanks for all the input. I think I am leaning towards the ets ec 125/3. But for clarification what does the 3 and 5 stand for? From what I read is it the size of the orbit that the sander has? And if so am I assuming correctly that the lower the number the finer the finish? Also are there different hardness pads?
Cheese
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I was one of the early adopters of the ETS EC 125 using both 125 mm & 150 mm pads. Three years later I still love the combo. It’s really a value proposition considering that the ETS EC 125 is $400 and a 150 pad is $50.
I’ve actually been thinking about purchasing an ETS EC 150/5 on the recon sale and then replacing 2 parts to turn it into an ETS EC 125/5.
So 4 sander options for the price of 2. [smile]
I’ve actually been thinking about purchasing an ETS EC 150/5 on the recon sale and then replacing 2 parts to turn it into an ETS EC 125/5.
So 4 sander options for the price of 2. [smile]
AlexThePalex
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Cheese said:
I'd also guess it is not an oversight because Festool is always very aware of making things interchangeable (or mostly not), but I can't come up with a reason why they would allow it this time. You have an idea?
Jmacpherson
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Festool - any of the ETS-EC models 125 or 150. I have the 150/5 ec.
Mirka Deros is also tempting me because it comes with both a 150mm and 125mm pad included.
Both the ets-ec and deros have similar designs in terms how you hold them/low center of gravity (generalising don't shoot the messenger everyone) vs regular 125mm sanders or larger 150mm sanders.
Be warned once you buy a "real" sander it is a slippery slope and you cannot go back - I now have 3x Festool sanders.
Mirka Deros is also tempting me because it comes with both a 150mm and 125mm pad included.
Both the ets-ec and deros have similar designs in terms how you hold them/low center of gravity (generalising don't shoot the messenger everyone) vs regular 125mm sanders or larger 150mm sanders.
Be warned once you buy a "real" sander it is a slippery slope and you cannot go back - I now have 3x Festool sanders.
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