Which sander to get next

[truck90278]

I have a B-Day coming up my wife is starting to look for my wish list of toys to add to my collection, so i would like a suggestion for a sander.

I currently have the RO 125 (aslo TS 55, 1010 router and CT22), as a compliment to this sander, I was considering:

ETS 125
or
ETS 150/3

what would you folks suggest

 

[AlexThePalex]

I would suggest the DTS400 or the Deltex DX93. When you have a round sander together with a delta you basically can do any job you want.

 

[MavDog]

I received the ETS 150/3 and DTS 400 for my birthday a couple weeks ago.  I have used them just about every day and am very impressed with both of them.  I was sanding the inside of a bunch of drawers last night with the DTS 400 and it worked great.  It was nice and smooth even in the corners and inside edges.

 

[peter halle]

If you are considering only those two, although I have the Ets150/3, I would suggest that you put consumables (paper) in your equation.  With the ETS 125 you will only have one size to buy and store.

Peter

 

[ccarrolladams]

I wish I could remember the sequence in which I bought my various Festool sanders. I do remember back in 2006 when I first started buying Festools, I had owned a 150mm dia rotary sander for years, along with a 100mm wide belt sander. Days before I bought my TS55 with a CT22 I had purchased a 125mm Porter-Cable QuickSand. I was delighted its dust port connected to the 24mm hose of the CT22.

Currently I own: Rotex RO 150 Feq, which I mostly use in "aggressive" mode; ETS 125 EQ compact finish sander, which I use in partnership with the P-C; ETS 150/3 EQ, which is a marvelous extra fine sander; DTS 400 EQ Corner and Edge finish sander; RTS 400 EQ small flat finish sander; Duplex LS 130 EG Special in-line sander.

In the very near future I will buy a Deltex DX 93 E for really difficult corners and so on.

Just today I picked up a set of the Festool hand sanding blocks in the mini-Systainer. My plan is with those I can get some additional use from worn sanding sheets.

 

[nickao]

If you are considering only those two, although I have the Ets150/3, I would suggest that you put consumables (paper) in your equation.  With the ETS 125 you will only have one size to buy and store.

Peter

Peter I respectfully disagree. The ETS 125 is not a good sander, it takes at least twice as long as my PC390(another 5" sander at 1/2 the cost)and the finish still isn't as nice . I tried the ETS 125 two different times and then sold them. After the first time I thought , well I will give it another chance some guys here just rave about it, it just drove me crazy and I verified my first decision was the correct one. I think if you ever tried the PC 390 your expectations for the Festool 5" sander would greatly increase.

I would get the ETS 150/3 and deal with the two papers. The 150/3 is in a different league.

 

[ccarrolladams]

See, the advantage of FOG is we share ideas and experiences. I have felt every Festool sander I have bought has served me well. I have never sold any of my Festools. I have done excellent finishing with both the ETS 125 and the ETS 150/3.

I believe with Festool my paper lasts longer. However, my experience is that my Festool sanders are so much more productive than most others that I do far more jobs. Consequently I still buy massive amounts of paper. For me stocking 150mm and 125mm is no major problem.

Of course each of us has our own ways of working, so mileage will vary.

 

[truck90278]

All great comments, I had not thought of the DTS 400, another to add to my list.  so many Festools and so little time to play with them all.  I appreciate all the comments

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Here is the order I bought my sanders.

RO 125
DX 93
RAS 115
ETS 125

I can do what ever I need to do with those 4 sanders.

I think the ets 125 is a joy to use.
I just used it this week to screen a faux finish off a ceiling so the texture and color didn't show through the new ceiling paint.
I also screened a mural on a wall as well.

 

[image132]

I would suggest the DTS400. I also own a RO125 and just got it myself the other other week and now I can't live without it. My most recent recent project is building a doll's house for a client and let me tell you the rotex would not have worked however the DTS, however was like magic. Even the very corners of it are smooth!

The problem with the ETS is that it is meant to be a finishing sander so that is all you can do with it, however the DTS is another general detail sander if that makes sense. Rather DTS first and specialise later.

 

[nickao]

I think some day I will have every Festool sander they have in the USA except for the 5" sanders. Festool for me has always been about the sanding and dust collection, so really you can't do wrong. You will end up with many Festool sanders like everyone else.

 

[image132]

I think some day I will have every Festool sander they have in the USA except for the 5" sanders. Festool for me has always been about the sanding and dust collection, so really you can't do wrong. You will end up with many Festool sanders like everyone else.

I agree, it looks like I'm heading towards getting them all too :/

Stupid slippery slope but I still love you

Anyway paoint is, like nickao said at some point you will realise that you can't really go wrong with Festool sanders however I would still suggest to you for now going with the DTS.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Here is the order I bought my sanders.

RO 125
DX 93
RAS 115
ETS 125

I can do what ever I need to do with those 4 sanders.

Nice selection of sanders Darcy.  I agree there isn't much you can't do with your collection. [thumbs up]

 

[justinmcf]

i would suggest the ets 125, because you already have the ro 125, and you will only have to purchase one size of paper for both sanders.

personally i love the ets 150 models.
i have been using the es 150 and ets 150 models onsite for over 10 years.

it depends on the work you are doing. only you can make the decision what is best for you.

justin.

 

[tbellemare]

With the 125's, don't forget to adjust the suction...

Tom

 

[Jesse Cloud]

I have most of the sanders.  My goto sander is the ETS 150/3 - in a league by itself for fine sanding.  The Delta and the linear don't get a lot of use, but sometimes they totally save the day.  The RO's are incredibly versatile, but somehow I usually reach for my RO150 for either really aggressive work or polishing...just me.

 

[truck90278]

As everyone well knows Festools do have an addicting quality about them.  I started buying May of this year and i'm only a Hobbyist, but can't leave them alone.  Really appreciate all the comments.  My wish list keeps getting longer, fortunately my other half frequently suggests that I go to the garage/shop and work, she says it puts me in a good mood.  I think she prefers to know where i'm at. I have considered th different sizes of sanding paper, but not overly concerned as it does last a long time with the dust control.

thanks again for the comments

Ralph

 

[mouppe]

Since you already have a rotex, why not get a domino or an MFT?