Will the ETS150 cover my needs?

[Rob Worden]

Hi,
My first post! I’m a newbie to the world of dust free sanding (don’t quite know how the technology has passed me by!) and have been switched on to its massive benefits after having watched a Mirka Deros in action recently. I realised immediately that a tool purchase was imminent and set about doing some research as to what might be best for my needs.
I’m an electrician by trade living and working in France, but as my business here has developed I have branched out and now involve myself in full renovation projects. As such I am looking for an ‘all-rounder’ machine, if one exists, that can cope with wood sanding (untreated, painted or varnished) and dry wall sanding.
Having seen the Mirka my first thought was to invest in one, but as I researched I realised that there are other products out there, including the ETS150 which I am now favouring.
However, I am not sure whether the 150 is best for me, and if so, whether to go for the 150/3 or the 150/5. Basically I’d be grateful for any advice.
Thanks in advance.
Rob   

 

[shed9]

Welcome Rob

Quick answer is that it is totally irrelevant which one you buy as you will end up with three or four Festool sanders by year end.

I have the 150/3 and can affirm its capability as a decent machine, however when it comes to an all-rounder, I suspect you may be leaning more towards the Ro150 or even the Ro90 (with delta option). I actually have all three and if I had to choose one it would be a toss up between the Rotex's.

Of course you need to factor in a decent extractor to take advantage of the dust free aspect so a midi/mini/CT should be on your radar as well.

That all said and I appreciate this is a Festool site, the Mirka should not be discounted either. The Deros will give you different pad sizes and the Abranet media is superb.

Some one will be along shortly to give a more professional opinion.

 

[semenza]

Hi Rob,

  Welcome to the forum!  [smile]

        The ETS150/5 will be a better all around sander than the ETS150 /3 model.  And is quite good in that roll.

        The other 150mm / 6" to consider is the RO150. It has the same random orbit as the ETS150/5 but also can be switched into a more aggressive mode when needed. Though not as well balanced for finish sanding.

        If you think you can deal with a very small sanding pad size then the RO90 is a real good all around choice. It has random orbit mode , aggressive mode, and can be fitted with a delta pad for corners. But on a large surface it will be time consuming.

Seth

 

[SoonerFan]

Like others have said, I would suggest the RO150.  I have the RO125 and it is great.  Sometimes which I had the extra size of the 150 and sometimes I am glad I have a lighter sander.

 

[jacko9]

I have the 150/3, 125, and the RO90 but, for what your expressing for needs I'd say go with the RO150 and be sure to get the Dust Extractor with it.

Jack

 

[any]

For renovation and drywall the ro150 should be the best choice. But like shed9 said, you'll end up with more than 1

I initially got the ets150/3 for fine sanding and finishing work, but regretted my purchase since I found myself needing a more all-round sander after a while, and realized I should have bought the ets150/5 instead. Then I got the ro150 when I had to do some rougher sanding jobs and I'm now very satisfied with my sanders since they supplement eachother perfectly and it feels like I have the best combination available.

The ets150 is light, very well balanced, fairly silent and low vibration. It's a tool you can use all day without being exhausted, but it's mostly geared towards fine sanding.
The ro150 is heavier, noisier and less balanced. My arms tire when using this tool for long stints, especially when sanding walls. But you can also do many jobs in half the time, compared to the ets, because of the amount of material this sander can remove in aggressive mode. The bumper guard of the ro150 is also a feature that I can't live without after getting used to it.

 

[wow]

Agree completely with shed9 and any. I purchased my sanders in the following order:

1. RO90
2. RO150
3. ETS150/3

If you can only swing one right now, I'd start with either the RO90 or RO150, then add the others. Come to think of it - that's EXACTLY what I did!  [smile] If I were to do it over again, the only thing I'd do differently is get 'em all sooner! With this combination you can do darn near anything. And since you brought it up, don't forget the:

4. Planex for drywall.

If you even THINK you might be interested in getting a Planex, choose the CT36AC as your dust extractor. You can thank me later!

[wink]

Lot's of good info to read and videos to watch on the Festool site, so I'll keep it brief. But if you want more info, just ask?!

Oh - [welcome] to the addiction!!!

 

[jamanjeval]

The 150/3 and 150/5 are specialty sanders. They do one thing and so can be made a bit more physically optimal for the task (smaller, better balanced) The 150/3 is a intended to be a fine finish sander with a 3mm stroke. I would eliminate it from consideration. The 150/5 has a 5mm stroke and would be more suitable for general purpose use.

The RO 90 and 150 are multi-purpurpose machines. Under many circumstances, they are complementary with only a small overlap in functionality. Getting both will cover most any remodeling jobs and are a powerful sanding team.

If you wish to only get one sander, prioritize your requirements. First consider size. If most of your work would be well suited to a 150mm pad, then the RO 150 and 150/5 are candidates. The RO 150 can handle more aggressive tasks but is more expensive. For finer sanding, they both have 5mm random orbit strokes.

The RO 90 is extremely useful because of the small 90mm size and delta pad. It too, has corse and fine modes.

In my opinion to cover the most tasks, I would fist get a RO90 and then a RO 150. You can do a lot with the RO9O; more than you would think from such a small machine. When the jobs get larger, you will know when it is time to get a RO150.

If you can be a bit more modest in your requirements, the 150/5 is a good replacement for a simple palm sander and it is less expensive.

 

[jonny round boy]

I would agree that the RO150 is more of an 'all rounder', however the OP mentioned sanding drywall. I must admit I've never sanded drywall with a Rotex, but I would imagine that due to the weight/balance it would have a tendency to dig in more. The ETS150 would be better for that, IMHO.

One other thing to consider if you're looking to get an ETS - a new version is on it's way. Physically smaller, lower CofG, and a brushless motor. I'd hold fire on buying an ETS until that comes out, that way, you can either a) get the newer model or b) get the older model for a lower price.

 

[toolfest.co.uk]

Here's a pic of the new ETS...

 

[gippy]

I had a demo and hands on with the new ETS today. It's a lot smaller, 600 gram lighter and has a few nice new features. It's aimed at the automotive market though really. If I remember correctly it's a new addition to the lineup, the old ETS is not going away. The price will be considerably higher, certainly in Thailand anyway. When I asked the Festool rep about sanding wood he said get a Rotex.

 

[grbmds]

Festool sanders seem much more specialized than other manufacturer's sanders in my experience. This seems especially true with the random orbit sanders. Therefore, when buying one, I tried to decide what I mainly used the sander for. I mainly use it for sanding prep of projects, whether furniture or merely drawers  for my workshop or some workshop jig that needs to be splinter free and smooth. I also do not make these things for a living. My use of the sander is limited. Having use the ETS125 and ETS150/5 only a short time, having just purchased them, I'd say that, if your use is similar to mine, the ETS150/5 would be great. I will still use the ETS125 for some final sanding at higher grits, but the ETS150/5 can really do that also. If you are doing more aggressive sanding to smooth down surfaces before finish sanding then you may want to listen to the other guys about the Rotex sanders. I just don't use sanders for thatk choosing to get the surface smooth and flat using other means first, then sand to the right point for finishing.

 

[jonny round boy]

Here's a pic of the new ETS...

Have you got these in yet? I thought they were available from 1st Sept, but they're not on Festool.co.uk yet, nor on any dealers' sites either from what I can see...

 

[toolfest.co.uk]

Here's a pic of the new ETS...

Have you got these in yet? I thought they were available from 1st Sept, but they're not on Festool.co.uk yet, nor on any dealers' sites either from what I can see...

Not yet, launch date is September but I think the Festool End User team have theirs to show off. If anyone is interested, call Festool on 01284 760791 and ask for the number of your local End User Team Member. Also included in the 'Set' version of the new ETS sanders (and available seperately), but not pictured, is the new 'fabric' sleeve for hoses that bundles your lead and hose together and provides a very neat solution.

Best regards

Warren

 

[Rob Worden]

Wow, what a fantastic response with loads of advice. I'm glad I joined this forum!!

I clearly have much to think about regarding usage best for purpose so I will not be rushing in but armed with all these thoughts I will be more likely to get it right. Thanks to all for taking the time to reply.

I do have a supplementary query though concerning the dust extraction method that shed9 mentioned. I already have a Numatic XP380 that I use with my double disc angle grinder when chasing out walls and solid floors for cabling, so ideally I'd like to use this with the sander. Does anyone know if the Numatic hose with adaptor will fit the Festool range?  Here is a link to the hose:
http://www.axminster.co.uk/numatic-power-tool-extraction-hose
Once again, thanks for the welcome and all the advice.
Rob

 

[carlb40]

Wow, what a fantastic response with loads of advice. I'm glad I joined this forum!!

I clearly have much to think about regarding usage best for purpose so I will not be rushing in but armed with all these thoughts I will be more likely to get it right. Thanks to all for taking the time to reply.

I do have a supplementary query though concerning the dust extraction method that shed9 mentioned. I already have a Numatic XP380 that I use with my double disc angle grinder when chasing out walls and solid floors for cabling, so ideally I'd like to use this with the sander. Does anyone know if the Numatic hose with adaptor will fit the Festool range?  Here is a link to the hose:
http://www.axminster.co.uk/numatic-power-tool-extraction-hose
Once again, thanks for the welcome and all the advice.
Rob

As that hose is supplied with a NUMRED,
http://www.axminster.co.uk/numatic-stepped-hose-reducer

You can trim it back until you get to a part that fits the 27mm Festool extraction outlet on a machine.

 

[leakyroof]

For lighter sanding, and easier overhead sanding, the ETS 150/5 excels.  I've sanded bare wood, drywall compound, plaster, paint, varnish and other film finishes with it.
Stripped old paint and varnish as well, but neither task is best done with the ETS sanders since Festool makes better suited ones for finish removal.
The Rotex models give you multple modes as everyone has noted. I've had my ETS150/5 for 10 years now, added the Rotex 150 a couple of years ago, and the smaller orbit 150/3 just a couple of months ago.
If you could, try them out at a dealer so you understand the weight and sizes of each sander, that would greatly help in your decision making before buying one.

 

[Rob Worden]

Thanks guys. Good to know that the numatic is adaptable, and yes, I'd pretty much decided to visit a supplier to get the feel of the machines, but I'll have to wait until next time I'm in the UK as my French isn't yet up to having a technical discussion!

 

[shed9]

Thanks guys. Good to know that the numatic is adaptable, and yes, I'd pretty much decided to visit a supplier to get the feel of the machines, but I'll have to wait until next time I'm in the UK as my French isn't yet up to having a technical discussion!

Rob, not sure if the XP380 has variable suction, but this is quite key to using Festool sanders, especially the multi-stream variants.

I'd also take advice on some good dealers prior to your visit, some good ones already registered on here.

 

[ceddy]

I have the ETS 125, ETS 150/5 and RO90. The 125 I never used. The 150/5 is my go to sander. The only thing it doesn't do well is agressive stuff. The RO150 will have a much more agressive mode. I am actually sanding some drywall with my 150/5 and some brillant 220 paper. Works like a charm, its a nice balanced machine so its easy to use. The RO models are more of a hand full if you use them for longer periods. I'm selling the 125 and getting an RO150.