Alternative to the festool ETS EC150

[Wilson joinery]

Hi everyone

Looking at a cheaper alternative to the above. I’ve seen a couple of recommendations for this Bosch
https://www.powertoolworld.co.uk/bosch-gex-125-150-ave-random-orbit-sander-in-l-boxx-carry-case

And also a couple of mentions for this makita

https://www.powertoolworld.co.uk/ma...MIypL60IfZhQMVhphQBh12WA2XEAQYASABEgJMN_D_BwE

I’m currently using a 1980s black and decker ros which has been bullet proof but I’m left with tingling hands for hours afterwards and the dust collection isn’t great. It’s mainly used for edge sanding of MDF.

Which of the above would you go for or is the festool worth the extra?

Cheers
Pete

 

[MF1000]

I’ve found this link from a devious thread ….its helped me make a more reasoned decision on a similar issue

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/thread...a-forced-rotation-geared-sander.128261/page-2

 

[Doug B]

Which of the above would you go for or is the festool worth the extra?

All I’d say is my ETS is a 2003 model & has had a hard life & is still going strong so I think the Festool is worth the extra, plus as they are prone to do, their new jet stream pads fit their older machines, I replaced my old pad with the jet stream a year or so ago & have been impressed with it.

Also with reference to tingling in your hands if I was in the same position price wouldn’t be a factor in choosing a replacement machine, I’m presuming that could lead to bigger problems for you down the road.
I would want a sander that prevented the tingling regardless of brand or price, I’d definitely be asking manufacturers reps for demo’s of prospective purchases before I bought another sander.

 

[ChrisWiduWood]

With no disrespect to your alternative brands, the models you've picked are not suitable to edge sanding MDF.

Edge sanding requires a lightweight compact style sander, add low vibration and dust collection (extractor essential) and you only have 2 options, the

Festool. https://www.festool.co.uk/products/...bital-sander/576332---ets-ec1505-eq-plusgb240

And the

Mirka Deros. https://www.mirka.com/en-gb/products/top-brands/mirka-deros---the-best-in-class-electric-sander/

The deros has had a recent upgrade deros2, so either a good deal on the deros1 or the upgrade are options.

That being said my friend has a

Metabo https://www.metabo.com/uk/en/tools/...0-5-0-bl-615050380-random-orbital-sander.html

And it looks and feels no different than the deros! and is only £350 . I have used it and am very impressed, and he's had it over a year with no problems.

I have used the Mafell which is by far the least vibration, but again not a suitable design for edge sanding, unless you sand boards upright and in bulk.


I personally use the Festool ETS EC 150/3 but that is very specific to finish sanding (3mm orbit) (i do use other sanders for other tasks)

Let us know what you go for in the end!!

 

[niemeyjt]

If edge sanding is the main use, how about the 125mm Festool ETS/ETSC with an edge sanding attachment?

https://www.festool.co.uk/products/surface-preparation/edge-sander

 

[Ollie78]

I have a Triton version with normal orbital mode and forced rotation.
It is a bit of a beast and really needs holding on to in forced rotation mode.
Very effective but I actually don't use it a huge amount. Much prefer the combo of a 4 inch belt sander and a mirka orbital.

Ollie

 

[scooby]

I used to have a Deros and it was excellent, until it developed a fault. It had a hard life though. The metabo looks identical but can it take 150mm and 125mm pads? I think that’s what makes the Deros unique.

I’ve got a ets150/5. It’s hideously expensive but it is easily the best sander I’ve used. I do a lot of sanding, so it was worth the money.
No offence intended but the ets is overkill/very expensive for the task you mentioned. Have you considered a 1/4 or 1/2 sheet sander if it’s for edge sanding?

 

[Blister]

I have 2 of these , They do a very good job
https://www.metabo.com/us/enus/tool...turbotec-600129420-random-orbital-sander.html

 

[Spectric]

The metabo looks identical but can it take 150mm and 125mm pads? I think that’s what makes the Deros unique.

Like the Bosch GEX 125-150 AVE, this is a great sander and you can use it for long periods unlike many cheaper versions.

​

 

[scooby]

Blister…I knew someone would mention the sxe 450. I’ve seen that sander recommended here on a regular basis since I joined in 2006. And for good reason, I got one not long after joining here and it was a great sander. It got utterly thrashed and just kept going.
I had it that long that it went through 3 sanding pads and was still going strong until it got pinched.

 

[Sideways]

Chris above nailed it.
I also have an SXE 450 and it's great, especially for the money, but the vibration is quite high and it's heavy. A machine that wants to sit down flat on a horizontal surface.

If you are already feeling the vibration and need something with light weight and good handling for edge sanding, I'd point you towards a Deros or similar. Perhaps even an air powered sander like the automotive guys use. Those are intended for use on vertical and difficult surfaces. They also have waaay less vibration. Look up the numbers in their specifications and aim for something in the 3m/s2 region.

If it's only for edges, the idea of a small 1/4" sander sounds smart.

 

[scooby]

But Chris above nailed it.
I also have an SXE 450 and it's great, especially for the money, but the vibration is quite high and it's heavy. A machine that wants to sit down flat on a horizontal surface.

If you are already feeling the vibration and need something with light weight and good handling for edge sanding, you need a Deros or similar. Perhaps even an air powered sander like the automotive guys use. Those are intended for use on vertical and difficult surfaces. They also have waaay less vibration. Look up the numbers in their specifications and aim for something in the 3m/s2 region.

Good point, the sxe450 is very tall/top heavy. A workhorse..just not an ergonomic one.

 

[Derek Cohen (Perth Oz)]

Hi everyone

Looking at a cheaper alternative to the above. I’ve seen a couple of recommendations for this Bosch
https://www.powertoolworld.co.uk/bosch-gex-125-150-ave-random-orbit-sander-in-l-boxx-carry-case

And also a couple of mentions for this makita

https://www.powertoolworld.co.uk/ma...MIypL60IfZhQMVhphQBh12WA2XEAQYASABEgJMN_D_BwE

I’m currently using a 1980s black and decker ros which has been bullet proof but I’m left with tingling hands for hours afterwards and the dust collection isn’t great. It’s mainly used for edge sanding of MDF.

Which of the above would you go for or is the festool worth the extra?

Cheers
Pete

Hi Pete

Since you state that the main use for the sander lies with edges, my recommendation is NOT to go with a ROS, but either ...

1. An orbital sander, if hand held, or

2. A small belt sander/disc sander combination, if you prefer a machine.

Both can be had far cheaper than a Festool or Mirka ROS (I have both). The belt sander combo will need to be set up in your preferred orientation. I use mine vertically ...



The orbital sander I use is an old Festool (actually, badged Festo, which dates it back 20 years! And still as-new). Here is a link to a new one: https://www.festool.co.uk/products/...sanding/201225---rts-400-req-gb-240v#Overview

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[Jaydee]

You can get anti vibration gloves. This might help your hands while you decide on a new sander. The gloves are a lot cheaper than a new sander

 

[dephill]

I’ve had the metabo sxe 150 for about a year and it’s been great so far. You can get one for £360 inc vat. It seems identical to the mirka deros except the colour.
Really nice and low centre of gravity.
For that price you don’t get a box or any sanding discs just the tool and an Allen key (I think).
The main thing some people in reviews seem not to like is the paddle switch but I’m very happy with it.

 

[MF1000]

Spent 90 mins or so with my newly bought Makita 6050 this afternoon….quite impressed so far