Which Festool sander?

[Mark18PLL]

I am looking for a new sander and have decided on a festool, the problem is the amount of choice, i have been researching them for some time but still undecided.

It will be used for finishing, sanding painted cabinets/furniture but i also want to be able to use for heavy sanding from time to time. It may also get used for sanding the odd wall or two prior to painting.
I have bee looking at the following,

ETS EC 125/3
ETS EC 150/3
ETS EC 150/5

But for no much more i could actually get,
ETS 150/3 or ETS 150/5
and RTS 400

I don't want to buy on sander then when i add to my collection end up with something very similar or that could do the job.

Cheers
Mark

 

[Doug B]

If it’s for finish sanding on painted surfaces I’d go for the ETS 150/3 as the 3 relates to the orbital pattern size, I bought the ETS 150/5 as I predominantly sand wood & the 5 has a bigger orbital pattern

 

[Mark18PLL]

Thanks Doug, would you spend the extra on the EC model and would you think you could use the 150/5 as a finisher or is it just not made for that?
Thanks

 

[gog64]

The ETS EC150/3 is a fantastic sander, but not really suited to heavy removal. Absolutely no hesitation recommending it otherwise. The RTS 400 is useful for some tasks, but gets used far less. TBH I didn’t know that they still sold the non EC version, but the brushless motor would swing it for me anyway.

 

[petermillard]

I don’t disagree with what’s been said, but I have the older 150/3, 150/5, and RTS400; the 150/3 rarely gets used as the 150/5 is very capable of prepping paintwork, but can be used more aggressively as well. The RTS 400 is the perfect orbital sander, and a combination of that with the 150/5 covers most of what I want to do.

The ETS EC 150/5 is 2/3 the weight of the older model though, abs is brushless.

 

[Mark18PLL]

So you think i would still be able to do some finishing with the 150/5?

 

[clive griffiths]

Yes the 150/5 gets my vote.

 

[Mark18PLL]

So it looks like the 150/5 should work and then i can add something smaller later on to get into those tighter spots?

If anyone has the newer 150/5 EC, does the 5mm sanding stroke make it harder to work with?

 

[Doug B]

Can’t answer the 150/5 EC question as I’ve not used it as I’ve said I’ve the ETS150/5 & also have the RO 90 both of which so far has covered all my sanding needs the RO 90 giving me Rotex, delta & ROS in one tool

 

[Mark18PLL]

Just to go slightly off topic as i am about to place an order, I am thinking of getting a selection of discs.
I am thinking 80, 120, 150, 180 - would you get any higher grit or miss any out?

It will mostly be used on furniture or mdf panels and i may decide to do the decking at some point when the weather is better.

Thanks again for all of you comments.

 

[Doug B]

Personally I’d go 120, 180. 240, 320.
80 is very course for furniture or MDF panels.

 

[Mark18PLL]

I wouldn't dream of using 80 on furniture or mdf lol, it was more for my decking when we get some better weather but 80 might be a bit harsh for that too.

 

[Doug B]

Decking tends to be wet as it’s stored outside so I can’t imagine sanding it as it would just clog up the abrasive

 

[Mark18PLL]

Even though i live up north the sun does come out on occasion and the decking has been bone dry when i have oiled it lol

 

[petermillard]

So you think i would still be able to do some finishing with the 150/5?

Yes, easily. As I say in my Which Sander, When? video, a 6” random orbital with a decent stroke and a good orbital will cover an awful lot of ground.

 

[Mark18PLL]

Yes, easily. As I say in my Which Sander, When? video, a 6” random orbital with a decent stroke and a good orbital will cover an awful lot of ground.

Peter, i have already watched it a number of times along with many other of your videos lol.

 

[Mark18PLL]

Yes, easily. As I say in my Which Sander, When? video, a 6” random orbital with a decent stroke and a good orbital will cover an awful lot of ground.

Peter, i forgot to ask. What selection of grits do you have for your sander?

 

[petermillard]

Peter, i forgot to ask. What selection of grits do you have for your sander?

All of them! Seriously, everything from P40 to P4000; most used, P120, 180, 240. Sometimes for down to P60, sometimes up to P320. But back when I was doing a variety of work, you need them all.

 

[Mark18PLL]

Thanks for the help, very much appreciated.

 

[Nelsun]

If you're buying in a selection of grits, I'd suggest getting more of the lower grits as they tend to wear out faster than the higher ones. Once you're past 120 / 150 there's far less to clog or rip them.