150mm / 6” Pad on a Festool ETS EC 125mm / 5” Random Orbit Sander

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3 жыл бұрын

I know this can be done with other sanders, but I couldn’t find much about if it would work with a Festool ETS EC 125/3 EQ. Festool recommended not doing this, but I heard from a few other woodworkers that you could, so I decided to try it myself.
I actually filmed this in January 2021, just wanted to wait till I had some long-term testing to go off of before sharing it. After several months of pretty heavy use, I still haven’t had any issues or swirl marks, so feel free to save yourself $400+ on a Festool ETS EC 150 if you already have the 125.
I can’t remember the exact reasoning, but I have heard that you cannot put a 125 pad on a 150 sander. Let me know your thoughts or if you have any questions in the comments below.
Thanks for watching,
Matt - Overkill Woodcraft LLC
*For more woodworking tips, content, and tools I use:
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*The 150mm/6” pad I bought from off Amazon:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...

Пікірлер: 88

@toolchuck 2 жыл бұрын

Hello everyone! I just wanted to throw some info in here for you all to take in that either want to or have already switched their ECT ES 125mm to a 150mm pad. I have a Mirka Deros 650 CV that is a 150mm size sander that can also have a 125mm pad put on it. But you just don't put their Deros 625 CV 125mm pad on it, they have a dedicated 125mm "130gram" pad just for the 650 CV. The reason is this pad weighs the same as the 150mm pad keeping the sander in balance. The 125mm pad for the ETS EC weighs 101 grams, the 150mm pads weighs 148 grams, which is a 46% increase. This is a lot of weight which the ETC ES 125 was not balanced for, but the ETS EC 150 was. Now this will not only show up as a vibration that you feel while operating, and while some may not either feel it as much as others or even care, it will impact the sander. It will take a toll on the main bearing by placing an imbalance of 46% that it wasn't designed to operate with, in engineering parameters this is a "sh_t-ton" of imbalance. These vibrations can also take a toll on the electronics. I don't see it being easy to remove 47 grams of weight from the 150mm pad, but one might go the other way. Take an ETS EC 150 and place a 125mm pad on it that was modified by adding 47 grams of weight to it to balance it, but this isn't what you are trying to do so... 🤦‍♂ Just so you all know, I do own a butt load of Festool tools, so you don't think I'm just slamming Festool in any way. All the Best, Chuck

@OverkillWoodcraft 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Chuck, thanks for the great info! I did wonder about the potential weight difference and if it would affect performance over time. It's my most used sander and I switch between pads quite a bit and haven't seen any negative effects on the end product. Far as vibration and balance go, same results. Maybe I just haven't noticed it though, would be interesting to compare the feel of my "well-loved" Festool to a brand new, but until it starts leaving pig tails or trying to buck my hand like an angry bronco then I'll keep at it. Good to know about the Mirka pad as well, I'm considering their 5mm for my next sander so I can have something more aggressive for stock removal that isn't a two handed sander.

@toolchuck 2 жыл бұрын

@@OverkillWoodcraft You bet! I too would love to be able swap pads around on my Festool ETS-EC-125/3, and that is why I bought a Mirka 650-CV/5. I'm going to get an ETS-EC-150/3 so I'll have a 3mm and a 5mm in 125 and 150 sizes but only using three sanders. Yes, it is overkill to some, and myself at times, but I do see a difference in finish between the 3 and 5mm orbits. I prefer 125 as the paper is cheaper and often this size is exactly what my project calls for, but a larger area is so much easier to cover with a 150. The Mirka is a fine sander so far, it is very low and it has a really good ergonomic feel for me. They just don't have a very "solid" presence in the U.S. like Festool, so it is hard, if not impossible to get anything locally unless you buy a quantity that only shops would use. I'm in California, 30mi east of S.F., one would think that there would be a retail dealer around, but nope. Anyway, I wish you the best with the 150 pad swap, may it sand long and smooth!😎 Oh yeah, have you seen the "Workshop Dojo"? If not check him out on KZfaq, especially his video "Why you should love sanding not hate it", it's on topic and great, he's great! All the Best, Chuck

@elizabethroberts244 11 ай бұрын

I recently bought one as well and my husband was confused until he used it! @@toolchuck

@SaintFredrocks 11 ай бұрын

@@OverkillWoodcraft I bet you still don't see any difference between the two pads. I really don't understand how 47 grams is going to make a difference when you compare the load difference between 80 grit paper and 1000 grit paper. That is going to create a good deal more changes in force. They sell three different pads of varying stiffnesses and weights for each unit don't they.

@OverkillWoodcraft 11 ай бұрын

@@SaintFredrocks Yeah I always wondered how the drag from different grits plays in. I've honestly still been using this same pad, hasn't been fully worn out yet since I switch between it, 5" quite, and my other sanders quite often. Results are still the same, which is a perfectly sanded surface.

@DoMakeBuild 3 жыл бұрын

That is good to know. I’ve actually been looking into getting a new sander.

@OverkillWoodcraft 3 жыл бұрын

I've been real happy with it, especially since it's basically buy one get one haha.

@GetOffTheCouchDesign 3 жыл бұрын

Solid move. Looks like a win to me too

@OverkillWoodcraft 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks bro, couldn't have done it with you lol.

@johnemerson1806 3 жыл бұрын

Nice buddy. I have been wanting one since first seeing you use it but of course on back order lol

@OverkillWoodcraft 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy. Wish I was surprised about that, still a bummer though! I got lucky and found one from a smaller company.

@bigkremey 3 жыл бұрын

Sweet! Ordering now! 🤜🏼🤛🏼

@OverkillWoodcraft 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped big dawg! 🤜🏻🤛🏻

@RunarMagnussen Жыл бұрын

Nice! I've been thinking about doing this on my Metabo sander, hopefully it's as universally compatible as the Festool.

@OverkillWoodcraft Жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'd be curious to know if it works!

@MrToms427 2 жыл бұрын

looking at this sander and woondered the same thing. Thanks

@OverkillWoodcraft 2 жыл бұрын

No problem!

@debandmike3380 Жыл бұрын

I'm sure festool will be the first to give advice on how to save money on their products. If it works then it works. Maybe its just me but star trek comes to mind when I look at this sander.

@OverkillWoodcraft Жыл бұрын

Seriously, and agreed...About the working and star trek phaser haha.

@jerrymorgan3635 2 жыл бұрын

I changed mine out last night. It seems like the brake doesn't stop as quick as with the 5". Have not tried sanding anything yet but will do o shortly.

@OverkillWoodcraft 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah it might be a bit slower on mine too, but not enough for me to notice. How did the sanding go?

@philm2 2 жыл бұрын

Looks awesome. How’s the dust extraction with the 150 pad on?

@OverkillWoodcraft 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Both work great and leave just enough dust behind, but I think the 150 design disperses it a little better.

@mmproperties4350 3 жыл бұрын

Very cool

@OverkillWoodcraft 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks brother.

@doomslayerforever2858 2 жыл бұрын

nice to know but i just went with the 150/5 6in but if i can setup down to a 5in for some reason least thats an option possibly

@OverkillWoodcraft 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I can't remember why it supposedly can't downsize, never tried it so let me know if you do and it works!

@timothysteadham331 2 жыл бұрын

Do you know if the same can be done with the ETS 125? (The older ETS, but the brushless EC).

@OverkillWoodcraft 2 жыл бұрын

I'm honestly not sure, but it can't hurt to try. Worst case it's an easy Amazon return haha.

@johnkantar3082 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the lesson , im about to purchase the 150/3 could you please tell me your recommendations for grits to purchase starting from 60g as festool have so many and im sure i dont need all of them.

@OverkillWoodcraft 3 жыл бұрын

Hey no problem, glad it was helpful. If you're starting at 60 grit I'm guessing it's on pretty rough stock, and in that case I'd recommend getting the 5mm stroke instead of the 3mm. It'll be better at removing those rough surfaces and because a 3mm might struggle with that it could end up leaving swirl marks/pig tails. Plus you can still achieve a nice finish with a 5mm. I'll usually send rough stock through my drum sander at 80 or 100 grit, then I run through the following: 120, 150, 180, and 220. Some argue 180 isn't necessary, but and it probably isn't for some stuff, but it'll only help either way. If starting with a ROS at 60, I'd then go: 80, 120, 150, 220 at a minimum. Ideally you could add 100 and 180 in there though if you're using a 5mm stroke.

@johnkantar3082 3 жыл бұрын

thank you

@OverkillWoodcraft 3 жыл бұрын

@@johnkantar3082 Anytime.

@tharagz08 2 жыл бұрын

How is yours holding up? Just picked up an ets ec 125 and installed the 150mm hard pad. Brake stops just as fast and so far seems to work exactly as the ets ec 150 would. Mfg date on mine is 2021-06

@OverkillWoodcraft 2 жыл бұрын

Nice, hope you're enjoying it! Mine is holding up great, I rarely use it with the 125 pad anymore but haven't had any issues. Just finished using it on two huge storage benches actually and I don't miss sanding stuff like that with a 5" pad haha.

@tharagz08 2 жыл бұрын

@@OverkillWoodcraft only sanded some cherry shelves. Can't believe how much faster the 6" pad is over 5". I much prefer the hard pad as well. This is all coming from my Pro 5 LTD to the ets ec. 250w and 2mm stroke to 400w 3mm stroke is crazy. And I was impressed with each step of the way when I went from my porter cable -> Dewalt-> to the pro 5 ltd, so its pretty wild how the increased efficiency and quality is still so noticeable. Glad yours is holding up, thanks again

@OverkillWoodcraft 2 жыл бұрын

@@tharagz08 Oh yeah I can definitely relate, I have the finish sander too but was using the Bosch before that. Now I want to get a 5mm stroke for the tough stuff like end grain boards...such an addiction haha. Hey no problem though, happy sanding!

@BaradaGuitars 2 жыл бұрын

Can use a 125mm Pad on a Festool ETS EC 150/5 ?

@OverkillWoodcraft 2 жыл бұрын

I've never tried it and I can't remember their exact reasoning, but Festool and another woodworker have said it won't work. Festool also said this wouldn't work though...

@RealSlooo7 10 ай бұрын

Can you use 5" pad on the 150/5? I have endless supplies of 5" papers but not 6".

@OverkillWoodcraft 10 ай бұрын

I heard that unfortunately you cannot, but I can't remember the reasoning why... Guess there's only one way to find out though, worst case it's just an easy Amazon return.

@ethan5103 2 жыл бұрын

I just did this to mine, and the break doesn't fire at all. Any insight? I'm glad it worked for you!

@OverkillWoodcraft 2 жыл бұрын

Oh interesting, and sorry to hear that! Only thing I can think of is the washer on that screw, maybe use the screw without it. Was it the same aftermarket pad?

@ethan5103 2 жыл бұрын

@@OverkillWoodcraft yes it was! I'll try that, thanks

@OverkillWoodcraft 2 жыл бұрын

So weird! No problem though, let me know if that works!

@ethan5103 2 жыл бұрын

@@OverkillWoodcraft it definitely helped! Thanks a ton!

@OverkillWoodcraft 2 жыл бұрын

@@ethan5103 Awesome! Happy to help!

@destrodesigns 3 жыл бұрын

Great insight brother, something to keep in mind, sander upgrade is definitely needed. Does it still fit in the insert of the systainer well with the new pad or do.you just swap em out?

@OverkillWoodcraft 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks brother. That's honestly a great question. I keep it in a drawer, but I'll check once I get in the shop!

@BuckRogers2491 3 жыл бұрын

ETS EC 125/3 with the 150 pad will no longer fit in the original 125/3 Systainer insert. However, if you happen to own a RO 150, the ETS EC with 150 pad will fit in the space intended for extra sanding discs. Store both sanders in one Systainer and you've just freed up a Systainer for other stuff!

@OverkillWoodcraft 3 жыл бұрын

@@BuckRogers2491 Good looking out!

@chrish227 Жыл бұрын

Have you had any issues with it since? I'm thinking about doing the same

@OverkillWoodcraft Жыл бұрын

Negative, I use it a ton and never have any issues.

@chrish227 Жыл бұрын

@@OverkillWoodcraft great I'm definitely going to do the same thing as well

@bxcwoodworks 9 ай бұрын

How the 6” holding up 2 years later?

@OverkillWoodcraft 9 ай бұрын

Pretty dang good considering I haven't had to replace it yet. I use the 5" more, but that 6" has still seen a ton of action...

@bxcwoodworks 9 ай бұрын

Good to hear. I have the EC 125/ 3 EQ and I’m about to order the 150mm pad for it. Just doing some research first.

@OverkillWoodcraft 9 ай бұрын

@@bxcwoodworks Nice, enjoy!

@tangodown2721 4 ай бұрын

I saw that same forum post. I knew that dude was a corporate liar.

@OverkillWoodcraft 4 ай бұрын

Think I missed that one...

@Eyehearttravels Жыл бұрын

I always buy aftermarket replace pads. So much cheaper then “festool” pads They all do the same sheets

@OverkillWoodcraft Жыл бұрын

Same. Even if they supposedly only last twice as long they don't cost 4x the price haha. This one's held up surprisingly well though.

@williamzetteroweriii9469 2 жыл бұрын

Question: I mostly make epoxy river type tables and wanting advice on if I should go with 3mm or 5mm. Suggestions much appreciated...Oh, I'm primarily sanding Olive wood.

@OverkillWoodcraft 2 жыл бұрын

Honestly, you might need both if that olivewood's rough. If not a 3mm should be fine. In most cases sanding under 100/120 grit with a 3mm is pointless because it's not aggressive enough for stock removal without leaving swirl marks. Not sure how high you would be sanding too, but going higher than 320, maybe 400 with a 3mm can leave swirl marks in a lot of scenarios because it's too aggressive. Once I get over 220 I use my Festool ETS 125, it has a really fine stroke of like 2mm I believe. Let me know if that doesn't help, good luck either way!

@williamzetteroweriii9469 2 жыл бұрын

@@OverkillWoodcraft Great info, Thanks!

@OverkillWoodcraft 2 жыл бұрын

@@williamzetteroweriii9469 No problem!

@williamzetteroweriii9469 2 жыл бұрын

@@OverkillWoodcraft Thanks man! So, I'm thinkng of getting the 125 with 2mm and bump it up to a 150 since olive wood is kind of soft, and then get something like a belt sander to handle the heavy smoothing. That make sense to you? Thanks again bro!

@OverkillWoodcraft 2 жыл бұрын

@@williamzetteroweriii9469 Anytime! I haven't tried the 2mm 125 with a 150 but I don't see why it wouldn't work. I just wouldn't use anything lower than 220 with it. Also, if you plan on woodworking for a while just get a drum sander, you'll be so glad you did haha.

@Lawdwarf 3 жыл бұрын

the larger pad means more load and stress for the sander, particularly the motor and the center screw. 125 to 150 mm means approx 44% more area that has to be moved by the motor. While it works, you should use it with much more care and include cool down brakes more often. Based on the info I received, mounting a bigger pad makes the sander run at the higher end of the tolerances.

@OverkillWoodcraft 3 жыл бұрын

Good insights, but they both have the same 400 watt motor thougb and are identical in every other way I know of. The only real difference I've found is the pad, so this saves roughly $450. While I try to give all of my machines breaks as needed, I haven't gone easy on this one and it's performing perfectly.

@jamesquinless1777 2 жыл бұрын

I’m pretty sure the 125 and 150 (given they’re the same mm stroke) are the same exact sander. If you think about it from a production standpoint it makes sense to make the one sanding housing and market it as two different products while making it more expensive with only the addition of a cheap pad. Seems like the path of least overhead resistance to me.

@OverkillWoodcraft 2 жыл бұрын

@@jamesquinless1777 Yeah it really is the path of least resistance I think, because they are identical. I believe the same can be done with the Mirka sanders and all the other brands with that Mirka body style too. Gotta love being a consumer lol.