They need to make one that switches 3mm to 5mm orbits!

You helped me decide on the 5mm as I mostly work with solid lumber. Thanks.

Thank you so much for this video! Super helpful so keep them up as I’ll be following 🙏🏽

Thanks for this, this was the exact problem I was having and helped me narrow my choice down to a 5mm as well!

Thank you for the information and the comparison - I am pondering single Festool sander decision right now and this helps.

Super helpful comparison as I’m shopping for the next sander

This was precisely my question. I agree that time is an issue. Thanks for the video. I am getting the 5.

Thanks. Your video was a big help. I am going to buy the 5mm. For thin stuff, I am very happy to go hand power with a good sanding block/pad.

that was very helpful.Thank you very much for shearing your thoughts.

Thanks for the video. I have decided I am going to buy one of these sanders, for the mentioned benefits. The stroke was the deciding factor. I’m clear now which one to buy. Thank you.

This video helped clear things up SO much. I'm not tech savvy and I don't speak the language of tools. But I have specific needs due to my disability. I need something lightweight and it's vital that the vibration is as low as possible. I have arthritis and vibration can be excruciating for days after a long session. Sometimes it's so bad that I have to wear a brace. By cutting down the vibration, good ergonomics, and shortening the sanding time I think I can get through it with much less pain. My decision is made. This sander will keep me up and running for much longer. It's worth the upgrade to add years to my hobby. Thank you.

What a great video. Thanks very much for making this. I so enjoyed this video and it was exactly what I was looking for Great testing and really well done. I have the RO90 and I'm buying a 6-in orbital and was trying to decide between the RL150 The 6-in ets,. Really just the video I needed thanks again very much for making this video 👍

This video was a huge help…especially happy to see you compare to the rotex. My impression was that the ets was simply the ros side of a rotex…clearly not.

Did the same test and kept the 3mm. Like you I have the 150 rotex so figured the 3mm would be a nice compliment. In reality, either the 3 or 5mm would do great. Nice post, thank you.

Thanks for doing this comparison. I own the 3 mm version and have been trying to decide if I “need” the 5 mm for more aggressive removal. The additional comparison with the Rotex was super helpful as I own one of those and have told myself I can accomplish the same aggressive sanding as the ets-ec 150/5; it appears that’s not necessarily the case. Though I sort of wish it was, as that would save me money 😂

Thank you very much. My primary sander has been a rotex 150, but finally adding a dedicated finish sander. I was between the 3vs5 as well. Going to go with 5mm. Thanks!

this video is exactly why I bought the 5 mm yesterday. Thank you very much.😅

Great video bro, keep it rocking

Thanks very much for this info helps alot!

I own the previous brushed version, the ETS 150/5. My thought process in deciding on the 5mm over the 3mm was very similar to yours. I like that the 5mm can speed up my sanding time on most woods. If I happen to need to sand a thin veneer, I use high grits and slow down the sander speed. I am also fortunate to also own the ETS 125/3 as well as the RO 150 Rotex. Very good video!

Thanks for the video. I recently went through the same process, I also have the Rotex, i chose the 3mm. I prefer the finish and use more aggressive sandpaper if I need to remove more material. Fwiw

Great video, always wanted to ser the comparison. Just a small nitpick, that electric motor is actually AC even though they call it bldc (yes I know, it can get a bit confusing lol). Main point is that it is brushless.

I guess I’m not the only one struggling w/ the same decision. Your video was very (!) helpful in aiding my decision. I’ll also go w/ the “5” for the same reason you did: faster production time. Now if I could only also afford a Rotex....

Thanks for the comparison, much appreciated. I decided on the 5mm as well. I know a lot of people say the 5mm for rougher work and the 3mm for finer work, but in actuality, both will achieve the same outcome, just faster with the 5mm, at the cost of you having to be a bit more diligent in regards to not sanding too much and going through veneers. I'll gladly accept having to be a bit more focused when sanding in exchange for less time spent sanding.

This is great. Thank you.

Thanks. It would have been interesting to talk about the grit being used and the "pattern" of each sander. You can slow down an aggressive sander as much as you want by using a finer grit paper, so to me it seems the scratch pattern is more important than the rate of material removal?

Nice video. I chose the 3 mm because I assumed it would leave smaller, less noticeable swirl marks in stain- grade material. I’d love to see a comparison video of that.

Thank you so much for your video! I learned MUCH for this information! I think I will purchase BOTH sanders! I'm currently in the process of planning purchases for the Festool tool I will need to work this this shop. As this shop is intended to turn a profit, despite the enormous costs of tools ($6k to $7k) I've decided to just purchase the tools I need and focus on using those tools to make that money back! If I was just doing this as a hobby, then I would only purchase the 150/5.

Thanks for the video. It’s a no brainer in my opinion. The 5 can do everything the 3 can do with the correct technique. But the 5 is about a third faster and that’s invaluable. I recently purchased the 5 and had I thin veneer to sand. The first board was a practice run and I learned very fast that I needed to speed up my movement and slowed down the sander speed just a little. It worked out great. I never thought I would spend this much money on a sander but I’m honestly happy I did. Festool is so over priced but until someone can come up with the same quality in tools we will have no choice but to buy them.

Great video thanks

Great video brother.

Thanks for this. In my experience, sanding can become so exhausting that the willingness to cut corners becomes high. So if quality fine finish is possible with the 5mm, then speed is 100% the way to go.

Great video presentation

best video of festool sanders

Really good video buddy

I have a question about the sandpaper. Are you guys using festool sandpaper? do you have to? and how does it compare to others as I am using 3M Cubitron and it was a game changer on my Bosch sander ( 5")

Very good video!

I have the 3 because I also have the RO150 for the rough jobs.

Do you think upgrading to a 6 inch pad is a noticeable difference as well?

Great product. Awesome

We use palm sanders with 80 grit to remove edger marks sanding hardwood floors. Would 80gr still blend or will the larger 5mm swirls be visible?

Thanks, interesting

Festool is awesome, and I own many of their tools and systainers, but you should have tried Bosch's 6in ROS with vibration control (in 2012 they were $220, now $250). It's an extremely good sander which I have used since 2012. I've only owned 2 in that time and have put so many hours on them I can't even guess the total. The first I sold 5 or 6 years ago, and the second is still running strong to this day. You can sand with them for hours straight and will have no tingly feeling afterwards. They also put the 5in to shame when it comes to power and material removal. Props to you for using crappy 5in box store orbitals for years, at least now you know what you missed out on. P.S. I have the 5in corded Festool and its vibration is much worse than the my Bosch 6in. I can't speak to the ones you mention in this video because I've yet to use either. I have the Rotex 90 coming this week.

Hi, Is Sanding Stroke value important in epoxy? Should I buy Festool Ro 150 (5mm) or Ro125 (3.60mm) ? Are Festool Ro150 and Ro125 Base Sanding Pads Mutually Compatible? Can we attach 125 grit sanding pad to Ro150?

thanks for showing us the difference, i'm still considering buying a festool 3 or 5mm sander, or the mirka 2,5mm of 5mm. The 5mm of Mirka gives two sanding discs (125 & 150). I'm a painter so I have to sand paint on wood and other materials. I already own a rotex and a dtsc400 from Festool. Mirka is expensive but very leight weight. I've seen other painters getting a mirror finish with the Mirka 2.5mm. So tough!

You did test both the 3 and the 5mm with the same sanding pad, right? Right?

Hi, DIYMark! What about Dualtron 3 ?

Thank you but still can't decide between the RO150 and The ETS 150-5 as I can afford but one even thats a stretch.

Hi Mark. Love your to-the-point video! I make simple frames for my photos, etc. I mount tempered Masonite to the back of the frame, that is slightly larger than the frame. That way I can sand down the Masonite to match up exactly with the edge of the pine frame for a clean look. Do you think that the ETS EC 5 would be a good option? (the Masonite is tough; my old Makita square vibrating sander with 60 grit took forever with a two inch test piece of Masonite. Thanks Mark!

I think the 5 is a good choice for the reasons you describe, and the capacity to still do that fine sanding while only needing to be attentive to outcome in a narrower band. Perhaps a slightly finer grit would provide you added time via less aggressive sanding if you want it?

Thanks for the review and very informative. If you had to choose between 3 and 5 again, which one would you say is better for sanding for prime, paint and top coat?

When sanding veneer can you adjust the variable speed on the sander if you're working with a really thin piece? I'd like to get one of these sanders and have been stuck on the same thing and this demonstration was really helpful. I mostly build things with solid wood and hand sand the finishes in between coats so not sure if I need the 3mm or not. Did you actually finish a few pieces and compare the two that way as well?

You didn’t mention the sandpaper type and grits you used for your tests… I had the good fortune to happen across a used pair of the previous generation ETS 150 sanders, about 10 years ago. A little heavier and taller than the current ETS EC generation but amazingly smooth running with very minimal vibration to your hands. IF you have the budget, having both sanders is very handy. Barring project specific needs, I keep 80 or 100 grit Granet abrasive on the ETS 150/5 and 180 or 220 grit on the ETS 150/3. Sanding is a joy with the pair and I actually enjoy prepping for finishes. If properly connected to a decent dust extractor, the process is nearly dustless. However, maximum settings on the extractor is NOT ALWAY BEST. Depending on materials, you may get a better finish and smoother operation with the extractor set somewhere near its midrange. Enjoy the new sander!

Nice and detailed review. 👍 Loved that you also compared it to the RO 150. Since the RO 150 actually was closer to the 3 mm when in random orbit mode, it would have been interesting to see the time for the RO 150 when in Rotex mode. I would assume it to be much faster than the ETS EC 150/5, but by how much?

Just the information I was looking for. I already has the 3mm and ordered a 5mm, but my mistake, I actually ordered another 3mm and used it. Now, I need to sell my 3 mm and do I really need the 5mm? I guess I can debate that with myself. Thanks for much for sharing John from Palos Verdes

Thank you for this review of the usability and distinguishing characteristics of the Fezrool orbital sander. 5mm allows faster sanding, for the same price as the 3mm orbit pattern so for general and rougher material use, 5mm. 3mm for predominately fine finish work. Thanks! Armchair woodworker, boatbuilder engineer, analyst, pilot, adventurer, sailor, bicycler, designer and inventor, central Phoenix Arizona

Nice video comparison! I recently received my new ETS EC 125/3 (bought an upgrade 6" pad off Amazon) and then started finding multiple reviews where most everyone was recommending the ETS EC 150/5 over the 125/3 (how did I not find these reviews when I was shopping earlier?). At any rate, now I am trying to figure out if I should go ahead and purchase the 150/5 as a compliment to my 125...seriously doubt if prices will get any cheaper.

Hello Mark, I got a question regarding your Jet planer/jointer review. You mentioned that you've removed the guard on it. If you still have it, would you be up to selling the guard assembly?

You could probably dial the 5mm back speed wise with delicate stuff.

You can always change your Festool sanding pad to a hard or soft one.

So why not the Mirka or the SurfPrep

Just liked and subscribed. What grit did you use for your test?

Curious as to your thoughts about keeping the 5 now. I sand solid wood more than plywood. I really only want to buy one sander. My gut says less aggressive stroke would produce a better sanding surface. However, faster material removal gets the project along quicker. Have you had an occasion when you thought the 3 would have been better or are you more often than not affirming your decision to keep the 5? Thanks.

How did the rotex take so long?? I have that one and put a dimple in my first project almost instantly! What grit was that?

my first Festool sander was the ETS EC 125/3 because the 125 can fit the 150 pads but the 150 cant fit the 125 pads

I have the ETS125, Rotex 90 and Rotex 150. I have planned on getting the ETS EC150/3 for some time. I do a mix or real wood and plywood projects and figure the Rotex 150 (and 90) will serve me well for removal and the ETS EC150/3 would be best for finish and plywood.

Good comparison. For the concern on plywood, jus sand with a higher grit. For example.. If you would normal start with 150 grit on plywood.. Start with 180. Since it cuts faster your get a smoother finish and still in less time than jumping grits

Good

Nice video. I wonder when you lower the speed, does 5mm become better at a finer job?

How do you like your Rikon band saw? What model is it?

It's just my own view but I believe the paper you use matters more/as much as what sanding machine you use. I find 80% of paper on the market is junk & cuts badly after a very short time. Buying good paper is a minefield - "Top Brand" papers vary by grade, one grade will be good, another grade will be rubbish - I.E you get a pack of 240 grit & it works great, but their 40 grit in the same range is garbage. Price isn't always an indicator of quality either. The same applies to masking tape - just as another example - my local stockist has several brands on the shelves - the "Premium" stuff isn't nearly as good as a supposedly "lesser" brand tape they stock..The premium brand stuff is a disaster-zone tbh - it adheres badly, when it does stick it becomes a battle to remove - it's all "Name" & no game. When it comes to sanders, I run pretty much "Junk" grade machines if going on price, but with really good paper, they work brilliantly - chuck rubbish paper onto a "Premium" machine & I reckon it will sand badly - presumably with good paper they'd be fantastic, but I have never tried either scenario as I just run "garbage" sanders & bin them when (if) they die, go buy another. The paper used is the key thing - good paper makes a bad sander look good, bad paper makes every sander look bad. I have no go-to brand of paper for every grit but I do have go-to brands for each grade of paper we use. With really good paper, you're sanding for such short periods as they cut well, vibration & harshness in the machine stops really mattering. With bad paper, you could slap it onto the plate of a Rolls-Royce sanding machine & it would still break your heart. If 3M weren't such dopes at allocating dealer status to outlets, my local guys would stock 3M paper & I'd only use 3M papers as they rock - but they are so they don't so I don't - much like Akzo Nobel/Dulux are so far up their own backsides in allocating "Dealership" status to anyone that it makes their paints unobtainable for many - me included. If they pulled their heads out of the clouds & appointed more dealers, I'd use no other brand of paint - but they don't so I can't. Festool stuff is good gear - I did a lot of work for Festool here when they were setting up their operation, their System is gigantically impressive - but in their wisdom they assigned the local "dealership" to one of the greatest bell-ends you'd ever stumble across - presumably he ticked all their boxes - which was enough to make me vow never to buy any of their stuff for myself. A lot of big-brands could do a lot better if they made their products more widely accessible. I have zero desire to jump hoops for the privilege of being allowed buy workshop stuff - I'm looking at you 3M & you Akzo Noble & you, Festool...

I noticed you also have the Rotes sander as well. Do you think it worth getting the Rotex 150 and the ETS 150?

Didn't wanna pay 600 euro cos of high price bought Bosch get 75 150 400 euro payed 1 week later start to using every time I had badly tingling hands, numb fingers i had pain weird feeling hands so disappointed with Bosch sold it someone. So I am thinking what should I buy? Festool ets ce 150 will do all i need or not. Regarding you reviews ets ce 150 is the best. But 600 euro just sanding machine.

Hands up who would turn the speed down on the 5mm to make it take twice as long....

Bro what RPM were you running on the 5mm and 3mm What rpm was your rotext 150 using when you performed the test Love the content big brother ❤