Thread: Festool ETS EC 150/3 Sandpaper

Granat is a real good choice for timber and it goes up to at least P1200 in 150mm discs but up in the finer grits you could also look at the new Granat net in 150 mm discs which go to P400.

Originally Posted by Bohdan

Granat is a real good choice for timber and it goes up to at least P1200 in 150mm discs but up in the finer grits you could also look at the new Granat net in 150 mm discs which go to P400.

Thanks Bohdan, There was no reference on the Festool site that Granat was suitable for timber. Good news; sounds like problem solved

Yes, you have to realize that Festool's website specializes in hiding information and keeping it hard to find out anything about their products. Festool updated all of their worldwide sites and now the best source of information is a dealer's site.

Yep 2nd the Granat paper. I rarely go above for 180 in sanding with a orbit sander so i 'spose the rubin would work for me but i can't complain with the granat paper.

Originally Posted by hurcorh

Yep 2nd the Granat paper. I rarely go above for 180 in sanding with a orbit sander so i 'spose the rubin would work for me but i can't complain with the granat paper.

I am interested to understand why you rarely go over 180?

Few reasons. I like oil based finishes such as Osmo and you want good penetration. Instructions state not to sand past this 150-180 mark. There's no need usually to go higher. Any sanding between coats or sanding after poly, lacquer or shellac I don't use a random orbit. I sand by hand in higher grits. For smaller parts I don't even sand usually. Just use a hand plane then go straight to finishing. You'll love the ETS EC 150 though! It's such an amazing sander

I'm currently researching sanders myself, and also did quite a bit of searching on Festool abrasives (as others have mentioned, this information doesn't exactly jump out of their web site at you).

During that time, I have assembled some links that might prove beneficial:

An overview video of the different types and what they are used for: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFTHqCaJHR8

Bob Marino is a dealer of Festool in the USA, and has produced a great one page overview: Festool Sandpaper | Abrasive Sanding Pads | Bob Marino's Best Tools

To check quickly the papers Festool have available, I found the USA Abrasives tool to be the nicest: https://www.festoolusa.com/knowledge/abrasives

You should also be aware of a potential issue with the ETS-EC range, that being a loose power connection after some months/years of use. A solution is presented here that costs $7.00 when it occurs (if out of warranty of course): Loose plug-it connection on ETS-EC 150/5

I'm very close to buying the exact sander you're about to buy - I'm literally trying to decide between the 150/5 or 150/3. Enjoy your purchase!

Thanks midnight man, there is some good stuff in that post.

Based on some advice I got in another theead I am tending toward the 5mm now. If you get in before the end of March Festool has them on sale.

A little more research and I am back thinking the 3mm is the way to go.

I am surprised at how hard I am finding this decision!

Originally Posted by Damienol

A little more research and I am back thinking the 3mm is the way to go.

I am surprised at how hard I am finding this decision!

Welcome to my problem Seriously, I am thinking in reality that I will likely end up with both. The decision is made difficult by the following "factoids":

- The 150/5 will be a gentler sander when used with higher grit paper, so this is the argument for purchasing the 150/5
- The 150/3 will be a more aggressive sander when used with lower grit paper, so this is the argument for purchasing the 150/3

I actually have a 150mm Bosch ROS (I forget the model), so if I can McGyver up an adapter to get it's dust port into my CT36, then I will for sure go down the 150/3 route, as the Bosch can then be used for the "rough and tough" jobs (it's got a rough mode, and can really hog off the timber). It might be worth thinking about going down the same path yourself - but be aware, the paper for the Bosch doesn't work on the Festool and vice versa (which is why in time I might end up with both Festools).

Here's an article I forgot to include earlier that may assist in making your decision - or obfuscate it further: https://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/store/blog/864

One more link I recalled that was worthwhile - I found that Festool didn't want to sell small packs of the higher grit paper, and I wasn't keen on plopping down near $100 for a 100 pack of Granat 400 (as an example).

One guy in the USA sells "mix and match" packs: https://www.festoolnirvana.com/colle...es-assortments

Of course, as per Festool's agreement, he can't ship overseas (I've asked), but I'm getting some for my DTS400 sent via a freight forwarder I use on a semi-regular basis. Happy to give you links if you're in the same boat.

Thanks Midnight Man, I have ordered the 150/3 ��

I am a hobbyist that makes furniture on weekends so all things considered the 150/3 sounds like the right tool for me as time isnt money. If I am in a hurry I can always call on my Bosch GEX 125 AVE. Or.... the next tool on my wish list, the BS75.

Check out The Sanpaper man for 10 packs of all Granat grits. I just order 5 lots and if you say you heard of him through the WWF you get a 10% discount.

Scrap that comment about the discount. Turns out the sandpaper man lists the ex GST price

Thanks for the info and link Discount is no big deal, it's more about not sitting 80% of a box on the shelf unused

I note with their 150mm discs they're listed as 17 hole - be aware your new ETS EC unit is likely to be one of the new models, with 48 holes - a.k.a. multi-jetstream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8-h_1RH8Lc

May just be their descriptions are old, but it'd pay to check, my understanding of user reports is that the multi jetstream is quite a bit better than jetstream (and from my understanding, jetstream was no slouch in dust collection).

Oh bugger