Festool’s new 5-In. dIsk sander, model ETS EC 125/3 EQ, has a brushless motor and a low profile. The sander is comfortable to hold, and the low profile makes it well balanced and less likely to tip during use. The brushless motor delivers more consistent power, so you are less likely to press down excessively, as you might when coarse-sanding, which slows down oscillation speed and makes swirl marks worse. This is a big deal, because swirl marks are the downside of orbital sanders. dust extraction through the eight-hole base pad is very good. The sander has an electronic switch that prevents operation without a vacuum attached. This can be a good thing, because all power sanding works better with dust extraction. However, you can turn off the switch should you find yourself in a situation where you can’t hook up the sander to a vacuum or dust-collection system. don’t have a Festool dust extractor? No worries, Festool hose No. 452879 ($93) allows you to hook into standard shop vacuums.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Ridgid R86044B
Power: Good
Cut visibility: Very good
Control: Good (with standard base)
Bit changes: Good
Depth adjustment: Excellent
This tool is designed for convenience. The battery and pins are easy to load, and the safety lock operates with the same finger you use to pull the trigger. The depth of set is adjustable, there’s a work light, and there’s a hook for hanging the tool on your toolbelt. A gauge lets you keep track of when you’ll need to recharge.
While this sander is among the least expensive models in the test, its performance ranks among the best. The stock removal was excellent, and dust collection was solid when used with a vacuum. It handles really smoothly, too, and has a tall body that fit my hand nicely whether I was holding it from above or around the waist.
While Diablo’s SandNet disks perform similarly to conventional paper abrasives in terms of material removal and surface prep (with some exceptions at the lower grits), they make keeping your work surface and work area clean much easier, thanks to the great dust collection possible with them.
With its graceful curves, cabriole legs, and ornamental back splat, a Queen Anne side chair is a bucket list build for many woodworkers. Dan Faia had a very specific Queen…
Become an UNLIMITED member and get it all: searchable online archive of every issue, how-to videos, Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking digital series, print magazine, e-newsletter, and more.
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in