Festool debuts three brushless motor sanders

Festool USA added three new handheld sanders to its North American product offerings. The 5” and 6” random orbital sanders feature the company’s EC-TEC brushless motor technology, which enables them to be smaller, lighter and more compact than sanders with carbon brushes. Prototypes of the sanders were introduced at the AWFS fair in July.

The three new models include the ETS-EC 125/3, which has a 5” (125mm) pad size; and the ETS-EC 150/3 and 150/5 versions with a 6” (150mm) pad size. All three have a 400-watt motor, variable speed range of 6,000 to 10,000 rpm and weigh about 2-1/2 lbs.

Product manager Rick Bush says the sanders can be used in a variety of applications. For example, the 150/3 and its 3mm sanding stroke excels at ultra-fine sanding. The 150/5, with a 5mm sanding stroke, is ideal for light sanding and intermediate clear-coat sanding.

Bush also notes that because of the sanders’ low profile design, users are not limited to working with flat horizontal stock. The ergonomic features allow for comfortable sanding for vertical and overhead work as well.

“These sanders are compact and lightweight and you can run them all day, every day,” Bush says. “You won’t have the downtime for changing brushes and they’ll have a much longer service life than an average sander.”

The motors are electronically controlled, which saves energy and reduces vibration, according to Bush.

The sanders also feature a dust extraction detection system. When activated by the user, the tool will only start when a suction hose and dust extractor are connected.

The sanders sell for $385 to $485.

Contact: Festool USA. Tel: 765-482-4500. www.festool.com

This article originally appeared in the November 2015 issue.