Festool ETSC 125 Cordless Sander Review

I have had the pleasure of using the Festool ETSC 125 cordless sander this week. I must say I am extremely impressed. It is supplied in a systainer 2 sort with a draw, it comes with a charger two batteries, a dust bag ,mains adaptor and plug it cable. I thought I’d take the time to write an honest Festool ETSC 125 Cordless sander review, I hope you find it useful. Click here to see online prices.

My Festool ETSC 125 Cordless Sander Review

Festool manufacture a wide range of sanders, however the ETSC 125 and a couple of others are their first attempt at fully cordless models. This means you charge a battery, then use the sander without the need for a power lead. Whilst you’re using one battery, you generally have another one on charge, so you never have any down time. Perfect for ladder or scaffolding work, and probably a lot safer too.

The Festool ETSC 125 isn’t completely dust free, unless you plug it into an extractor, which defies the object when you look at the “cordless” aspect. Instead, it comes with a bag you attach to the end which catches around 75% of the dust.

When I used the Festool ETSC 125, I found it comfortable to hold and well balanced, even with the battery fitted. The first task was to sand some Easi-fill filler down using 80 grit Granat. A little dust did come off but that’s to be expected from an orbital sander.

Perhaps when the new jet stream pad and mesh comes out this will improve. The power felt just the same as the 240v but having no cable and hose gives you so much more freedom of movement.

When it comes to wood work, this is where the ETSC 125 comes in to its own. I would say it is 75% dustless and the ease of sanding witha cordless is so much better. You can whip the sander out and just start using it, rather than faff around trying to set a few different things up.

I must of used the sander on and off for two days with the same battery. It lasted a lot longer then specified!! When I did come to charge it, it took 15 minutes to be on full power!! I was gobsmacked!! Whether or not the performance of the battery dips over time remains to be seen. But for now, it really is impressive.

My conclusion is that this sander is perfect for tasks in places that are hard to access, for heights and jobs without a power supply. Overall I would strongly recommend, a very handy tool to own so much so have ordered the RTSC 400.

Review Summary

Final Thoughts

I must admit to being a Festool fan before I tried this model. As a professional decorator, I will always need more than one sander. The Festool ETSC 125 is fantastic for ease, and definitely one of my better buys. It takes less time to set up than the traditional dust-free sanders, and I feel safer using it at hight. Click here to see latest prices.

Check out Mirka V’s Festool for more information on dust free sanding.

FAQs

Can you use a sander without a dust collector?

Yes, regardless of whether you use a cordless sander like the Festool ETSC 125, or your sander is corded, you can use it without the dust collector. However, it will still suck dust through the sander and blow it out of the back end, so wear a mask, cover furniture, and ventilate the room.

Are cordless sanders dust free?

You can attach a cordless sander to a vacuum to make it dust free (although it’s no longer cordless if you do). The collection bag that often comes with this type of sander will catch a lot of the dust.

Does sanding cause a lot of dust?

Sanding generally causes a lot of dust, depending on what it is you’re sanding and which sander you’re using. Dust free sanders create very little dust. Some sanders like the Festool ETSC 125 have bags that collect maybe 75% of the dust created.

Is it safe to use a sander indoors?

It’s safe to use a sander indoors. Just avoid inhaling the dust or use a dust free sander. Otherwise, it will affect your health.