Festool Latest Random Orbit Sanders Feature a Bright New Innovation
Festool has long been a prominent figure in the shops of Pro woodworkers and carpenters. The brand’s woodworking arsenal runs deep, especially in the sanding department. Now, Festool is growing its cordless sander roster with two new models, which introduce some welcome new design features. I’m digging into what’s changed and how it compares to past models.
Festool Cordless Orbital Sander Performance
- Model: Festool 577735 (5-inch); Festool 577725 (6-inch)
- Speed: 6,000 – 10,000 RPM
- Variable speed
- Stroke length: 3.5mm
- Sanding diameter: 5-inch; 6-inch
- Brushless motor
In the last update to our Best Orbital Sanders list, we named the Festool ETSC 125 Hybrid as our top pick overall. Now, there are two new cordless sanders entering the ring from Festool: The 5-inch ETSC 2 125 and the 6-inch ETSC 2 150. You’ll notice the model numbers are very close, and the new models are effectively the second-generation.
The new sanders carry over roughly the same performance, with the main differences being in design (more on that later). A brushless motor spins the sanding pad from 6,000 to 10,000 RPM, with a variable speed control to let you match the removal rate to the application.
The sanding stroke is increased slightly in these models, with a stroke length of 9/64-inch (3mm) compared to the 2mm stroke length on the previous iteration.
Interestingly, Festool decided against a hybrid design with these sanders. The previous iteration was powered by either a battery or an AC adapter, and we enjoyed the versatility. However, there’s another change that hints at why these models aren’t hybrid.
The ETSC 2 125 and ETSC 2 150 are exclusively powered by the brand’s BP 18 HPC-ASI (18V) batteries, which are compatible with most of the other Festool 18V tools. That’s a major change. Even though the hybrid models were 18V, they had an elongated battery form that was different from the majority of Festool’s 18V lineup. The new sanders run on the same batteries and interface as the rest of the line, so there’s much greater cross compatibility.
While that’s great for people invested in that battery system, it’s also a good reason to lose the hybrid function. Sanders are relatively low-power tools, and you wouldn’t want to try to run your cordless Kapex on an AC adapter suited for sanding power levels.
Festool Cordless Orbital Sander Design
- Weight: 2 lbs
- LED ring light
- Customizable light modes
- Dust collection bag
As I mentioned, the area where these sanders really stand out is in their design. Festool equipped them with an onboard LED ring light to help illuminate your work area and see imperfections more clearly. You can set the light between three modes: full brightness, 50% dimmed, or off.
You can also fine-tune the brightness settings and afterglow time using the Festool app (for Android and iOS) on your mobile device.
The brilliance is in the placement—low on the tool. By casting light out from a low angle, imperfections cast shadows more easily. It’s a similar concept to Festool’s drywall inspection light from a while back. It’s also helpful as you’re working into corners and keeping an eye on the edge of your sanding disc.
These sanders’ low-profile design allows for easy one-handed operation and keeps you close to the work surface for better control. Both models are lightweight, at just 2 pounds bare, which is handy for both flat surfaces and overhead work to reduce fatigue.
Additionally, the Festool ETSC 2 125 and ETSC 2 150 sanders are fitted with a dust collection bag that keeps your work area clean. While you still have the option to connect a 1 1/6-inch vacuum hose (or other Festool vacuum accessories) to the dust port if you prefer, the included dust bags are valuable for those who prefer a truly tetherless experience.
Festool Cordless Orbital Sander Price
The 5-inch ETSC 2 125-Basic sander retails for $399 as a bare tool and $565 as a kit, including two 4.0Ah batteries and a charger. Both configurations also come with a Systainer SYS3 M 187 carrying case.
The 6-inch ETSC 2 150-Basic sander sells for $499 bare and $665 for the kit, which also comes with two 4.0Ah batteries and a charger. Like the 5-inch model, both 6-inch configurations include a Systainer SYS3 M 187.
Should You Buy It?
If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your sanding rig, these two new Festool cordless orbital sanders deliver high-performance, low-swirl action to achieve a perfect finish. The LED ring light addition is also a really nice touch, giving you more confidence in the finished quality of your project. While Festool nixed the hybrid power functionality, getting back to the base 18V battery system is a win.
However, since they run on battery power, you need to plan for cycling batteries. For those of you doing production-level sanding in shops, the unlimited runtime of Festool’s corded models is still your best bet, even though none of them sport the new LED light (yet).
