Festool ETS EC 150/5 Orbital Sander. Why This Sander? Review and Demonstration.

[@michaell8835]

I did buy this model based on your review John, and I'm absolutely blown away with how good it is. Thank you for the review! I have various other sanders, including Dewalt, and they have honestly not been used once since getting this. The thing that gets me about Festool kit (took me a long time to catch on), is just how quiet and peaceful they are to use, such a monumental step up. Dust extraction is flipping amazing too, the Festool vac too is such a joy after years of the harsh and loud noise from the 'other' kit. I'm now a Festool believer, and justified so.

[@shaywaldron3877]

Bought the 125 and got same fantastic results. Buy once cry once. Absolutely Worth it Was leaning towards the mirka but saw too many issues so only option was festool. Nice and light and perfect results no dust in air or bench. Keep up the grest content.

[@KingKurok]

“Buy once cry once”😅

[@neflardio]

You can use a rubber floor mat between the work piece and worktop to prevent the workpiece from walking around while sanding.

[@truthserum9157]

I have 6 deferent Festool sanders and the dust collection, and I must say I have all deferent brands of power tools but when it comes to sanders, it’s the best.

[@erictinker7328]

Thank you, for a good and informative video. I’ve now ordered this sander. Will use it when repainting my wordrobe doors with linseed oil based paint, sanding between the layers of paint.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@daversj]

Both are great sanders. I was looking for the same sanding solution…5mm orbit for both heavy and fine sanding. I ended up with the Mirka because at the time the 5mm stroke Festool wasn’t available. I have had no issues with my Mirka 4 years later and like the lighter weight, no regrets. You can even sand spackle overhead without dust….just avoid high speed. Amazing sanders.

[@daves7104]

I use the 3mm for sanding down plaster compound. This model on about half speed can suction itself to the ceiling if I hold the hose. Not kidding

[@davidhull1610]

I have the 3mm version for fine finishing work...it is an exceptional tool and built like a tank...it's the kind of tool you can use day after day for years. Yes it's expensive, but you really get what you pay for with the machine and the after sales service. If I were a gambling man, I would start a book on how long it will be before you add another festool to the shed....it's an addiction!

[@gow03333]

Quite right , I have the plunge saw , what a joy to use , I'm looking at tables , which would be best , 3 or 5 mm?

[@truthserum9157]

@@gow03333 3 is for sanding finishes, 5 is for sanding wood.

[@gow03333]

@@truthserum9157 many thanks

[@gentleimpact3580]

Have fun with the new toy! Have been using mine now for over 4 years, best sander I ever bought. Going strong as day one, no complaints at all. 150/5 all the way, goes through material like a hog if needed, but also leaves a great finish.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Good to hear

[@dalebabbitt6185]

Great video, thank you!!! Festool is the BEST. More expensive, but, you get what you pay for. Thanks again!!!

[@darrinmc]

Great review. Made up my mind to get one. I consider the flimsiness of the Systainers to be a feature. They are considerably lighter than the packout boxes. I find the packout boxes to be bulky though I do have a few for applications where the box might take some abuse.

[@AntonRiddell1810]

Went through the same process of deciding what to buy. Like you I was torn between Mirka and Festool. I’ve never looked back and I’m 100% glad I went with the Festool. Awesome piece of kit. It actually makes sanding enjoyable, just because the finish is so good.

[@JimmeShelter]

Yep. Look at the sapile toward the end of the video. No finish yet, but you can actually see his reflection in the sanded board...

[@pokeba3299]

Best demo of the Festool benefits. Very persuasive! Thank for sharing!

[@EddyCarroll]

Great review, John - I have the ETS EC150/3 and love it. Another benefit of the excellent dust collection is that the sanding discs last a lot longer since they don't get clogged up as fast. I've found the Systainers pretty sturdy, but they stay in my workshop all time. They work fine as an occasional step stool though 😊

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

They are not bad, its just when compared to the pack out they feel a bit meh!

[@kimchi3872]

I love your workshop and video. What size shed is that if I may ask? I would love something similar for my yard

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

my shed is 6mx8m or roughly 20x30 feet

[@markpope6162]

Hi John, a spookily timed video as I’m thinking of upgrading my ROS from a cheap and cheerful Makita to a Festool. “Buy once cry once” is excellent advice :-)

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Hope it was helpful!

[@markpope6162]

@@JohnMcGrathManInShed If you mean by helping to empty my wallet, then yes very helpful! 😂

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

🤣

[@DelH555]

Great Review John, dust extraction is phenomenal. I have a bosch sander & it doesn't even come close to that. I like the "buy once, cry once". Never heard that one before. Thanks 👍🏻

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Glad you liked it Derek 👍

[@ignacymat]

i get that you hate the quality of the systainer by itself comparing it to builder's equipment but keep in mind that it's mostly marketed towards more precise crowd. and then there's three things, how easy they stack with each other, how good are the drawers and how they connect with the festool vacuum. as a small bonus, the smallest ones are the same size as kapex table and you can easily stand on them

[@sekainiheiwa3650]

More robust more heavy . Festool boxes perfect . The dude just wanted to sound “special”

[@myfaceback100]

They are a great sander no doubt I went with the rotex 150 as you are able to use it as belt and finisher and car polisher

[@daves7104]

I've got both and went for the 3mm ETS for fine finish. Anything heavy duty I grab the Rotex. That thing is a weapon!

[@irelmo69]

I bought the rotex for versatility. In geared mode it really does chew off some material. Not the easiest to control and it is quite heavy.

[@pf5658]

I don’t understand why people always say it’s difficult to control. If you hold the sander properly then it is very easy to control. Many videos on YT showing this too.

[@daves7104]

Yep.. hang on! It's an absolute beast of a sander

[@daves7104]

​@@pf5658depends what you're sanding, but at the end of the day it's a 700w sander and when in rotary mode especially if the surface isn't dead flat it requires a bit if grunt to keep it on track. Also consider your not using it for 5 minutes and after a few hours general fatigue sets in. It's a powerful unit

[@francoisf195]

Thanks a lot for the video and feedback. I'm still hesitating between this sander and the Mirka Deros, especially because of a really important price difference between both (Mirka really less expensive). A bit afraid with potential reliability issues from the Mirka. On first impression, the classic On/Off button, and the classic speed scroll wheel of the Festool have my preference, but I never tried Mirka tools... Those who had no issues seem to be really happy with it 🤔

[@daves7104]

Get the Festool

[@carlb401]

This sander is on my list of sanders to choose from. As for the systainers i have been using Festool for about 8yrs now as a site chippie. I have dropped them many times and they have not broken. :)

[@Adrock_U]

I agree. I had some pack out boxes and they just seemed to waste so much space! Love the systainer footprint.

[@Hand-i-Craft]

Brilliant piece of kit John, a great choice indeed and thanks for the mention👍😀

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

No problem 👍

[@arnoldschaeffer4026]

Great video. I was wondering how is the dust extraction when sanding something like a face frame where the complete sanding pad is not in contact with the wood?

[@lendevonuk5479]

Good presentation John…starting to enjoy your blogs. Am about to buy the Festool sander, but probably with the 3mm stroke! Also, value your comments regarding the Festool sustainers…..I agree with you, there is better around. Hilti do a very good version. Keep up the good work.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Thanks Len

[@kubilayylmaz1716]

Hi John, i bought Bosch get 75 150 sanding machine it's very powerful to use for oak wood,but my problem after using my hands get numb, tingling, even couldn't sleep cos of the pain it's horrible to much vibration and to difficult to control.i give up the machine .my question is this Festool etc ec 5 will work for the oak,hard maple wood to remove old table stain? It's powerfull enough? Does make your hand tingling after using a while? Thanks .

[@bradleytuckwell4854]

I’m leaning towards the festool it’s got so much going for it. Great review thanks for sharing

[@jwar2163]

Thanks for the review. I was looking for a new sander and I will look closer at the Festool ETS EC 150 /5 EQ . I have gone thru so many Dewalt and Ridged that I could have purchased 3 of these units.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Hope it helps.

[@kellym3610]

Currently have a ts75, df500, next is a dust extractor, then this sander.

[@danmoyer8191]

Great review! In a recent video, Sedge at SedgeTool advised not to sand with grit beyond 180 on bare wood because higher grits will plug the pores from getting filled with a pore filler or a wash coat. (I think he stated this on his "Wash Coat Basics" video.) His opinion is that higher grits are for smoothing / polishing a finish. First time I've heard of stopping at 180 grit on bare wood. Thoughts? He also said in the Festool Live video about sanding to not set the suction level too too high on the shop vac / dust extractor (assuming it has a motor speed control.) Too high of a vacuum will pull the sander into the wood causing it more likely to create pig tail swirls. First time I heard that too.... always learning!

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

It really depends on the wood some closed pour woods can take it like maple, the more open pour woods not so much. Too much suction is not good, bad for the motor and potentially the finish but again depends on the sander, also pushing down on the sander can cause issues, let the sander do the work as they say.

[@JaimetheNomad]

Great review! I just ordered this one too because I wanted a jack of all trades model and this should be perfect for me! Super excited to see for myself what the hype is about haha. Currently my only Festool is a dust extractor

[@keggyification]

Yes it's expensive but is it worth it? From your clear review it's only too apparent that yes it most definitely is. Thanks for the information John, keep up the good work.

[@hansgrovdahl5360]

I have definitely took the green pill! They are all amazing in their own way! RO 90 is next

[@Barry.ONeill]

Do you think sanding with the sander at full speed is faster or just burns through sanding pads? My old boss always said it sanded faster set at lilke 1 or 2 speed. Festool sander, working in a autobody shop

[@jimrosseter7958]

Get yourself a spare festool power lead and you can create your own quick connect cable. Just done this after copying your quick connect lead and dust hose video.

[@samrix5793]

I've got this Sander and it's great!

[@1micler]

Very informative John, helped me make up my mind and opt for the same model.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Glad it helped

[@dalebabbitt6185]

What are you using for a dust extractor?

[@rgarriock69]

That’s what I was wondering also

[@murphyrp01]

Nice video John. I think I’ll be buying one very soon

[@paultay23]

Great video John and looks like a great sander and I considered it but I plumped for the Mirka Deros 5650CV 5/150 and it’s a game changer for me with my arthritic hands. Also the Mirka Novastar discs are indestructible, but I agree about the abranet, you need to keep away from any edges.

[@markrose1348]

Excellent review! I was just wondering how the vibration is on your hand now that you’ve been using it for awhile? Is it pretty good with little vibration or do you feel like you need to give you hand a break after a bit to let the “tingling” die down? Thanks!

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Its pretty good better then any sander I have had, but it's still important to take breaks.

[@handyjim]

great vid been using dewalt cordless but very noisy so now and very seriously now considering this even though it expensive

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Glad I could help

[@WE-vd8ux]

How does the ets ec 150/5 perform on vertical surfaces with its ergonomic? Any other machine you would recommend for this kind of work?

[@joeshaft]

"get the money together".... aka half a mornings work for a spark! yeooo!

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

😂🤣 I wish

[@SandyMasquith]

Thanks John! I’ve been looking at a Festool track saw, and a new dust extractor (Festool is on the list). I think a decent sander is probably a very good idea!

[@kanedNunable]

if you want to save some cash the erbauer track saw is a bloody bargain. i got one expecting it to be crap but its a brilliant bit of kit for the money

[@Audioventura]

how did the sawdust end up under the sanding pad?

[@matthewstrack]

What is the wooden box in the background? I thought you referred to it as a toolbox, but when I rewound the clip, could not find the comment.

[@christarmey6398]

Great video John. I recently bought this sander for exactly all the reasons you mentioned. I absolutely love it for its all around ability and dust extraction just as you say. Until I saw this I must say I was wondering if I should have gone for the Rotex 150. So many guys rave about the Rotex and not as many point out the utility of this machine and I think I was feeling a bit inferior! I feel validated- that shouldn't matter but with the prices of this stuff its easy to make yourself crazy. Thanks man, looking forward to more of your videos!

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Glad you like it Chris!

[@gow03333]

Looking at the same , thank you for posting,

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Hope it helps

[@misterfee6467]

Interesting sanding technique

[@moderncabinets6578]

Hi John, how did you find the vibration of this sander, would it be uncomfortable for long periods of sanding? Thanks

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Its pretty smooth 👌, I have had no issues so far. Always need to be careful though with any sanding take plenty of breaks no one want nerve damage

[@pf5658]

Well, I ended up buying the RO150 instead. May still get this one at some point.😊

[@JFKreations]

John have you done any marathon sanding sessions with your Festool yet? I recently broke down and bought a Festool sander too for all the same reasons as you, but I went with the less expensive ETS 125 REQ model. Just couldn’t quite bring myself to spend $500 on a sander, not yet at least. You’re right, these Festool sanders are leaps and bounds above the prosumer brands like my old Ridgid sander. The finish and dust collection are outstanding. But I’m still experiencing vibration issues on those long marathon sanding sessions. My hands and fingers still go numb with pins and needles after a while. So much so I even bought a pair of anti vibration gloves. How is the vibration on your Festool sander? For your viewers out there who may want to step up their sanding game but not quite ready to spend that $500 on the ETS 150 they should also look at the the ETS 125. It’s about half the price and I can attest that it works fantastic (other than some vibration on long sanding sessions) and it’s still a Festool sander, ooh la la, fancy pants. Keep up the good work John.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

I have not been on a marathon session with it yet so I can't tell you. If you are getting tingling in your hands you have sanded for to long you need to take more breaks. You can get vibration white finger it's pretty serious at the point you are left with tingling the nerves are irritated that can lead to nerve damage. Take care of your hands my friend.

[@JFKreations]

@@JohnMcGrathManInShed yeah sometimes I lose track of time when I’m in my shop. Get in that mindless zone doing boring tasks like sanding. Good advice to make sure to take breaks while sanding. Thanks John.

[@truthserum9157]

@@JFKreations - if you’re doing that much sanding I’d get RO150 Rotex sander and start with 40 grit, I get done in half the time.

[@JFKreations]

@@truthserum9157 yeah I didn’t want to spend the money on the rotex. But maybe I should in the near future. How/why is the rotex better for the long sanding sessions?

[@truthserum9157]

@@JFKreations - it’s a super aggressive sander, it has 2 modes, a geared forced rotation, like a slow grinder, the other is a random orbit but with a forced rotation, I tell you the only thing that’s more aggressive is a belt sander, it’s that fast.

[@rjcooling2116]

Welcome to the dark side! Won’t be the last bit of Festool kit that you buy!!! 😄

[@FryChicken]

I'm ashamed at how much time I've spent looking at sanders. I have right now the Bosch GET75-6N (Bosch's Rotax), the ETS 150/3 EC, and the DTS 400. I think I will sell the ETS 150/3 and the DTS 400 and get the 150/5 and the Ro90

[@stuartnurse9390]

Have a look at the protector pad too (p/n 203343) - worth getting to prolong the life of the pad

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Thanks Stuart will do.

[@patrickramsey3299]

I’m interested I the miter saw hood in the back ground . Could you give some info on it

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Its made from an old gazebo, I have a video on it

[@steinbierz]

Great video! After doing what I thought was the proper due diligence in researching, I purchased an ETS EC 125/3. I had no sooner received it and then I started seeing videos saying that the ETS EC 150/5 was the "go-to" for many making comparisons (where were these videos when I was doing my initial research???). I know that I can get a 150mm pad making my sander effectively a 150/3 so my real question is whether I should keep my sander as a 125/3 and purchase a 150/5 or would adding the 150 pad making it a 150/3 close enough and also cheaper? If there is value in owning both, I am willing to make the investment but don't want to throw good money after bad.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

I would wait and see if the 125 does what you need, it all depends on the type of work you are doing.

[@steinbierz]

@@JohnMcGrathManInShed I can't argue that logic. Lately though, I have found myself making purchases that I might have held off on because of supply issues, pricing continuing to go up, etc. I may not do that in this case but I now consider it on anything I am interested in so, who knows.

[@lawman1965]

I get mine tomorrow!

[@garrysnan1210]

Got the mirka in the end really pleased with it. Has transformed my work, speed and quality.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

It looks like a great sander I seriously considered it

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Good choice bud ;-)

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Thanks your video on the Mirka helped 👍

[@jeaneenray6435]

What is your dust going into?

[@lt1376]

I've got to say tho that my dirty cheap bosch orbital sander does not leave a a spec of dust when hooked up the Festool dust extractor... maybe that's what does the trick

[@leehenderson8488]

Hey John, just wondering if you considered the RO150 and if so what made you go for this one as theres not much difference in price. Ive gone for the RO and waiting for it to arrive but now second guessing myself if I should have gone for the same as yours.

[@colinwilson7524]

Great vid john. Are you going to change the plug end of the festool to work with your dust extractor & universal power connector?

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

I will do

[@richtapper476]

Great video John! Question where did you get that miter saw hood? Looks like a good option.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

I made it from an old gazebo, I have a video on it

[@timothysteadham331]

Which dust extractor did you use?

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

I use a record power dx4000

[@fergalhopkins1230]

Have you got a link or a part number to the bosch sander you considered

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

GET 55-125 and the GET 55-150

[@DirkieB]

Now that you have a festool sander with it's proprietary connector, will you be refitting your tracksaw (and other tools) *again* but with the festool plugs? :)

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

No I'll just put a neutrik connector on the Festool lead

[@three-phase562]

Nice video, sounds like a good investment you made, hopefully it will give you many years of service.

[@sekainiheiwa3650]

I just ordered even I am just a beginner . Makita drove me crazy

[@kandiecandelaria3134]

What dust extractor do you have?

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Record Power dx4000

[@kandiecandelaria3134]

@@JohnMcGrathManInShed can you use any dust collection system? Is the sander the one that has the most to do with the dustless aspect? I’m sure the dust collection also helps

[@natashawilliams3604]

A girl can dream lol Beautiful performance, thanks for sharing

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Thanks for watching

[@kierannolan8859]

great video John, i see the 3mm stroke sander is 50 quid more up here, wonder whats the difference??

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Its just the orbit I have no idea why its more expensive

[@DebsHill1]

beyond my budget but its tempting. love the lack of dust

[@covo71]

What Milwaukee tools come in a box?

[@hb4519]

Great sander that, I bought the same one for the same reasons you did and I dare say it has made sanding an enjoyable experience. One observation / question, do you find the extraction is too powerful from your double motor unit? I use mine with a midi that I normally turn to minimum power in order to stop it sucking the sander down too hard onto the work piece and compromising the finish (pig tails). You do seem to be getting very good results however so maybe I'm doing it wrong somehow.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

It seems fine I must try it on one motor to see if I can get similar results

[@MCsCreations]

Pretty impressive little tool, John! Great review!!! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@Barry.ONeill]

I use an older one in a body shop its over 10 years old they are the most comfortable on the market pitty ab9ut the prices 🤦‍♂️😤

[@Annaisineire]

Great video John!!!

[@nickwhite973]

Hi John, just wondered why you didn't consider a random orbital sander? Nick White

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

I considered every type of sander, this one just met everything I was looking for

[@JakeBrown321]

Hey John, unless I’m mistaken they don’t do a 110v version. Real shame.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Thought they did, looks like you are right 🤔 they offer other sanders in 110v and 240v why not this one.

[@pf5658]

Great review. I ended up here because I’m looking to buy one. Unfortunately it is very hard to find in stock now as many other products are. Remember that cheap products usually are not that great and and it’s worth spending a bit more to get something that’ll last you many years.

[@theomccall9503]

One sander to rule them all/do it all/, and in the darkness bind them?

[@rodv7779]

Great review mate ... I have the Festool RO 150 and love it, but it is pretty much overkill for some jobs. Was thinking about getting the ETS EC 150/5, and as a result of watching this, my mind is made up. My wife's going to kill me, but what can I do? Cheers to you and yours!

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Glad to help 😆

[@mart0681]

Your wife will get over it, and you'll still have the sander... :-)

[@petrsidlo7614]

wow, what brand is that really tall green sander? never seen anything like this. I went with green bosch, because I didn't want to spend much more and their green line still offers at least some quality at low price point, after a year it still holds, the dust collection works great, except the lower speeds are kind of unusable.

[@cuebj]

I still have some very old very well used Bosch green DiY grade tools, including the large sander - they're all good. I'd say they're better than budget pro like Erbauer

[@petrsidlo7614]

@@cuebj that is good to hear, I a have sander, router and a shopvac. Erbauer is not sold here, but we have plenty other "less than trustworthy" brands on our market

[@microheavy21]

Cue all our US pals going "What the hell is a Christmas selection box ..." Love it. Looks like a great piece of kit, well to wear ! How's the knee ?

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

The knee is not to bad, a bit sore but otherwise good thanks for asking.

[@fugixi]

Great and detailed review!

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@cuebj]

Unfortunately for my annual budget, this is the single most important tool review (demonstration of dust elimination) that I've ever seen. Got DeWalt and Makita palm sanders, and JCB and very old Bosch DiY larger sanders. With Henry as dust extractor, the DiY Bosch is probably best for most jobs. Rest are very disappointing for dust

[@suzymyoko395]

what language do you speak in ireland?

[@michaelplays2449]

Great review ,thanks

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

No problem 👍

[@jevadajones1645]

I purchased a used one as the piece is a bit pricey, but the machine kzbin.infoUgkxG6fbm3cHBd7CNTjk5D-dwYe9c9tCB9ZN has surpassed my expectations. We sand small parts by hand often, sized around 1"x1/2," and specifically look for a piece that's designed to be vertical. The motor has plenty of torque and great speed settings. The only inconvenience I had is that the disk measures 5" where we trim 6" stick-and-sand disks down easily by mounting it then cutting with a box cutter.

[@christycullen2585]

GREAT REVIEW jOHN

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Cheers Christy

[@billofalltrades2633]

Great review!

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Glad you liked it Bill

[@billofalltrades2633]

I'm not that far out of intermediate wood worker but that's the best sander out there. I don't think I'll own one anytime soon but I'd sure like to! 😂

[@dylan-nguyen]

Lol the Festool site says 3mm but then the manual says 5mm I assume /5 meant 5mm then was like wtf when I saw 3mm Someone must’ve copied the wrong info on the site 🤣

[@kanedNunable]

yes it is quite expensive, its 4x the price of the dewalt :P jealous.

[@thewhiskeyshed.4105]

Any whiskey??

[@paulk6509]

John, please go back to your original content. The hand tools were much more appealing. I haven’t watched much of your recent content. I miss the old you. It’s what made you original and appealing. Good luck!

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

I'll have more hand tool projects just as soon as my knee heals from surgery. Planing is quite difficult at the minute. Working with hand tools is my favourite thing to do. I would point out this is the content I have always made. My channel is a mix of hand tools, power tools, tool reviews and workshop related content it has been from the beginning.

[@markkoons7488]

In discussions of dust collection illuminating the work with an inspection light against a black background would be most revealing. That comment is not intended to berate your video. Like you., I buy Festool for their quiet and excellent dust collection.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

I don't think the redish brown Sapele would have stood out any more on a black background then the white kitchen paper

[@duaynenaugle561]

I have the 5” model with a 3mm orbit. , i feel that it was a waste of $500.00. I much prefer the 6”. Ceros with a 5mm orbit. In my opinion it is much lighter ,smoother to operate and produces a better finish which shows up after I staining.

[@debandmike3380]

go buy 20 DeWalt tools and 20 Makita tools and see the mismatched variety of different sized boxes bags and even those that come with nothing and then maybe you'll have a little more appreciation for the fact that the sustainers are all similar size and interlocking for easy storage and transport and organization. Milwaukee packout's are a separate tool purchase technically and sure they're great because you're paying all that extra cash for them and then you get to build all of your inserts either with foam or some other expensive insert method unless you just plan to loosely throw all of your expensive Festool products in them . I have plenty of Milwaukee packouts which I use and I also have plenty of Festool tools and I appreciate each for what it is according to how I organize everything. constantly ranting about the fact that the sustainers are not made of space shuttle grade metals is getting pointless. as you say it's the tool that matters.