your advice: Tormek T-3, Festool ETS 125 etc

[Jerry Olexa]

Have an opportunity to buy locally :

TORMEK T-3 sharpening system asking $125
FESTOOL ETS 125 sander asking $100
older DELTA air cleaning unit (ceiling mounted) ask $75

Haven't seen yet....My questions are: Are these good models or "older" not so good?....Are the asking prices reasonable?

As always, I'll appreciate your comments/input....Thank you in advance

[Greg R Bradley]

ETS125 is an old model in the old style systainer. It is also one of the poorest Festool Sanders. The new ETS125 EQ in the new systainer is $195 list price and is probably worth $100 used.

However, it will probably sell to someone that doesn't understand the difference.

[Ruperto Mendiones]

If you need a wet-wheel sharpening system and can live with the smaller diameter grindstone, the T3 appears to be a good buy. I use the T7 plus waterstones. I am assuming the quality and design features of the T3 are similar.

[Jerry Olexa]

Thank you Glen..It is the ETS 125 EQ model...My mistake....Thanks

[Rich Riddle]

Jerry,

I like my Festool 125 sander, but the garage isn't a production shop. Nearly all folks have nothing but good things to say about the Tormek.

[Chris Merriam]

Ets 125 just depends on if you want a 5 or 6 inch disk. Sure it's just an inch, but that's 20% more coverage per pass if you go for the 150. Otherwise the two sanders are quite similar.

[Marc Burt]

All the prices are fair imo. The Festool is relatively cheap to ship, if you decide you don't like it you could probably offload it for what you paid.

[Frederick Skelly]

Buy the festool and the tormek Jerry! I would.

[Jerry Olexa]

Seems you guys like the Tormek and Festool deals..Couldn't get model number of Jet air cleaner but it has no remote or timer meaning it must be an older model...Hmmm.

[Jerry Olexa]

Further question: I've had bad experience with waterstones in past (mostly the messiness, dripping water , soaking stones, etc.). Will the Tormek be a different (less Messy) experience? Thanks in advance

[Davis Young]

My friend researched the difference when considering T3 vs T7. The main drawback for me on the T3 is the motor is half duty whereas the T7 is continuous duty. Not a big deal for some but I do get into a sharpening jag occasionally.

[Frederick Skelly]

I had a clone of a tormek briefly Jerry. I didnt find it too messy - I bought a cookie sheet to put under it and that controlled the little bit of splashover very well.

[Charles Bjorgen]

Removing the water tray can result in spillage. I now use a turkey baster to empty most of the water into a second container and that has solved that problem. A cookie sheet as others have suggested also is a good idea.


Further question: I've had bad experience with waterstones in past (mostly the messiness, dripping water , soaking stones, etc.). Will the Tormek be a different (less Messy) experience? Thanks in advance

[Jerry Olexa]

This should be my last question: How wide a plane iron/blade can this TORMEK T-3 handle (#6, #7, #8 etc)? Hate to purchase and find out it doesn't handle those larger plane irons (80% of my sharpening)..thanks again..

[Davis Young]

This should be my last question: How wide a plane iron/blade can this TORMEK T-3 handle (#6, #7, #8 etc)? Hate to purchase and find out it doesn't handle those larger plane irons (80% of my sharpening)..thanks again..
The straight edge jig (SE-76, comes with the machine so make sure seller includes it) will accommodate 3" so #8 should be no problem. The 2-5/8" will be wider than the stone, but of course you will be moving the jig back and forth along the universal support so the truing tool (TT-50) might be handy to keep the stone consistent. Other standard equipment consist of the angle master, honing compound, handbook, and DVD.

[Jerry Olexa]

Got the TORMEK but by time I got there, the Festool sander was sold...Decided not to pursue the Delta air cleaner..No timer or remote..
Thanks Davis for your insight...Yes all those accessories came with including a grinding stone (often omitted)..Now I understand the sliding nature.
I feel good about the purchase and looking forward to set up and trial....THANKS to all of you!! You helped me make a sound buying decision..!!

[Joey Zeleny]

If you need a wet-wheel sharpening system and can live with the smaller diameter grindstone, the T3 appears to be a good buy. I use the T7 plus waterstones. I am assuming the quality and design features of the T3 are similar.

I have a T3, have had it for over a decade now. It's worked well for me and I use it pretty actively.