Festool 576070 Random Orbital Sander ETS 125 REQ-Plus - Smooth

In this review of the Festool 576070 Random Orbital Sander ETS 125 REQ-Plus the bottom line is straightforward: this is a one-handed finishing tool aimed at woodworkers and tradespeople who need a compact, low-vibration sander for high-quality surface work. The ETS 125 stands out for its fine 5/64' (2.0 mm) sanding stroke and balanced vibration-stop design, which together deliver an exceptionally smooth finish and comfortable extended use. It is especially useful where dust control, pad life, and consistent results matter most.

Key Features

• Ergonomic design: The body is formed to fit comfortably in any size hand, reducing fatigue during extended vertical or overhead tasks.
• Compact and lightweight: At about 2.4 lbs it is easy to handle for one-handed sanding on walls, cabinets, and trim without tiring quickly.
• Step-less variable speed: The adjustable speed control lets the user match abrasion rate to the material and grit for better control over the finish.
• Balanced Vibration Stop: The VS balancing reduces vibration for smoother operation and a higher quality final surface.
• Jetstream dust extraction: The integrated dust removal system keeps the work area cleaner and extends abrasive and pad life.
• New SysGen3 Systainer: The sander ships in the updated Systainer for convenient storage and transport.

Who It's For

The ETS 125 is aimed at professional finishers, cabinet makers, and hobbyists who prioritize surface quality and comfort during prolonged work sessions. Its one-handed capability and low weight make it a good choice for sanding vertical surfaces and overhead detail where control and low fatigue are important.

Those who primarily need heavy stock removal or large-floor sanding might look elsewhere for larger orbit diameters or more aggressive machines, but anyone focused on final sanding, pre-finishing, and fine woodworking will find this tool well suited to the task.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent dust collection thanks to the Jetstream design, keeping work areas cleaner and abrasives lasting longer.
• Very low vibration and comfortable ergonomics make extended use far less tiring than comparable sanders.
• Compact weight and one-handed operation are ideal for vertical and overhead sanding tasks.
• Variable speed and the fine 5/64' (2.0 mm) stroke produce a consistently smooth finish.

Cons

• Not intended for heavy stock removal; its strength is finishing rather than aggressive material removal.
• Premium design and features mean a higher upfront cost compared with basic random-orbit sanders.

Specifications

Model	ETS 125 REQ-Plus
Sanding stroke	5/64' (2.0 mm)
Weight	Approximately 2.4 lbs
Speed control	Step-less variable speed
Dust system	Jetstream design for efficient extraction
Vibration control	Balanced Vibration Stop (VS)
Storage	New SysGen3 Systainer included

Our Verdict

The Festool ETS 125 REQ-Plus is a high-value finishing sander for anyone who needs a smooth, low-vibration one-handed machine. Its combination of a fine stroke, excellent dust extraction, and ergonomic balance make it worth the investment for finishers and woodworkers who prioritize surface quality and comfortable extended use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this sander good for overhead sanding?
The ETS 125 is compact and light at about 2.4 lbs, making it well suited for vertical and overhead work.

Does it control dust effectively?
Yes, the Jetstream dust extraction design provides highly efficient dust removal for cleaner air and longer abrasive life.

Can it be used for heavy material removal?
Not ideally; the ETS 125's 5/64' (2.0 mm) stroke and design favor finishing and pre-sanding rather than aggressive stock removal.