I have had a chance to test them out.  Great sander, if you have ever used pneumatic.  The feel is so close and the control is outstanding.  They can be aggressive or delicate depending on abrasive and settings.  The best part, was the Mirka rep had them hooked up to his trusty Festool CT!  Just a little odd to see that bright yellow systainer!

Gee, Paul.  I just saw the ad in Fine Woodworking and came here to ask that exact question.  It looks like the 125mm and 150mm CEROS sanders cost $499 while the RO125 costs $514.25 and the RO150 costs $635.25 (all Canadian prices).

I've used the Mirka discs previously and they work really well, even on my Makita with the stock pad.  I like the low weight/balance point and the video shows some interesting features.  I got a laugh at how at the end of the video they say to switch off the tool, switch off the transformer, unplug the tool, and unplug the transformer... all to change the disc!

Dan,

Do you recall if the Mirka rep had the sander hooked up directly to the CT, or was an adapter needed?

It is probably so expensive because it comes with its own separate transformer. The sander itself runs on 22 VDC so you can use it for wet sanding.

if you are happy with the festool i would send it in or give the guys a call. Shane has the numbers in his signiture.

Chris-
It was hooked directly to the CT.  As you can see in Dovetail's pic there is a round hose adapter, and that fit the standard CT hose without issues.  It is really a great sander and the feel/comfort is the best electric sander I have ever used.

It used the rubber end- no modifications needed.  Mirka intentionally made their Ceros work with other manufacturers dust collection (Festool specifically).  Also no accident it is in a systainer.

Well I hope it's a great sander, I just ordered one...

First time I ever thought "Maybe I should save some money and buy a Festool.."

I'll let you guys know how it works.

Bill

I am considering selling my ro150 to get a ceros.
Does anyone here own both? I'm wondering if I'm doing the right thing or not.

I seldom use the rotex mode. I use the palm sander to make floor samplesnbut mostly it's used to remove edger marks prior to staining a hardwood floor.

I have carpel tunnel in both wrists and would love a powerful one  handed sander.

Thanks for your insight.

Mirco,

Is this behaviour a result of the hardness (or otherwise) of the pad, rather than the action of the sander? Would the Mirka do a better job taking off the veneer tape with a different pad?

I'll see if I can get harder pad.
I checked both machines and they have about the same soft/hardness, I really think the RO series sanders have different mechanics, I have always compared them to beltsanders when in Rotex mode.

Mirko

Anyone know if the 8mm orbit ceros is going to be available in the u.s.?

I just bought one of Friday and just love it!  Light weight, quiet and very powerful.  I hooked it hook up to my CT22 and almost zero dust.  I was looking at an RO 125 and I have to say I'm so glad I pickup this.

What speed setting are you using it at.  I find the top speed gives some vibration but the others are great.  Top speed has similar vibration to a Rotex but is much easier to handle.  The ETS 150/3 probably is a bit smoother, but at it's top speed it is only comparable to mid range on the Ceros as far as effectiveness.

While i have only been using mine for a week I believe that in mid grit ranges ( 80 - 220) it blows the Rotex out of the water.  It is much easier to handle so you can be very precise with stock removal and it glides over the surface in finish sanding.  I was balancing it on a 7/8" face frame and using it on vertical panels to remove stock, two things that would be very challenging to do with my RO125 without some dishing or edge rounding.  At the top two speed settings it really is similar to a rotary mode sander, when you turn it off you can see the pad spin for a long time.  While I have not done any polishing yet I am sure it is up to the task.

Dust extraction is comparable with a Rotex, you will get some spin off at top speeds.  It seemed my ETS150/3 had better extraction, but it was doing the same work in twice the time.  I sold it to buy the Ceros and am not disappointed in my decision.  Now I just have to test the Ceros at finish removal with lower grits, if it passes that test the RO125 is going up for sale as well.

Hehe, NO WAY!