Advice on new tool purchase

[Nanod]

I was wondering if you guys could tell me if it would be worth buying the centrotec-installers-set-zobo-bits if I don't have any festool drills yet? Reason being is because I think they are a limited item and would hate to mise out if that makes any sense!!!

Also advice on which sander I should buy next? I already have the rotex 150 it's great but it's huge I'm needing something smaller. I'm thinking maybe the rotex 90 or the ets 125. Most of my work is cabinets and furniture just thought I would let you know what I did so you could give me the best desecion!!!

Thanks in advance!!!!

 

[Kev]

Personally I would jump at a Centrotec installer set if I didn't have one already, I have an earlier set and separate Zobos.

Sanders? Depends on your needs, but with a RO150 in hand, you couldn't go wrong getting a RO90 or even a DTS400. The ETS150/3 is also a lovely sander for finish work if you have the same surface area needs but just want something lighter. The RO90 has very broad application though ... get it. [big grin]

 

[Stephen B]

If you are into furniture, ETS150/3 and ETS 125; a joy to use.
Both, but particularly the 125 are sensitive to vac setting, turn down to at least 1/3. You could consider a sheet sander.

 

[farmmachine]

The RO90 is very versatile and capable of hard work or refined work for finishes. I used mine today to finish up a project for one of my wife's Christmas gifts (feel like a schoolboy making a shop project for mom!). Had limited time and I just breezed through two-sided sanding and using the two head actions to expedite. No sawdust on my shoes to give away I had been in the shop, thanks to the CT26. See Parfit's YouTube on the RO90 for confirmation of its capabilities.

Merry Christmas to all.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

The installers set is really a great value, at least to me.  Having everything in one spot is nice and these are high quality bits.  I bought mine pre-Zobo options, but it would be something I would get, especially if you plan on adding a Festool drill at some point.  I am debating picking up a Zobo set but have not quite decided.  They are super nice bits.  I would either get a DTS400 or RO90 -- having the delta pad is a perfect compliment to the RO150.  If you want to stick round, then I would get an ETS150/3 to supplement the RO. 

Scot

 

[sancho57]

I got the installers set with separate Zobos. Glad i did. The installer set came with extra drill bits to replace the ones in the kit. Zobos I dont use in the course of a day or project but are awesome when they are needed.

I got the RO 90 ad 150, My next sander is going to be a RTS 400.

 

[BMH]

I got the last Centrotec installer kit with the Zobos. I though at the time that it was quite expensive but came very fast to the conclusion that it was a great deal. I use them all of the time mostly with the CSX and the T15 for the Zobos.For a cabinet maker or installer they are a must. The bad news is,  all of your other drill bits will suck.

Sanders you are correct the RO 90 and the ETS 125 is the way to go and the DTS 400 and ETS 150/3 would be next.

 

[Sparktrician]

On sanders, I really love the combination of RO 125 and ETS 125 since they share abrasives.  The addition of the RO 90 with the delta pad was one of the best purchases I could have made.  The RTS 400 is great as a complement to the other three and gets into corners very nicely where the round pads and abrasives won't reach. 

 

[Howad]

I love (that's capital LOVE) the Zobos and my RO 90.  my Ti15 does bind up and stall when drilling with the larger diameter zobos but I'm able to get through 1X lumber well enough - not a problem for me so far.  Love the 90 for all the reasons mentioned - very versatile.  I make a lot of cabinets and find the 90 indispensable for face frames and preping cabs for finish.

 

[Holzhacker]

Buy the installers set, keeps everything in one place. So much more efficient when doing cabinets, etc. What I need is in 1 sys and 1 sortainer, no searching around.
I'd also recommend the RO 90 or 150/3. The ets 125 is a nice sander but I don't see it as a cabinet or furniture sander. My ets gets used for drywall, basic sanding for trims that need to be smoothed out a bit, etc, not very fine work.
The RO and then the 150/3 make a great finishing combo from my experience.

 

[Nanod]

Thanks to all you guy for the advise! It was pretty unanimous on both tools. So I end up buying the Centrotec installer set with the zobo bits and the rotex 90. Now I'm going to be like a kid for the next few day waiting at the door for my prize!!

I have read here on the fog about getting bitten by the green kool-aid bug!!! I never thought it would happen to me but I guess I've been stung because I can't stop buying festool's. I just bought those tools this morning and I'm already trying to figure out what I'm going to buy next!!

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Congrats!  What Zobo kit did you get -- Imperial or Metric?

Scot