Any reason I should choose the RO150 over the RO125?

[sessler2013]

I have plenty of 125mm sand paper and that is why I am thinking Ro 125 but is their a reason I should go with the 150 sander? I am currently a student, and do small remodeling jobs build decks as well a build custom furniture, and do custom furniture restorations. I understand the 150 has 40% more surface area but what other reason do you have as to why I should or shouldn't? [smile]

 

[ccarrolladams]

My first question is how much of your current 125mm (5") abrasives made for use on Festool sanders? The primary feature of Festool sanders is the center hole. The Festool sanders force air from the sander fan out that center hole. The outer ring of hole allow the dust extractor to remove the dust.

If you use non-Festool abrasives which will not have the center hole, the exhause air from the sander fan cannot escape, causing the Festool sander to over heat.

Actually it sounds like the work you are doing can be handled well by an RO 125. Just remember that not all 5" discs are the same and non-Festool discs will harm Festool sanders.

 

[Bob Marino]

A few reasons to consider the RO 150 over the RO 125 would be larger pad size/surface area, resulting in way quicker sanding and equally as important is with that larger pad size, you tend to get less pulling from the sander. IMHO, the RO 150 pulls less/ is smoother than the RO125 with its smaller pad.

Bob

 

[sessler2013]

My first question is how much of your current 125mm (5") abrasives made for use on Festool sanders? The primary feature of Festool sanders is the center hole. The Festool sanders force air from the sander fan out that center hole. The outer ring of hole allow the dust extractor to remove the dust.

If you use non-Festool abrasives which will not have the center hole, the exhause air from the sander fan cannot escape, causing the Festool sander to over heat.

Actually it sounds like the work you are doing can be handled well by an RO 125. Just remember that not all 5" discs are the same and non-Festool discs will harm Festool sanders.

All of my abrasives are Festool abrasives that I use with my ETS125.

 

[ccarrolladams]

Okay, since you already own a selection of 125mm Festool abrasives, it would make sense to buy an RO 125 to go with your ETS125.

Of course Bob Marino is correct, the 150mm/6" Festool sanders cover a larger area. I agree with Bob, my experience has been the 150mm sanders are easier to handle. I own all of the current Festool sanders and the ones I use the least are the 125s. But before the RO 90 DX was available I used my 125mm sanders more often.

 

[deepcreek]

I have both the RO 125 and the ETS 125.  One led to the other and each has its place.  I like having a common paper size between the two but the "dual use"  grits are less than you would think.  I would never use the ETS for coarse work and rarely use the Rotex for fine finish work.

 

[GregBradley]

A few reasons to consider the RO 150 over the RO 125 would be larger pad size/surface area, resulting in way quicker sanding and equally as important is with that larger pad size, you tend to get less pulling from the sander. IMHO, the RO 150 pulls less/ is smoother than the RO125 with its smaller pad.
Bob

This is exactly correct. The RO125 has the steepest learning curve of any of them. In other words, you will feel incompetent using it for a longer time until you get the feel for it and learn how to use it. The RO150 feels like more of a beast than the RO125 before you turn it on. The RO125 wants to get away from you far more than the RO150 after you turn it on and put it to work.