Any reviews comparing original RO1E Rotex to the new RO 150?

[luvmytoolz]

Hi all, I have the original RO1E Rotex I bought new I think in the early 1980's from memory, and while it's been a great sander, I recently picked up the RO90 which has completely blown me away with just how good it is. I think it's my new favourite sander!

So it's now got me thinking, is the new model 150 Rotex significantly better than the RO1E making it worth buying, or is it more like an incremental upgrade in which case I'm better just sticking with the old RO1E?

I do have the ETS EC models, so finishing I'm well covered for, more looking for the fast aggressive action for where the abrasive planer isn't suitable.

Very interested in others thoughts, especially those who may have been exposed to both models.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Hi, your RO1E is so old that to my knowledge, it has never been discussed here.

And yes, the current RO150 is a significant upgrade in power, dust collection and ergonomics compared to your vintage model.

The current RO150, RO125 and RO90 are very similar except for their size.

For those who don't know, the RO1E is this one:

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[luvmytoolz]

Yeah it is pretty old, so old in fact it came in a quite large grey metal case as was standard for the early Festo tools!

I can imagine at the very least the ergonomics would be far better, while pretty sensational when it came out, it's akin to using an angle grinder at times and can be awkward to hold for long sanding sessions. Not much in the way of ergonomics, or even anything approaching a semi comfortable grip with the RO1E!

If the new RO 150 is anywhere near as good as the RO 90, then I may have made up my mind!

 

[Michael Kellough]

Looks a lot like my the first Bosch 150 RO. Bosch is now on the third generation but I don’t have the Festool version for direct comparison.

 

[Bertotti]

One of the best Festool purchases I made was the RO150. I haven't used the older model but the Ro150 I have had a year or so now and have refinished floors, finished cabinets, and engraved projects with it. I love it. I also have the RO90 which I bought first because of some toe kick areas I needed to get at. The RO90 had a significantly steeper learning curve than the RO150 and is still more of a challenge to control compared to the RO150, for me. I have small hands and the RO150 doesn't seem too big as with anything rotary control is determined more by the control of holding it level to the surface and the angle the vacuum hose might add some attention, control those and it is smooth sailing! After a couple of hours with the RO150, I can use it with one hand but it is easier with two. Virtually no dust, the ct 26 catches almost all. I am using granat paper.

 

[forestmount]

I have no experience with the RO1 but I have both the RO90 and RO150. I bought the 150 as my first Festool and first proper dust extraction system. It was amazed with how good this sander performs. It was the first time I sanded with a smile on my face. I then bought the RO90 to help with smaller areas, it is a good sander but the RO150 is always my go to.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I've never seen or even heard of that particular sander. It does indeed look more like an angle grinder than the newer models.

 

[luvmytoolz]

It does handle and feel exactly like a grinder and you really needed the handle fitted to control it, and especially so if you don't get the angle of approach just right, it can bounce around heaps till you get it balanced on the work.

Don't get me wrong though, back in the day it was an absolutely amazing tool and it does work well, but after buying the RO90 which is just an astounding sander, I think I definitely want the newer 150 now!

 

[luvmytoolz]

After watching this video and seeing online reviews, I'll definitely be updating to the new Rotex the next time a specials on!

Was a bit funny the oldest Rotex they had in the video is still 20 years younger than mine!