Choosing a new sander

[phmade]

I currently have a Bosch 5" ROS that works pretty well.  I'm able to hook it up to my Festool vacuum and sand, and sand, and sand.  The problem is the time it takes to sand; I feel like it takes way longer than it should.  I'm buying some new tools anyway and I'm considering getting a Festool Sander too.  I've looked at the RO 150 because it can be aggressive for leveling a glue up and then switch over to work in the finer grits for finish sanding.  I'm also looking at the RTS400 and the RS2.  I don't know much about the latter two but I do like the larger size because it would seem to be faster. 

Does anyone have any input, suggestions, or feedback?  I'm typically sanding solid wood or veneer plywood - usually doors, drawer faces, and table tops.

Thanks

 

[semenza]

Do you know the stroke size on the Bosch?

It sounds like you build the types of things that I build.  My recommendation would be the ETS150/5.  I have several sanders now. But that was my only sander for a couple years, and was an excellent all around go to sander.  Yes, the Rotex is more aggressive but I have found that even in random orbit mode it is more difficult to get that really fine finish. The ETS can be surprisingly aggressive  when needed , just put the hard pad and a low grit abrasive on it. As far as speed goes, the ETS150 has a bigger pad than your Bosch so that should help quite a bit. I have never found it to seem slow.

Seth

 

[Sparktrician]

Do you know the stroke size on the Bosch?

It sounds like you build the types of things that I build.  My recommendation would be the ETS150/5.  I have several sanders now. But that was my only sander for a couple years, and was an excellent all around go to sander.  Yes, the Rotex is more aggressive but I have found that even in random orbit mode it is more difficult to get that really fine finish. The ETS can be surprisingly aggressive  when needed , just put the hard pad and a low grit abrasive on it. As far as speed goes, the ETS150 has a bigger pad than your Bosch so that should help quite a bit. I have never found it to seem slow.

Seth

Then again, if you need to get into tight spaces, the RO 90 really shows its stuff with both Rotex mode and true RO mode, plus the triangular pad.  Can't go wrong here. 

 

[phmade]

I looked at the ETS but I just thought it was so similar to my Bosch (although it is definitely larger)...  The RO90 is definitely too small for most of what I do.  I'm leaning toward the RO150 and if I can't achieve the fine finish then I planned on supplementing with the RS-2 or the RTS400.  I love the versatility of the RO150 but I'm realistic to know that one sander cannot do it all.

 

[rvieceli]

For what you have outlined, the RS2 would be a wonderful sander. It doesn't get much love on the forum, but for sanding bigger flat surfaces it is truly amazing.

With lower grits it can be aggressive and then take you up to 1000 if you want.

 

[Kev]

You can get a fine finish with a RO150, but it's effortless with an ETS150/3. The RO150 is a meaty beast!

 

[promark747]

I agree with rvieceli...the RS2 is what you want.

 

[SS Teach]

You are going to end up with more sanders than you had planned on. You are going to find that nothing sands like Festool sanders attached to a CT. They work better than pretty good. After you use each new sander you will wonder, what was I waiting for? It seems to happen like the changing of the seasons.

 

[Oldwood]

I would get the RO 150 then when your budget allows, back it up with the ETS 150-3 This is a great combination of aggressive & fine finish. As already mentioned you will probably end up with more Festool sanders & the RO 90 is great for face frame or edges etc.

HTH
Gerry

 

[AlexThePalex]

Oh, sod it, just give in, we all know it's the only way. You're not going to be happy until you've got the RO 150, ETS 150, RS 2 and RTS 400. Might as well bite the bullet and get them all right away. Problem solved.  [cool]

 

[phmade]

Enablers....

I can't afford all of them but I do think I'll start with the RO150.  I've always wanted one and when I need a really aggressive sander I never have one.  I noticed that the RTS 400 is pretty affordable too.  Should I get that at the same time or wait to get the RS-2?

 

[phmade]

I just did a quick area calculation:
Current Bosch 5" ROS - 19.63 sq. in.
Festool RO150 - 28.2 sq. in.
RTS 400 - 16.4 sq. in.
RS2 - 40.5 sq. in.

So that makes the RS2 look even more awesome.  I wish it was on the reconditioned sale and I'd buy it AND the RO150.  I just think I need the aggression of the RO150 to level out glue ups before I can start using the RS2. 

 

[rvieceli]

Just slap some 60 or 80 grit on the RS2 and it will do a great job on leveling those glue lines. Plus the weight and size of the pad will keep the pad and the workpiece level. You won't have to worry keeping a round pad from lifting up on edge.

 

[farms100]

ive had  the 150 ETS 3 for several years now, and like it a lot. It's  very easy to control. for most of my work i purchased the hard pad, the one that came with the saw was bit too soft for my taste.

I recently picked up the RO90 and like it a lot, its not as easy or intuitive control wise but the overall size and extended triangle sander make it a very nice dance partner with the 150

 

[jallen03]

RO150 is a fantastic sander in Rotex mode...does things that are tough to replicate with any other sander.  It can remove material quickly and stays under control very easily.  In RO mode I find it pretty good, but not my go to choice for the final pass...although it works pretty damn well for the quick switch between rough and fine finish with the same grit during intermediate passes.

Plus it is awesome as a car buffer, if you need that sorta thing.

I already had the ETS 150/3 when I got the RO150, but I think that the RO150 for the bulk of the sanding followed by the bosch with a fine grit for the final pass would be a pretty good solution.  Never used the RS2, but I imagine that would be good for large flat surfaces that don't need much "massaging" during the finish.

 

[overanalyze]

I was facing this same decision a couple weeks ago. I went with the Ro125 because I felt the smaller size was more beneficial to me and it's what I was used to. I have only used it a bit, but it is a great sander. I can see myself adding the ets125 for final sanding, but if you work through the grits, the ro125 gives a decent finish in fine mode.

 

[Sparktrician]

I was facing this same decision a couple weeks ago. I went with the Ro125 because I felt the smaller size was more beneficial to me and it's what I was used to. I have only used it a bit, but it is a great sander. I can see myself adding the ets125 for final sanding, but if you work through the grits, the ro125 gives a decent finish in fine mode.

The RO 125 is a bunch of easier to use over your head, too.  I really like the RO 125/ETS 125 combination, especially the fact that they share abrasives.  The RTS 400 and RO 90 complement the 125s quite well. 

 

[Stephen B]

My Ets 150/3 was my second Festool purchase (after vac).

It was the reason I became and continue to be a Festool fan.

Seven items later and still going!

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Just slap some 60 or 80 grit on the RS2 and it will do a great job on leveling those glue lines. Plus the weight and size of the pad will keep the pad and the workpiece level. You won't have to worry keeping a round pad from lifting up on edge.

I agree...the RS2E can be very aggressive with the right grit.  Pretty much everything I build is touched with this sander at one point or another.  It helps ensure your surfaces remain flat throughout the grits and it can cover a lot of ground quickly.  Is it the same as an RO150?  Not at all...but for many furniture projects it is the first one I reach for...in fact, I think I could do most of my sanding with the DTS400 and RS2E.  I love my Rotex150 and ETS150/3 and they all have their place in the shop...as does the RO90 and RAS, etc...  You really cannot go wrong. 

Scot

 

[NJHW]

I have the Bosch ROS20VSK and its a good sander for a quick job that I don't need to drag my Midi out, the filter that comes with it does a pretty good job but for a larger job my ETS 150/3 its much better ,stronger sander and I can sand all day,I highly recommend it.