Considering new RO125

[roadking]

Received a gift certificate to a local Festool dealer for Xmas and am seriously considering spending it on a RO125 to add to my other green tools, Domino 500, 2-mft3s, Ts55, OF1400, and a DTS400. Other sanders are Dewalt ROS 5", Fein MM with sanding pad and delta accessories, 4" belt sander, 1/2 sheet pad sander and a small older craftsman delta sander.

Two spring projects I need a sander for are a cedar deck 2 x6 (20ftx20 ft) to clean down worn areas and restain and a front soffit area 6 ft x 62 ft done with 6" bevel cedar that has not been refinished in 40 years since the house was new. Probably finished with a  spar finish or such clear finish. It is looking rather ragged after  so many years and the occasional roof leak and some ice damming causing water stains near the eave.

Other than that I do small furniture and general home maintenance and whatever else strikes me as fun or on instruction from SWMBO!! I scored some nice  1 and 2" rough ash that is 140 years old or so and several pieces of 1 and 2" rough oak, that is earmarked for family furniture pieces. Craftsman style quilt racks, nesting tables,outdoor deck furniture and plant stands are some of the projects in mind as well as wine racks, shelving for the wine room and lower level rec room.

Will not be doing many larger pieces so figured that the 125 was better for my usage than a 150. Seem like the right choice??

Edit I do have  a CVT36 dust extractor.

 

[Staniam]

Hey I'm in the same boat right now and people are putting in their opinions on the "Festools in my cart. Opinions" post. I'm with you on the size of the 125 seemingly perfect but I'm going to give it another day of reading people's posts before I decide.

 

[VW mick]

Hi
As I've said before I've the RO 125 .it was my first festool sander and I love it

 

[chrismorrow]

I have the 125 and love it.  I've never used a 150, so I don't know what I'm missing.  I also got the sanding disk variety pack in a systainer.  It has all served me very well.

 

[VW mick]

Exactly I've also now got the ETS125 and I think it compliments it perfectly and keeps all my abrasives the same

 

[rst]

I too have the RO125 and like it very much.  I bought it so I could use the sandpapers that fit my ETS125.  I have all the 125 papers in a Syst III with two organizers stacked (I use the same storage method for my DTS400 and LS130 papers).  I have never had any of the stability issues many have mentioned, but I have been sanding commercially since 1971 beginning in a custom cabinet factory.  I have a Bosch 1250DEVS 6" sander that works well, so have not really considered the RO150.  I do admit I am likely to buy the ETS150/3 for finer work on large surfaces.

 

[Gary in Texas]

I have the ETS-125 and will opt for the RO-150 as my next purchase. While it does add to stocking more sand paper (two sizes - 125 and 150mm) it really doesn't matter in terms of costs.  I also have an empty Systainer with the 150MM insert that is quite lonely these days.....

Edited to clarify sizes...

 

[roadking]

Hey I'm in the same boat right now and people are putting in their opinions on the "Festools in my cart. Opinions" post. I'm with you on the size of the 125 seemingly perfect but I'm going to give it another day of reading people's posts before I decide.

I have been following that thread always good responses and food for thought.

 

[Billedis]

I have the 125 and really am impressed with it over the old PC I had.  I use Mirka abranet for all my sanding and am very pleased with it.  I have no issues with the sander right out of the systainer.  I have a CT48 for dust extraction, and have it set on minimum when sanding.  Bill

 

[SS Teach]

Before I got the Ro 150, I borrowed a Ro 125 from a buddy. It was well used and quite bouncy so I went with the 150. I also got a lot of advice from the FOG. After I got  the 150 I let my friend try it. He promptly told his wife,"honey I need a new sander". Which ever you choose get the hard pad. And most importantly you really need a CT. Dust extraction will make sanding a much more pleasant task, and you lungs will thank you.

 

[Staniam]

With the money I'm saving from the Ti15 I'll definitely get a hard pad and some sand paper and I'll pick up some extra accessories for my new TS 55. I've got the CT MIDI for dust extraction.

I hear people talking about lowering the power on the CT's when it comes to sanders, can anyone explain that?

 

[MTRANGER]

I had an RO 125 for about 2 years and used it alot.  I upgraded to an RO 150 after those 2 years mainly for the increased pad size.  Well after using the150, I was surprised how much smoother and easier to contol then the RO125.  knowing what I know now I would have never purchased the RO125

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I can one hand my ro125.  Fits my needs better then the 150. 

 

[Wooden Skye]

I went with the RO 150, liked it better than the 125 I tried at the store, plus already having the ETS150/3, made it a no brainer because not having to have extra abrasives.  Also the hand sanding blocks take the 150 abrasives.

 

[peter halle]

The reason you turn down the suction on the CT is to keep it from sucking the sander down onto the work.  At full suction it will prevent the sander from operating at the desired speed and it will create deeper scratches.  Ideally the sander should float on the surface - except for the rotary sanders and the RO models in the aggressive Rotex mode.

Dust collection will still be great because you are just dealing with dust.

Peter

 

[jbasen]

I have the RO150 and really like it. It would seem like the best match if your first project is to sand down a 20x20 deck.  It isn't the best sander for a 2" wide board but neither is the RO125. For that I would get an RO90. I have both and they complement each other very well. If you get the 2 you can then sell off your other delta sanders to make the purchase mor affordable.

 

[SoonerFan]

As I mentioned in the "…in my card" thread, I have a RO125 and I am very happy with it. 

 

[RJNeal]

I own all three RO sanders,150,125, and the 90. Purchased in that order. The 90 is my sander that is with me daily. Used the 150 often.
The 125 was never really a favorite of mine. Even thought about selling it. Then a year ago for some reason I'm not sure of. I started using it. And now is teamed up with the ets125 on the shop CT. Now the 150 sit around most the time.

Sounds like the 125 would work out for you.
Rick

 

[roadking]

Thanks for all the responses. Have not made it to Lee Valley yet. Spent yesterday morning clearing snow from my driveway and neighbour who is on holidays somewhere warm, about 125 mm worth of snow(maybe a sign on the track with the 125mm sander). Still feeling the RO125 is what i need, but will try both if I can when at the dealers.

Bill