Considering Upgrade from old RO 150E+

[extiger]

Are there enough enhancements to the newer rotary Festool sanders to make selling my old sander worthwhile?

I know about the 'fender guard', which is nice for sanding up to an adjoining surface. Not too important to me. And I don't care about the 3mm vs 5mm pattern.

Most of my use will be for automobile refinishing, not wood. I like the dual mode. And I rarely use the dust collection at all because I am outside and wearing a respirator. My Festool sure beats slinging around a 12 lb Sioux grinder.

 

[peter halle]

You might want to call Festool USA and talk to one of their application specialists about the differences - if any.  Here is their number:  1-888-337-8600

I am not trying to eliminate or minimize comments here.

Peter

 

[vkumar]

Are there enough enhancements to the newer rotary Festool sanders to make selling my old sander worthwhile?

I know about the 'fender guard', which is nice for sanding up to an adjoining surface. Not too important to me. And I don't care about the 3mm vs 5mm pattern.

Most of my use will be for automobile refinishing, not wood. I like the dual mode. And I rarely use the dust collection at all because I am outside and wearing a respirator. My Festool sure beats slinging around a 12 lb Sioux grinder.

There is a new product called Shinex that would be better for your application. I was told it took skill to use it, but since you are already experienced this may not apply to you.  (the Shinex you have to keep moving whereas the rotex you can linger on one spot without burning).

Vijay

 

[AlexThePalex]

Differences: motor power is now bigger, pad change is now tool-less, and there's now an edge protector. That's it.

The shape is a bit different so the grip has changed a bit. Not really important I think. Just like the detachable dust port/channel, not all that important either.  

So in short, in pure functionality, the new Rotex adds just a tiny little bit over the older model. If I were in your situation and the old RO 150 E+ was still in good condition, then I myself wouldn't feel the need to upgrade. The cost of a new one wouldn't outweigh the discomforting idea of having an older model.

But there's more than one road to Rome. For instance, when looking at the market for used Festools over here in The Netherlands, I could sell the RO 150 E+ for 200-225 euro and get me an almost new RO150 FEQ for 275-300 euro, and in that case I would upgrade in a heart beat. Maybe you could try to find something similar in your place.