Difference between sanders

[Louis84]

I have a Rotex 125 which is the best all round sander I have ever owned.

I love the idea of a finishing sander but what is the actual difference between an ETS 150/3 and say simply using an RO125 in random orbital mode? Apart from the obvious difference in pad size, surely you will achieve the same results using the same grit paper from both machines?

Basically, I need these answers so I have an excuse to go and buy one.

I have a dream team of sander vision, which will be: Belt sander, Rotex & finishing sander

 

[Sparktrician]

The finish sander is just that, a really good way to get an extra-nice finish before applying oil or some other finish.  the ETS 150/3 is the best of those.  Consider, too, that if you already have the RO 125, you might want to also consider buying the ETS 125 in preference to the ETS 150/3 because the RO 125 and ETS 125 share the same size abrasives, saving you some expense when it comes to buying abrasives. 

 

[RC]

Well, I guess the main difference between the Rotex sanders and any of the ETS sanders is that the ETS's are butter smooth with barely no vibrations when you use them and you can literally leave them to glide on the work piece without holding on them if you like.

Also if you pair your RO125 with an ETS150/3 you get the benefit of a larger pad for larger surfaces as well = quick sanding, but you lose in paper costs equiping another paper size as Sparktrician mentioned below.

Many here will say that you could for most applications substitute a belt sander with a RO150, especially in NA where the Festool BS105 with sanding base is not available (to my knowledge), if you want all-rounders.

But you are correct that you can get about the same results with a Rotex sander with a good sanding paper schedule and RO-mode.

I quite like my RO90 + ETS150/3 combination (and I do have a belt sander as well, but never used it) for all sanding needs I have. If I ever get around to add something to this it could be a RO150 just so that I can share paper sizes between my ETS and the larger Rotex.

 

[paulhuse]

L-84, I'm going to offer you some info you may not like to hear. As much as I love buying a new green-and-black tool, I'm not so sure you need one.

I own the RO 150 and I can take it through the sanding grades and make a matte-glass, butter-smooth finish. I have nothing against the 150/3 but I can already sand so smooth that there's not enough tooth for the grain to grab.

I do have the LS 130 and would consider a DTS 400 or DX93 to round-out my sanding gear. That would represent my trifecta of sanding solutions.

My 2c

 

[Louis84]

Hhhhmmm just as I thought. After watching an awesome video on here showing techniques with the ro125, I think that and the belt sander shall serve me well.