Holmz said:
So if I had a $hithaus board (which in American translates to mean warped, cupped, twisted, or otherwise not too flash), then how would you rate the RAS-115 and ETS EC 150/5 compared to the RO-150?
(But then I also need to consider sanding media...)
RAS is definitely the most extreme, aggressive solution for fast removal of material, and it can pretty easily sand cups flat, etc. Downside is that it really doesn't double as a "normal" sander, it only really comes out in bad situations. To me, at the practical level, it is more like a grinder than a sander. And, the dust extraction isn't as good as on the EC and the RO.
I'd consider the EC 150 to be a good all around general 80-220 grit solution. If you are sanding below 80 much and need more power the Rotex is a great choice.
Its a subjective thing, based on the type of work you do most. My guess is that for most people, the EC would be the sander most likely to be grabbed in the broadest variety of tasks. In my opinion, it is a more user friendly and better handling random orbital. The Rotex in orbital mode is good but not as balanced and quite heavier. We really only use it in the gear driven mode when more power is needed.
And as above, RAS is usually the "break glass in case of emergency" option.
This is why I always ask people what grits they sand at the most and what types of projects they do the most (size, vertical v. horizontal orientation, interior/exterior, desired finish, etc). These are generalities based on my experience (as a painter primarily). Other users mileage will vary on all of these tools based on the type of work being done.
None of them are a magic bullet until you perfectly match your choice to the way you work.
