Festool Rotex 90 or 150

[ear3]

Besides the DC, the other good thing about working with the RAS is that you can switch to a 100 grit paper in the final stages, that way you're not dealing with the coarse surface left from an angle grinder, or in your case, the Galahad.

ScotF is right about the durability of the paper -- it's amazing how much abuse you can put it through yet still have it perform.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts on the RAS 115 with sculpting?

The RAS is basically the same as any other grinder, but with reduced RPM, 3800 instead of 10.000. You can detach the sanding head and fit all grinder accessories that have an M14 thread and a 43 mm neck. So the RAS does the same as a grinder, just a bit slower. In some cases that can be an advantage as it increases control, in other cases not.

The dust collection of the RAS is not that good, even with the hood, and works only when you're on a flat surface. Keep it in the air with sculpting, and dust spews everywhere.

 

[nickao]

If you are doing this for a living and going to make many its seriously an easy decision.

You need an RO 150, an RO90 and the RAS. If you are a hobbyist then get the RO 150.

At worst buy all three and you have 30 days to decide which to keep. I am betting you keep at least the 90 AND 150, they are both perfect for different parts of your application.

It's the profit off one job.

 

[AndrewG]

Thanks for the replies I appreciate it.

I'm sold on the RAS and will be getting one in the coming months.

I'm pretty far into my rocker build and will continue to use my Holey Galahad wheels for the rest of the build. My next purchase will be the RO90 to help me refine the harder to reach areas such as the arms etc. The RO150 has been awesome for larger areas so I think the combination of the RO150 and RO90 will be a dream.

I have a couple of questions with the RAS:

Can you attach other wheels to it eg the Holey Galahad? I've seen that Festool sell an attachment that allows for fibre wheels to be attached.

Why do some countries say that they're not available anymore? Here in Australia for example the Festool website says they're no longer available and only limited stock is available. I think the UK may be the same?

Thanks!

 

[Scorpion]

My experience (and I have both the 90 and 150) is that the 90 reigns supreme on thinner stuff like cabinet face frames and the 150 rules the coupe on larger stuff like table top surfaces and broader boards.  That being said, available attachments make the 90 awesome for hard to reach spots and corners. 

Each has their place but the 90 can do things the 150 can't.  Totally depends on what you need it for and what other sanders compliment your toolbox.  To me it all depends on how you plan to use it.

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