Festool sanders...but which one ?

[tdfiver]

I have an ETS 125 sander and would prefer a 150. I use my sander for all sorts of new/re working jobs from sanding paintwork down to removing old paint varnish etc. Also to sand down various timbers for final coat of varnish/stain etc. It is really a great little sander with very little vibration.

But I have been looking at a 150 sander and there seem to be quite a few out there so need some advice please based on the above. It would be nice to be able to use it as a polisher but not 'all important' as in top of the list.

TIA Andrew

 

[tbellemare]

RO 150 - Hands down, the best sander on the planet.

Tom

 

[AlexThePalex]

If you have the ETS 125 then the Ro 150 would definitely complement that one very nicely, maximizing your effectiveness.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I completely agree with the two previous posters.  The RO 150 in rotary mode (sometimes referred to Rotex mode) will cut through paint and varnish much, much faster than your ETS125.  My second choice would be the RO125.  It's a good idea to try these sanders out at a local dealer to see if they feel right in your hands.  Some people think the RO150 is too big for their hands. 

 

[Tim Morris]

Another consideration would be paper size. If you already have 125 mm paper stay with the RO125. That's how I set up when I bought my sanders. You always have the right paper with you that way. I have never thrown anything at my RO125 that it couldn't handle.

 

[mouppe]

I demo'ed the Ro125 and the RO 150 and popped for the 125 as it felt better in my hands. Never regretted it for a moment and it is the only power sander that I have.

Richard.

 

[image132]

I demo'ed the Ro125 and the RO 150 and popped for the 125 as it felt better in my hands. Never regretted it for a moment and it is the only power sander that I have.

Richard.

Really from what I've heard I'm thinking that choosing my RO125 was a bad choice. I'm hoping to buy an ETS but it looks like it is going to have to be the 125. Again I've heard the 150 is better than the 125. Is there anyone who owns both 125 and 150 Rotex or ETS? Could they please say which one they prefer?

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I have used both the RO125 and RO150, I prefer my 125 but, I would like to have the RO150 sometimes as well.

I found they are both fairly easy to control, just takes some practice and remember that the sander will do all the work so you don't have to force it.
Forcing it just causes more work in the long run.

 

[image132]

I have used both the RO125 and RO150, I prefer my 125 but, I would like to have the RO150 sometimes as well.

I found they are both fairly easy to control, just takes some practice and remember that the sander will do all the work so you don't have to force it.
Forcing it just causes more work in the long run.

So is it really just a matter of opinion? I had heard that the RO 150 removed faster and was easier to control. I thought the same went for the ETS 150.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I have used both the RO125 and RO150, I prefer my 125 but, I would like to have the RO150 sometimes as well.

I found they are both fairly easy to control, just takes some practice and remember that the sander will do all the work so you don't have to force it.
Forcing it just causes more work in the long run.

So is it really just a matter of opinion? I had heard that the RO 150 removed faster and was easier to control. I thought the same went for the ETS 150.

Chris, the 150 mm sanders will sand faster for two reasons.  First, simply because that have a larger sanding surface and second two of the three of the 150 mm sanders have a larger stroke or orbit than the 125 mm sanders.

I also happen to think a larger sanding surface makes a sander easier to hold perfectly and that's the key to a great finish. 

 

[ajones]

I have used both the RO125 and RO150, I prefer my 125 but, I would like to have the RO150 sometimes as well.

I found they are both fairly easy to control, just takes some practice and remember that the sander will do all the work so you don't have to force it.
Forcing it just causes more work in the long run.

So is it really just a matter of opinion? I had heard that the RO 150 removed faster and was easier to control. I thought the same went for the ETS 150.

Chris, the 150 mm sanders will sand faster for two reasons.  First, simply because that have a larger sanding surface and second two of the three of the 150 mm sanders have a larger stroke or orbit than the 125 mm sanders.

I also happen to think a larger sanding surface makes a sander easier to hold perfectly and that's the key to a great finish. 

ro125=3mm orbit  ro150=5mm orbit ets 3 or 5mm ras115=5mm orbit if memory serves

 

[Brice Burrell]

ro125=3mm orbit  ro150=5mm orbit ets 3 or 5mm ras115=5mm orbit if memory serves

Better get that memory checked out, the RAS is a pure rotary sander, to stroke. [tongue] I'd add to your list the ETS125 has a 2 mm stroke.

 

[image132]

This is one of those times where I wish this country had the "30 day return policy"  [crying]

 

[nickao]

For me the ETS 125 is not a great sander. I had one, got rid of it, then I thought maybe I did not give it a chance, got rid of the second one.

The RO 150 and the ETS 150 are fantastic 6" sanders, but if you are thinking of getting an ETS 125 I would go with the Porter-Cable 390K. It is a better sander if you are looking at the 5in size.

Before anyone goes off please get a Porter Cable 390 and use it side by side with the ETS 125, then comment.

My favorite combination of sanders and what I consider the best combination in the industry that I have personally tried are the Rotex 150 with the ETS 150 3mm.

 

[AlexThePalex]

ro125=3mm orbit  ro150=5mm orbit ets 3 or 5mm ras115=5mm orbit if memory serves

Don't forget the WTS 150/7 with it's 7 mm stroke for rough work.  [smile]

 

[Bob Marino]

I'd join the others recommending the RO 150.
As Brice mentioned, and I'd agree, "the 150 mm sanders will sand faster for two reasons.  First, simply because that have a larger sanding surface and second two of the three of the 150 mm sanders have a larger stroke or orbit than the 125 mm sanders.
I also happen to think a larger sanding surface makes a sander easier to hold perfectly and that's the key to a great finish." 
I would add to that  the 150's with a larger surface area, seems to run smoother than the sanders with smaller surface area.
I have all of Festool's sanders, and for most projects, my go to sanders are the RO 150 (grits 120 and below or polishing) and the ETS 150/3 (grits 150 and up).
But some find the RO 150 too large in the hand and may opt for the RO 125 instead. Again, I don't but some do.  And there's that (valid) argument about getting the RO 125 and just dealing with one size paper.
As with most RO 150- RO125 discussions, there is no set right or wrong answers; so much is just a personal preference.
Bob

 

[image132]

Sorry to hijack this thread. So then is it worth it to sell the RO125 and buy the RO150? I do want to, at some stage, get the ETS but if it's as bad as Nickao is saying then maybe it's worth the pain to buy the 150 (RO and ETS)? Also I do want to deal with 1 size of sandpaper. Don't know how I would pull that off though, I think my dad might slap me. 

It's just frustrating because my dealer knows nothing and at the time it was a blind choice between the 125 and 150. In the end we chose the 125 because it was cheaper and smaller. Although it seemed to be a plagued buy from the start with the whole housing issue I had :/

I struggle a bit with the 125 as well to get it to not leave swirl marks as well. Although I think that might be because of lack of practice.

It has to be said, you Americans, Brits and Europeans in general have no idea how lucky you are with choice here. I would kill for a dealer like Tom or Bob. I mean I've never hear of any promotions being done on Festool here or even what is new. I'm sure if I asked me dealer about the C15 he would look at me blankly. Wow, I complain a lot.

 

[image132]

Just so you all know the "my dad might slap me" thing was a joke. He doesn't do that. Secondly I really would like your opinions on whether or not I should sell my RO 125 for the RO 150 so I can be future ready for the ETS 150?

 

[ajones]

Just so you all know the "my dad might slap me" thing was a joke. He doesn't do that. Secondly I really would like your opinions on whether or not I should sell my RO 125 for the RO 150 so I can be future ready for the ETS 150?

Well I would not worry about it for the moment Chris,Just wait until you have bought the ets and see how you get on with it and the 125 together.I know you will have two sizes of paper but its not a huge issue, and some practice with the ro125 will prepare you for the ro150

Does your local dealer have a demo area for you to try the ro150? you may swap and find you dont like the ro150.some dont.
If you cant get a demo at your dealer maybe one of your local fog members has one you could try.

 

[image132]

Just so you all know the "my dad might slap me" thing was a joke. He doesn't do that. Secondly I really would like your opinions on whether or not I should sell my RO 125 for the RO 150 so I can be future ready for the ETS 150?

Well I would not worry about it for the moment Chris,Just wait until you have bought the ets and see how you get on with it and the 125 together.I know you will have two sizes of paper but its not a huge issue, and some practice with the ro125 will prepare you for the ro150

Does your local dealer have a demo area for you to try the ro150? you may swap and find you dont like the ro150.some dont.
If you cant get a demo at your dealer maybe one of your local fog members has one you could try.

No, the only thing my dealer has on display is a ts 55 and a rail which I don't even think is demoable. It means I'm going to have to travel into town (rather far away) just so I can hold it. Again I don't think it is demoable. :/

But you are probably right. I'll give the ETS a go first. Thanks.