I am looking for a powered sander, not having used one for 40 years, and rarely then. I am now building a few projects and while currently at the rough carpentry level, I can see that, if I continue, hand sanding will be a pain. I want a high quality sander with good dust collection that can also be used for both buffing and, perhaps less often, in aggressive mode. I have examined and handled, but not used, most of the Festool sanders and feel that the Rotex 150 is just a bit big, and, at UK prices, more money than I currently want to spend. While all of the above might pretty clearly point to the Rotex 125 (???), I would like an opinion on how the Rotex 125 compares with others in the Festool line-up as regards sanding performance.
Festool Sanders
- Thread starter Brian 57
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Michael Kellough
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- Jan 23, 2007
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If you can go back to the Yahoo group and search through the files there is at least one user review of the Rotex 125. I think most people would say if you can only have one sander that'd be the one. However, there are fewer options in abrasives and pads at the 125 diameter than the 150, so check the catalog carefully before making your choice.
The Rotex 125 is one of the sanders I reviewed here
http://NHWoodworker.com
http://NHWoodworker.com
Brian 57 said:
Brian - I'm unclear as to your particular needs & the price that you want to pay for a sander? First, please provide some comments on 'what' you intend to use the sander; also, cost seems to be an issue, how much do you want to spend - Festools are not cheap and other brands, e.g. Bosch, may be a better choice for you if funds are limited (hey, just a thought?); having asked these questions I must say that the Festool 150 models (below the one that I own) are pretty much an 'ideal' middle of the road sander - little effort to handle the 6" sander, great dust collection, and quite versatile - expensive - YES, but for a machine that will please the rest of your life, a good investment - ;D
A year plus ago I bought the 125 because the ergonomics of the prior 150 seemed to be less desirable for me. I have no regrets about buying the 125. I handled the current version of the 150 in a store a few weeks ago and it seemed more comfortable than the prior version. It is not all that easy for me to use the 125 one handed. I can do it, but it is easier as a two handed machine for me. I don't think you would be unhappy with the 125, but I would probably buy the 150 if I had the choice again only because both machines require two hands and there is the advantage of the extra sanding capacity with the 150.
Dave Ronyak
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I suggest you think carefully about what type(s) of work you plan on doing. I chose the RO 125 (my first Festool) because the main project immediately ahead involved carving out plaster cracks on a ceiling and refinishing the frames of many doors. The RO 125 was a better choice for me because it is lighter and smaller compared to the RO 150. I agree with others who have pointed out that more accessories are available for the RO 150, but the range available for the RO 125 is also quite extensive. I also own a DX-93, and LS 130, four Bosch sanders and a 1/2 sheet Milwaukee sander, and a 7 inch angle sander/grinder. Since I acquired the RO 125, it is the one most often used and by far the most versatile of the group. If your planned projects have large surface areas to be sanded go with the RO 150. All Festool sanders are expensive relative to competition, but there really is not any competition today for the RO 125 and RO 150, and they can polish and wax your cars and furniture, too. The dust collection of my Festool is very effective, significantly better than that of any of the Bosch or Milwaukee sanders I own.
