First Sander Causing a Dilemma

[truck90278]

I have the RO 125 and am very pleased with it.  I tend to smaller items, so I went for the RO 125, but sometimes I would like the larger RO 150.  Kind of a toss up, the RO 125 is lighter so it works well.  I also have the ETS 400, like it for small areas and corners

 

[tbellemare]

My concern with the Rotex had been whether I'll still be able to get as good a finish as with the ETS.

This is an age old (or many FOG thread old) question.

I don't think there's a definitive answer...

I  would be very surprised to find someone that can get a better finish, faster, on a flat surface (bigger than a typical cabinet drawer front) than I can get with a Rotex 150 unless they make the criteria limited to almost done and doesn't need polishing.

I have a lot of regard for the contributors here but I think sometimes, all of us play favorites. One man's garbage is another's treasure...

I am expressing my own opinion here but I think for efficiency, range of utility, and quality of finish, the current Rotex 150 beats all. I think it's the best sander/polisher on the market.

Tom

 

[Coen]

But doesn't it require more effort to keep a Rotex parallel to the surface compared to an ETS? Especially the ETS 125?

Rotex 125 would be my choice. I would automatically discount any of the 150 sized sanders as you would have to buy both sizes of paper. Same for the RO 90.

For 150mm there is a lot more available compared to 125. At least, with Festool.

 

[jujigatame]

But doesn't it require more effort to keep a Rotex parallel to the surface compared to an ETS? Especially the ETS 125?

Rotex 125 would be my choice. I would automatically discount any of the 150 sized sanders as you would have to buy both sizes of paper. Same for the RO 90.

For 150mm there is a lot more available compared to 125. At least, with Festool.

It definitely does take more effort, but unless you are using it in a production environment, the amount of effort probably isn't worth the cost of an ETS. 

 

[Deke]

Boy, I can related to the OP. I bought the 150/3 and I love it, but now I am spoiled rotten and simply hate my Makita belt sander and my Bosch ROS. I would love to have a Rotex. Some day I will, I promise!

 

[Jim Becker]

I only use my Rotex for heavy duty work where "two handing it" isn't an issue and I want the rotary action. Otherwise, 95% of my sanding is with my 150/3. The Rotex is an excellent machine, but for me, not suited to general woodworking sanding which I prefer to do with only one hand on the tool.

 

[Sparktrician]

My Rotex 125 has been just the thing for my usage, which includes vertical surfaces and occasionally some overhead work.  I've even used it with Platin (1000, 2000, 4000) disks followed by felt disks and Meguair's headlight polish to polish off the haze on the Lexan headlight lenses on my truck.  Mighty versatile machine in my book.  I must admit that it doesn't do corners, but that's where the (future) RO90 will really shine.  

[smile]  

 

[Steve F]

FWIW, I ended up exchanging the ETS 125 for the ETS 150/3 and am very happy with it.

I was amazed at how aggressive the 150/3 was with a hard pad (suggested by Bob Marino) and 60 grit Cristal!

I also bought the interface pad (also thanks to Bob) and it works great to get into concave surfaces.  I still like the weight of the ETS 125, but the 150/3 is not that bad.

Not sure if the Rotex will be next, since the Deltex looks like it could be very useful.  Same goes for the RS 2E and LS 130.  So many tools, so little money.

Thanks everyone for the advice.

Steve

 

[atomicmike]

FWIW, I ended up exchanging the ETS 125 for the ETS 150/3 and am very happy with it.

I was amazed at how aggressive the 150/3 was with a hard pad (suggested by Bob Marino) and 60 grit Cristal!

I'm still working with just the 150/3, and I'm always impressed at just how powerful it can be, with the right abrasives. It's certainly no Rotex, but if you don't regularly need the power, it'll do.

Not sure if the Rotex will be next, since the Deltex looks like it could be very useful. 

If you can stand the wait, you might want to consider the RO 90 instead of the Deltex. It combines the Deltex with a mini-Rotex, and is an amazing little machine. I got the chance to spend a few seconds with one at Festool HQ last week, and it's definitely on my "want now" list.

 

[Steve F]

If you can stand the wait, you might want to consider the RO 90 instead of the Deltex. It combines the Deltex with a mini-Rotex, and is an amazing little machine. I got the chance to spend a few seconds with one at Festool HQ last week, and it's definitely on my "want now" list.

Thanks!  I forgot about the RO90.  I have never seen one, but sounds like an amazing machine that combines lots of features in one.  The different pads for the 150/3 gave me a little taste of the potential versatility of the sander.  I can only imagine what something like the RO90 will be able to do.

Steve

 

[imaginarynumber]

If I had to choose between my 125 or 150 rotex I would select the latter hands down. It can do everthing the 125 can and more.

I am considering an ETS for confined areas like drawers. The rotex is too long. I do wish that festool did right angle attachments for the hoses though (so that the hose doesn't increase the overall tool length).

My next purchase will be a ro90 but it felt odd using the delta pad, I will keep the dx93 for that, also the overall height on the ro90 is greater so a no no for sanding under radiators etc.