got the new handle today for the RO 150

[HowardH]

Well, actually, it came yesterday but I was out of town.  Does that count? Anyway, it's pretty cool!  Snaps right in the same groove as the bumper.  Should make it a bit easier to get a handle on the machine, no pun intended.  It's not all that robust, just a piece of plastic that must cost about a nickel to make.  I wonder how much it will cost once it hits the catalogue?  It should be included as part of the kit.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Pictures, Howard, we need pictures.  ;D

 

[nickao]

The neat thing about that handle is that if you press to hard on the sander it pops off.

I do not see this as a defect at all, but keeps you honest as to how much pressure should be applied. Since I got my front handle I took off the side handle and think a lot more of the RO 150 (if that's possible it already my favorite). It seems I can get even better results with it.

Nickao

 

[HowardH]

got to test out the handle today and it works pretty well!  Holds tight, no problems.  Looks kinda like wearing a visor. 

 

[Brice Burrell]

Howard, thanks for posting the pics. Just to review, this is for the RO150 Rotex and Festool will give owners one for free if they call up and ask, is that right?

 

[Tony M]

Thanks for the pics . I have been curious since this has been posted.  Looks like you could get a little more leverage and balance with it. Speaking of visors, anyone remember what George Carlin said about them? Funny stuff! Now whenever I see a visor on someone, I got to laugh at em'! especially the upside down ones :

 

[HowardH]

Yes, Brice.  That is what they told me.  Maybe i was part of a test group or something but it would worth the phone call to find out.

 

[bobbobbob]

Spoke with Festool today and they no longer have any units to give out, but this will be available in NA in 'late fall' with a part no. of 495188...

 

[Toolpig]

I don't get it.  My Rotex already has the rubber handle on top and an optional side handle that can be screwed in on the left or right.

What does the new handle buy you?

JW

Spoke with Festool today and they no longer have any units to give out, but this will be available in NA in 'late fall' with a part no. of 495188...

 

[Forrest Anderson]

I don't get it.  My Rotex already has the rubber handle on top and an optional side handle that can be screwed in on the left or right.

What does the new handle buy you?

An optional handle that can be attached to the front, maybe...? 

Whilst it may not suit your sanding technique, it offers other users another way to hold the sander, which might give them more control.

The RS2E has a front handle fitted during the manufacturing stage...

...so maybe Festool was responding to requests for a front handle for the Rotex? Sounds a good idea to me, although I don't have a RO150.

Forrest

 

[Toolpig]

Not sure why you'd think this is a trick question....

I do have the 6" Rotex.  I use it a lot.  Never have I wished it had a snap-on front handle.

So again, I'm curious as to what the advantage of this handle might be.

JW

I don't get it.  My Rotex already has the rubber handle on top and an optional side handle that can be screwed in on the left or right.

What does the new handle buy you?

An optional handle that can be attached to the front, maybe...? 

Whilst it may not suit your sanding technique, it offers other users another way to hold the sander, which might give them more control.

The RS2E has a front handle fitted during the manufacturing stage...

...so maybe Festool was responding to requests for a front handle for the Rotex? Sounds a good idea to me, although I don't have a RO150.

Forrest

 

[Forrest Anderson]

I do have the 6" Rotex.  I use it a lot. 

And I have the 5" Rotex. Owners of the smaller sander don't as yet have the option of additional front or side handles.

Never have I wished it had a snap-on front handle.

You might never have wished a front handle, but in this and previous threads there are quite a few who do want one, or at least would like to see how the sander handles with one.

So again, I'm curious as to what the advantage of this handle might be.

Like I said in my last post, better control of the sander would seem to be the primary advantage. There have been plenty posts by people who find the Rotex sanders a bit jumpy and hard to guide around the place, so a different way of holding it might help them.

Forrest

 

[nickao]

If you have not tried that front handle don't knock it. Now when I even try to use the side  handle it feels weird like I am fighting a side torque constantly. With the top handle the control is 100% better for me and its all I use now.

I never wished for it, but once I got it I couldn't use the Rotex 150 without it.

nickao

 

[Toolpig]

I don't recall knocking it.  Also, I'm with you.  I don't care for the side handle.

Glad it's working out for you.

JW

If you have not tried that front handle don't knock it. Now when I even try to use the side  handle it feels weird like I am fighting a side torque constantly. With the top handle the control is 100% better for me and its all I use now.

I never wished for it, but once I got it I couldn't use the Rotex 150 without it.

nickao

 

[nickao]

Jason I was speaking in general and my comment was not directed at you in any way, just a general statement for any one out there that may think there is nothing to it. As you can see I like it a lot.

Actually, I did not love the RO until I replaced the standard pad with the hard pad and got the front handle. Those two changes made me love the sander as opposed to just like it.

Because I constantly sand items that have soft wood next to super hard wood the regular pad made it very difficult to get something super flat like a drum sander does. The hard pad and front handle really improved the results for me.

I have fun sanding now and could never work without the RO 150 again.