How aggressive is the Mirka Ceros? Should I get it over RO90?

[jc]

I really like how you've got the transformer mounted. 

 

[jc]

There have been many many days when I think that if I only were to own one sander it would be either the ro90 or the ets125.

Scott thanks for chiming in.  You've listed the pros of the ETS125.  How would the RO90 be a contender though?  I'm interested to hear your opinions.

 

[jc]

Found this site talking about the Ceros and Mirka's vacuum sanding block.  I'm kinda leaning towards that combination right now.  With some elbox grease, that might replace the deltex functionality of the RO90 for me.  I rip my wood with a kataba so I'm not unfamiliar with working slowly...  [big grin]

http://traditionalpainter.com/mirka-ceros-sander-or-abranet-hand-sander-for-lacquer

 

[nehardwoodfloors]

Based on what others have posted and from a brief test run I did at a store I really doubt that the Ceros would be anywhere near as aggressive as a Rotex in the aggressive setting.  The Ceros is a real nice sander but if you need larger and aggressive I see an RO150 in your future.

Seth

I have all three sanders and use them a rediculous amount of time, each and every day. I am floor guy.
Heres what I think.
CEROS- hands down the best and most used in my arsenal. Its power is controllable and therefore I find it more aggressive then the festools.

RO150- very powerful again but find its power a little more difficult to control. We actually use it for smoothing out between coats. Its refered to as the lexus. Just butter smooth. Since we bought the ceros we havent used it in rotex mode that much. The ceros is just FASTER and lighter which in my business, is huge.

RO90- I love this thing, I mean POWER on it is huge. The spots it can get into are key. I could never do floors without it again.

I could get by with my ro90 and ceros. I would never go back to anything less than a CEROS.
It has changed the game in sanders for me.

 

[jc]

Eco, thanks for the feedback.  It seems like the consensus is that RO90 + Ceros is a very nice combination.  So tempting to justify to myself that I should get them both...  [embarassed]

You mentioned the RO150 can be difficult to control, do you find the RO90 easier to handle?

 

[moorewarner]

I just picked up a RO 90 and we use Dynabride pneumatic sanders in the shop. My local Festool shop also stocks Mirkas. I have gone in to drool over the Ceras a couple of times.    [smile]

Here are a couple of thoughts from a guy who loves him some sanding.

The RO 90 is sweet. The ergonomics took a second to get used to but it is quickly feeling more comfortable. The pad size as well as the Delta base, for detail work made this the sander at the top of my Festool list.

The Ceros is nearly identical in shape and size and weight to the pneumatics in the shop. Once I got in the shop and started using the pneumatics, no other sander comes close as far as comfort; simply not having the weight of the motor in your hand (not to mention the resulting vibration) makes sanding all day a much different experience. If I was going to sand all day and could only have one sander I would choose between the RO 90 and the Ceros, and it would be a tough choice. The RO 90 can get places the Ceros can't but the Ceros would be a more comfortable day.

Thankfully I don't have to choose, I will get both. They would make a fantastic combination. I had thought to pair the RO90 with one of the larger RO's for larger stretches but now I will pair it with a Ceros.

They are both on the quiet side for sanders, that was something I was particularly interested in for the Ceros.

RO 90: Noise (sound level)    62 dB (low setting) - 72 dB (maximum setting)

Ceros: Noise level (dB) 68

 

[flair woodworks]

RO 90: Noise (sound level)    62 dB (low setting) - 72 dB (maximum setting)

Ceros: Noise level (dB) 68

At what speed was the CEROS set when you tested the noise level?  It seems to be louder at higher speeds.

 

[Kev]

simply not having the weight of the motor in your hand

[blink] [huh]