I'm looking into buying a 5 year old used RO125.Any problems with older models?

[ammisco]

I'm looking into buying a 5 year old used RO125.

Does anyone know if the machine has any life left after 5 years?
Any problems with older models?

What could I expect to to need to replace and cost?

 

[Brice Burrell]

I think it would largely depend on the type and amount of use the sander has seen.  There is one thing to look for, the oldest RO125 models don't have the edge guard.  I happen to think the edge guard is worth having.  As for wear items, look at the sanding brake and sanding pad(s).  These items are fairly inexpensive to replace. 

I'd only go for this sander if you're getting a good price and it's in good to fair condition. 

 

[ammisco]

I think it would largely depend on the type and amount of use the sander has seen.  There is one thing to look for, the oldest RO125 models don't have the edge guard.  I happen to think the edge guard is worth having.  As for wear items, look at the sanding brake and sanding pad(s).  These items are fairly inexpensive to replace. 

I'd only go for this sander if you're getting a good price and it's in good to fair condition. 

The sander looks pretty used.  So what is a good price?
Newish, ?$
Used,  ?$
Fair ?$

 

[Brice Burrell]

The sander looks pretty used.  So what is a good price?
Newish, ?$
Used,  ?$
Fair ?$

A newish Festool tool still under warranty will get as much as 90% of the retail price.  A tool used tool's value is largely based on how and what it was used for.  For example, a hobbyist woodworker that only used it to sand wood and the tool is only dusty looking probably in much better shape than one used by a painting contractor that fell off the roof, thrown in the mud and sanded thousands of sq ft of lead based paint.  So you'll need to look closely at who owned the tool and what they used it for to decide what the value would be for you.  Me, I stay away from used tools as a general rule and I'd almost never buy a well used tool.

 

[ammisco]

Bryce thanks for the replies.
I think I'll probably pull the trigger on a new unit unless a great deal comes up.
I can't believe what used Festool goes for on Ebay. 
I just saw a Domino go for $895 it did include a $175 biscuits.
I can't believe people send 80-90% on used gear without warranties.

 

[waho6o9]

Purchasing value is wise as Festool commands a premium

in the secondary market.

[big grin]

 

[Eli]

It really does depend what it's last life was. They have plenty of life in them. I got a vac for 1/3 the price a new one that was heavily used and pretty dirty. I put a longlife bag and new filters in and it's been good as new with a clean up.

 

[sgryd]

My RO125 is about 8 years old. Has only been used for hobby work. But lately it has begun to squeek. It sounds like something from the gears. Be sure to try it out with some (moderate) sanding pressure before you buy. My Ro works really well, but I'm a bit worried about the sound.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I've got no problem whatsoever with buying used Festools. With other brands I'm more wary, but not with festool, they're built to last. Even tools that look very used on the outside can still be in excellent condition inside.

What Brice said about the edge guard is an import thing to take note of. I agree with him the edge guard is very worthwile feature and you don't want to have the older type Ro 125.

What I don't agree with Brice about is that you can easily brush over the condition of the sanding pad. When you think you get a great deal on a used sander and then have to shell out 40 to 50 bucks for a new pad, the deal isn't so great anymore. Always make sure the pad is in ok condition.  

But I'm not an advocate of buying used tools by mail, always handle in person. Always make sure you try the tool yourself to hear how the motor, gears and bearings run. If there's something wrong you can almost immediately hear it.

 

[Distinctive Interiors]

I acquired a second hand Rotex 150 and a CT11 about 3 years ago. Both had mainly been used for Solid Surface finishing. Both were dated 2002. They were a little scruffy, but not that bad considering they were 8 years old. I was assured that neither had ever been back to Festool for any service work.

I replaced the filters in the CT and brought a new 27mm A/S hose for it, and put a new sanding pad on the Rotex.

Both tools still work well and have never missed a beat in my 3 years of ownership.

It is a bit of a lottery buying second hand tools, but it can pay off!

Admittidly, since I got these 2 tools, it did start me down the slippery Festool slope and I have gathered a lot of momentum.......!!!!

The rest of my purchases have been new tools, but if a good second hand deal came up, I would not hesitate in buying second hand again.

Tim.