Looking at Rotex 125 and Alternatives

[cjfiore88]

I currently have a modest collection of Festools: CT Mini, DF500, ETS 125, and TS 55. I have been eyeing the Rotex 125 and 150 and was getting pretty close to pulling the trigger on one of them, when I recently saw this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XF1XBP2/ref=psdc_552888_t1_B07WK42NC5

It looks like it's only been out for a couple of months, but it seems to have very good reviews so far. Does anyone have any experience with these new Bosch sanders, and how they compare? Ultimately I can see myself starting with the 125, and getting the 150 later. These Bosch sanders look like they have similar performance as the Rotex sanders, but you can get the 5" and 6" together for the cost of a 150.

I can also throw a complete curve ball and get the Rotex 90 first since I'm currently working on building 8 dining chairs. Does anyone have any thoughts?

 

[FestitaMakool]

I have the old 150 Turbo, but no DC. It is a terrific sander. I did my Kapex MFT which I bought pre-owned and it came with quite severe water damaged MFT top. As the rest of the table was immaculate it was worth doing the MFT. The results, and the speed working 1st half of sanding in rotary mode with the Bosch was great. The table surface saw the light of day shining as new again. Switching between rotary mode and random mode is easy. As I ate through the grades of finer and finer grit I switched modes as needed.
(I think I’ll keep it, and rather spend on a RO125. Only if I was to do a lot of sanding indoors (I tend to do what I can outdoors anyhow, regarding sanding))

A review I have seen regards this new Bosch model to be near equal to RO150, only beaten by RO150’s DC.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Bosch's rotary/orbital duel mode sander does get good comments and has for some time. (maybe the one you cite is a new model, but they have had the capability for awhile) Where the Festool shines is in dust extraction. Since you already have "the system", that should be of consideration. Given you have the ETS125, logically the Rotex 125 might be the best choice for you between the 125 and the 150 because of abrasive media sharing. I use the 150/3 and a Rotex 150 and being able to share the abrasives is a big plus, especially since I don't really use the Rotex all that often. I only pick it up when it's the right tool for the job because it's a "two-hander".

 

[FestitaMakool]

Looking at what you already have, and that you are doing detailed work the RO90 is somehow unique. It is my first and only Festool sander, but I eyeballed it for its properties, which what seems to me no one else have. It is manageable for one hand use, and is a proper light weight compared to the RO125 and 150.

The RO90 is for me as I foresee THE one I’ll keep and use most. But, each have different needs, mine are detailed work, and would even like a 125 sander to go with it. Large slabs and surfaces is not something I do often. A good tip is to buy the tool when you need it and for it’s capabilities - I’ve bought a lot of “misses” regarding tools over the years. This time, I buy after a research of what I’m going to need, or what will ease work considerably.

 

[overanalyze]

My Rotex 125 was my first Festool sander and is still my favourite! It takes a little to get used to but man is it great!

Sent from my SM-T380 using Tapatalk

 

[Imemiter]

I opted for the 6" Bosch and a DTS 400. One for coverage and the other for corners. Dust collection on the Bosch is excellent, the 27mm FT hose fitting perfectly. It is a beast in grind mode but easy to handle for long battles with the boards. One data point I haven't seen mentioned is that underway, it's easily an octave lower in pitch. Which, even with ear protection, I find a lot less tiring.