Had an old Bosch ROS that is wearing out and just bought a Porter Cable palm grip ROS.......dont really like it, its hard to handle and isnt very aggressive. Looking towards Festool now for a top of the line ROS. Been reading some of the reviews here and am very confused by the different varieties of sanders. I am leaning towards a Rotex sander, and need some good input . 5" or 6"? Are they really aggressive in Rotex mode? I am a painter, and carpenter by day and woodworker in my free time. I can use the sander for some paint removal and feathering, and also for woodworking and carpentry. Thats why I am leaning more towards the Rotex.......best of both worlds. Any advice from Rotex owners?
need a good ROS
- Thread starter rex
- Start date
Rex, Jerry Work has a great write up on festool sanders in Festool's knowledge base herehttp://www.festoolusa.com/woodworking.aspx.
I paired the 6" RO 150 with the DS 400 Delta orbital. These two have retired three other sanders (palm grip and random orbital). The direct gear mode with the Rotex is about as aggressive as you can imagine. It's almost retired my belt sander. I can't speak to which size, six or five inch, is better, I think it's a question of ergonomics versus surface area. I think that the six inch offers more varieties of sandpaper? The DS400 gets in all those tight spaces and corners that the Rotex can't. These sanders are top shelf and make sanding almost fun, not to mention 'look ma, no dust.'
Brent
I paired the 6" RO 150 with the DS 400 Delta orbital. These two have retired three other sanders (palm grip and random orbital). The direct gear mode with the Rotex is about as aggressive as you can imagine. It's almost retired my belt sander. I can't speak to which size, six or five inch, is better, I think it's a question of ergonomics versus surface area. I think that the six inch offers more varieties of sandpaper? The DS400 gets in all those tight spaces and corners that the Rotex can't. These sanders are top shelf and make sanding almost fun, not to mention 'look ma, no dust.'
Brent
Loren Hedahl
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Are they really more aggressive in the Rotex mode?
You better believe it!!
You better believe it!!
ROb McGilp
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Hi Rex,
I can't speak highly enough of the Rotex 150. It does an excellent job on just about anything. I know one person who has used the RO150 to clean up railway sleepers! In the orbital mode, it is fierce. In the RO mode it can be as gentle as you need for sanding or polishing. Very little vibration and fairly quiet. Doesn't quit.
Regards,
Rob
I can't speak highly enough of the Rotex 150. It does an excellent job on just about anything. I know one person who has used the RO150 to clean up railway sleepers! In the orbital mode, it is fierce. In the RO mode it can be as gentle as you need for sanding or polishing. Very little vibration and fairly quiet. Doesn't quit.
Regards,
Rob
Matthew Schenker
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rex,
The Rotex sanders are amazing sanders. I have used both the RO 125 and the RO 150 and like both of them. They are very similar, except of course for their difference in size. In terms of which one is better over alll, it's a close call.
My feeling is, if you're doing a lot of overhead or vertical-surface sanding, the RO 125 may be better because its lighter weight makes a difference. If not, the RO 150 is better. But people disagree about this assessment.
If I were stuck on a desert island and could only have one sander, I would go with the RO 150.
(Yes, I know there would be no electricity on a desert island, nor much wood to sand, but you get my point.)
Matthew
The Rotex sanders are amazing sanders. I have used both the RO 125 and the RO 150 and like both of them. They are very similar, except of course for their difference in size. In terms of which one is better over alll, it's a close call.
My feeling is, if you're doing a lot of overhead or vertical-surface sanding, the RO 125 may be better because its lighter weight makes a difference. If not, the RO 150 is better. But people disagree about this assessment.
If I were stuck on a desert island and could only have one sander, I would go with the RO 150.
(Yes, I know there would be no electricity on a desert island, nor much wood to sand, but you get my point.)
Matthew
Rex,
I have the new Rotex 150 FEQ. It is a GREAT sander. As an general-purpose sander, there's probably none better. FYI, Abranet has some new sanding screens that fit the RO150. I bought a set of screens for my 150 and love the stuff. So you have all of the Festool sandpaper to choose from and now there's Abranet too.
With a low grit paper like the 50 grit in orbital mode, it do some serious stock removel. Switch to RO mode and a nice 150 or 220, and you can control it with one hand and get a very fine finish! But...
There is one other issue you should consider - dust collection. Paired with a CT22, CT-Midi or CT-Mini, you'll realize the benefits of dustless sanding. I have the CT22 and I'm amazed that the dust collection of this combo. It's awesome. Consider getting a Festool portable DC.
As Brent pointed out, take a look at Jerry Work's Festool Sander guide. It will help you with your choices. (Betcha can't buy just one!) ;D
Regards,
Dan.
I have the new Rotex 150 FEQ. It is a GREAT sander. As an general-purpose sander, there's probably none better. FYI, Abranet has some new sanding screens that fit the RO150. I bought a set of screens for my 150 and love the stuff. So you have all of the Festool sandpaper to choose from and now there's Abranet too.
With a low grit paper like the 50 grit in orbital mode, it do some serious stock removel. Switch to RO mode and a nice 150 or 220, and you can control it with one hand and get a very fine finish! But...
There is one other issue you should consider - dust collection. Paired with a CT22, CT-Midi or CT-Mini, you'll realize the benefits of dustless sanding. I have the CT22 and I'm amazed that the dust collection of this combo. It's awesome. Consider getting a Festool portable DC.
As Brent pointed out, take a look at Jerry Work's Festool Sander guide. It will help you with your choices. (Betcha can't buy just one!) ;D
Regards,
Dan.
Dan Clark said:
Dan,
I spoke with an Abranet guy at AWFS. They make two interface pads aligned to the Festool dust collection holes. THe one recommended is 9956. He told me that placing this thin pad between the abranet and the standard Festool pad (RO 150 or whatever) will protect the Festool pad and pass through all the dust as well.
have you just been using abranet directly on the festool pad?
Dave
Dave,
No. I should have mentioned this. I have the 9956 too. It's necessary to prevent damage to the Festool hook and loop pad.
I also have a little Abranet hand sander with a long skinny hose that hooks to the Festool CT inlet port. I'm very happy with both.
Regards,
Dan.
No. I should have mentioned this. I have the 9956 too. It's necessary to prevent damage to the Festool hook and loop pad.
I also have a little Abranet hand sander with a long skinny hose that hooks to the Festool CT inlet port. I'm very happy with both.
Regards,
Dan.
"I also have a little Abranet hand sander with a long skinny hose that hooks to the Festool CT inlet port."
Here's a link:
http://www.mirka.com/accessories/handsandingblocks
Here's a link:
http://www.mirka.com/accessories/handsandingblocks
brandon.nickel
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Link asks for a username/password. In fact, even the root www.mirka.net does too.
??
??
Michael Kellough
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