Need help in choosing good RO sander

[LarryHill]

Really need to upgrade my RO sander looking @ Festool ETS 125 t-loc or Rotex R90..or anything else that is good..maybe a mirka?  Someone give me a opinion.  I'm an experienced woodworker and build mostly furniture

 

[erock]

Larry,  I'm afraid one may not cut it.

I thought I needed one sander.  I first bought the ETS 125.  Then I wanted something for detail work.  So I bought the DTS400.

But THEN I wanted something more aggressive, so I bought a RO 125.  Now I want the LS 130.

If you are looking to buy just one sander, then the RO 90 will give you a lot of bang for your buck.  You can sand a flat surface then

change the head and get some tight corners.  The only thing I don't like about the RO 90 is the size of the sanding surface.  But that's just

my opinion.  I really like the 125 sanders for my use.  If you go with a RO 125 and should want something smaller down the road then

you could pick up a ETS 125 and use the same paper with both the RO 125 and ETS 125.  If you buy a RO 90 and want something

bigger a little later down the road, then you need to buy more sandpaper. 

Get a abrasives systainer to go with the sander you choose.  I love having all the sand paper I need attached to the sander I'm using.

Just my two cents.

Eric

 

[Acrobat]

I have both the rotex 125 and the delta dts400. The delta is so easy to use for finishing details, conversely sometimes I find the rotex 125 a devil to handle sometimes having a mind of its own. I feel the balance of the tool is not quite there, and find that you get a better results holding it at the end of the shaft near the plug it cable  and gently lifting it just slightly, as this seems to give me less "skipping" from it. It can get quite aggressive - so fast removal, but keep an eye on it and keep it moving. I also have the ETS/3 150, wow, this sander is so sweet, makes me wish I got the larger rotex so I could swap papers. Something to consider.

 

[LarryHill]

Thank you for the helpful information.  It's appreciated

 

[flair woodworks]

Larry,

If you'll be sanding mostly horizontal surfaces, I think you'll like the Festool sanders.  I chose the low-profile Mirka CEROS because the sculptural woodwork I make means I'm often using the sander in non-horizontal orientations.  I like the CEROS because I can easily manipulate it with one hand and in tighter areas.

 

[Anna]

I was worried about being able to handle Rotex 150 FEQ, it's an incredibly smooth sanding machine paired with the CT 26, I am so happy. I was sanding down cedar with a makita random orbit sander for a while, it was such a messy job. I was covered in sawdust. With the Rotex, I am cutting down the work in half. The results are outstanding. I needed a sander that could cover as much surface as possible. Great machine, no regrets.

 

[RONWEN]

I really like my Mirka Ceros and RO90 sanders -- I seem to use the RO150 less & less but there are (bigger) jobs where it shines.

 

[semenza]

Hi Larry,

Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

You will get tons of  info here. The ETS150 /3 or /5 are really a couple of top line sanders. Hard to go wrong with either of them.

I have the ETS150/5 and it has excelled for years. 

Seth

 

[jacko9]

Larry,

I started my Festool sander adventure with the EST 125 but, returned it (for budget reasons) and purchased the EST 150/3 for it's larger capacity when sanding large furniture surfaces.

Within the year I have purchased the RO 90, the EST 125 and the LS 130 which I really like when sanding the inner radius on three leg style pedestal tables.

Bottom line building furniture you can't go wrong with any of these sanders.

Jack

 

[pghmyn]

I have been looking hard at the RO125. I think when I go to purchase my first Festool sander, that will be the one. I like the size, and I like the reviews about the Rotex sanders.

 

[pugilato]

I really like my RO 90... I have been using it to make chaise lounges with treated wood, and it makes short work of the irregularities and imperfections in the timbers.

 

[Scott B.]

For strictly finish sanding on furniture or cabinet grade work, the RTS400 is very hard to beat. Practical surface size, four corners to use and dynamite dust control with little risk of swirl. DTS400 would be right there on the list too.

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[Tinker]

I have the RO 150, DE 93 and LS 130.  I am doing more and more smaller projects so I am thinking of RO 90.
So far, the combination has worked out very well for me.  I don't think any one sander will suit all of your needs.  At least I have not found it yet.
Tinker