Need some Advice Please

[Everette]

I'm interested in 2 Festool sanders.  The RO150 FEQ and the ETS 150/E.  I've done a search and I guess I'm just not seeing what the big difference is and if you had to choose one which one would you choose and why?  I have also read where several people have both and again, why?  I appreciate any insight you can provide. 
Thanks in advance
Everette

 

[Eli]

About the only thing similar is they are both sanders and both use a 6" pad. The RO150 is a bit heavier and more versatile. It can go from rough sanding all the way through to polishing. It also has two different modes of sanding, where the ETS has only one. There are extensive reviews and comparisons, but if you still can't make up your mind, maybe post a little bit more about how you intend to use it, and I'm sure everybody will share their experience. I have an RO150 and a DTS400, and I'll probably still get an ETS at some point, although I like the 125 for it's smaller size.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Everette here's what I'll add, the RO150 sander is a dual mode sanders. Random orbit for finish sanding and rotary mode to remove a lot of material very quickly or for polishing. The RO150 has a 5 mm sanding stroke. The ETS150 models have either a 5mm stroke on the 150/5 or the 3mm stroke on the 150/3 sander. Some feel the RO sanders don't make as good of a finish sander as the ETS sanders that's why some people have both sanders. Or maybe they like to sanders with a 5mm stroke with the RO150 and the also have a ETS150/3 with 3mm stroke for finer sanding.

 I have the RO125 for when I have a big sanding jobs, removing paint or something like that, but for finish work I prefere my ETS sanders, I find them to be much easier to use. My ETS150/3 is a great finish sander, its simply the sander with flatset orbit I've ever used. I think you will find people who love the Rotex sander even finish work. I think you really should try both sanders out at your dealer.

 

[Lou Miller]

The ETS150 sanders are one trick ponies. However, they do that one task better than any sander ever made, IMO. There are simply the best finish sanders you can buy, period. The RO sanders are great sanders, however they are not as refined as the ETS sanders. They will remove far more material and do it with ease, but I find them to be cumbersome when it comes to finishing tasks. Compared to the ETS sanders, they are much heavier and have a lot more vibration to them. They are great for certain tasks, but not the best sander for everyday tasks, IMO.

I agree with what Eli said, post a little about what your intended usage will be. You'll get much more specific answers that are tailored to what you're looking for. There are a lot of us here that own both and are quite happy with them. What we are actually doing with them determines which one we will use though. Both excel at different things.

 

[Everette]

Thanks for the replys.  I have a chance to have both sanders, but the sensible side of me (which is very small) ask do I really need them.  This is probably the year of the kitchen cabinets, coming up.  Before I try to tackle that, I want to build a couple of small tables and a few improvements around the house. 
Thanks again
Everette

 

[Dixon Peer]

I think if you're taking the paint off the bottom of a boat or doing heavy duty stuff like that the RO sander(s) is the one to use, but for finish work of fine woodworking, I'd go with the ETS.

My work is all "fine woodworking" and I use the 125 and 150 ETS's.  They are superb sanding machines.

 

[Greg_R]

Everette, I went through the same questions that you are now having when I went to buy a sander.  I went with the RO150 because it will do everything fairly well.  In the future I may add a smaller sander (1/4 sheet or ETS) because these are much lighter and easier to work with.  It took me awhile to dial in the vacuum settings and to get used to using these sanders (don't push down, let the weight of the machine do the work, etc.) but now I'm very pleased with my purchase.  If possible, find a dealer that will let you try them out in-store... some sanders feel better "in the hand" then others (varies based on the person and hand size).  For example, I prefer the RO150 over the RO125 but there are many people on this board that prefer the smaller grip on the RO125.

 

[bill-e]

The only thing I'll add is that the Rotex will pay for itself after one use because of the ease and speed in which it removes material.  If you have a heavy duty sanding job and hate sanding, it's the sander to have.  Also, the ETS 150/5 can be quite aggressive with the heavier grits and will still finish fine furniture just as nicely as the /3.

 

[MCC 5491]

My .02 cents worth. I purchased the Rotex for field work. It's dual mode appealed to us for cleaning up glue ups quickly as well as tasks like scribing to walls etc. I have found it is fast and much more controllable than a belt sander. I and very happy with the finish we get in finish mode, but do see arguments for the other sander, which I do not own. The Rotex is hard to keep balanced on small pieces that you are finish sanding. Its power and orbit size also makes it hard to controll on thin or narrow stock.The best answer is there is no such thing as owning too many green tools correct. ;D

 

[Everette]

Thanks again for all the replies.  I broke down and bought both. Both are currently at my office and I can't get to them until later this week. But I will try to give them a work out as soon as possible.
Thanks
Everette

 

[ccmviking]

If I were buying only one Festool sander it would be the RO150 or RO125.  It's just they are so darn versatile and work so well.  There are a lot of orbital action sanders and some linear ones out there but you won't find many other branded sanders that can do what the RO's can.

Chris...