Now which Rotex

[clev1066]

When I got my first Festool sander; I didn't even consider that I'd get another. I had been trudging along with a Ridgid/Metabo 6" as my only sander for quite a few years. I figured it would be the same with the Festool; so I got the ETS 150/5. Come to find out, I am now the owner of the ETS 125.

So this brings me to the Rotex. Had I ever considered one in the first place; I would have probably chose the 150/3 over the 150/5 and then obviously the Rotex 150. Now that I've chosen the 150/5 and also have the 125; it makes me consider the Rotex 125. Either way, I'll be able to share paper with a ROS; I'm just trying not to duplicate sanding features in as much as possible.

Here's to "Hind-sight is 20/20"  ;D

 

[Brice Burrell]

Clev, I too have the ETS125 and 150 sanders, I decided on the RO125. My thoughts were to use it as tool to quickly remove material and on tough sanding jobs and that's exactly how I use it. I found myself using my Rotex on ladders and scaffolding sanding cleaning up old window sills, trim and other outside corner boards that I've made repairs on regularly. Being able to quickly remove old paint and flush up joints in rotatory mode then finish up in RO with one tool is a huge asset when up 30 feet in the air. Plus the smaller RO125 is easier to handle, its lighter and a little less fatiguing to use, especially overhead. 

The Rotex sander can certainly be used as fine finish sanders but that's not how I use mine. There is a bit of a learning curve with the Rotex with it's elongated body. But once you figure it out the sander can be quit nimble. 

 

[mwhafner]

What kind of work do you do?

I have both the RO150 and RO125, and use both regularly but for different things.  I bought the 125 first, and then the 150.  I intended to sell the 125, but can't do it.  

The 150 excels for panel/cabinet work, but is a beast.  Paired with an ETS150/3, it is the best sanding solution I have come across.

The 125 is easier to handle, especially in the awkward places I sometimes find myself.  If working on a ladder, no question - I reach for the RO125.  Finishing sculpted furniture - I reach for the 125.  I also run into quite a few places that a 6" sander just won't work.  

I would let the type of projects/jobs you do dictate your selection.  If you are working with large surfaces, the 150's are the better choice.  I think the 125 gives you quite a bit more flexibility.  In my experience, the performance of both sanders is about equal relative to the size.  Considering that you already have the ETS150/5, I think the most logical choice would be the RO125.  

 

[Dan Clermont]

I prefer the RO 150 for large surfaces and the RO 125 for smaller pieces such as Rail and Stiles. The RO 125 will also reach deeper into corners and is less tiring when sanding overhead or on a vertical surface.

Guess it depends on what kind of work you typically do. Both are phenomal sanders

Dan Clermont

 

[greg mann]

If you stay at this long enough you will probably get them all. :

I have the RO150 and the 150/3. These are incredibly complementary tools for which the reasons are almost obvious. The RO can replace a belt sander, flatten panels, polish your car, and even do pretty well at finish sanding if you work through the grits intelligently. The 150/3 can step into the process of fine finishing at its own sweet spot and just make it easier. The fact they are the same size is marginally useful as I generally find I am using different grits. Don't sweat the 150/5 purchase. I'll bet that if you don't like the bigger swirl pattern you can take a quick swipe with the ETS125.

For some of the uses Brice referred to, such as removing paint, the smaller RO would be better, but this is where it gets slippery. I have the RAS115 and use it for this type of work. It will remove paint, or wood, at a great rate but is still easy to control.

So far, I have no sanders in the 125 range. I do have the Linear, RS2E, and RTS400, all of which do things you cannot do with round machines. I am thinking I need the DTS400.  :

Looking back over this post, I realize that I mentioned these sanders in the exact order that I purchased them and really think that there is only one change I would make in hindsight. I would have bought the DTS400 before the RTS400.