Once again Rotex 125 or ETS 125/EQ

[GregZuydhoek71]

I’m new to the group and pretty new to Festool. So happy! I know this one is asked a lot. I really want the aggressive action you get with the Rotex for live edge slabs but am I wishing I had just a random orbital when it comes to basic palm sanding?

 

[dltflt]

The RO125 has Rotex modes for aggressive sanding and random mode for lighter sanding

 

[GregZuydhoek71]

Thanks for your reply. I’m leaning that way, especially now because it seems like I can’t get a hold of the ETS EC 150/3. I have to call my rep to see if that’s the case.

 

[aloysius]

I’m new to the group and pretty new to Festool. So happy! I know this one is asked a lot. I really want the aggressive action you get with the Rotex for live edge slabs but am I wishing I had just a random orbital when it comes to basic palm sanding?

The Rotex 150 action is more aggressive again (5mm as opposed to 3.6mm, or almost 40% greater) & thus much better suited for rapid slab flattening.  It's kind of like the same quantum difference again in aggression as the Rotex 125 is to the ETS. 

The combination of greater planetary eccentricity with a substantial increase in power & an almost doubling in working surface area makes the 150 a significantly more effective flattener.  All other things being equal, about 250% better!  But obviously not quite so good as the littl'un as a finisher. 

I'd suggest that rough-sawn or even basic Jack-planed slab flattening with anything "less" than a Rotex 150 would be an exercise in frustration & time-wasting. 

 

[Dove_Tail]

Greg - Another thing you should know is that the Rotex 150 is reported to be a much more "tame" sander than the Rotex 125.  Many people (including me) find the Rotex 125 to be "jumpy" and a little hard to handle, where the Rotex 150 is "calmer".  Everyone seems to love the Rotex 150.

I have both a Rotex 125 and an ETS EC 125.  If I were starting from scratch, I would buy the 150 versions.  I wouldn't be without the ETS for finish sanding.  I much prefer it for finish sanding over the Rotex in R/O mode.

 

[AlexThePalex]

One more vote to get the Rotex 150. Especially with live edge slabs.

The Ro125 by itself is not bad sander at all, but if you compare it to the 150 it pales in comparison. It just lacks so much power and comfort compared to the 150. If you do live edge slabs you definitely want the 150.

And altough I prefer to use an ETS125 for fine finishing, I can still do the same with my RO150. You have to take a bit more care to get there and use a higher grit paper.

 

[GregZuydhoek71]

Roger all that. Thank you!,