Radom Orbital Sander

[dollar bill]

I am considering replacing my Bosch dual mode ROS with a Festool ETS or Rotex. I see there are several choices for the stroke (3 vs 5 64ths). Can someone please give me some guidance on this.

 

[semenza]

Hi,

    If you are replacing a dual mode sander then ROTEX seems like the choice.  Also it is 3mm and 5mm , not /64ths.

Seth

 

[afish]

Its hard to recommend anything without knowing what the primary usage is but 3 vs 5mm stroke boiled down 3mm is more of finish sander and 5mm is more for rapid material removal.  Most people if they are only going to have one its a 3mm. 

Im not sure which model Bosch you have they updated the dual mode sanders not that long ago to the GET series from my knowledge.  I dont use or need a dual mode sander but from what I have read the newer Bosch GET series is very close to being on par with the Rotex but significantly less money. 

Which Bosch do you have and what are you not getting from it, is my biggest question.  Perhaps you might be better served keeping the Bosch as your dual mode and adding an ETS EC 125 3mm as a compliment to the dual mode. 

 

[dollar bill]

Its hard to recommend anything without knowing what the primary usage is but 3 vs 5mm stroke boiled down 3mm is more of finish sander and 5mm is more for rapid material removal.  Most people if they are only going to have one its a 3mm. 

Im not sure which model Bosch you have they updated the dual mode sanders not that long ago to the GET series from my knowledge.  I dont use or need a dual mode sander but from what I have read the newer Bosch GET series is very close to being on par with the Rotex but significantly less money. 

Which Bosch do you have and what are you not getting from it, is my biggest question.  Perhaps you might be better served keeping the Bosch as your dual mode and adding an ETS EC 125 3mm as a compliment to the dual mode.

I have a Bosch 1250DEVS and here are my issues with it:
1) I have to backyard engineer the dust collection to get it to work with my EC-26. The way I have it kludged up the vacuum hose keeps falling off while I'm sanding.
2)It's a bit too heavy.
3)The sander is not readily available when I need to use it. It's in the box on a shelf. All my Festool tools are stacked up in their systainers on a dolly. All I have to do is play musical systainers and voila! there is the tool I need to use. No unboxing required.

 

[squall_line]

Some thoughts...

1. In this day and age of 3D printing, I'm surprised there isn't an adapter for this.  Check Etsy or eBay
2. A lighter sander is about the only answer
3. Plenty of people on here have put their non-Festool gear into Systainers.

Now, if you just want a new sander, I don't think anyone here will try to talk you out of it.  It looks like you've had the Bosch for over 6 years, based on some older posts from you on here, yes?  That's a lot of years of fighting with the hose, for sure.

 

[dollar bill]

Some thoughts...

1. In this day and age of 3D printing, I'm surprised there isn't an adapter for this.  Check Etsy or eBay
2. A lighter sander is about the only answer
3. Plenty of people on here have put their non-Festool gear into Systainers.

Now, if you just want a new sander, I don't think anyone here will try to talk you out of it.  It looks like you've had the Bosch for over 6 years, based on some older posts from you on here, yes?  That's a lot of years of fighting with the hose, for sure.

I cannot remember when I purchased the Bosch. It's been several years.
If I do decide to keep the Bosch which Festool Systainer would you recommend?

 

[afish]

Yes thats the older model.  I read plenty of negative reviews about that sander.  It doesnt seem to be well liked but the newer generation GET75/65 (dont quote me on the model #'s) as its just from memory but I dont think I have seen a single review that someone said the Festool is worth almost 2x the bosch. 

I cant really speak to either sander but If it were me and I used the Rotex feature often or needed to do a lot of heavy stock removal more than just occasionally. I would probably get the Rotex but If I only needed the Rotex feature occasionally I would probably get the the GET75 or make do with the 1250 and add a ETS EC 125 which would much lighter and comfortable to use when you didnt need such an aggressive machine. I just added a ETS 125/3 to my stable a few weeks ago and so far I really like it. Its comfortable to use.  I would hate to rely on a Rotex as my only sander. 

As far as the hose goes take a look at the centec hose they have one that comes with 5 different adaptors that pop on and off.  I added some PET cover to it and love the hose. I havent found a tool yet that it doesnt fit.   

 

[xedos]

I have a Bosch 1250DEVS and here are my issues with it:
1) I have to backyard engineer the dust collection to get it to work with my EC-26. The way I have it kludged up the vacuum hose keeps falling off while I'm sanding.
2)It's a bit too heavy.
3)The sander is not readily available when I need to use it. It's in the box on a shelf. All my Festool tools are stacked up in their systainers on a dolly. All I have to do is play musical systainers and voila! there is the tool I need to use. No unboxing required.

1. Not sure what an EC-26 vac is but, if you're having trouble with the vac connection on the 1250 then I don't think a Festool sander is going to be any better for you in that regard.  They both have the same diameter dust ports. 

I'd suggest an new/better hose that doesn't require the kludge.

2. 1250 is a heavy sander - A Rotex isn't going to be lighter.  Best look at a different type sander.  Festool ETS EC125 would be the place to start and the Bosch ROS65VC-5 would be a decent all rounder that's lighter weight.

3. A systainer will solve this issue for the 1250 or any other tool you want to store on your dolly.    A last gen. sys2 or  new M187 should fit the 1250 though a sys3 or M237 would offer more configuration and accessory options.

 

[dollar bill]

I have a Bosch 1250DEVS and here are my issues with it:
1) I have to backyard engineer the dust collection to get it to work with my EC-26. The way I have it kludged up the vacuum hose keeps falling off while I'm sanding.
2)It's a bit too heavy.
3)The sander is not readily available when I need to use it. It's in the box on a shelf. All my Festool tools are stacked up in their systainers on a dolly. All I have to do is play musical systainers and voila! there is the tool I need to use. No unboxing required.

1. Not sure what an EC-26 vac is but, if you're having trouble with the vac connection on the 1250 then I don't think a Festool sander is going to be any better for you in that regard.  They both have the same diameter dust ports. 

I'd suggest an new/better hose that doesn't require the kludge.

2. 1250 is a heavy sander - A Rotex isn't going to be lighter.  Best look at a different type sander.  Festool ETS EC125 would be the place to start and the Bosch ROS65VC-5 would be a decent all rounder that's lighter weight.

3. A systainer will solve this issue for the 1250 or any other tool you want to store on your dolly.    A last gen. sys2 or  new M187 should fit the 1250 though a sys3 or M237 would offer more configuration and accessory options.

Oops! the dust extractor is a CT-26E. The Festool vac hose does not fit the dust port of the 1250. They are both the same OD.

 

[afish]

https://www.amazon.com/Cen-Tec-Syst...635095938&sprefix=cen-tec,aps,126&sr=8-8&th=1

This should help with the hose part.  If the bosh sander is the only tool you have issues with its probably not worth it.  However, if you have several other brands and different dust port sizes like me it works well. 

 

[xedos]

Oops! the dust extractor is a CT-26E. The Festool vac hose does not fit the dust port of the 1250. They are both the same OD.

Still not sure exactly what you’re trying to say. 

Admittedly, I haven’t played with a 1250 in quite awhile but my recollection is that the port accepts Bosch’s (and by extension Festool’s ) 27mm rubber hose end.  The end(s) do not fit inside the tube, you wrestle them over the outside. 

The new (crappy) cleantec Festool hose end is rather stiff and more difficult to do this with.

 

[leakyroof]

IF you still want to get a new Festool Sander after working out the kinks with your Bosch Sander DC connections, the EC ETS sanders can be both an aggressive sander and a gentle sander with no Rotex Mode needed, and even my 3mm orbit EC 125 sander will strip finishes off a workpiece with the right abrasive if need be. Just adjust speeds and Abrasive Grits to your needs.
Are they a complete replacement for a  Rotex, well no, if you need that full mode for even more aggressive at times, then you need a Rotex. I'm just saying that my EC sanders are more powerful than the original ETS sanders I first had back in 2004/05 when I started buying Festool products.
The ECs are smaller, lower in height so Toe Kicks are generally not even a barrier at cabinets if you needed that feature one day.
If I had to pare down my two ECs to one sander, it would be the larger EC 150 as long as the larger pad wasn't an issue. The 5mm orbit gives it an All-Around-Sander function like my old ETS 150 and then some, due to the power increase of the new EC models.
Either EC is also less tiring to run compared to a Rotex Sander as well.

 

[dollar bill]

Oops! the dust extractor is a CT-26E. The Festool vac hose does not fit the dust port of the 1250. They are both the same OD.

Still not sure exactly what you’re trying to say. 

Admittedly, I haven’t played with a 1250 in quite awhile but my recollection is that the port accepts Bosch’s (and by extension Festool’s ) 27mm rubber hose end.  The end(s) do not fit inside the tube, you wrestle them over the outside. 

The new (crappy) cleantec Festool hose end is rather stiff and more difficult to do this with.

I don't know what to tell you. The Festool hose will not fit over the Bosch dust port. I really hate this sander.

 

[afish]

It sounds like the marriage is over with the 1250.  Time to sign the papers and get rid of it.  So the question becomes Rotex or ETS.  Only you can answer that question but maybe this will help:

1. How often do you "NEED" the Rotex feature for the work you do?

A. All the time 80%+ = New Rotex

B. Occasionally 40-80%= Rotex + ETS 125/3 would be my choice and probably the best answer (not best for wallet) No budget concern then this is best option. 

C. Once in awhile. 20-40%  If you dont do a lot of fine finish work then maybe ETC150/5 could do double duty.  However,  if you find that the 5 is to aggressive for your finish work then you will have to sell (or exchange within 30 days) the 150/5 and get the Rotex + the 125/3

OPTION 2.  Rotex and a cheaper RO sander like the ETS 125 REQ or Cheaper dual mode like the GET75 and the ETS125/3 If budget is concern

D. Rarely = ETS 125/3

 

[dollar bill]

Oops! the dust extractor is a CT-26E. The Festool vac hose does not fit the dust port of the 1250. They are both the same OD.

Still not sure exactly what you’re trying to say. 

Admittedly, I haven’t played with a 1250 in quite awhile but my recollection is that the port accepts Bosch’s (and by extension Festool’s ) 27mm rubber hose end.  The end(s) do not fit inside the tube, you wrestle them over the outside. 

The new (crappy) cleantec Festool hose end is rather stiff and more difficult to do this with.

I don't know what to tell you. The Festool hose will not fit over the Bosch dust port. I really hate this sander.

This is what I am talking about.

 

[dollar bill]

Here is another pic.

 

[afish]

That dust port does seem to be an after thought and looks like it would pop off easy even if you got it on there.  Plus with it being so close to the body of the sander it doesnt look like it would ever fit well.  Just bad design all around on Bosch.  As I said there are lots of negative reviews on the 1250 So, im not surprised you hate it.  You could try and use a heat gun to either make a pvc adaptor or to adjust the bosch ports diameter.  Either or isnt Ideal but it is an option. 

However the newer model that replaced it looks much better and is reflected in the 4.5 stars.  There is lots of comparison videos on youtube between the Rotex and the Bosch.  I dont think I saw a single video that said the Festool was worth 300 more.  The dust port does look a lot better on the newer Bosch. [attachimg=1]

I really like Festool sanders and own several, but I dont think I would ever spend the money on the rotex over the bosch. I would sell the 1250 and take the 300 savings and get the ETS125/3 

 

[squall_line]

However the newer model that replaced it looks much better and is reflected in the 4.5 stars.  There is lots of comparison videos on youtube between the Rotex and the Bosch.  I dont think I saw a single video that said the Festool was worth 300 more.  The dust port does look a lot better on the newer Bosch. [attachimg=1]

That almost looks more like a Shinex than a Rotex...

 

[shanegrilah]

I have a 1250 and a Fein hose. When the rubber portion of the connector is removed, the ID of the remaining connector friction fits the 1250 perfectly. Never had an issue with it coming loose or falling off.

Regards,
Shane

 

[afish]

That Fein hose looks like it has the QA ends that pops on and off like the centec hose.  It makes sense since that's how I found the centec hose to begin with. My old r2d2 looking fein (not sure of model #) had a hose that was identical to the centec so much so either they make the hoses for fein or they source them from the same place. 

I use a mix of dewalt, makita and festool and this hose has fit everything. Including my Krieg foreman.  Im a fan of it.  If you have a range of tools with different dust ports.  I will probably still get a 27 festool hose for that will be dedicated to just my sanding station and ol faithful will stay as back up when I use the other brands. I coverd mine with the PET covering to prevent snagging and its worth the upgrade.