RO 125 FEQ or RO 90 DX?

[yellowtruck75]

I am in the market for a new sander and I am confused as to which sander I should get, the RO 125 FEQ or RO 90 DX?  I primarily build Maloof inspired rockers and furnitire so there are lots of curves and sweeps to sand around.  I am trying to decide if I should opt for the 5" sanding surface or for the small surface that can sand around curves better. I like the idea of using the polishing pads on the RO 125 before I apply finish, does the RO 90 have polishing pad accessories available?

 

[Wood_Junkie]

... does the RO 90 have polishing pad accessories available?

Yep!  I checked several of our resident dealer's website, and Bob's had the easiest to see the various items.  Note they say 80mm diameter, but they're designed for the RO90.

http://www.bobmarinosbesttools.com/polishing-media-d-80/c/1237/

 

[mouppe]

At first glance, most people would say the RO90, but if you wanted to also use a very fine random orbit sander at times with the smallest stroke, you could opt for the ETS 125 which has a 2mm stroke. If so, you would be better off getting the RO125 as you could use the sandpapers with either sander.

 

[AlexThePalex]

If you mainly build such delicate furniture as Maloof chairs then I think the RO 90 would be a good choice. The small round pad + delta pad would be great to get into the tiniest of corners.

I also like Richard's idea of the ETS 125, a nice light sander that can also handle delicate jobs very well. I think the RO 125 would be overkill in your case.

 

[Mauri Motti]

Hi yellowtruck75,

I only have the RO 90 DX and though I'm very happy with it, I do find it 90 mm to small for large surfaces. I would love to get a 125 or a 150 for bigger surfaces. But as you mentioned you mainly work on Sam's kinda chairs, the 90 should do just fine. Switching to the delta pad is a great luxury!

Regards, Mauri

 

[davee]

I also make Maloof inspired rockers and similar sculpted furniture - you definately want the RO90.  There simply isn't enough flat surface to warrant the RO 125.  The RO 90 is great for roughing out material as well as finer finishing.  I think you will love it.

 

[jtwood]

I have both and use them differently.  I make Greene and Greene inspired furniture, with some curves and rounded edges, and the RO 90 works great for that.  I use the RO 125 for flat surfaces like table tops, but the RO90 for narrower flat surfaces like table legs.
If I had to pick just one, for the type of work you will use it for, I would pick the RO 90 for the versatility.  You can still do larger surfaces like tops, it will just take longer.  And if you do use it for larger surfaces, get the accessory hard pad.

 

[Brice Burrell]

......If I had to pick just one, for the type of work you will use it for, I would pick the RO 90 for the versatility.  You can still do larger surfaces like tops, it will just take longer.  And if you do use it for larger surfaces, get the accessory hard pad.

Also, I think the interface pad would be useful too. 

 

[adubeau]

I tried the RO 90 DX out a Woodcraft this past Sunday and it is a sweet tool.... I have it on my wish list along with several other Festool tools I want

 

[Sam Murdoch]

I use the RO 125 FEQ every day and though it is a wonderful tool I would NOT CONSIDER using it for your application.
It would be a compromise tool in this case.  [tongue]