Ro 125 + sanding gril and pada= Good choice?

[DzordanoBruno]

Hello Gentlemen,
i would like to buy a new sander - Rotex 125. I have read themes abaut problems with this sander - grinding technology(scratch on grinding surface). And I have a questions:

1. How wors are this problems with this sander?  I dont understand where these problems are.

2. I need universal sander for diy projects.  Rough grinding and finisch amateur sanding. I work with pallet wood and all types wood(no top quality woods). Its RO 125 Good sander for me?

3. Which types of sanding grits are best for beginning?  Granat 80, 120, 150, 220? I would like buy sander with assortement sys and few grits packs.

Thank You for answers

 

[mouppe]

It's an excellent sander- I've been using mine trouble-free since about 2007.

Some people have trouble with controlling it, but this should be overcome with experience.

It's a powerful sander, but also quite a good finish sander. For raw wood in the lower grits, I like Rubin 100 up to 180. Granat or Brilliant for 220 and 320 for final wood sanding. Granat for 400 and up for polishing/ sanding the finish.

A worthwhile accessory is the blue hard pad, and secondly the green polishing pad.

 

[leakyroof]

Plus 1 on what RL posted. Although I don't own any of the 5"/ 125mm Festool sanders, I have heard from friends that do own them, and from fellow FOG owners here, that you need to plan on getting used to a RO125 before you get the results you want out of it easily.
You can also go with coarser grits for rough wood like a pallet, so 60-80 grit Rubin or something similar could be a starting point if your boards are in really bad shape.
Start with the sander in Rotex mode[ very aggressive], and learn how to control it while in Rotex mode. Then, move to Random Orbit mode with higher grits or stay in Rotex like some people here do while using higher grits.

 

[Holmz]

Prego Bruno.

Do you have a vacuum?
Have you considered a belt sander and then a finish sander?
How do you hold the pallets for sanding?

 

[DzordanoBruno]

1. Yes, I have Nilfisk vacuum with plug in cabel,
2. No, dont have.
3. I clamp it to my mft

 

[AlexThePalex]

The RO125 is a fine sander and probably quite suited for your tasks. But is there a specific reason not to go for the 150? The 150 is nicer. You work faster and a whole lot of people seem to find this one better controllable. 

 

[SoonerFan]

I am a DIYer myself and have an RO125 as my only Festool sander currently.  For me it offered the best functionality and size.  RO150 certainly sands faster but for my needs the 125 was a great size.  I have all Granat paper from 80 upto 400 and this covers every need I have.

Good luck with the decision.

 

[BostonMike]

Have to admit that when I saw this thread I thought someone was trying to sand their grill clean with a Rotex  [big grin]

 

[Natick64]

I just bought an RO 125 sander and I'm having problems with it "jumping" when I'm using it. It wants to go in a direction by itself, I've used a light pressure and it vibrates and jumps, looking for suggestions

 

[monstrol]

Have to admit that when I saw this thread I thought someone was trying to sand their grill clean with a Rotex  [big grin]

well...who hasn't? ?

 

[SoonerFan]

I just bought an RO 125 sander and I'm having problems with it "jumping" when I'm using it. It wants to go in a direction by itself, I've used a light pressure and it vibrates and jumps, looking for suggestions

Do you have it connected to a CT?  If so make sure the suction is turned down.  Too much suction and the sander almost sticks to the board.  Also, mine took a couple times to break in and/or me to get used to it.  Now it works great. 

 

[Natick64]

thanks I'll try that

 

[Billedis]

I have had my sander for about 2 years now, and love it.  I use mirka abranet abrasives 80-320 and it works flawlessly.  It takes a gentle touch and worked great out of the systainer for me.  Bill