RO 150 E Plus - Still Useful???

[extiger]

I've got a new RO 150 E Plus. Is this model still useful for making furniture, and some infrequent auto refinishing? 

I've read some details about the newer models having more power and a guard that aids in cutting close to a finished edge. I'm confused.

gary curtis

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Hey Gary,
Gee thats a bummer, that old Rotex wouldn't be good for anything.  If you want, you can send it to me to get rid of it.

Just kidding, of course.

The bumper guard is a nice idea - I have caused some collateral damage that the guard probably would have prevented.

To tell the truth, I don't see the need for more power.  When I put my old rotex in rotex mode on high speed, I'm holding on for dear life, or at least watching closely that the beast doesn't chew a hole in the workpiece.

I'm keeping my old Rotex for sure.  If I had some $$ to spend on Festool, I think there are many other things I would buy before upgrading the Rotex.  On the other hand, if you just gotta have those new bells and whistles, used Festools hold their value well and I'll bet you can sell the old one for close to what you paid for it!

 

[extiger]

Thanks Jesse. And excuse my laziness: I just read Jerry Work's essay on Festool sanders and all my questions are answered. The issue of the newer plastic guard goes over my head as I haven't used the machine, so I don't recognize the problem with the older model. But I'm satisfied.

Gary Curtis

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Gary,
I had both the old and new Rotex sanders, and I like the features of the new one.  My old one is in the hands of a family member who "borrowed" it a year ago!

I discuss the guard in my review of the new RO 150, which you can find by CLICKING HERE

Matthew

 

[Bob Childress]

Gary,

I have the older model and it does not lack for power or general usefullness. The guard would be nice but I have too many other Festools on my wish list to think about swapping it out at this point. I need (want, drool over) an MFT very badly.

 

[woodshopdemos]

Gary,
  I have new and old. They are both great. I think I reach for the old because I have spent so much time with it...it fits in my hand. Certainly there has never been a power issue. The new model allows me to shift modes faster but that isn't a big deal. I think my gentle assistants like the new units better. I think it is that they cannot grasp the barrel of the old unit with one hand comfortably.