RO 90 and another sander vs RTS 400 and DTS 400

[MTbassbone]

Ok, so I am shopping for sanders (currently don't have one).  Initially I purchased a RO 150, and man that thing was a beast.  It just was not for me.  I went to a dealer a few weeks ago, and checked out the RO 90.  It felt a little more manageable. I also liked the ETS EC 125/3.  I like the RO 90 for its versatility (rotex, ROS, delta), and I like the ETS EC 125/3 because it is so light. On the opposite end I am also considering getting the RTS 400 and DTS 400 so I have the ability to get anywhere I need to.  Although I am wondering if the smaller sanding stroke would be an issue. I haven't really started any projects yet, but I mainly foresee working with cabinet grade plywood, maybe some mdf, and pre-milled lumber (I don't own a jointer or planer).  I have also considered just getting the RO 90, and being done with it, but I hate sanding so I thought it would be nice to have a sander with a larger pad too.  Discuss.

P.S. I have also looked into the Bosch ROS65VC, but not sure how it performs.

 

[PeterK]

I have owned all the RO series sanders and sold them all. The 90 is really innovative but has a VERY small pad and is not much use on panels. The 150 is a heavy beast and will hog off material like a belt sander in you want as well as sands more like a finish sander. The 125 is the easiest to use but has a smallish pad. The problem I had with the RO sanders is I had to constantly focus on keeping them balanced as they want to tip. Their weight is taxing on anything other than horizontal surfaces.

My recommendation is an ETS EC125 or 150 and the DTS delta sander. Allows totally balanced sanding even with one finger. Handles larger panels, can sand awkward locations. This is my sander setup and it does everything I come across. The regular ETS150 sanders are marvelous for panels but the EC are lighter, smoother yet.

 

[rljatl]

[member=474]PeterK[/member] Do you have the 3 or 5mm stroke version of the EC ETS sander?

 

[PeterK]

Mine is the 125 with 3mm stroke. I also have the older ES150/3. While not officially approved you can use the EC125/3 with 5" AND 6" pads making it even more useful - the 125 and 150 versions of the EC are virtually identical units. The 150 can not use the 125 pads but the 125 can use the 150 pads. I just got my EC a week ago with both size pads and it is so much lighter and nicer to use. Being more compact. As to the 5mm vs 3mm stroke my thoughts are I can have the smaller finish orbit of the 3mm stroke and just use more aggressive paper when I need to hog off material. Has worked fine for me over the last 10 years as most of my use is on planed material or plywood/MDF.
There are many happy 5mm version owners here who love their sanders so it is not a clear easy choice. The 5mm is not available in the smaller EC125.

 

[antss]

A you doing so much corner work that you really need the capability of a dedicated delta sander ?

If not, I'd look at a multimaster which will do the same job and more for roughly the same money. The pad is a bit smaller but still has dust collection.

The 90 is a handy and versatile sander , but it's an addition; not the mainstay of a stable. The 125 EC/3 is a better candidate for that.

The ros65vc is also a nice sander but introduces a fourth form factor to that of RTS/DTS , RO90, and the EC sanders.  You've got to take them all for a spin to see what feels best to you.

 

[Brian Livingstone]

Hi,

I am a cabinet maker, furniture maker, generalist.  I sold my R090 recently, I just didn't care for it. 

I am quite happy with my sander inventory. 

I have a RS2 for large panels, an ETS 150/3 for general sanding, a DTS400 REQ, and a LS130.  I will probably buy the RTS400 REQ to add to my inventory, primarily for sanding face frames.  I will also probably sell my ETS 150/3 and replace it with the newer model.

I had to clean up a rough walnut beam that I bought recently for a mantle.  With a little bit of time the ETS 150/3 was able to get the rough beam looking fine, going through the grits.  I really don't miss the jumpy, aggressive RO90, although to be clear I don't use that much rough lumber.

Brian

 

[PeterK]

The DTS and RTS sanders are orbital, not random orbital. They are fine finish sanders and not really meant for larger panel sanding and flattening. As you have guessed, there really is no single do-all sander. That was the appeal of the RO90 but with a 3" pad it was not efficient for larger area usage and does not give a truly flat surface without a lot of work.
As Brian says, the RS2 is remarkable! Absolutely wonderful panel sander and not often recognized. Festool has such a wide selection. My single sander recommendation is one of the EC sanders to start and then fill in with what you need later.

 

[bigshaw929]

I have the RO90 & 125, DTS & ETS 125. Between the RO90 and 125 I much prefer the 125. I find the smaller pad on the 90 can lead to uneven surfaces. I barley ever touch it. At least that's how it's worked for me when working on smaller projects.

I really appreciate the light weight of the ETS 125 when working larger projects. However it can take forever to remove stock with it. I say that as it was the first festool I purchased. It has been a slippery slope.

The DTS is great for the times you need it. I would personally go with the RO125 or ETS125. Those are the 2 I started with as they can use the same paper.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ScotF]

I think it depends on what you will make and need to sand most. The DTS and RO90 are great for corners and compliment a larger sander. I use an RO90 and EC 125 for sanding sculpted furniture as the size of the pads fits the curves. I use a Rotex 150 and ETS 150 for larger field work and the RS2E for large panels and tables, etc. When you need a truly flat surface. I just picked up a new RTS and that has worked well for sanding edges and thinner material that is more difficult with an RO sander. I think it works great and can take off material with coarser grits.

If I had to start with one I think the EC 125 is a really good first choice that accomplishes many tasks well. It islihht, very powerful and has some great new technology that makes sanding easier. Add a delta and you can sand many applications. A Rotex would be a good third choice for aggressive sanding.

Good news is that you can try them out for 30 days and see if they work for your application.

 

[travisj]

I started with the ETS150/3 and it is by far my favorite out of the 5 sanders I own (RO90, RO150, Pro5, & DTS400).  I would recommend starting with an ETS or an EC.  I chose the 150 because I have bear paws for hands and it fit really well.  I have read on here where some with smaller hand prefer the fit of the 125.  I don't think you could go wrong with either size, but IMO that would be the best starting point.

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[Holmz]

A corner sander can be handy, and I got a used dx93. I may sell it as it is 110v.

Also I have an orbital sander, and I find it useful.
FT makes a 1/2-sheet called the RS2e.

The ETS EC 150/5 is also good.

Those are the three sanders that make a pretty hard to beat combo for sheet goods.

 

[Woodhack]

I have the ro 90 and the rts 400. Im a painter though who does SOME carpentry. I would have to guess the ro 90 isn't good for large flat areas day in and day out although I have done so in a jam. You just have to keep it flat and always pay attention.

Where the ro 90 shines for me is in things like this one small snippet. I love this rig!!!!!!!!!!!! It makes prep work fun.


Its  real nice to be able to go through your grit progression when removing old finishes in tight spots and was an absolute game changer. Why every painter doesn't at least own one of these is beyond comprehension.

 

[John Stevens]

As others have said, it depends on what you want to do.  FWIW, here's my experience.

My primary interest is making furniture, and I've owned the ETS 150/3 about 10 years and love it for that.  The EC's probably even better!  I don't own the RS/2, but it's on the "short list."  I sold the RO 150 because, like you, I found it hard to handle.  I also sold my DTS 400 because I didn't use it often enough.

I also have done a lot of sanding while rehabbing my house.  I bought the RO 90, and although I find it a little hard to handle in the rotex mode, it's GREAT for removing old paint in that mode, and easy to smooth through 180 or 220 grit in ROS and orbital-triangle modes.  Using a single sander for the "rotex" and triangluar modes of makes it very convenient to use for paint removal and surface prep.  I've also used it to shape furniture by just hogging it out by brute force (it's deceptively powerful), and gently remove rust from metal.  I'd never choose it to prep furniture for finishing, but it's good for so many other occasional improvised jobs that it's earned its keep in my stable.

Hope this helps, good luck with your decision!

--John

 

[MTbassbone]

I am pretty sure I am going to go with the ETS EC 125/3. Seems to make the most sense for me.

 

[SS Teach]

Welcome to the FOG. The Ros are great sanders, but they have a learning curve. They are two handed sanders. There is no one sander that is the be all end all. It just depends on what you're project is. The one item that is a necessity is a CT. Sanding in a cloud of dust is not a thrill. After you buy your first sander, they seem to multiply. Welcome to the slippery slope. Good luck in deciding.

 

[grobkuschelig]

I have a RO 90 and an ETS EC 150/5. Love those two. They cover all my needs. I went for the 150/5 over the /3 because I wanted the material removal, if needed.
It does produce a really nice finish which leads me to believe that the /3 is mostly only for people doing high gloss paint jobs, but obviously a lot of people here have it.
I just don't see the need and rather have quicker removal for a "one size fits all" sander.
The RO is a perfect addition for the odd spot where Rotex mode or the delta pad are needed...