RO 90 DX FEQ

[roblg3]

[smile]I am not a professional reviewer, but i have been working in the trades for decades.  I have had 4 surgeries for carpal tunnel impingement, both of my ulnar nerves ( funny bones) moved due to constant "RINGING" of the elbows, and nerve release from nerve impingement in the shoulder.  I have been diagnosed with HNPP, a genetic nerve disorder, and i have ALOT of trouble with my hands and arms going "numb"...it is the most pain i have not felt. Not sure why these stupid neurologists keep referring to a "numb" sensation., isn't numb a total lack of sensation???  anyway, i digress.  Last week i spent 2-3 hours doing some sanding with my 5" dewalt random orbit sander, BAD idea.  I punched out early, and went home for 4 days, without pay of course.  I decided to try one of these ungodly expensive sanders from the fine folks at FESTOOL.  Well, I am happy to report that i spent most of the day sanding today...and YES i'm typing on a computer and not crying in the corner.  OK, the sander is much smaller, but the vibration is soo much less!  I also don't have to 2 hand the damn thing just to keep it flat on the work surface.  I found it very comfortable to drape the cord and vac hose over my shoulder and lightly grasp and only had to guide to sander across my workpiece instead of fight the thing the whole time.  Now, the real kicker...i actually was able to do MORE work in LESS time with a SMALLER sander.  I was very hesitant and took several breaks to make sure i wouldn't wind up with the hands of fire that happen from time to time.  If I would have spent this money on this sander sooner, i would actually have MORE money! because i wouldn't have had to sit home 4 days and not earn my wages.  I'm wondering, could i actually handle the 150???  If it is as smooth and easy as my "little one" i'll be making a bee=-line as soon as i have the need.  It has an ease and balance to it that is very hard to find in tools of any sort.  I can also back off it and kinda hold it by the "tail" and gently move it about with no problem whatsoever.  I also put some 40 grit on it, revved it up and gave it some good ole elbow grease and watched as it chewed its way through  some 2X dimensional lumber just for fun.  Thank you FESTOOL for a reasonably pain free work day.  I'm cautiously optimistic ill be working again tomorrow, earning enough for some more GREEN GOLD.

 

[peter halle]

That post brought a smile to my face for you.  The 150 has more power so it may react with you differently.  The 125 might be the one to test.  You are a perfect example of why there should be a 30 day test and if not happy return policy.

You might actually want to look at the ETS series if you are really needing a finish sander.  Your body will not be disappointed.

Peter

 

[wow]

If your surface is big enough and flat, I think you would LOVE the RO150. It's a beast, but I would liken it to handling a sport boat (the RO90) versus an aircraft carrier.

If you try it, PLEASE let us know how it goes for you?

 

[jacko9]

Rob,  After several hours of running the RO90 will get much smoother.  I was trying to control it two handed at first but now, one handed sanding with my RO90 is my normal mode.

Good purchase!

Jack

 

[tbellemare]

In random orbital mode, I think you'll quite enjoy the Rotex 150. You have apparently already learned to handle a Rotex in random orbital mode properly - by the tail.

In gear-driven, orbital mode it's different and you seem to have that down as well.

The Rotex sanders are special - they cover a wide swath of tasks but for some, take a little practice.

I'm glad you're ringing is relieved. That's what I'd call that feeling, not numbness.

Tom

 

[bkharman]

I will say that I love my 90...  But I love my ETS 150/3 more!  It is an absolute joy to sand with!!

I think with your Hand/wrist issues, they way the RO 90 is held helps very much.

Glad the sander worked out for your issue but beware, it generally will cause you to have another disease. Symptoms are often:

- where did my money go?
- why is my wife upset while I am so happy?
- how many hiding places are there in my workshop?

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[leakyroof]

Glad the sander worked out for your issue but beware, it generally will cause you to have another disease. Symptoms are often:

- where did my money go?
- why is my wife upset while I am so happy?
- how many hiding places are there in my workshop?

Cheers. Bryan.

.  Hah Hah LOL.  [censored] [censored] [censored]

 

[panelchat]

my observation on these tools is that they are safer, and the cost of purchasing is about 1% of the real, lifelong cost of dealing with injuries from cabinetmaking or carpentry (and subsequent lost work time).

try having a serious injury with a TS55- not exactly easy...!

i have read of vibration absorbing gloves on this forum, for use with sanders. you might look this up, maybe they would provide additional reduction in fatigue?

 

[leakyroof]

Now that you found and love the RO90, you should give either the ETS 125 or ETS 150/3 a try for a larger sander that covers more area than the RO90's 90mm pad.  The smaller ETS125 is smooth as glass, esp. since it only has about a 2mm orbit.
The larger 150/3 is very nice as well, and with the 6"/150mm pad, you can cover surface area in a hurry when compared to the RO90.

 

[dugums]

I will also chime in here and recommend an ETS 150/3. It's a joy to sand with - very little vibration and won't fight you at all. It's billed as a finish sander, but I use it as a general-purpose sander with great results!

 

[Kev]

The entire xTSnnn family are nice to use - I don't consider there's a bad one.

Although I'm yet to put one in my stable, the RS200 (RS2E for NA) is another smooth unit which excels at it intended purpose.

 

[leakyroof]

The entire xTSnnn family are nice to use - I don't consider there's a bad one.

Although I'm yet to put one in my stable, the RS200 (RS2E for NA) is another smooth unit which excels at it intended purpose.

. True, it was , I think, the 3rd sander I bought from Festool some years back.

 

[roblg3]

I was working today and decided to reach into my pocket and make this.  finish sanding 180 grit after 120 and 80.[attachurl=#]http://youtu.be/3okavbctbbw

 

[Mr. Jeff Smith]

Hi Folks, looking for a little clarity on what should come with the sander.

I just picked up a RO 90 DX as I was in a pinch and it fit the bill.  However when I got the unit it does not have any "free" or sample abrasives with the unit.  I've found several written reviews and youtube videos that show it coming with abrasives, has this changed since introduction?  All my other Festool sanders came with a starter pack of abrasives so I'm wondering if I need to seek a resolution with the seller.

Thank you.

 

[roblg3]

Mine came with a few harder grit abrasives.  Just a couple round and triangle.  Call your dealer and ask.

 

[VW mick]

Yes my ro90 came with a a couple of packs of granat samples

Which is now sending me down the slippery blue granat slope 

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Rob

I am sorry that you are having a tough time - my arthritis sounds like nothing to your aches and pains (or lack of both).

I started with the RO90 and a couple of years later got the RO150. I actually find the RO150 easier to control but I know that others have not had the luck to master it quickly. The key is to let the machine do the work and have a forward light grip on the top handle and a light grip at the rear where the hose is connected.

I can point you to a video of mine if needed.

Peter

 

[tbellemare]

Hi Folks, looking for a little clarity on what should come with the sander.

I just picked up a RO 90 DX as I was in a pinch and it fit the bill.  However when I got the unit it does not have any "free" or sample abrasives with the unit.  I've found several written reviews and youtube videos that show it coming with abrasives, has this changed since introduction?  All my other Festool sanders came with a starter pack of abrasives so I'm wondering if I need to seek a resolution with the seller.

Thank you.

The RO 90 sanders included generous assortments of both round and delta abrasives when they first were introduced in NA. For quite some time now, they have only had 1 sheet of each configuration.

Tom

 

[AlexThePalex]

Normally Festool doesn't give any sample abrasives, only when they introduce a new tool or have a special promotion.

 

[Mr. Jeff Smith]

Thank you everyone.