RO150 RO125 and RO90 Advice

[icecactus]

Currently I do not own any Festool products [eek] But I am thinking about taking the plunge and ordering quite a few in the next couple months. A track saw, domino, vac etc...

I have been researching the sanders, and looking at a bunch of posts here on the forum regarding sander choice, however I am still confused and looking for some advice. This is for hobby use only. I like to build all kinds of things, big and small.

I want to start out purchasing just one sander, however, i plan to add a few more in the future (LS130, a fine finish sander and possibly the RO90)

So, what would be a better route?
RO150 + ETS 150/3 + RO90
RO125 + ETS 125 + RO90

Obviously the RO125+ETS 125 is considerably less expensive and would i even need the RO90 if i went the RO125 route?

I haven't looked at these in person as there is no store near me.

 

[Sparktrician]

How big is "big" in your world?  If you ever do sanding vertically or over your head, like drywall repairs, the RO 150 will wear you out in a hurry.  I chose the RO 125 / ETS 125 combination after having held one of each over my head for a brief period.  It works very well for my purposes.  The RO 90 is superb for smaller jobs, and has the delta pad which gets into corners well.  If I were doing really large surfaces that were horizontal, the RO 150 / ETS 150 combination would be my choice. 

 

[leakyroof]

It depends on the scale of your work/ projects. The jump from a 5"/125mm pad to the 6"/150mm is a welcome increase when you're faced with larger surfaces to work with .
The Rotex models versus the ETS models have been pretty well covered here on FOG. They are very different, and many people feel that either the  5" or 6"Rotex models will take some getting used to in their Rotex mode versus the Random Orbit ETS models in either size. Using the Rotex Sanders in their Radom Orbit mode will be easy, but not as light as the ETS sanders since you have a dual mode sander which is larger all the time.
This could mean you get tired of it faster, or don't like using it overhead on ceilings as compared to something smaller and lighter, but you really should try to get to a dealer or find a new friend here on the FOG to try one out for yourself before buying.
Many people are thrilled with their Rotex sander since it is 2 or 3 in 1 of a tool(Ro 90 is 3 mode!).
So they might only add a small RTS or DTS400 sander to complement their larger Rotex.
 Tell us your general usage , or what you might think you'll build or sand in the future, and I'm sure you'll get lots of opinions.
I always vote for the ETS150/5 since it handles easily, isn't that bad to use overhead and is faster than the smaller orbit 150/3 or 125 models when you need faster stock removal.

 

[icecactus]

Well, Big could really be anything...but mostly as in a coffee table, dining room table, entertainment center etc...

While I do not plan on using it over head much at all, it did get me thinking about running speaker wire and cat5 and having to patch the drywall. So I guess i would use it for that, but its definitely not something that would be done often at all. More like once or twice.

I guess I am looking for the combo that will cover all my basis the best. The next few projects I have lined up are Garage cabinets, office cabinets and desk, closet organization, and a sewing table. My gut feeling is the RO125 + ETS125 and maybe the RO90, but I wonder if the RO150+ETS150/3 +RO90 would cover all scenarios better.

Is there a large difference between the RO125 and RO90? Enough to justify having both?

 

[festoolviking]

Hi Icecactus and first of all  [welcome] to the forum.

I would suggest to start with the RO90. Many of us here consider the 90 as a secondary sander. I would say it is actually a good sander to get started with, because of it's size and the fact that it's like Festool promotes 4 sanders in 1.
I  have read a few posts about members getting the RO150 and found it a bit tricky to handle. The RO90 is a good sander to learn from. It takes a while to handle the Coarse sanding mode but is easier to learn with a smaller sander. When it comes to fine sanding the pad might seem small but easy to reach in to tight spaces. The delta-pad is also great in many aspects when you need to sand corners, narrow spaces.
I haven't tried polishing with my 90 so can't say anything about that.
Anyway after using/trying out the RO90 for a while it will be easier to decide what you're missing in the RO90 but that's totally up to your own needs. You will never regret getting the RO90 but might regret getting one of the others as your first sander.
I'm sure you will want one of the ETS sanders later on if that's not what you are going for first. If so I would recommend the 125 since it's a one-hander and light-weight.
This is the combo I have got. I got the ETS125 first and was considering the RO125 for quite some time due to the same pad-size and therefore saving some on paper. But that was before Festool brought out the 90.
The next sander I'm getting will be the DTS or RTS but so far don't see an urgent need for it.

Festoolviking  [smile]

 

[leakyroof]

Well, Big could really be anything...but mostly as in a coffee table, dining room table, entertainment center etc...

Is there a large difference between the RO125 and RO90? Enough to justify having both?

  Yes, large difference. While I don't own the RO125, I've heard from more than one person that they feel it's the hardest to control of the 3 Rotex sanders while using the Rotex mode. The pad size between the two sanders means a lot when you're working narrow pieces like a face frame or 3/4" edge of something. And, only the RO90 will get you that Delta mode.
Having sandpaper or abrasive that matches two or more sanders is great, but be wary of avoiding another sander just because you don't want to stock yet another type or size for a different sander.
I fell into that thinking with the DTS400, held off on it for years and now wish I'd bought it before I bought my RTS400 even though its paper is unique and doesn't fit the other sanders in Festool's Line. My DTS400 never goes back into its Systainer unless I need to leave my house with it. Stays out all the time, along with my ETS150/5 sander.
But, keeping things to a same paper size idea to start with- Ro150 along with an ETS150/3. The smaller orbit ETS will compliment the Random Orbit of the Rotex which I think is the larger 5mm.
You can always add a Delta sander of your choice to the above, or get the RO90, which in any case,is another sander with much different abrasive/paper to stock for it.
RO125 and ETS125. Smaller, lighter, and with the ETS 125, the smallest orbit in the line-up, VERY easy one hand operation using the ETS and again, you're staying to one disc size for both sanders.
Any of the sanders will work best with correct, adjustable dust collection. You want to be able to speed up or slow down your vac to match both the sander and abrasive to the workpiece as needed.  You will also save on abrasive/paper if it stays clean and debris isn't getting trapped all the time between the work surface and your sander.

 

[copcarcollector]

If you are going to buy "quite a few" Festools I suggest that you do it sooner rather than later, to beat the April 1st price increase.

Have fun with your new toys, err, tools! 

 

[RONWEN]

Well, Big could really be anything...but mostly as in a coffee table, dining room table, entertainment center etc...

While I do not plan on using it over head much at all, it did get me thinking about running speaker wire and cat5 and having to patch the drywall. So I guess i would use it for that, but its definitely not something that would be done often at all. More like once or twice.

I guess I am looking for the combo that will cover all my basis the best. The next few projects I have lined up are Garage cabinets, office cabinets and desk, closet organization, and a sewing table. My gut feeling is the RO125 + ETS125 and maybe the RO90, but I wonder if the RO150+ETS150/3 +RO90 would cover all scenarios better.

Is there a large difference between the RO125 and RO90? Enough to justify having both?

Many prefer the RS2 E orbital sander for doing large flat table surfaces that your eye catches. 

And WELCOME! 

 

[leakyroof]

Well, Big could really be anything...but mostly as in a coffee table, dining room table, entertainment center etc...

While I do not plan on using it over head much at all, it did get me thinking about running speaker wire and cat5 and having to patch the drywall. So I guess i would use it for that, but its definitely not something that would be done often at all. More like once or twice.

I guess I am looking for the combo that will cover all my basis the best. The next few projects I have lined up are Garage cabinets, office cabinets and desk, closet organization, and a sewing table. My gut feeling is the RO125 + ETS125 and maybe the RO90, but I wonder if the RO150+ETS150/3 +RO90 would cover all scenarios better.

Is there a large difference between the RO125 and RO90? Enough to justify having both?

Many prefer the RS2 E orbital sander for doing large flat table surfaces that your eye catches.   

And WELCOME! 

. You're so right. I love mine [wink]

 

[icecactus]

Hi Icecactus and first of all  [welcome] to the forum.

I would suggest to start with the RO90. Many of us here consider the 90 as a secondary sander. I would say it is actually a good sander to get started with, because of it's size and the fact that it's like Festool promotes 4 sanders in 1.
I  have read a few posts about members getting the RO150 and found it a bit tricky to handle. The RO90 is a good sander to learn from. It takes a while to handle the Coarse sanding mode but is easier to learn with a smaller sander. When it comes to fine sanding the pad might seem small but easy to reach in to tight spaces. The delta-pad is also great in many aspects when you need to sand corners, narrow spaces.
I haven't tried polishing with my 90 so can't say anything about that.
Anyway after using/trying out the RO90 for a while it will be easier to decide what you're missing in the RO90 but that's totally up to your own needs. You will never regret getting the RO90 but might regret getting one of the others as your first sander.

You're right. I was kinda of leaning towards getting the RO90 first anyway, but that logic pretty much cemented it for me. The RO 90 I would end up getting no matter whether i bought the RO 125 or the RO 150, so i wouldn't regret the purchase.

I still would like to know for the projects i have coming up which would be a better sander, the RO125 or RO150?

 

[amt]

My first sander was the RO90, and I have no regrets.  My second was a ETS125, and I am also very happy with it.  If I were to do it over again, I might have gotten the RTS400 before the ETS125.  The ETS125 is wonderful, but I probably would have had the most versatility, having a triangle, circle, and a square format at my disposal.

The real answer is that soon you [and probably I] will have most of them

 

[oldie]

Would suggest ETS150/5, DTS400 + Midi dust extractor - don't forget hard pad for big sander.
Also, whilst mindful of price increases, would consider not buying until need to; so as to take
full advantage of 30 trial period.  Anyway, as time passes, if your mind changes, can always sell at good
price, and get others that better meet what you want.
Get a reasonable spread of grits; play with them extensively, so can better establish what
your precise needs are.
Good luck.

Richard.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

If I had to give up all of my Festool sanders except one, I would choose to keep the RS2E...next would be the ETS125, then the Rotex 90. You need a short stroke orbital and something to get into corners with.  In the end, all of the Festool sanders are excellent, so you can't really make a mistake. Good luck. Hope this helped and didn't confuse the issue.

 

[oldie]

+1 NYC.
I have the 2.4mm and 5mm half-sheets - and just wouldn't be without them.
Trouble is I suppose, relatively expensive, and, people don't seem very
interested in them.
Decisons, decisions... ;D

Richard

 

[AofD]

Based on your up coming project list, I would get an ETS150/5 for general purpose and fine sanding.  The Rotex models are great when you need to do rough stuff, which is not on your list.  Next, if necessary, I would get an RO90 for a combined rough, fine and detail capability.  This link to the sander selection decision tree might be helpful to you... http://www.festoolusa.com/Web_files/How_to_pick_the_right_Festool_sander.pdf

Another thing to consider is that there is no learning curve for the ETS but it takes some time to become proficient on the Rotex models.  Be sure to break in your Rotex if you get one.  Here's a link to one of eRock's excellent videos demonstrating the break in process...

Good luck!

 

[oldie]

AofD makes some very good points - and... I 'tip my hat' to all
those who get along with the RO90 as a general goto sander.
Don't completely agree though.  I have one, and only use it on
(relatively) narrow stock - never used the triangle; but do have
other sanders available; wouldn't use it, for example, on a large
flat area, or,  in confined spaces.
I know I'm talking up the DTS400 - find it a wonderfully ergonomic, useful sander:
good dust collection, ok for occasionally rough stuff, small (compared
to RO90)... just a pleasure to use.
Really just goes to show, how need to use different sanders, and to
be comfortable with them - in the end only you will know what suits you.

Richard.

 

[Stephen B]

Based on your up coming project list, I would get an ETS150/5 for general purpose and fine sanding.  The Rotex models are great when you need to do rough stuff, which is not on your list.  Next, if necessary, I would get an RO90 for a combined rough, fine and detail capability.  This link to the sander selection decision tree might be helpful to you... http://www.festoolusa.com/Web_files/How_to_pick_the_right_Festool_sander.pdf

Another thing to consider is that there is no learning curve for the ETS but it takes some time to become proficient on the Rotex models.  Be sure to break in your Rotex if you get one.  Here's a link to one of eRock's excellent videos demonstrating the break in process...

Good luck!

[size=10pt]

Before you consider 'breaking in' your new ROTEX read this thread -

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-how-to/for-all-you-new-rotex-users-a-public-service-announcement/60/

Or one of the  similar threads. In them all you will see there is a strong difference within the FOG re the merit of any need to do this. I for one just used and used my 150 and it and I became synchronised.  [smile]



Holding the head with one hand, the other hand just in front of the plug in is a good way to start. Bit like holding a Domino 500. See video around 40 seconds in

.

 

[oldie]

+1 Untidy... I didn't have the bottle to go there - hope it
doesn't kick off.  [big grin]
Fwiw, find my 5mm half-sheet has pretty much replaced
the RO150 - still can't persuade myself to seriously consider
getting rid of the 150 though.

Richard

 

[Kev]

You may be better serve with ETS150/3 + DTS400 depending on the level of finish of the materials you buy.

The RO90 is something you don't stop using and you keep finding more things for it to do!

The RO150 is a beast ... but a good beast [wink]

Little known fact that Festool sanders multiply all by themselves.

 

[oldie]

Morning Kev.
Did wonder about the 150/3mm vs 150/5mm.
In the end erred on side of the /5 as slightly quicker
when sanding rough stuff, and, bowing to those (believe you
were one?) who started with 150/5s, and found finish sanding
satisfactory.

For sure, one big advantage of R0's is just using one sander: to
to rough down very quickly, and then, being able to get good finish.

"Little known fact that Festool sanders multiply all by themselves."
Isn't that the truth - lol.

Richard
(edit: to emphasise how efficient RO's at sanding down the rough stuff.)