RO90 or RO150

[Russelljwatson]

Hi all,

Any advice on the following would be greatly appreciated.

I trying to decide between getting a Rotex 90 or 150. I'll mainly be using it for finishing oak work tops, smoothing door edges and sanding back old door jambs. I'm not sure if the 90 is gonna be man enough for finishing oak counter tops though?

Russ

 

[Kev]

Sadly one sander isn't going to be great at everything. The RO90 is extremely versatile, but it wouldn't be my choice for counter tops .. the pad is too small.

I also wouldn't want to spend a lot of time waving a RO150 about in the air!!

Your probably not looking for a "get both" response, but I feel it's the right answer.

A combo of a RO90 and a suitable ETS150 could also be an option.

 

[chrisrosenb]

A combo of a RO90 and a suitable ETS150 could also be an option.

I agree with Kev. If the work tops you are sanding are very rough to start with, start with the RO 150. If they are some what smooth to start with, start with one of the new ETS EC sanders. The ETS EC sanders are the best all around sanders Festool sells.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I trying to decide between getting a Rotex 90 or 150. I'll mainly be using it for finishing oak work tops, smoothing door edges and sanding back old door jambs. I'm not sure if the 90 is gonna be man enough for finishing oak counter tops though?

The RO90 surely isn't going to do all you want to do. The RO150 would get closer to your needs.

But I like Kev's idea of a combo, though I'd choose the ETS150/5 with a DTS 400, wich cost almost as much together as a RO150.

The ETS EC sanders are the best all around sanders Festool sells.

My vote for the best all-round sander goes to the RO150 or RO125. Coarse and fine sanding + polishing

 

[ifit]

If you can only have one, get the ro125

 

[jacko9]

I think Kev hit the nail on the head, the RO90 and ETS 150 would be a great all around combination.

 

[waho6o9]

For your needs both sanders would be a wise investment.  If you do more tops than jambs get the RO150
first.

And conversely, if you have more jamb work you'll be content with the RO 90s' performance.

My first sander was the RO150 and it's a fantastic sander.  Then one day the RO 90 was needed and it's
earned it's keep ever since.

 

[andreasg]

Having RO90, RO150, and ETS EC 150, I also agree with [member=13058]Kev[/member]. The low build on the new ETS EC makes it very easy to keep in a perfect angle to what you are sanding.

 

[andyman]

I think Kev hit the nail on the head, the RO90 and ETS 150 would be a great all around combination.

I have both 90 for narrow stuff 150 for the rest

 

[SS Teach]

When it comes to Festool one sander is not enough. They make various sanders with differing pad sizes and shapes. Each one has specific tasks. Hence the slippery slope. Bet you can't buy just one. When hooked up to a CT they are fabulous. Obviously there is a 60 mm difference in pad sizes between the 90 and 150. The 90 will allow you to switch between a round pad and a delta pad. I have been surprised how often I have used the delta pad. But as others have pointed out when it comes to counter tops it is small. No question the 150 is the size to get. But which one the Ro or the ETS EC. The Ro 150 is a beast. Generally it takes two hands. From what I have read on the FOG the EC is much easier to use, only one hand. Not only that but with 40 or 60 grit paper you will really remove stock. Which ever sander(s) you select get the hard pads when possible and of course systainers full of sand paper. Good luck and remember if you do not like a particular sander you can return it in 30 days.   

 

[flair woodworks]

For one sander that does it all, I would look at the ETS EC 150/5.  It's a great all-around sander with a high rate of stock removal and leaves a reasonably fine scratch pattern.

 

[Russelljwatson]

Thanks for all the input guys. Wouldn't have thought about an ETS before. I did fail to mention that the counter tops are already pretty smooth. Just a light initial sand maybe 180 grit, then a light sand between coats of oil and then a final polish

 

[Russelljwatson]

My tools need to be 110v for site use also, so this may be a limiting factor. I noticed Festool don't do all the sanders in 110v (UK).

 

[CrazyLarry]

My tools need to be 110v for site use also, so this may be a limiting factor. I noticed Festool don't do all the sanders in 110v (UK).

Which pretty much returns you to RO150 and RO90, the good news is they are a very versatile pair.

 

[joiner1970]

I asked the same question awhile back Russell. Ended up getting the 150 in 110v and love it. I bet I will end up with both one day lol

 

[andreasg]

Also remember that building up an arsenal of sandingdisc costs. Feels good to open the same systainer for sandingdiscs for both ETC EC 150 and RO150. Sort of just assuming that somewere in the future most end up with more then one sander and for that reason the similiar size thought is worth considering.

 

[Cheese]

Feels good to open the same systainer for sandingdiscs for both ETC EC 150 and RO150.

You got that one right...so I can grab my ETS 125, ETS EC 125 and RO 125 and only have to carry one Systainer of discs that will service all 3 sanders. [thumbs up]

 

[Steve-Rice]

Russell,

If your counter tops are already pretty smooth, I would definitely recommend one of the ETS EC sanders over the Rotex.  The Rotex excels at heavy stock removal and polishing, but for intermediate to fine sanding, you can't beat the ETS EC sanders, especially on large surfaces like a table or counter top. Why use two hands on a heavy Rotex, when you can use one hand on a light weight ETS EC? With the ETS EC 150/3, you'll get a finer finish than the Rotex. You'll especially appreciate the lightweight sander if you spend a significant amount of time sanding.

Just my two cents...

Steve

 

[Dan-]

Seems like an RS2E would be a better choice for a table or countertop. Wasn't the question, I know, but it seems like a better choice (or addition, let's be honest).