RO90 vs. Fein Supercut

[wow]

I don't own and haven't used either, so I'm reaching out to those who do. I do have an older Fein MultiMaster, so I'm not TOTALLY ignorant...though some might disagree.

[embarassed]

Is the RO90 a fair competitor to the SuperCut? Or are they so different that a comparison just isn't valid? I'm asking because of the recent price drop, and my need for one or the other?

I really like the fact that the Fein is available in a cordless version, but I don't like the fact that it isn't available in a systainer. I guess I've gotten spoiled!

Anyway, please weigh in with your comments.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

The RO90 is a sander and a better tool for that application.  The Supercut is a more powerful version of your Multimaster and so if you do not need the extra power, not sure it is worth an upgrade.  Depends on your needs.

 

[peter halle]

I love my Fein Multimaster, but when the Fein Multimaster family of tools come up against the RO 90 or the DX93 - they tuck tail and run away.

Peter

 

[AlexThePalex]

Is the RO90 a fair competitor to the SuperCut?

They are both in different leagues. The RO90 is by far (very very far) a superior sander. And the SuperCut is a lot more Super when, you guessed it, used for Cutting, because I've heard the RO90 doesn't do all too well in that area.  [wink]

 

[jacko9]

The RO90 is a sander and a better tool for that application.  The Supercut is a more powerful version of your Multimaster and so if you do not need the extra power, not sure it is worth an upgrade.  Depends on your needs.

I agree with Scot and I don't see a need to upgrade my Multimaster but, it won't sand like my RO90.

Jack

 

[RKA]

The supercut is just a turbo charged version of the multi master.  It hogs out cuts faster, but neither are true sanders, so if that's what you need, get the RO90.

 

[Frank-Jan]

I have both, I had the supercut before I got the ro90 and I have done a fair bit of sanding with it (but only with the triangular pad, in places where my ro 150 couldn't go) The sanding itself is OK but there are a lot of places where you cannot reach compared to the ro 90. The triangular head on the SC is centered where on the ro it's in a more forward position. And you don't have much height-clearance, especially with the dustcollection kit installed. (annoying when you need to sand recessed area's) And , allthough you can put on the triangle on in a different orientation, the long body limits it's use in tight spaces (the ro90has this problem too, but a bit less)
I don't care for it much, but my sister really liked the profile sanding kit for the MM when she borrowed my SC.
As for the MM vs the SC, I never had a MM, but I used a few accessores, and for instance the tilegrout removal blades for the SC work much better, and the sawblades I use the most don't come in a version for the MM (wood blades with 70 mm cut depth)

 

[Mike B]

I would think it was more worthwhile comparing the Multimaster to the RO90 for any sanding. With regards to delta sanding, the value of power is greatly overstated in my opinion.

Regardless, where the MM or Supercut really shines is in edge/detail sanding awkward places, it fits in my hand a lot better and I can hold it out in an extended position for a lot longer than my RO90. I still love and use my RO90 with and without it's delta pad regularly. However, when it comes to sanding timber right up to the edge of a perpendicular surface that I can't damage (e.g. gel-coat on a boat or painted wall in a house) I will always do those last 5 millimeters with a Multimaster. My hand is also a lot closer to the head compared to the RO90 to for better control.

As an aside - and I'm sure it will raise the FOG ire but - I've also got to add that I've used a DX93 many times and I can't understand the love; I think its one of the Festools most in need of an upgrade. Build-wise I find its moulding edges feel horrible in the hand with extended use. Compared to either the Fein MM or SC as a sander it weighs more, has less power and has less osscialitons per second. I also haven't found the dust collection between the two to be significantly different. Which is to say I think it is slightly better on the DX93 but its the nature of delta sanders to leave a bit more dust than round-pad designs and its near enough as makes no difference to my situation.

 

[leakyroof]

I own all 3 , Fein Multimaster, DX93, and the RO90.  While I would sort of agree that the Fein is less aggressive and might be easier to keep away from an edge or possibly next to a delicate surface than either Festool , it is not in the same league as either sander either. For pure stock removal , less time, and dust collection, both model Festool sanders are better.
Many people swore here on FOG that they would get rid of their trusty DX93 once they had the then new RO90, but not me.
It fits in tighter spots for me, and I have no problem with the shape of the tool body either for extended sanding.
It IS noisier than a RO90 in Delta mode, but not so much that I could knock it for that.
As Peter Halle has often noted, if you had to take one tool to an island , he would take his Fein MM since it does so much more than just sanding. I totally agree that observation.
I love my Fein MM, probably won't buy the Supercut even with the recent huge price cut, but I would rather sand with either of the Festool Sanders.

 

[RC]

For cutting I would get the supercur rather than the multimaster I own and I would definitely not use either Fein for sanding since their dust collection is a joke with a complicated multipiece jigsawpuzzle of a dc duct that doesn't do a good job even when attached.