Rotex 125 or 150

E

EricMatson

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Dec 20, 2017
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I got the pro limited ro 125 earlier this year.  It's that time I need to use my $50 voucher.  Would you recommend the rotex 125 and stick with the same papers or step up to the 150 and have a big sander to take care of some work?  What are the pros and cons?

Thanks

Eric
 
Eric, welcome to the forum.

Most folks will go with the RO 125 when they already have a Festool 5" sander to share abrasives, like you mentioned. If that's not a concern for you, then the 6" RO 150 will sand approximately 30% faster due to its larger pad size. It also has a more powerful motor than the RO 125.

Otherwise, the two machines are virtually identical in features.

Shane
 
Good question, Eric. The only significant difference between the RO 150 and RO 125 is the pad size. For that reason, most people prefer the RO 150, because you can cover more space and less time. However, if you have narrower stock or an application where you need to get into a slightly smaller space, the RO 125 may be better for you.

Does anyone else have any thoughts on your experiences with either the RO 150 or RO 125?

(Tyler)
 
I always say go for the 150. Better sander, nicer to work with. Faster and more comfortable.

Who cares you need 2 different size papers.
 
I think [member=57769]TylerC[/member] and [member=48572]Shane Holland[/member] nailed it.  The 6” pad will save you a significant amount of time, especially during large projects.  If the cost and logistics of buying and storing a second set of papers isn’t an issue, I think you’ll find the RO 150 to be a valuable addition.
 
Once you go 6" you don't go back...

The larger pad size has always made more sense to me - never have I been sanding something with a 150 and thought, hey I really wish I had a 5"/125 instead!  On the other hand, there are PLENTY of times I've used a 5"/125 and thought, man I wish I could make this go faster!
 
I have all 3 Rotex models- 90, 125, and 150.  The 125 was the first one purchased (as you mentioned, to share the paper with the finish sander), and once I got the 150 I contemplated selling the 125 but decided to keep it because it's an easier size to use for 4-5" wide stock.  However, I do find that I usually reach for the 150 for most projects.

It depends on what size your project parts are, but if your work is similar to mine (and I had to choose) I would go with the 150.  Then save some more $$ and get the RO90- awesome little Rotex!

Good luck with your purchase.

Regards,
Gerald
 
I also have all three and use all three regularly. I started with the 150 and it is a great sander, but sometimes you need a smaller size pad to reach an area. The 90 excels at small areas and the flexibility to add a Delta pad is a great feature. I acquired a 125 to help sanding contoured seats. The 150 was to big for that application and the 90 was too small and I was concerned about create small contours. The RO125 turned out to be the perfect size. I needed aggressive sanding and smooth and so it was the perfect fit.

After having and using all three, I would opt for the 150 and 90 if you can have two. 150 if only one and you plan on sanding mostly larger pieces and if doing lots of different things where a larger pad might not be the best, then the 125 is a great choice. All are smooth, awesome machines.
 
My only festool sander is the Ro125.  And it is the sander I take with me most of the time.  I owned the Ro150 for a month or two, purchased just for one big job before selling it on.

The Ro125 is a very versatile sander, and if you're desire is to have one sander to conquer all then this is a good bet. However, it can be a bit of a handful to control in geared mode. The 150 is a lot smoother and easier to control from my experience.

My RO125 is 5+ years old so I don't want to hear any of that "you gotta break it in" chat that amusingly pops up here from time to time. [big grin]
 
Thanks for your input guys.  I really appreciate it.  I think I am going to go with with 150.  Now the wife doesn't remember where she put my voucher.  [crying].  And I had two of them!  Oh well.  $50 off or not I need a sander. 
 
I just went through this and decided on the RO 125 to complement my Pro 5. After using it I think the 150 would be too big for the majority of my projects. Doesn't mean I won't get one some day.
 
EricMatson said:
Thanks for your input guys.  I really appreciate it.  I think I am going to go with with 150.  Now the wife doesn't remember where she put my voucher.  [crying].  And I had two of them!  Oh well.  $50 off or not I need a sander.
Click to expand...

I'm not certain, but I think in some states, that is grounds for divorce.......
 
McNally Family said:
EricMatson said:
Thanks for your input guys.  I really appreciate it.  I think I am going to go with with 150.  Now the wife doesn't remember where she put my voucher.  [crying].  And I had two of them!  Oh well.  $50 off or not I need a sander.
Click to expand...

I'm not certain, but I think in some states, that is grounds for divorce.......
Click to expand...

You are very true, but...  she lets me buy whatever I want, plus she said she would pay the extra $50 if she can't find the vouchers.
 
I never understood the need to stick with one paper size. I have an RO90, a Pro5, and an ETS/EC 150/5. So 3 different paper sizes and it doesnt bother me 1 bit. Sure you have to buy more paper up front so that each sander has paper, but ultimately youre gonna use the same amount over time regardless of size so theres no significant cost difference.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

 
sheperd80 said:
I never understood the need to stick with one paper size. I have an RO90, a Pro5, and an ETS/EC 150/5. So 3 different paper sizes and it doesnt bother me 1 bit. Sure you have to buy more paper up front so that each sander has paper, but ultimately youre gonna use the same amount over time regardless of size so theres no significant cost difference.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I agree with you on this point - initially higher outlay, but not a huge deal in the grand scheme of things.
 
I had the same internal struggle with myself regarding the 125 vs the 150. I finally decided to go with the 150 based on the majority of the feedback from members on this site, and am 100% satisfied with my decision. Yes, I have a boat load of 5" discs, and I struggled with buying all the 6" as well, however I would never look back, and to help me sleep better at night for buying all the 6" discs, I have since added the ETS EC 150/3 to the collection.
You will not be disappointed with the 150.
 
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