Rotex 150 - all that?

[live4ever]

I've been bitten by the green bug.  The TS55 was my gateway, and I've got an ETS 150/3 on the way. 

I've been curious about the RO150 - I know that down the road, if (when) I continue to invest in the Festool system, the RO150 is an excellent pairing with the 150/3.  However, I'm curious to hear about it as a polisher.  Is it a jack of all trades that does each function reasonably well but not superbly?  Can it replace a dedicated polisher (both for woodworking finishes as well as auto polishing)?

Thanks!  Honestly never thought I'd be part of the FOG, but here I am...

 

[Kev]

I'm starting to think that advice from this forum is probably too biased - but anyway ...

Even though I've almost purchased Festool tools exclusively of recent, it hasn't stopped me trying different tools or at least considering them. Several on here have discussed the Mirka CEROS in the same space as the ROTEX RO 150 & 125's ... I've got to say I think it's a red herring to put them in the same basket functionally.

Now, I haven't polished anything with the ROTEX RO 150, but it does technically possess the right characteristics for polishing. Ironically a coarse sanding motion is similar to a smooth polishing motion ... So with the ROTEX, you would polish with the machine in ROTEX model.

My ROTEX RO 150 only came home with me the other day, so it's still new in the box, but prior to the final decision I was playing with it and several others and my impressions ranged from everything between it's delicate enough for large surface area finishing through to taking material off like a belt sander (changing , grits, speeds, and modes).

Back on finishing sanders ... I've only got RO 90, RO 150 and ETS 150,5. I may consider the Mirka up against an ETS125 when I get closer to the need/desire - but I'd want to put my hands on it before deciding as initial feel of the ETS125 is pretty good!

... Anyway - back to your question ... I doubt that the RO 150 is better than the best dedicated polisher and it also isn't the lightest thing on the planet for finishing. That said, I'd call it a "Jack of some trades and a master of others".

 

[peter halle]

[welcome] to the FOG!

Can the Rotex be used as a polisher?  Absolutely if you are looking for a variable speed not pure rotary polisher.  Is it a compromise in that department?  No.  It works so well as a polisher that Festool has its own line of polishes and pads, etc. although many here use other brands due to the fact that the polishes are not available here in North America at this time.  Festool has a heavy presence in the luxury European car manufacturing industry.

There are quite a few threads here on polishing with the Rotex.  You might also want to do a search for the Shinex.

Here is just one of the threads to check out:  http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/do-you-festool-your-car/

Peter

 

[Kev]

Now that Peter mentions it, I recall Rod (my Festool dealer in Sydney) saying that he regularly sells the RO 150 to a bunch of mobile car detailing guys as it's part of the franchise's equipment specification they work with.

Based on that it must be an ok polisher!

 

[jmbfestool]

I was doing some work for a well of client who has festool sanders and vacs. I only found out cus I brought my CT22 in and he said I have same vac and many other festool gear at my company garage.  I asked him what he had and what he did and one of the things what polishing cars and had festool sanders aswell

Jmb

 

[MX442]

I use the Griots Garage polishing pads and polish with my RO150.  Works great!
http://www.griotsgarage.com/category/car+care/car+polishing/orbitals+and+car+polishing+tools.do