Rotex 150 vs Rotex 150

[stairman]

I'm looking for another Festool sander (Rotex 150EQ+) and obviously there are two TOTALLY different tools out there,  the newest Rotex RO150  and the previous, and entirely different,  Rotex RO150,  -as I understand, there isn't a single part shared between the two (only the NAME of the tool ???  !)

what is the "cutoff' date for the older lesser powered sander and the new, sleek 720w Rotex which I am trying to find a deal on ?

 

[VictorL]

Rotex RO-150E was discontinued in 2006, and newer model RO-150FEQ was introduced in 2006/2007.

Regards,
VictorL

 

[stairman]

The  571494  and  the 571810 are both called RO150EQ+,  and I have ran across several of the old style Rotex's listed for sale without a photo...  -with the seller trying to get "new Rotex" prices for their "old Rotex" style sander...  that build date info should help distinguish between them,  thanks!

Considering how BRILLIANT everything from Festool truly is,  I am surprised that they didn't change the name of these totally different sanders...  definitely NOT par for the course!

 

[extiger]

I've had an RO 150E+ since 2005. Two days ago the local Festool dealer sold me some buffing pads for it and told me local tradesmen who own the newer model frequently ask if he has an older one for sale. Either new or used. That surprised me.

The older model (mine) has a 500w motor. That was upgraded to 800w in the 150 FEQ. The new model has the quick disconnect power cord. And the dust collection was changed to a 9-hole pattern. Mine has 8 holes. Unchanged are the options for a 5mm or 3mm orbital sanding action. Mine has a turn and lock switch on the side to change from rotary to orbital modes. The newer one has a simple slide switch on the top of the motor housing to make the change.

To me, the improvement I wish I had was the fender/curb that prevents you from bumping into a vertical adjoining surface when sanding or polishing.

The balance differences on the tool, however, is what is most obvious. Mine, with the smaller motor, has a much taller motor housing directly above the sanding pad. The new one will stand up when resting on the pad. Mine falls back and rests on the handle. That difference would certainly alter the feel of the tool when operating. And I would guess that is why those customers ask to buy an older one. Not having used the new one, I wouldn't know.

 

[ccarrolladams]

Back in January 2006 at the time I bought my first TS55 with a CT22, I already owned several sanders. So on my first few visits to my Festool dealer I did not study the sander choices. I had a catalog, but originally I was only interested in the OF1010 and Trion jig saw, in addition to the TS55.

A few months after I bought the OF1010 and TS55 there was a Festool demo Saturday at my dealer. The then new version of the Rotex 150 was discussed and demonstrated. I know I was impressed with the new RO150 without comparing the more powerful version to the original, which I never handled. What I cannot remember is if in late spring of 2006 the new version was actually available for purchase. Today I am not at my condo where I keep the pre-2009 Festool paper work.

What I can share is that I have made a lot of money using the current version of the RO150. I own several of them. They have required virtually no service, just common sense maintenance.

 

[Brice Burrell]

...The older model (mine) has a 500w motor. That was upgraded to 800w in the 150 FEQ. The new model has the quick disconnect power cord. And the dust collection was changed to a 9-hole pattern. Mine has 8 holes. Unchanged are the options for a 5mm or 3mm orbital sanding action. Mine has a turn and lock switch on the side to change from rotary to orbital modes. The newer one has a simple slide switch on the top of the motor housing to make the change.......

I believe you're getting confused with the ETS150 models, the Rotex sanders don't offer a choice of stroke in the same model size.  However, the different size Rotex sanders do have a different stroke, the RO150 has a 5mm, RO125 a 3.6mm and the RO90 a 3mm stroke.

 

[VictorL]

The  571494  and  the 571810 are both called RO150EQ+,  and I have ran across several of the old style Rotex's listed for sale without a photo...  -with the seller trying to get "new Rotex" prices for their "old Rotex" style sander...   that build date info should help distinguish between them,  thanks!

Considering how BRILLIANT everything from Festool truly is,  I am surprised that they didn't change the name of these totally different sanders...   definitely NOT par for the course!

Official names RO-150E+ or RO-150FEQ. They are different models.

http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/571810/Festool-Rotex-150-FEQ-Dual-Mode-Sander

http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/571494/Festool-RO-150-E-Rotex-Dual-Mode-Sander

Sellers could tell whatewer they want (MFT3 instead of MFT-800, Rotex instead ES-125, etc) They usually trying to find newer price for older unit.

VictorL

 

[stairman]

I was missing that "Q" for some reason...   

-very minute change to the model # for such a remarkably different tool don't you think?

 

[AlexThePalex]

very minute change to the model # for such a remarkably different tool don't you think?

They aren't remarkably different at all, I don't know why you would think that. Both models offer the exact same functionality, the only difference between them is in the details.