Rotex 90 v 125

[Highfalutin]

Hey all. I already have the cordless DeWalt 125mm orbital sander but want to be able to hook up to my vacuum so would like a Festool sander. I believe they're the bee knees anyway. I was thinking of buying one of the new Orbital sanders that Festool have coming out in February but then had my eye turned by the Rotex. From what I've looked at the Rotex 90 seems to have a few more features than the larger headed ones. I like it's multifunctionality but was wondering what people's recommendations were? Thanks all.

 

[luvmytoolz]

The RO90 is absolutely sensational, and is the reason I sold my 40+ year old 150mm Rotex to buy the new 150mm Rotex.

It can take some people a little bit to get the hang of controlling it, as it's an amazingly powerful sander, while still being able to do fine finish work. I haven't used the delta pad myself as I have a Fein setup with that, but it's a very handy extra feature to have.

Unless you already have a large investment in 125mm discs, I don't see the benefit of that over the 150mm, especially in the Rotex which for most of the time will likely be used for aggressive removal, with the 150mm pad being a much larger surface area than 125mm. I think there are different use cases and complementary features between the RO90 and RO150 though, so if you had to choose only one, I think the RO150 would be the better long term choice, unless you're mainly doing arch's, skirtings, narrow boards, etc.

If however you plan to ultimately get the RO150, starting with the RO90 will not be regretted.

 

[onocoffee]

I've been using the RO150 a lot lately, as well as the Bosch GET75-6N and while both are solid performers, I'd say that the RO150 is more versatile initially because it has a larger sanding surface. And for awhile, I had been under the impression that the Rotex was more of a blunt instrument, but as Luv says, it can do fine finish work.

I saw a Festool video of this guy who used the Rotex, in Rotex mode, and he went from 80 to (I think) 220 and the finish looked great. The next project I was working on, I tried it and was hella surprised at how nice the Rotex could put a finish on. Then I tried the same thing with the GET75 and it was just as good.

Get the 150 before the 90 (unless all you do are door or window frames) and if you really need the corner detail, you might get the DTS 400 delta sander in the interim.

 

[Cypren]

The main thing I’d caution before buying a Rotex is to really test one out in person and get a feel for how heavy they are. They’re quite capable of doing fine finish work, but they aren’t really capable of doing it comfortably due to their weight and bulk. If you mostly do small pieces and a limited amount of sanding, this probably won’t bother you much, but if you do a lot of work with large panels, you’re going to find that it’s hell on your arms relative to using something like an ETS EC 150/5 or a Mirka DEROS 650.

Unless you have extremely specific applications for the rotary mode, I’d recommend going with one of the ETS EC sanders for your first Festool. I’ve seen a few people spring for the Rotex thinking “two sanders in one has to mean it’s better”, then find it mostly sits idle because it’s so uncomfortable to use relative to lighter palm sanders.

 

[bobtskutter]

I have a Rotex125 and ETS125 (and DTS400).
The Rotex125 was my first Festool sander purchase and I've used it for all sorts of things.  With a P24 saphir disk it cuts like an angle grinder (removing plaster skim coat from walls), with a P120 granat disk it flattens boards, with a P320 granat disk it smooths out and polishes finishes.  But it's also difficult to control and I've struggled to avoid sanding swirls.

The ETS125 is NOT a Rotex, it's intended for finishing work and it does a great job.  I've not had as many problems with swirl marks using the ETS125 as using the Rotex125 - probably because it's lighter and has a 2mm orbit.

FYI, the festool sanding disks have their own hole pattern, it's not the same as "standard" sanding disks.

Bob

 

[ear3]

[member=82642]Highfalutin[/member] the RO90 is indeed multifunctional insofar as it has the delta attachments, but it should not be viewed as a replacement for a 125 or 150mm sander, but rather more of a specialty tool.  The pad size of the RO90 circular head is way too small for general sanding work.

I would lean more in the direction of an ETS or ETS-EC 150 if you want an all purpose sander.  The difference between the removal capacity and thus work rate of a 150 vs. 125 is significant.  I would only recommend a RO125 or RO150 if you imagine heavy removal in your future.

Hey all. I already have the cordless DeWalt 125mm orbital sander but want to be able to hook up to my vacuum so would like a Festool sander. I believe they're the bee knees anyway. I was thinking of buying one of the new Orbital sanders that Festool have coming out in February but then had my eye turned by the Rotex. From what I've looked at the Rotex 90 seems to have a few more features than the larger headed ones. I like it's multifunctionality but was wondering what people's recommendations were? Thanks all.

 

[jeffinsgf]

I have the RO-125, RO-90 and ETS-125. Since getting the ETS-125, the RO-125 is my least used. I build furniture and small case work. The RO-90 is involved in just about every project. I use it with a foam interface to sand radiused edges and with the hard pad and delta pad to get into the tight places. The ETS-125 takes care of the large flat areas. If I were doing cabinets, I would probably move up to the 150, but I used one before buying, and the pad seems too big for the vast majority of my work...your methods will undoubtedly vary. I think the RO-90 and ETS-125 make a great pair. I do pull out the RO-125 when I have something that needs heavy stock removal, but can't be planed. I could do without it, but I'm glad I don't have to.

 

[Cheese]

Unless you have extremely specific applications for the rotary mode, I’d recommend going with one of the ETS EC sanders for your first Festool. I’ve seen a few people spring for the Rotex thinking “two sanders in one has to mean it’s better”, then find it mostly sits idle because it’s so uncomfortable to use relative to lighter palm sanders.

I purchased the RO 125 because it was "two sanders in one", but then when I did vertical and overhead sanding with it, it quickly became "two sanders in none". [smile] It will not replace the ETS or ETSC random orbital sanders because of its weight and you also need to use both hands when operating it.

It's made to remove a large amount of material quickly and "in a pinch" can also be used as a traditional RO sander on horizontal surfaces. If you'll be sanding for periods of time, an ETS, ETSC or Mirka would be a better choice.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

I've had a Rotex 150 for "a very long time". It's a specialty tool for me and while it doesn't get used very much, there are "those times" when it's the right tool for the job. This past year, I added the RO-90 to my arsenal, less so for the rotary function but more so for the small size for both the round and delta functions on small work and to get into corners. But having the orbital capability in a small size can provide benefits. Until recently, I didn't have any sanders in the 125mm size, but due to the desire for edge sanding with the fixture, I picked one up. It's nice to have specific tools that are optimal for certain situations, even though my primary go-to is the 150mm sanders.

 

[smorgasbord]

From what I've looked at the Rotex 90 seems to have a few more features than the larger headed ones.

You've gotten some really great advice here so far. Even the seemingly conflicting advice is correct, it just depends, as some have already said, on what you typically build and how you like to sand.

I'll repeat the advice already give NOT to choose by features. Yes, the RO90 is the only one that has 3 modes: Rotex/Geared, Random Orbit, and Oscillating Detail, BUT it's also the smallest pad of all Festool sanders (that I know of, anyway), so unless you're only doing things like jewelry boxes it's not the right sander to get as your primary. Even on a relatively small furniture build, you're going to regret having just that (you'll probably dig out your old DeWalt after 10 minutes).

And yes, I know it's tempting to get the Rotex 125/150 as your single sander, but as others have pointed out, remember the weight/size penalty. Unless you really need the Rotex action because you don't have other ways to sand rough stock into shape, my guess is you'll find that there are more times you'll wish you had a smaller/lighter sander than those times which you actually use the Rotex action.

So, now you're down to choosing between 125 and 150 pads and whether to opt for the lighter but more expensive "EC" models. Again, as others have said, the size of things you're building can help you decide between 125 and 150, but another aspect is how you expect to expand your tool collection. If you just want one sander, then the 125 ETS EC is probably the one for most to get, or the cheaper brushed version (ETS 125 to save some money at the cost of some height and weight (but not bad)). However, if you're going to get an RO90 in the not-too-distant future anyway, then an ETS EC 150/5 and the RO90 make a great pair. Of course, now we're talking big bucks.

 

[jeffinsgf]

Just to reinforce smorgasbord's caution...I did buy the RO-125 with the plan that it would be my "only" sander. That lasted about 3 months. I then bought the RO-90 to do the detail work. Then, a couple months after that, while working on a rather large project, I admitted defeat and got the ETS-125 because the Rotex was wearing me down. If I had started with the RO-90 and ETS-125, I probably wouldn't have gone with the RO-125.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Festool sanders are indeed quite a rabbit hole. I started with a RO90, myself, for the exact reason you mentioned. (Versatility) Though I don't use the Delta head often, it is very nice to have. I did reach the limit of it before long though. It is fabulous for small areas, but everything isn't small.
I stepped up to a RO125, because that was the size that the company stocked. While I don't use either of the Rotex's as a normal random orbit sander, the "blunt instrument" is also great on the other extreme too. I use it to polish too. It works much like a traditional buffer and can go to a glass-like shine, with the right abrasives and a felt pad.
For the "regular" sanding, an ETS EC (of either size) will get you there with the lightest and most ergonomic feeling It is low-profile and very smooth in the hand.
The DTS and RTS have their place too. Round sanders don't do so well on inside corners.
Having 6, I would be done, except my ETS 125 is too old to fit in the edge sanding adaptor, so I migh have to force myself.
The rabbit hole knows no bottom.

 

[Cheese]

The rabbit hole knows no bottom.

And you haven't even mentioned the RS 2, the DX 93, the LS 130 or the RAS or BF-V.  [big grin]

 

[Crazyraceguy]

[member=44099]Cheese[/member] If I would come across an LS130, I'd snap it right up. I missed out when they got discontinued.
I didn't mention the RAS115 either. I lucked out on that one, bought it right before it was announced, having no idea how vital it would be.  I had a slight hope that it was just to clear out the old stock, before reintroducing it with a Plug-t cable. That is its one and only negative.

 

[rvieceli]

IF anyone is longing for an RS2, this offering from Makita makes an very acceptable substitute.
https://www.amazon.com/Makita-BO4900V-Variable-Speed-Sander/dp/B0000789HT?ref_=ast_sto_dp

Takes regular half sheet paper (pick up the punch too) but it also takes Festool RS2 hook and look paper as well. Hole pattern is even the same. Specs are very similar to the RS2. Only issue is that the vac tube is smaller than the normal 27mm and takes a pit of finagling.

Ron

 

[rst]

I’ve had the Makita half sheet sander and paper punch for years. A couple years ago I got an RS2, like most of Festools , it is so much smoother than the Makita and the paper punch has the identical hole pattern

 

[luvmytoolz]

I’ve had the Makita half sheet sander and paper punch for years. A couple years ago I got an RS2, like most of Festools , it is so much smoother than the Makita and the paper punch has the identical hole pattern

I haven't come across any 1/2 sheet sander that compares to the RS2E I have. An amazing beast but beautiful to use.

 

[Cheese]

My issue with the Makita...and I'm not really sure it is an issue  [huh]  is that the sand paper retention mechanism on the Makita is very similar to what Milwaukee used on their 1/4-sheet sanders. After about 10-15 hours of sanding, the clamping mechanisms on the Milwaukee's had to be replaced because the clamping surfaces were worn out by being abraded by the interaction of the sandpaper. Not good...that unhappy relationship started my Festool adventure and led to my first Festool purchase, the DTS 400.  [big grin]