I've got multiple sanders and a heavy duty 7" polisher, none of which do any dust extraction. I'm already convinced of the value of Festool dust extraction, especially in my small workshop. What I'm hoping is to get a Rotex to do double-duty as a woodworking sander, as well as removing oxidation on a fiberglass boat in areas too tight for the polisher. Will these things do all this, and if so, any advice on which one?
Rotex Advice
- Thread starter fisheye
- Start date
Ken Nagrod
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- Jul 15, 2010
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[welcome] fisheye!
Yes, the Rotex is a good choice for the things you say you'll be doing. The differences between the RO125 and RO150 besides pad size is weight difference (which maybe important to you when working on boats), the RO125 doesn't have a side handle and the RO125 has a less aggressive orbit which might add to the time required to get to a certain level of finish quality. The RO150 is an aggressive beast if you need it to be. The RO125 is a little tamer.
Both require a break-in period while using, so don't get turned off by the noise or vibration when you first get a brand new one.
Yes, the Rotex is a good choice for the things you say you'll be doing. The differences between the RO125 and RO150 besides pad size is weight difference (which maybe important to you when working on boats), the RO125 doesn't have a side handle and the RO125 has a less aggressive orbit which might add to the time required to get to a certain level of finish quality. The RO150 is an aggressive beast if you need it to be. The RO125 is a little tamer.
Both require a break-in period while using, so don't get turned off by the noise or vibration when you first get a brand new one.
[welcome] to the fog
i have a ro150. i love it. great stock removal and fine finish in one tool. i will get the ro90 soon. if you are caught between the 125 and 150 then it depends on the area being sanded. just remember the weight diference. if you are sanding above you head (as i was doing a few days ago) it will kill your arms, the ro125 might be better
i have a ro150. i love it. great stock removal and fine finish in one tool. i will get the ro90 soon. if you are caught between the 125 and 150 then it depends on the area being sanded. just remember the weight diference. if you are sanding above you head (as i was doing a few days ago) it will kill your arms, the ro125 might be better
PaulMarcel
Member
Welcome to the FOG!
If getting into tight corners is the issue, then maybe the RO-90 would be better. You are already using the 7" polisher for large surfaces. The RO-90 is also very good as a woodworking sander. Other than flattening a large surface, the RO-90 will do as well as its larger cousins though maybe slower on larger expanses (though on rails/stiles, it will be faster in my opinion because it is easier to control over them).
You won't be disappointed with any of the 3; just make sure the one you get does the tight corners you care about!
If getting into tight corners is the issue, then maybe the RO-90 would be better. You are already using the 7" polisher for large surfaces. The RO-90 is also very good as a woodworking sander. Other than flattening a large surface, the RO-90 will do as well as its larger cousins though maybe slower on larger expanses (though on rails/stiles, it will be faster in my opinion because it is easier to control over them).
You won't be disappointed with any of the 3; just make sure the one you get does the tight corners you care about!
jmbfestool
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- Jan 9, 2009
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I have the Ro150 and Ro90 and having both covers both ends of the scale which is brilliant for variety of jobs . If you dont want to spend the money and just buy 1! Then if your not doing alot of large areas go with the Ro90 as it can handle large areas but just takes longer of course but is good for doing small areas and its very light! If you you are frequently doing larger areas then it would have to be the Ro125 but I would strongly recommend the Ro90 and then get Ro150 after.
JMB
JMB
I'm leaning toward the 90 now, 150 later idea, thanks all. For now I've got a heavy duty belt sander and the polisher, I just have to take outside and wear a mask. I'm just moving into the Festool camp, so the $/month on this stuff is pretty insane right now. Enjoying it a lot. So far, TS55 and MFT3, OF-1400 and CT36.
Just got back from the store, picked up the 150 after comparing the 90's size to my existing Fein Multimaster and its sanding attachments. I think it fits better overall into my existing kit. Will be getting rid of a belt sander and old finish sander shortly I guess. Thanks again for the help.
waho6o9
Member
fisheye said:
Congratulations on the 150, it's a great sander. It will run smoother after the brushes have seated. [smile]
jmbfestool
Member
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- 6,646
fisheye said:
Good choice! I dont think the 125 has a market any more now the 90 is out to be honest if you own the 90 and 150 der is no need for the 125 so atleast you still have the option to get the 90 cus your comparing it to the Fein BUT I love the fein its handy and its good at sanding in awkward places but it does not sand brilliantly.
The Fein can remove material if you focus the sander on one point which can be handy so I do use it i love the Fein but for a small flat surface the fein does not come close to the Ro90 you have to try the Ro90 well you will when you use the 150 with a larger sanding area I suppose so you will see what Im talking about.
Then when you have tried the ro150 out then add the benefits of the Ro90 over the ro150 to it which are its lighter quieter and smoother than the 150. You will then see that the fein aint that good of a sander any more. I use to use my fein ALL the time for sanding but I hardly ever use it now since I got my Ro90.
JMB
