Rotex choice

[tvgordon]

I have an ES125 sander and have been thinking of buying a Rotex.  I wanted the 150 for the larger sanding surface but maybe it would be smarter to buy the 125 because I already have 5" sandpaper.  Do you guys feel the 150 is a better sander and worth the extra money?
Thanks for your help, Tom.

 

[bruegf]

I'm quite happy w/ my RO125.  Especially when I had to sand a ceiling or a boat bottom

Fred

 

[Bob Marino]

  Tom,

Being able to utilize the same size papers is one reason. But I think it depends on applications also. Can you make use of the larger sanding surface of the 6" Rotex, or will you be sanding smaller surfaces? The RO 150 is also heavier, more powerful, has a larger stroke and is considerably faster, pad size aside, than the RO 125. I also find the RO 150 smoother at times (because of it's pad size) than the RO125.
Conversely, the 125 is  lighter and eaiser to manuever. Tough choice!

  Bob

 

[RGJ]

I'm using the RO 150 FEQ right now to strip the paint off an old car. It has three layers of paint on it so it's a real job. This thing is cutting right through it however. Very impressive for sure. I'm using it in my home garage and have my CT-33 hooked to it so sanding dust isn't an issue. The only thing I have noticed about it is the heat generated by the sander. It can get warm. I am sold on this setup. Another satisfied customer.

RGJ

 

[semenza]

Hi,

      The abrasive size compatability would be nice, but I do't think I would make it deciding factor. The abrasives get used up,  so eventually you will need to buy more. If you have twice the amount because of having two sizes they all just last longer before you need to buy more. I guess that might seem obvious but.....

      Besides its a good excuse to get another abrasives systainer ;D

Seth

 

[Warrior]

I have the Rotex 150 and love it. I think once you use it you'll want the ets 150 as well. The larger pad makes for a savings in the amount of sanding time since you cover more territory.

 

[Mirko]

I use my 125 daily and it has become my favorite Festool!

Mirko

 

[Matthew Schenker]

tvgordon,
I agree with Bob that it's a "tough choice."  I own the RO 150 and the RO 125, and I switch back and forth between the two machines all the time.  As Bob mentions, the RO 150 does seem smoother at times (perhaps because of its increased weight), and the RO 150 excels when you're sanding large surfaces.  Then again, the RO 125 excels when I need to hold the sander up in front of me or overhead, or when I'm sanding in a tighter space.

Both sanders remove material fast, both have the same excellent dust collection, and both offer the same great ergonomics.  For most woodworkers, I'll bet having both sanders is a good idea, but that may not be realistic for everyone.  Both sanders will do a great job, and no matter which one you buy there will certainly be times when you wonder whether the other one might be better for this particular task.  So it really comes down to asking yourself what kind of sanding jobs you do most often.

As far as sandpaper goes, I would not use that as a major consideration.  To make the decision easier on yourself, think primarily about which machine you want.  Again, what kind of sanding jobs do you do most often.

I wrote extensive reviews of both sanders, which might help you:
RO 125 REVIEW
RO 150 REVIEW

Matthew

 

[tvgordon]

No, no, no.  This wasn't suppost to happen.  The responses were to read "Get the 150, I have both and the 125 just sits in the systainer" or "Get the 125 it's much better than the 150". 
Seriously, thank for your opinions.
And yes, Seth, I could use another abrasive systainer!
Tom.

 

[chrisrosenb]

No, no, no.  This wasn't suppost to happen.  The responses were to read "Get the 150, I have both and the 125 just sits in the systainer" or "Get the 125 it's much better than the 150". 
Seriously, thank for your opinions.
And yes, Seth, I could use another abrasive systainer!
Tom.

Get the 150 it is a better sander.;D I just got a Rotex 150 yesterday & already love it already. I had been using a Bosch 1370 sander. I can not beileve how fast the 150 sands. Also how quiet & smooth it runs.

 

[Norm St.Onge]

I was all set to buy the 150 - no questions asked. And then I was able to hold one at a wood working show...ergonomically, it just never felt 'right' in my hands. It is big. The 150 may be the "better" sander at many tasks but I went with the 125 purely based on feel and I've been very happy with my choice.

-Norm

 

[The Dude]

Congratulations Norm, either way you would have been a happy camper.  Like I always say, "bigger isn't always better."  (get out there guys).  As with any tool, it comes down to preference.  It is a good thing that you got to see and touch the sander before the buy.  You will be very happy with the RO 125 performance...no doubt; and as prior entries have stated, you now only have to buy 5".  That will save a bit-o-cash for your next tool.

Happy In Dual-Mode,

Timmy C

 

[LaserGecko]

Then again, the RO 125 excels when I need to hold the sander up in front of me or overhead

I found just the opposite. The RO125's lack of an auxilliary handle left me feeling like I was working more to use the lighter sander. It was like using a standard keyboard after using an ergonomic one.

There are other issues to consider, too. The sheepskin pad is only available in a five pack at over $50 for the RO125 while you can buy a single pad for the RO150.

Oh, and RGJ: That heat should dissipate as the motor brushes seat and have less electrical resistance. It should take about 10-20 hours of use.

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Then again, the RO 125 excels when I need to hold the sander up in front of me or overhead

I found just the opposite. The RO125's lack of an auxilliary handle left me feeling like I was working more to use the lighter sander. It was like using a standard keyboard after using an ergonomic one.

That's interesting.  I don't like using the handle when doing vertical or overhead sanding.  That just shows how difficult this sander decision can be!  What one person says is an advantage, another sees as a disadvantage.

Mathew

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Then again, the RO 125 excels when I need to hold the sander up in front of me or overhead

... There are other issues to consider, too. The sheepskin pad is only available in a five pack at over $50 for the RO125 while you can buy a single pad for the RO150.

Don't overlook the fact that some dealers are willing to break large packs of consumables into smaller lots and sell individual or smaller quantities to you.  I have done that in regard to some items for my RO 125, and my LS 130.

Dave R.

 

[LaserGecko]

True. The true service oriented dealers are apt to do that. However, in Las Vegas, the local dealer feels that selling any item at a "discounted" price will cost them their Festool dealership and that selling a broken quantity package constitutes a discount.

It's very annoying (and I believe just a convenient excuse). Somehow, I doubt that Tool Technic, Inc. views outstanding service such as that as detrimental to their end users. Unfortunately for me, I can't always anticipate a week ahead of time what I will need so I have time to order from Uncle Bob.

 

[Eli]

I obviate anticipation by purchasing packs of 50. Plenty of time to re-order......

 

[Dave Rudy]

True. The true service oriented dealers are apt to do that. However, in Las Vegas, the local dealer feels that selling any item at a "discounted" price will cost them their Festool dealership and that selling a broken quantity package constitutes a discount.

Sounds like an excuse to me.  It is obviously an inconvenience to the dealer, and may cost him money (he may have trouble selling broken pack to the next guy), but no way is it a discount, so long as the per/sheet price is retail.  If it was, NO dealer would be allowed to do it.

Service is not equivalent to who's closest.  If you can wait two or three days for the paper, support the guy(s) who go the extra mile for you.

My .02.

 

[Dave Rudy]

I have an ES125 sander and have been thinking of buying a Rotex.  I wanted the 150 for the larger sanding surface but maybe it would be smarter to buy the 125 because I already have 5" sandpaper.  Do you guys feel the 150 is a better sander and worth the extra money?
Thanks for your help, Tom.

Interesting how this thread went in a different direction.      I started with the ETS 150, which I still think is Festool's best sander (havent gotten the RS 2 yet).  So I "standardized" on 6" disks and stayed there.  The ETS 125 is not in the same league with the 150 IMHO.  Much more than size -- vibration, "feel", etc. 

When the Rotex decision came, it was a no-brainer.  The 150 kept me at 6" discs, and gave all the advantages of the larger size.  I now have the ETS 150, RO150, LS130 (fantastic sander) and Deltex  (and that's just the SANDERS!).

HTH

Dave

 

[jonny round boy]

Well, guess what's sitting on my desk at the moment....

[attachthumb=1]

I went to my Festool dealer earlier today. He had a Rotex set up, as he'd been demo'ing it this morning. He reckoned it took about 30 seconds from the potential customer switching it on to him making a purchase!!!

I said I'd heard some good things about it (from this site!), and that I wouldn't mind having a go. "Sorry" he said. "I don't have time to show you today, I'm going out to do a show later & still have loads to sort out. Here - take it home for a few days & try it out".

So I left with a RO125 & a selection of about a dozen sanding disks of various grades - completely gratis, at least for a day or two!!! ;D ;D ;D

I haven't tried it yet, but my initial thoughts are that it's quite a bit heavier than I expected, but it feels good to hold. It feels extremely solid & well made (no surprises there!), and the balance is good. Can't wait to fire it up, but I'm gonna have to leave it 'til tomorrow.