Rotex decision... 150 FEQ vs. 125 FEQ

[Administrator_JSVN]

Yes, the RO 90 DX is a mini-Rotex. It's what you get when you leave the RO 150 and the RO 125 in a dark room.  [big grin] But, it also has the ability to be converted into a delta-shaped gear-driven detail sander, much like the Deltex 93 sander.

Here are the strokes for each of the Rotex models.

RO 90 - 7/64" (3 mm)
RO 125 - 9/64" (3.6 mm)
RO 150 - 3/16" (5 mm)

The RO 90 is expected to launch March 1st in the U.S. and Canadian markets. We will be launching a product micro website for the RO 90 and complete family of Rotex sanders in the very near future with tons of information and details. (Yes, including prices --- which I currently don't have)

In the mean time, you can get a sneak peek at http://rotex.festoolusa.com and sign up to get more information as it becomes available.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

J any stroke below that 5mm would give you a high quality end result, 2, 3.5, etc.  Once you get in that 5mm or higher area, it may produce unacceptable sand scratches in your finished product.  If you're making a piece of fine furniture, I would be more concerned.  If it's more of a utilitarian piece, it won't matter.  Decide what kind of projects you'll be doing and aim your tool purchases to cover that as best as possible.  If you need to and the store will let you, bring in a piece of wood to your Festool dealer, sand half with the 5mm orbit and the other half with one of the smaller orbit sanders.  Take it home, finish it and compare your results.  What are you happy with is the question in the end.

 

[zapdafish]

The 150's also have Multi-Jetstream, I don't think the 125's do.

I think it means more holes in the sandpaper because it has a larger surface and I equate that to even better dust collection. Might be why the RO125 doesn't seem to float as easily as the RO150 as well.

 

[JSands]

thx for the practical advise Ken...  not always easy to coordinate all this, unless you have a local dealer with all these on display...  no biggie,  the ETS 125 is not that costly.....

thx Shane for the prelim info on the 90.  It appears the diameter is small enough, whereas its not a direct competitor to the RO125.  I assume it's the "Detail Rotex" made for tight areas... yeah?

Shane, I am curious about all the info on the web about replacing brushes with the Rotex...is this considered a normal maintenance item?  Never hard of this b4 with other models.  I am curious if this was a feature "designed in" to prolong the life of the sander, or simply a part which that wears out often?  Can you please explain this... 

Interesting zap... maybe Shane can comment on this...dust collection is one of the biggest reasons I am upgrading my sanding tools...

 

[tbellemare]

The 125mm diameter sanders weren't upgraded to multi-jetstream technology because there was no perceived benefit. Their holes are already pretty close together. The bigger pad meant the holes were farther apart.

Tom

 

[Ken Nagrod]

J, the brush issue you brought up is more about having the ability to keep the tool going long-term.  There are plenty of power tools that come with sealed brush motors.  When the brushes wear out you have to replace the entire motor.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I assume it's the "Detail Rotex" made for tight areas... yeah?

It has a 3½" round pad and a delta-shaped pad about the same size. It could be used for all sorts of applications, not just detail work.

Shane, I am curious about all the info on the web about replacing brushes with the Rotex...is this considered a normal maintenance item?  Never hard of this b4 with other models.  I am curious if this was a feature "designed in" to prolong the life of the sander, or simply a part which that wears out often?  Can you please explain this... 

Not sure about the reference to "all the info" about changing brushes. It's not something that's done very commonly. Of course, it depends on whether it's being run all day or used occasionally. Other members can attest to if, as well as how often, they may have changes their brushes. Maybe you don't hear about it that much because other manufacturer's sander die long before the brushes wear out...  [tongue]

Interesting zap... maybe Shane can comment on this...dust collection is one of the biggest reasons I am upgrading my sanding tools...

Multi-Jetstream was only introduced for the 150mm (6") sanders. It's my understanding that the 125mm (5") sanders wouldn't really benefits from the additional holes. Here's an article you can read with details on Multi-Jetstream including a video showing the performance difference between JetStream and Multi-Jetstream versus other types of pads.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Cool video and information...thanks for posting the link, Shane.  I love my Rotex with Multi-stream!!

Scot

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Cool video and information...thanks for posting the link, Shane.  I love my Rotex with Multi-stream!!

Yeah, it's a neat video. Not sure I get the dump truck icon... Apparently they haul sawdust around in large dump trucks in Europe...  [blink]

 

[JSands]

Shane, great video....

What does Rotex 125 have?  Jet Stream?  Which I assume is forced air in the center hole?
In practical application, do they both do equal in the area of dust collection?

Interesting info on the brushes...
Kudos to Festool for designing a system that allows for replaceable wear part, vs. trashing the entire motor or sander...

Still trying to find some info on the benefits of a 2mm stroke (vs. ~3mm stroke) 

 

[Ken Nagrod]

J,

I'm not sure you'll find any real difference in 1 or 1.5 mm of sanding stroke at that small level, especially for the kind of things you mentioned you'll be doing.  Don't get too caught up with the numbers.  I think you'll be very happy with either RO model and like you said, the ETS125 is not that expensive too add in to your mix of tools.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I guess the question is: if you're already achieving an extremely high level of dust extraction, are you going to notice another few percent? Personally, I think the benefits of Multi-Jetstream over Jetstream have more to do with heat dissipation than dust collection. The lower the heat, the longer your abrasives and pad will last. It also further reduces clogging on the abrasive sheet.

As for the stroke, as was stated, the smaller the orbit, the more fine the finish. Sanding is just abrading the material. Are you going to be more likely to notice big circles or little circles? Of course, big and small is relative. You're only talking about 2mm difference.

I use the RO 150 for the majority of my finish sanding with great results. The verdict is that you're not going to end up with a poor finish sanding job with any of these.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

J,

Where are you located?  Maybe there are other members near you who'd be willing to let you come over and try out their sanders that you're interested in, if anyone here wants to help out.

 

[Brice Burrell]

J, you're over thinking this, get your butt out to a dealer and get your hands on the sanders to try them out. [big grin]

 

[JSands]

Brice, just nursing a bad back.... lifted too many sheets at my age....damn it...so I go into learning mode... I find all this stuff fascinating....  for years I use sanders, and never paid much attention to the details...  never had many problems either... but now I am on a "reduce dust" campaign, trying to make the best choices, more product offerings = more analysis      It appears the Rotex 125 and the RO 90 will work well for me...  and if I catch a sale, I will add the ETS 125 as well.

When I visit the training facility in Jan. or Feb, I can try em all out, assuming i don't buy them first.....  hopefully they will have the 90 by then...

Shane, gotcha on the dust collection, down to the nitty gritty already...  a few % is peanuts in the big scheme of things...