Rotex / ETS combination size decision

[shed9]

My first post, so go easy!!!!

I'm about to push the button on purchasing some sanding kit and after finally deciding that Festool is the route I'm now going round in circles about what size to go for. I know I want a Rotex and ETS combination, but do I go for 125 or 150? I have already convinced myself to get the RO 90 so my choices are;

Rotex RO90
Rotex RO125
ETS 125

or

Rotex RO90
Rotex 150
ETS 150/3

My main use is preparing framework (typically 100mm wide timber) with occasional panel work no bigger than a meter square, hence the realistic option of the 125 sizes.

I've asked the usual forums in the UK but I'm still sitting on the fence. Cost is not a major driver - I'd rather get the right kit now than have to rethink it later. I've noticed a few reviewers prefer the RO 125 as it is easier to grip but any additional advice would be appreciated.

I think the 125 combo is probably the best option but are there any benefits to the 150 tools that I'm not seeing, especially as I don't see me sanding large surfaces.

All help appreciated.

 

[Oldwood]

Hi,

I would go

Rotex RO90
Rotex 150
ETS 150/3

The Ro90 will do face frames & edges and the Ro 150 will do large panels and boards down to 4" on in a pinch 3"
The Ro150 is 5 mm orbit in random orbital mode so if you go with the ETS 150/3 you will have it all covered.
This is the combination I have and I am very happy with it. The Ro150 seems like a bit of a beast when you first start using it but once you get used to it it is very manageable.

HTH
Gerry

 

[shed9]

Thanks Gerry

This is exactly the type of info I was looking for. I did wonder if the Ro150 would be too aggressive but your comments have helped there.

 

[Michael1960]

Agree with Gerry's comment above.
I also have the RO90, ETS150/3 & RO150 combination.
The RO90 is very versatile and can cover quite wide timber.  If I want a larger sander than the RO90 I go straight to the ETS150 or RO150.  So far I have never been working on a job where I have wanted to use something in-between the 90mm and 150mm.
PS - I have a Makita 125mm sander and it doesn't get used!

 

[shed9]

Appreciate the further support for 150 Michael1960

I could easily be swayed to the ETS 150 as the 2mm seems a bit too small, it was the Rotex 150 that concerned me in regards to the width of timber I usually work with. The reason for sticking with a similar diameter is obviously to keep abrasives stock in similar size. Is the Ro150 comfortable to use?

Looks like I'm going to the 'Dark Side' of the 150 at this rate.

 

[dltflt]

Hi,

I would go

Rotex RO90
Rotex 150
ETS 150/3

The Ro90 will do face frames & edges and the Ro 150 will do large panels and boards down to 4" on in a pinch 3"
The Ro150 is 5 mm orbit in random orbital mode so if you go with the ETS 150/3 you will have it all covered.
This is the combination I have and I am very happy with it. The Ro150 seems like a bit of a beast when you first start using it but once you get used to it it is very manageable.

HTH
Gerry

+1 for this combo

 

[wow]

I ordered the RO90 and was going to do RO125/ETS125 combo, but after getting the RO90 I don't think that the 125mm is a big enough step to matter. I now plan to do the RO150/ETS150. If I ever need a 5" (125mm) sander I have an old Dewalt RO and a Dynabrade. Of course, both may be for sale shortly!

 

[batcave]

I also have the RO90, Ro150, and ets150/3. I really like the set. I only use the rotex for 80 grit and under and polishing cars. It is tipsy if you aren't careful.

I see that the ets125 has a top speed of 14000. The ets150 top speed is 10500. Maybe the speed would offset the size? Maybe a lighter sander with more speed is the answer?

Also, there are more holes in the 150 paper. I don't know if this improves dust collection, but one would assume so.

Kevin

 

[nclemmons]

Same here for me - I have the 90 / 150/3 and Ro150. 

I agree the difference in the 90 and 125 were not enough to warrant buying both.  Have been very happy with the selection. 

The one other sander that I have and like is the RTS400 - the small size and square corners are excellent for getting into the corners of drawers and frame and panel construction.  You can do this with the Delta pad on the 90, but the RTS400 is a nice addition if you are doing a lot of sanding into corners.

neil

 

[sicd_steve]

Like a few guys here I have RO 90 , RO 150 and as recent the ETS  150/3 which  I just love. They all do most of the work I need also I have  the big belt  sander and the LS 400 sander  but mostly using the former sanders does  most of what I do.

So that's the way you should go it seems also by others too

 

[jaymon5]

+1 with neilc.  i have the ro90, ro150, ets150/3 (amazingly smooth) and the newly purchased rts400.  Getting the granat sandpaper assortments from Tom at Tool home for the ro90 and RTS 400 was helpful to get most of the grits covered without buying larger quantities.

 

[semenza]

Welcome to the Forum , shed9

I also agree that the combo from your list to go for is RO90, RO150, and ETS150/3.

Seth

 

[epicxt]

I've got the ro90, ro125, and ets 125...and if I were to do it again I'd go with the 90 and ro/ets150. I probably still will but will keep the ets 125 because I love the finish I get with the short stroke. I ended up getting a great deal on a demo model ro125 a few years ago so went that route.

 

[shed9]

Okay, I asked, I listened, I bought...

Just ordered the following;

Ro90
Ro 150 (+ front handle)
ETS 150/3

Also got me some other goodies in the order;

EHL 65
CXS drill
Surfix SYS3

I need to get some hard pads for the sanders, but will throw in with a wider abrasives order within the week.

I kind of kept putting the Ro125/ETS125 in my basket as I felt the Ro125 looked more ergonomic and I'm a little put off by the Ro150's size but it would be pointless me asking for advice if I don't listen to it so 150 it is.

Thanks to everyone, your help is appreciated and thanks for the welcome.

It's going to be like Christmas this week.

 

[wow]

Okay, I asked, I listened, I bought...

Ro90
Ro 150 (+ front handle)
ETS 150/3

Also got me some other goodies in the order;
EHL 65
CXS drill
Surfix SYS3

Nice order! I predict you will be VERY happy!

It's going to be like Christmas this week.

I just had Christmas again on Friday. If my wallet would allow, I'd have Christmas every couple of weeks!
Man the kool-aid is good!!!

 

[jaymon5]

What a great order to start with.  Although we never talked about using a CT behind the sanders  [eek].  If you don't have one, you should put one on the list. 

enjoy

 

[shed9]

I've already got an extractor, but appreciate it being raised.

This is not my first foray into Festoolopia, already got some bits.

I was not sure on the sanding route route though and nearly went with Mirka. It was my other Festool tools that drove me to the sander kit list options above. Whilst not easy on the wallet, I have not regretted a purchase yet.

 

[Oldwood]

You might also want a hard pad for the Ro150. It is very nice for flattening out panels. I leave the soft pad on the ETS & use it for finish behind the Ro150.
I think you will be happy with your new sanders.

Gerry

 

[batcave]

You will be very happy. Very nice selection to reach for.

I used the ro150 for four years before I added the ets150. I did pick up the dts400 a couple years in, but I never used it.

I do recommend only granat on your abrasive order.

Kevin

 

[semenza]

I see you got the front handle. It is often overlooked but can be useful.  http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/front-handle-for-rotex-ro150/

Seth