Rotex RO125 discontinued in USA? (Update: Probably just a Systainer3 update)

[escapegoat]

I recently acquired a new ETS 125 REQ. It's very comfortable but I'd like something with a little more material removal power. I'm considering exchanging it for a more powerful ETS EC 125/3 or RO125. However, the Festool USA site now shows that the RO125 has been discontinued:

[attachimg=1]

Is there a replacement coming, or is Festool consolidating the Rotex line to the RO90 and RO150? I stocked up on 5" paper so I'm trying to stick with a 125mm model.

Thanks,
Eric

 

[VirTERM]

Or it’s coming back with sustainer 3 under a new part number.

 

[escapegoat]

Or it’s coming back with Systainer 3 under a new part number.

Ah - that's a reasonable theory.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

I suggest you consider it as an additional tool, not a replacement for what you have. Rotex isn't the most ergonomic tool for finish sanding, IMHO, whether it's the 125mm version like you are considering or the larger 150mm like I have.

 

[RustE]

Or it’s coming back with Systainer 3 under a new part number.

That was my guess as well. Based upon what we read/see in other threads it’s a likely scenario.

There might still be some RO125 sanders in the T-Loc Systainer around. Not sure if the dealers can offer a discounted price.

Arguably, with the announcement of the edge sanding guide for the ETS125, does it make sense to have both?

 

[escapegoat]

I suggest you consider it as an additional tool, not a replacement for what you have. Rotex isn't the most ergonomic tool for finish sanding, IMHO, whether it's the 125mm version like you are considering or the larger 150mm like I have.

Thank you for your perspective. Multiple tools may make more sense here. I used the ETS 125 to sand a weathered cedar bench using P40 Granat, and while it did the job, it bogged down when I applied moderate pressure. I'm not sure a finish sander was the right tool for that job. Right now I'm leaning towards returning the ETS 125 and replacing it with an ETS EC 125/3.

My other sanding needs for the foreseeable future are:

• Refinishing worn white oak stairs. (Possible tools: ETS EC 125/3 + RO90 for corners and tight areas around balusters. Or, just the ETS EC 125/3 + sanding blocks for corners and tight spots)
• Stripping and refinishing wear spots on a cedar deck (ETS 125/3 or RO125, or 6" equivalents)
• Stripping spar varnish and refinishing a cedar planter once it starts to peel (RO90, 5" or 6" sander are too large, see photo)
• Finish sanding on a cherry shelf (ETS 125 or ETS EC 125/3)

Am I correct in concluding that an ETS EC 125/3, plus an RO90 would cover my foreseeable needs?

Arguably, with the announcement of the edge sanding guide for the ETS125, does it make sense to have both?

The new edge sanding guide for the ETS 125 looks like a great tool, but I don't know if I would personally get a lot of use from it.

EDIT: Added an additional photo

 

[Cheese]

If you go the ETS EC 125 route you’ll pick an extra 1 mm in stroke over the ETS 125.

And don’t forget to pick up a 6” hard pad for the ETS EC 125 because it bolts right on.

Better for doing the deck and a final light sanding to the steps.

 

[RustE]

...
Am I correct in concluding that an ETS EC 125/3, plus an RO90 would cover my foreseeable needs?
...

Hmm. Today, I’d be more tempted by a DTS 400 REQ because of the corners and small spots.

Although, I have an old Porter-Cable no. 9444 detail sander that still works, so I bought a RTS 400 REQ that can do corners and edges too.

 

[Shane Holland]

Just to confirm, yes, it's coming in the Sys3 now, current ETA is 10/21.
https://www.festoolproducts.com/festool-576032-ro-125-feq-125mm-5-rotex-sander-w-systainer.html

 

[escapegoat]

Just to confirm, yes, it's coming in the Sys3 now, current ETA is 10/21.
https://www.festoolproducts.com/festool-576032-ro-125-feq-125mm-5-rotex-sander-w-systainer.html

Thanks Shane!

Hmm. Today, I’d be more tempted by a DTS 400 REQ because of the corners and small spots.

This could work. It would take a bit longer than an RO90, but that might be a fair trade-off given the lower cost and the fact that I'm only using it occasionally for household projects.