Rotex sander - 125 or 150?

[Gator]

I am looking at buying a Rotex, however am torn by the big cost between the 125 and the 150. I currently have a large supply of 5" sanding discs for my other Festool sander, so buying the 6" sanding discs is also an added expense. My question would be, is there a big enough benefit to go to the 150, over the 125 to justify the additional hit of $400.00 ? (sander & discs).
I mainly do end grain cutting boards, tables, and chairs. I also have a Jet 22-44 drum sander, so I use it for a lot of bigger jobs, and am just looking for something a little smaller & more compact than rolling out the drum sander all the time.

Any advice would be very appreciated.

 

[nickao]

What are you looking at? There isn't a 400.00 cost difference between the Rotex 125 and Rotex 150 there is only a 105.00 difference.

The Rotex 125 cost 490.00, the Rotex 150 cost 595.00. You must be mistakenly comparing an ETS 125 to a Rotex 150 and that's no comparison, it more like a joke.

IMHO, cost wise the Rotex 150 is by far the better deal. 105.00 for a sander that covers far, far, far, more ground.

I prefer having ten 6" sanders and one 5" sander. I know a lot of guys that have the opposite or get to have so many 5" they dont want to purchase the 6" because of the paper. Those are the guys constantly borrowing my 6" sanders because they don't want to take a year using their little 5" sanders.

If your work calls for a 6" sander get it and deal with the two types of paper. If I had only 5" sanders I would add double to my sanding time. That's far worse than having two types of papers.

I never understood that single sandpaper size rationale. The 5" paper isn't that much cheaper so saying I dont want two types of paper tells me they don't do much sanding because if they did they would have that 6" in a heartbeat. Space or cost wouldn't be  an issue because hours of work tends to be as important or more important than space or material cost. I just must have 6"(and larger) orbital sanders for my type of work, and I have several drum sanders and planers.

 

[ScotF]

It depends on what you want to sand now and in the future. Tough choice. Bigger is not always better. Don't get me wrong, I love my Rotex 150 and it has served me well for the 7 or 8 years I have owned it. I bought it to not only sand furniture, but also with some floor refinishing in mind and some other bigger tasks. It is awesome in all regards and it was my first Festool sander. But I also really like my Rotex 90 for smaller work and just bought the Rotex 125 a few weeks ago. I make furniture mostly and needed the 5 inch size for smoothing out some sculpted parts of a dining chair set I am making. The 150 was too big for many areas and the 90 was too small. The 125 was perfect for that task. I used it for hours and it was not cumbersome at all. Tables would definitely suit the 150, but chairs might be better suited to the 90 and/or 125. Cutting boards would work with all three.

The 150 has 44% more surface area and a 5mm orbit in RO mode so you can sand larger areas quickly. The 125 is still aggressive and powerful in a lighter package. If all I needed it for was furniture, then that might be where I started, especially since you already have abrasives. You can try any of them out for 30 days, but any accessories and abrasives you also buy are not covered so keep that in mind.

The more I use my Rotex sanders and now that I have them all, the more I appreciate their sweet spots. I have several other Festool sanders and I think these would be the three I would keep or replace. If I could only have one and was going to continue doing the work I have been for the forsee able future, then I would probably get the 125 as a more intermediate range.

 

[Holmz]

It depends on what you want to sand now and in the future.
...

If it is not things requiring geared mode, then the ETC/EC 150/5 actually removes material faster than the Rotex.
So in my unlearned opinion... an ETC/EC 150/5 and a RAS cover a lot more ground than a Rotex.

Another option is the DEROS 5650 which comes with both a 5" and a 6" and still has the 5-mm stroke.
Just not sure if that is 230v or also 120v? So in North America it is a harder choice than elsewhere.

I could see having a Rotex 90-mm for windows and the like, but for flat sheets I would be leaning towards an ETS/EC or an RS2.

[member=6605]ScotF[/member] question of, "what are you planing on sanding?" is on the money.

 

[Gator]

Thanks for the input guys. Dovetail65 - I am in Canada, and there is a huge difference in the price of Festool tools compared to buying in the U.S. The Rotex 125 is $675, and the 150 is $825 (plus 13% sales taxes in Ontario - so $169.50 more just for the machine) and then you have another $300 to get 6" abrasives to go from 40 to 120, unless you buy discs one at a time (makes zero sense to me, but...) so it is actually more than $400 at the end of the day as far as cost. I was talking machine & accessories.
I would also be using it to build Maloof style sculpted chairs, as currently I use a grinder with a kutzol disc for shaping the seats, but am starting to do more live edge tables as well. The 125 would work well for this, where the 150 would be better for the tables. I do like the idea of the 44% larger sanding area, who does not love less sanding, but I guess maybe I just need to do some soul searching to try and justify buying both...LOL  [blink] [eek]

Thanks again.

 

[nickao]

Thanks for the input guys. Dovetail65 - I am in Canada, and there is a huge difference in the price of Festool tools compared to buying in the U.S. The Rotex 125 is $675, and the 150 is $825 (plus 13% sales taxes in Ontario - so $169.50 more just for the machine) and then you have another $300 to get 6" abrasives to go from 40 to 120, unless you buy discs one at a time (makes zero sense to me, but...) so it is actually more than $400 at the end of the day as far as cost. I was talking machine & accessories.
I would also be using it to build Maloof style sculpted chairs, as currently I use a grinder with a kutzol disc for shaping the seats, but am starting to do more live edge tables as well. The 125 would work well for this, where the 150 would be better for the tables. I do like the idea of the 44% larger sanding area, who does not love less sanding, but I guess maybe I just need to do some soul searching to try and justify buying both...LOL  [blink] [eek]

Thanks again.

Yeah but they aren't 400.00 different as you stated, 169.00 Canadian is nearly the same cost difference here in US money and for me the 169.00 is peanuts for the difference in size.

You asked if it was worth the difference, it might not be worth 400.00 difference, but it certainly is worth the 169.00 difference. The RO 150 is much better than the 125, FOR ME and for anyone that needs to sand large surfaces.

I paid a 1000.00 for RAS 180 and at 7" it's only  about an 1" larger than the the RO 150 at 595.00. Of course the RAS 180 has double the power as well.

If you are doing tables and chairs you might want both the RO 150 for the table top and the RO 90 for smaller parts and shaping chairs and such.

 

[Gator]

Dovetail - read both my posts again. I specified the $400 was for the machine & sanding discs, not just the machine. If it was $170, I would have pulled the trigger already, however I always try to look at the big picture when buying tools (does not mean I see it clearly) so in buying the 150, I look at all the discs required as well. I buy my sanding discs in bulk to try and reduce end costs so the 150 purchase would include a pile of sanding discs. I currently have approx. 2,000 5" sanding discs in grits ranging from 80 to 1,000, and my inner demon already has all the 50 & 100 packs of 6" sanding discs sitting in my "wish list" along with the 150, and they are $56 for 50 packs of some grits, & $86 per 100 pack for others, so it adds up very fast.
I totally agree with your logic that size really does matter, so now I am just trying to determine if the majority of my work will be flat surface (150)  or contoured surface (125 / 90)  sanding so I can figure out what machine to go with. 
I appreciate all the advice you guys offer on this site.

Gator

 

[ScotF]

My dining set is Maloof inspired and I am using the RO90 the most and then the RO125.  The  150 is just too big for most of these parts. On my table, the RO150 will shine.

Not sure if you follow Canadian Woodworks, but he uses a RO125 for lots of sanding gollowing the grinder on all his Maloof inspired chairs and rockers. He also does slab work and has said he uses his RO150 more, but the 125 has its place in sculpted furniture. If you are like me you will talk yourself into all three sizes.

 

[grbmds]

[member=59652]Gator[/member] My decisions on sander sizes and types are based on what I plan to do with them. The only items that you indicate you plan to do seem likely to require a 150 would be tables. Since you already have a 22-44 drum sander, you would get a better result for most of your flat work using that. I rarely use my RO to flatten anything, preferring to get things glued up flat and as perfect as I can so that type of RO work isn't needed.

I have an RO125 because, from a size standpoint, it made sense for me. I would agree that buying one size just because you already stock that size sandpaper would not be the best basis for a decision, but it certainly makes sense if all other factors are equal. Buying bigger just to buy bigger also doesn't make sense either.

 

[grobkuschelig]

I had an old Bosch 125 before my festools.
Then I got an RO 90 and now an ETS EC 150/5.

I sold the Bosch and do not miss anything.
Most of my work can be done with the 150 and is a lot quicker than with the old 125. Reasons are size and removal rate.

If I need something small I have the RO 90 with a lot of additional parts, pads, interface pads, etc.

I won't be going back to 125, at least for now, so can not see any reason.

 

[Holmz]

...
I would also be using it to build Maloof style sculpted chairs, as currently I use a grinder with a kutzol disc for shaping the seats, but am starting to do more live edge tables as well. The 125 would work well for this, where the 150 would be better for the tables. I do like the idea of the 44% larger sanding area, who does not love less sanding, but I guess maybe I just need to do some soul searching to try and justify buying both...LOL  [blink] [eek]

Thanks again.

The Rotex makes total sense for the chair.

Do you plan on using the Rotex in geared mode on the table top?
If not then a 150/5-mm (any brand) may do just as good, and a belt sander potentially better.

If you could find one (ETS/EC or similar) to demo it could provide some hands on insight?

 

[junk731]

I was in a similar situation in 2008 and got the RO125. The love affair didn't last long, while similar to the RO150, its definitely the wild child. I was talking to our favourite Festool rep that was up for the WMS in 2009 and he suggested I try the R0150 that he had for demonstration. That sold me, the RO 125 was sold with the paper. Don't know where you are in Ontario but if you're near Brampton or Guelph you're welcome to drop by and try a few sanders out.

John

 

[altiplano]

IMO you shouldn't include the cost of consumables in your decision. They get consumed, you buy more... 

You'll buy more 5" discs some day too... now with a stock of 6" discs it will be further down the road...

If you're buying a rotex, you are looking to remove material... bigger is better. Otherwise why bother? Just stick with your existing sanders.

Or if money is that much of a concern, buy a Bosch/Makita dual mode and get tool/abrasives for less than the Festool tool only.

Or wait out the currency glut we're in... BOC is signalling rate hikes, GDP and employment numbers are good... we'll see what the fed does today, but I'd think we'll see a stronger CAD in the close future and then leverage that savings to buy the tool in the states... even at today's exchange rates you're $40 cheaper to get the 150 stateside vs. in Canada... if we get to an 85¢ dollar it's $125 cheaper, plus less tax even if you claim it bringing it back...

Good luck...

 

[AlexThePalex]

I think the 150 is nicer than the 125. I own the 150 and have access to a 125 I can borrow anytime. I only do that if my 150 won't fit somehow. The 150 just works faster and feels more solid. I originally wanted the 125 but the 150 just fell in my lap for the right price, and I am really glad it did.

 

[ScotF]

I think the 150 is nicer than the 125. I own the 150 and have access to a 125 I can borrow anytime. I only do that if my 150 won't fit somehow. The 150 just works faster and feels more solid. I originally wanted the 125 but the 150 just fell in my lap for the right price, and I am really glad it did.

Again, it comes down to what you want to use it for. I love the Rotex 150, but it is sometimes too large for the task at hand. I really like the 125 too - I have not found it difficult to manage at all and it feels comfortable in hand too. I like them all for what I need them for. I would take advantage of the 30 day trial if you are on the fence, buy limited packs of abrasives to test if you are opting for the 150 and see how it works for you. If it is do what you need it to do, then you can return it and get the 125. Or do it the opposite and start with the 125 and see if it fits your needs.

 

[Gator]

Thanks guys.  You all have very valid points for each machine, and I just need to look to the future to see what I plan to use it for the majority of the time.

Scotf - I do follow Canadian Woodworks, and met Paul in his shop a few years ago. He is a very talented craftsman, and a genuine down to earth guy.

Thanks again everyone, as usual, very solid feed back and I appreciate it.

Gator

 

[jbuss8706]

I ended up making the decision to go with a 125 due to the fact that I had a full collection of 5" sandpaper already. That is a substantial cost to consider as Festool SP isn't cheap. I haven't regretted the 125 yet, I feel that the 5" is a bit more versatile while the 6" is pretty big (great for large panels and glue ups etc).

 

[Gator]

After much soul searching, and based on the comments and suggestions from everyone, I pulled the trigger on the RO 150 today. It was a joint effort, as my wife asked what could she get me for the shop for my birthday, and the rest is history. Cant wait to test drive this baby tomorrow, as I am starting a live edge walnut waterfall table.

Thanks again everyone for all the feedback and input.

Gator

 

[leakyroof]

Thanks for the input guys. Dovetail65 - I am in Canada, and there is a huge difference in the price of Festool tools compared to buying in the U.S. The Rotex 125 is $675, and the 150 is $825 (plus 13% sales taxes in Ontario - so $169.50 more just for the machine) and then you have another $300 to get 6" abrasives to go from 40 to 120, unless you buy discs one at a time (makes zero sense to me, but...) so it is actually more than $400 at the end of the day as far as cost. I was talking machine & accessories.
I would also be using it to build Maloof style sculpted chairs, as currently I use a grinder with a kutzol disc for shaping the seats, but am starting to do more live edge tables as well. The 125 would work well for this, where the 150 would be better for the tables. I do like the idea of the 44% larger sanding area, who does not love less sanding, but I guess maybe I just need to do some soul searching to try and justify buying both...LOL  [blink] [eek]

Thanks again.

Yeah but they aren't 400.00 different as you stated, 169.00 Canadian is nearly the same cost difference here in US money and for me the 169.00 is peanuts for the difference in size.

You asked if it was worth the difference, it might not be worth 400.00 difference, but it certainly is worth the 169.00 difference. The RO 150 is much better than the 125, FOR ME and for anyone that needs to sand large surfaces.

I paid a 1000.00 for RAS 180 and at 7" it's only  about an 1" larger than the the RO 150 at 595.00. Of course the RAS 180 has double the power as well.

If you are doing tables and chairs you might want both the RO 150 for the table top and the RO 90 for smaller parts and shaping chairs and such.

. Can you post a picture of that RAS 180 sometime.... [tongue]

 

[ScotF]

That is great on your new Rotex. Let us know how you like it after putting it to use. It is an awesome sander and one of my favorites for sure.