Rotex sanders, which one to start?

[Old School Carpenter]

Looking at getting a Rotex for general finishing, touch up on wood flooring details (after edger/ corners /trim, etc) and wanting recommendations. I thought the RO 90 would work best, but now I'm thinking it might not be large enough. Any thoughts?

Thanks, Mike

 

[K119Phil]

Depends on how many machines you would like to get

One machine - RO90 - all the power of rotex, with the ability to coarse, fine, and polish, and of course switch over to delta pad for detail.

Typically I recommend a two machine setup, RO150, for its massive multi-jetstream pad, good for course through fine sanding, then switch to ETS125 for ultra-fine finish work.

Three machine setup would be all of the above, adding RO90's smaller profile / delta pad for detail work.

Abrasives I generally start with Granat for lower grits, and switch over to Brilliant2 P220 and higher.

Hope this helps

 

[johninthecamper]

I got the ro90, it worked very good, but small and limited,on my next day off, went and got the ro150,got some real work done,as others have said, it is a monster,most power I would want to hold in my hands

 

[Woodmatt]

I have recently got the RO90.
Generally I would say it is very good for what you describe but I would say it takes some getiing used to due to the odd handle position. I find it sometimes want to jump across the work but I am sure that down to me.

Matthew

 

[dkorn]

I have both the RO150 and the RO90, the 150 is a lot easier to handle.

 

[leakyroof]

If you're trying to blend in marks from a standard 7" edger during flooring work, then I think the larger 6"/150mm Rotex should work until you get into a tight spot. Then the RO90 would be nice to have with its smaller radius and Delta pad that could help with avoiding using a scraper.
I still use my DX93 in tight spots since I find it easier to manuever at times compared to my RO90 in Delta pad sanding.
For all other general sanding, I still prefer the ETS150/5 followed by whatever sander I need for the task at hand. Usually that's the DTS400.

 

[jacko9]

I have recently got the RO90.
Generally I would say it is very good for what you describe but I would say it takes some getiing used to due to the odd handle position. I find it sometimes want to jump across the work but I am sure that down to me.

Matthew

Matthew,  The RO 90 seems to "calm down" with time and experience.  When I first got one, it did a lot of jumping around with course sanding however, over time it seems pretty easy to use. 

Jack

 

[K119Phil]

I have recently got the RO90.
Generally I would say it is very good for what you describe but I would say it takes some getiing used to due to the odd handle position. I find it sometimes want to jump across the work but I am sure that down to me.

Matthew

Hey Matt,

Have you tried reducing suction from your vacuum?  Sounds like suction force may be too strong, thus pulling the sander down towards the material, causing the jumping.  Let me know!

- PS

 

[skids]

I have recently got the RO90.
Generally I would say it is very good for what you describe but I would say it takes some getiing used to due to the odd handle position. I find it sometimes want to jump across the work but I am sure that down to me.

Matthew

Hey Matt,

Have you tried reducing suction from your vacuum?  Sounds like suction force may be too strong, thus pulling the sander down towards the material, causing the jumping.  Let me know!

- PS

Rotexes are notoriously wild even if the vac is turned down. It's really more a matter of breaking it in, and learning to balance it properly when you use it, which takes practice.

OP- I would advise something larger than the 90. It's an awesome sander but small. I have the RO125 and feel it works on alot of tasks. You also need to know these aren't true fine finish sanders, great for flooring though. Ultimately I came to the realization you need more than one Festool sander to get the best results.

 

[Scott B.]

I'd go with the 90. Most versatile.

 

[Schmidt And Co]

I'd go with the 90. Most versatile.

My next sander purchase for sure.  Gonna couple it with a midi for the package deal and I should be set for awhile. [cool]

 

[Scott B.]

I'd go with the 90. Most versatile.

My next sander purchase for sure.  Gonna couple it with a midi for the package deal and I should be set for awhile. [cool]

You got it bad.  [scared]

Thats a dynamite combo. Seriously, if there is one sander I throw in my rig when I don't know what they day might bring, its probably gonna be the 90. And the midi is the only one hitting the road with me.

 

[tbellemare]

I'd go with the 90. Most versatile.

I'd go with the 90 - excellent choice.

I also don't leave the Rotex 150 behind - It only takes a little more room in the truck...

With a little knowledge of the task ahead, I know what abrasives are likely to work and it doesn't take much room for both sanders, their pads, and all three sizes of abrasives.

Tom

 

[adubeau]

I have the ro125 ets125 and ro90....

No matter size of the task the ro90 is a great sander and I use it more than the other two..  I highly recommend it...

 

[TurnagainD]

Like other posters have already said, it depends on the work you do.  We prep a lot of timbers ans rough stock, the ro150 is the tool for the job.  The ro90 is a good supplement but it wouldn't be my only sander, it is too small.  Great for when you need it though.

 

[hemlock]

+1 on RO90.  Have come to rely on it as a go to for everything not a large flat surface.  Agree awkward at first after using ETS 150 that is nicely balanced.  Key with 90 seems to be let it do the work rather than directing it like other sanders tolerate.  Amazing tool when you get this IMHO.  

 

[Sparktrician]

I have the ro125 ets125 and ro90....

No matter size of the task the ro90 is a great sander and I use it more than the other two..  I highly recommend it...

+1!!! 

 

[Kev]

I think the RO90 is the "no brainer" in the Festool sander range. Depending on other activities you can go all over the place on ETS or RO and 125 v's 150, etc ... but the RO90 is a great compliment no matter what else you get up to in the Festool sander range.

I do believe the RO150 is commonly misunderstood - it can be quite gentle with the right technique, but you don't want to spend a lot of time holding it in the air !

 

[Sparktrician]

I do believe the RO150 is commonly misunderstood - it can be quite gentle with the right technique, but you don't want to spend a lot of time holding it in the air !

Well, it sounds like I'm not the only one that looked like a fool holding the RO 150 over his head in the store before buying the RO 125... 

[poke]

 

[jc]

I recommend the RO125 (sweet spot of size and handling) paired with the ETS150/3.