Sander question

[Bigchasbroon]

I'm going to upgrade my sander. It's not something I use a great deal but seem to have more call for it recently. I have a dewalt 5inch random orbital. I have used an ETS 150/5 and was really impressed. I liked the pistol grip. However Ive decided on a Rotex since I think it will be more versatile and it's likely I'll have a few solid surface work tops to do later this year.
Im leaning toward the RO125. Am I on the right tracks for a good versatile machine? It's likely I won't buy another for 10 years so I want to get it right.

 

[erock]

If you have a ETS 150 think about getting a RO150.  That way you can use the same sandpaper with both sanders.

If you have a ETS 150 and buy a RO125 you will need two different sizes of sandpaper…..just my two cents.

Eric

 

[jacko9]

If you don't want the ETS 150, then I think the RO125 would be a good choice.  For me the RO150 was way too heavy and bulky to use for a general purpose sander if that were to be your only sander for the next 10 years.

 

[Sparktrician]

If you're used to the 5" (125mm) paradigm, you might do well to try the RO 125.  Yes, it needs different-size abrasives than your ETS 150.  You can always sell your ETS 150 for almost as much as you paid for it and replace it with an ETS 125 that shares abrasives with the RO 125.  Why not run by a nearby Festool stocking dealer and try the 125 mm and 150 mm Festool sanders side-by-side? 

 

[greg mann]

OP says he has "used" an ETS150, which makes me think he doesn't 'have' one. So the five inch Dewalt would make compatability with the RO125 a better fit, if he wants to keep the Dewalt in the mix.

 

[Bigchasbroon]

Thanks guys.
I don't have an ETS I've just been able to use one. In all likelihood the dewalt will sit on a shelf and never be used again. That's what's happened to my other tools. (You wouldn't open a tin of spam when you had steak in the fridge?) so using the same size discs doesn't matter.

I guess the best thing is to try them out to compare but It seems dealers over here are not set up or willing to give you a good demo of the tools. Occasionally they have the festool rep do demo days but to be honest that guys a salesman and not a tool nut like us. I always think they'd be better to get professional guys who use tools, to work a few days a year doing demos in exchange for tools that way you're getting a guy who has actually used them in anger.
I know the owner of my local dealer is over in Germany visiting festool this week so he'll maybe come back with new ideas.

I've digressed.  :

I'll see about getting a side by side demo. I'll tell my dealer a small corner to demo tools would likely increase sales.

 

[Kev]

The RO150 is brilliant, but I wouldn't want to use it for extended periods at awkward angles, as the weight would start to take it's toll. A combo of RO90 and RO150 gives you the ability to do almost anything ... but the ETS/DTS/RTS sanders make finishing less tiresome.

 

[jacko9]

My recommendation would be the RO90 and the ETS 150/3 combination which can handle almost every task in the shop.

Jack