Sanders

[JuliMor]

I recently purchased an RO 125 FEQ Rotex Random Orbit Sander and CT 26 vac. The purchase was initially intended to strip the finish off kitchen cabinet carcases but I also intend to use the sander on woods that resist hand planing without chip out. 

Up to this point I have been using a 5" Bosch RO sander that is now a dozen or more years old.  I build cabinets, furniture, cutting boards and special projects that I often finish to 320 grit but at least to 220 grit.  I use Mirka Gold sanding disks for most projects.  But the final sanding finish is most important to me, so I often spend a lot of time sanding.  I'd prefer to reduce that time if possible.

I found the RO 125 to be quite large in my hand, as well as heavy, and figure I'll have to use it two-handed if sanding for any length of time.  Some friends suggested the ETS 150/3 as my go-to sander.  I noticed you also have an ETS 150/5.  The only difference I can see between them is in the stroke.

Dust is in important concern to me so I'll probably retire the Bosch and replace it with an ETS.  Based on what I've said here, which model would be best for my needs?

Thank you,
Julie

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Welcome to the forum, Julie.

If you're adding to the RO 125, then the ETS 150/3 would be the best option. The smaller stroke will provide a finer finish and isn't as aggressive as the 150/5. It would be the better complement to the Rotex.

If you're exchanging the RO 125, then I'd probably go with the ETS 150/5 which will provide you with quicker stock removal but is also a great finish sander.

Shane

 

[Alan m]

welcome abord julie
i wouldnt retire the bosch just yet. try conecting it to the ct26 first

 

[bruegf]

You might want to consider the ETS125 as well, since you already have the RO125.  Its also a great finish sander and uses the same paper as the RO125.  My first sander was also the RO125, but I've since added the ETS125, and that's the sander I use for finishing and only use the RO125 when I need something more aggressive.  If you finish a lot of large panels, I'd go w/ the ETS150, but otherwise think you'd be very happy w/ the ETS125.

Fred

 

[jacko9]

Hello Welcome to the FOG,

I went through the same decision process several months back after deciding to replace my Bosch.  I originally bought the ETS 125 to be able to use my large supply of Mirka Gold sanding paper.

However after finishing a large credenza,  I decided that a 6" ETS 150/3 sander would really speed up the process.  That decision was helped along because of the superior quality of Festool Granat sanding disks that lasted at least 10x longer than the Mirka Gold ones.  I traded in my ETS 125 for the ETS 150/3 and also bought the RO 90 at that time.

A few months went by and I kept thinking about how handy that ETS 125 was when sanding vertical surfaces so,  another call to Tom @ Tool Home and I bought the ETS 125 and the LS 130 EQ linear sander.

Oh BTW, my son inherited a Bosch sander with a large supply of Mirka Gold.

Jack

 

[erock]

+1   of what Fred said.

Keep the RO125 and buy a ETS 125 to save money on the paper.   The ETS 125 is a sweet sander!

That's what use, along with the DTS 400   [wink].

Eric

 

[semenza]

Hi Julie,

Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

This suggestion is made based on the idea that you would be keeping the RO125.

Any of the ETS will be an excellent choice. Personally I would go with the ETS150/3 for what you intend. Extremely smooth running definetly a one handed sander  with the possible exception on vertical surfaces. I have used it on vertical surfaces with one hand but not for a long duration  of time.

Seth

 

[Scott B.]

Just understand that (with the exception of the 150/5) the ets family is not very aggressive, so it will depend on how much of your work is rough work (aggressive sanding) and what the typical sizes of the pieces are that you work on.

If your work is smaller, and you would appreciate the luxury of an easy triangular attachment for corners, then you might just have a new best friend in the RO90.

Its much more than just the smallest rotex ! Can solve you alot of problems rather quickly.

 

[jacko9]

Julie,

One other thing to consider is the sander weight with the EST 125 being really light weigh quality sander.  Even the EST 150/3 is over a pound lighter than your Bosch.

If you decide to keep your Bosch, Woodcraft sells a rubber union that will allow you to connect to the Festool Dust Extractor.\

Jack

 

[BUTTER]

+1 on the ETS 150/3

I had for years been using an RO150 for just about everything, with another Bosch 6" hooked up as an extra and/or final finish sander.
Recently, in the middle of a job, the Rotex quit working abruptly, and I went to my Festool dealer to evaluate a replacement to get me through the job.  I took home the ETS150/3 and quickly fell in love.

The 150/3 is much easier and smoother handling than the 150/5.  The Rotex (as I understand it, correct me if necessary) also has a 5mm stroke.
The 150/3 will give you a much better final finish.  As for aggressive finish removal, it will handle whatever you throw at it using the correct sandpaper. (Cristal and Brilliant are slow to clog and good for removing a finish.)

Now that I have the ETS 150/3, the repaired Rotex sits quietly on its own until I really have to remove some stock (which is rare.)

Btw, I also use to own the ETS125, and found it difficult to handle (even with DC set properly) and not powerful/efficient enough.

 

[JuliMor]

Thank you for all the help!  I can see I have a lot to learn.

I'm looking to create a stock on sandpaper disks for the RO125.  All the ones I have for the Bosch are 8 hole.  I've heard the hole configuration on the RO125 isn't the same, plus there's the 9th hole.  Looking at working mostly on bare woods, some pretty gnarly, what would your recommendations be for a starter stock? 

Festool's publication tells me Rubin and Brilliant are the right paper choices for bare wood but users say Granat is better.  ???

 

[jacko9]

Thank you for all the help!  I can see I have a lot to learn.

I'm looking to create a stock on sandpaper disks for the RO125.  All the ones I have for the Bosch are 8 hole.  I've heard the hole configuration on the RO125 isn't the same, plus there's the 9th hole.  Looking at working mostly on bare woods, some pretty gnarly, what would your recommendations be for a starter stock? 

Festool's publication tells me Rubin and Brilliant are the right paper choices for bare wood but users say Granat is better.  ???

Julie,

The ninth hole is for the air in which sweeps the dust outward to the other 8 holes.  For me Granat is a better material for sanding bare wood and most of my work is solid hardwood starting with rough material.

For what you want to do, IMHO I would return the RO125 and get the ETS 150/3.

I am a furniture and cabinet builder that works with solid woods.

Jack

 

[BUTTER]

The Bosch hole layout is different from Festool's.  If I were you, I would get new Festool paper.  I haven't gotten into the Granat yet, but Brilliant has been excellent for me so far, and competitively priced for the weight and durability (cheaper paper will be less per sheet, but more per project.)

You can return any Festool no questions asked within 30 days if you decide something isn't a good fit for you.
I had this in mind when I bought my ETS150/3, but it instead became my favorite sander ever.

 

[leakyroof]

Thank you for all the help!  I can see I have a lot to learn.

I'm looking to create a stock on sandpaper disks for the RO125.  All the ones I have for the Bosch are 8 hole.  I've heard the hole configuration on the RO125 isn't the same, plus there's the 9th hole.  Looking at working mostly on bare woods, some pretty gnarly, what would your recommendations be for a starter stock? 

Festool's publication tells me Rubin and Brilliant are the right paper choices for bare wood but users say Granat is better.  ???

. Buy a small 10 pack box of Rubin 2( superseded Rubin), and Granat and Brilliant 2 to try out. Saphir also works Bare Wood very well but generally is reserved for serious sanding in coarse grits like under 80 or 60 grit. Not sure if you need anything that severe.  What grits do you have in your supply of the Mirka Gold?

 

[rvieceli]

for what you say you'll be doing take a look at the RS2. It doesn't get a lot of love here as it's an old school half sheet sander.

But it does a beautiful job of sanding larger flat surfaces and the sander does the work. You basically just guide it around your work piece.

Return the RO 125 and for about $100 more you can get the RS 2 and an ETS125

 

[semenza]

Take the easy way out and buy at least three  [big grin]

Seth

 

[AlexThePalex]

Take the easy way out and buy at least three  [big grin]

No! Buy nine of them, like I did. Only way to be sure.  [smile]

The RO 125 + DTS sounds very good. You can do most jobs with those two. I've got 9 sanders but the DTS and RO 150 are the ones that do the bulk of my work.