Think I need a 2nd sander?

[Crazyraceguy]

My first was actually the RO90, for the versatility and smaller size. At that time I was still heavily into pneumatic sanders, still use them some, but the superior dust control got me to purchase a ETS EC125.  The main reason for the 125 version was the sandpaper size. Most of the guys in the shop where I work have 5" pneumatic sanders, so it made sense to stick with that size.
The installers have a RO150, that was purchased after I got the RO125, so I do have access to the bigger paper now. It works out that the EC150 pad fits the EC125 machine, so I can use either.
I just usually stick with the 125 though, I'm much more used to it.
When I first started in the cabinet shop, I was kind of surprised that the standard size was 5". I was more used to the 6" sanders in the autobody shop where I had been before.

 

[Bertotti]

I sanded for 8 hours the other day with the ro90 and my arms and hands were dead it is a handful but 8 hours is a long time for me. The Ro150 I also used on an all-day sanding spree and it wasn't close to as tiring but my point above is before you can really get a sander for your needs you need to really identify your needs and add in your wants then decide what is the most important. I think at some point when disposable income allows it I'll have a larger more comfortable 150mm sander and if one is ever added a smaller 90mm sander until then my needs were versatility in one unit. The weight and technique issues in suing the Ro's especially the 90 were very real and had a fair learning curve on the little beast. That was my willing sacrifice. Identify these things and you should be able to pick the perfect sander for your needs.

 

[Mr Speaker]

Of course you need a second sander. you need at least four . My favorite to work with is my ETS 125/150 EC (Yes I bought the 125 and the 150 pad). I bought the Rotex 125 because I was hoping if would be a compromise between RO90 and RO150. It is not, they are three different sanders. I returned it, and bought the Rotex 90 for renovation, and the ETS 125/150. I tested the RO150 and with pain in my heart tested and bought the Bosch GET 75-150. The only reason being ergonomics, fits easier in my hand, better visibility, and also because my main work is building new loudspeakers and stripping is more of a hobby. So I do most of my sanding in my shop on new unpainted wood that comes from a CNC. Even with buying a systainer and swapping out the power cord for a Festool dongle, it was still cheaper. It is the only time I tested two tools and festool did not come out on top.

All this to explain that for a long time I wanted one sander to cover all my needs, and that does not work. You need a second sander.

 

[ridgenj]

Of course you need a second sander. you need at least four . My favorite to work with is my ETS 125/150 EC (Yes I bought the 125 and the 150 pad). I bought the Rotex 125 because I was hoping if would be a compromise between RO90 and RO150. It is not, they are three different sanders. I returned it, and bought the Rotex 90 for renovation, and the ETS 125/150. I tested the RO150 and with pain in my heart tested and bought the Bosch GET 75-150. The only reason being ergonomics, fits easier in my hand, better visibility, and also because my main work is building new loudspeakers and stripping is more of a hobby. So I do most of my sanding in my shop on new unpainted wood that comes from a CNC. Even with buying a systainer and swapping out the power cord for a Festool dongle, it was still cheaper. It is the only time I tested two tools and festool did not come out on top.

All this to explain that for a long time I wanted one sander to cover all my needs, and that does not work. You need a second sander.

I agree, you need and I have 5 different Festool sanders. After watching several YouTube videos over the weekend I made an impulsive purchase of a Mirka5650, it was 45 USD cheaper  on Super Bowl Sunday ACME Tools. It comes in a systainer and now I need to figure out how to hide the delivery from my wife. Wish me a lot of luck.