Thinking of getting a RO90 but had some questions

[MavDog]

I am really interested in getting the RO90 but had a few questions first before I buy one.  I currently have a ETS150 and DTS400 that I use all the time.  I build a bunch of things with face frames so I am thinking the RO90 would be a better choice.  The ETS150 seem too big often and if I am not careful I round the corners slightly.  The DTS works pretty good for a nice smooth finish but when one piece of the frame is a little proud of the other and I want to sand it flush it takes a little longer.  Is the RO90 the best choice or sanding face frames?

Another project I need to do is to sand the old finish off some mahogany railings and balusters on a porch.  The question is that if I use the super soft pad is it possible to sand turned balusters and rounded top railings?

Since I already have the DTS I would guess that I wouldn't use the delta pad on the RO90 much but it is a nice option to have.

Thanks for the help.

 

[mouppe]

I think the interface pad would suit the railings best.

I can't help you with your other questions, sorry!

 

[PaulMarcel]

The interface pad helps with a shallow curve.  I'm curious if there are beads and coves in the balusters because those won't work very well with it.  The railing I have around my house is shallow enough that the interface pad would work.

Simply because of the area you need to cover and that it's all round, I'd look at chemical strippers to remove the finish or at least the bulk of the finish.  The RO-90 is aggressive in disc mode but the interface pad keeps the pressure off the stock so you lose a bit of the aggressive removal.

Another option if you are actually taking the balusters off the deck is to put them in a lathe or something else to spin them relatively slowly while you work it with a abrasive flap sander.

For face frames, the RO-90 is really nice!  The head is about the size of a face frame plus you have fine ROS sanding and 'leveling' disc mode.  The delta head, while smaller than the DTS400 head, is great for getting into corners.

 

[Mr Jones]

I've tried to sand balusters but it's difficult not to take the edges of the pattern or put flats on the curves. Have you looked at the LS130, it is a great decorators sander and very useful for face frames.

 

[TomGadwa1]

The RO90 is an excellent sander. One must be careful when using the aggressive mode as too much material can be removed which can render the face frame with a low spot. I try my best to make certain my stock is the same thickness using a caliper and then using Kreg pocket hole joinery and clamp table or if possible the domino joinery registered off the same face of the stock to minimize the amount of sanding to be needed. Good luck and enjoy an RO90. I LOVE mine!

 

[Mike Goetzke]

Not to rob the thread but I'm about 1/2 way done with the frame/panel doors for our kitchen project (about 50 total!). I have another question about the RO90. To speed up sanding of the doors I would load up my Rotex 150 and ETS150 with different grits. I notice in fine sand mode the head on the Rotex doesn't rotate anywhere near as fast as the ETS. Does the 90 perform any better. I'm tempted to sell the Rotex150 and pick up a 90. (Hurry with responses - this may be my last chance to justify a new tool for this project ;D).

Mike