What are the differences between the RO125FEQ and the RO150FEQ

[Bill Wyko]

I have a healthy credit at WWS and I was thinking about getting one of these two sanders. Other than paper size, are there any differences?

 

[monte]

.........weight, balance and there is a difference in the orbital stroke (I believe).

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Some of the technical differences: The Rotex 150 has a removal "dust channel", a more powerful motor, an auxiliary handle for additional control, and a 5mm stroke (vs. 3.6mm on the 125).  They both have about the same offerings when it comes to abrasives and accessories.  I would say the 150 seems to operate smoother because of the increased surface area.  Personally, I think the weight difference is neglible.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Some of the technical differences: The Rotex 150 has a removal "dust channel", a more powerful motor, an auxiliary handle for additional control, and a 5mm stroke (vs. 3.6mm on the 125).  They both have about the same offerings when it comes to abrasives and accessories.  I would say the 150 seems to operate smoother because of the increased surface area.  Personally, I think the weight difference is neglible.

Is this true? A year ago there was substantially more stuff available for the 150.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Michael, such as...?  Maybe I'm wrong.  I see about 10 grits of abrasives (half of which is Titan for solid surface and auto paint) that are available for only the 150.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Michael, such as...?  Maybe I'm wrong.  I see about 10 grits of abrasives (half of which is Titan for solid surface and auto paint) that are available for only the 150.

I haven't compared in a long time, maybe that is all, but maybe that is too much. 

 

[Bill Wyko]

I'm convinced. I'll go for the 150. Hopefully I won't need another one for a decade or so. ;D

 

[Bill Wyko]

Well the vortex got me today. I picked up the RO-150-FEQ along with a bunch of sanding discs. OUCH! that whiped out my credit with WWS in one fail swoop. :-[ What sucks is, I won't be able to use it until monday.

 

[nickao]

Bill I love the Rotex 150. It is perfect for me.

If you do not like it initially give it a week and I think you will change your mind.

At first it was "different", but now I can not live without it.

Nickao

 

[Bill Wyko]

I haven't used it yet but it feels chubby to hold.

 

[robtonya]

I haven't used it yet but it feels chubby to hold.

That was my first impression Bill. I haven't decided. I don't have any sanders, and would like to start with the most versitile, but I am still looking at the two. I think they would be a good first sander.

 

[robtonya]

Unless you have shovel hands, the 150 does feel a bit uncomfortable to begin with.  It felt like I had my hand around a scaffold pipe ;D
You will get used to it 8) but it never feels really comfortable.
There is a new front grip attachment (it has already been released in Europe), it looks promising 8).  It clicks in the groove that houses the pad protector.  I think it could improve the comfort for users with normal sized hands
It is a versatile sander, there's no doubt about it.
If you want to do fine sanding with ease, the ETS150/3 is better.
Cheers!

I DO have shovels for hands. How did you know? It was tough getting a wedding ring for my left shovel, but we eventually got one tacked on there. ;D

Thanks underused, I did see the attachement, and Nickao was lucky enough to try it out, and seems to look promising.

 

[nickao]

Well, versatile is the Rotex. The 150/3 is not going to blast through rough sanding tasks like the Rotex. I finished sanded my last two projects with the Rotex and did not even need to open my 150/3.

I think as I get better with the new Rotex sander and because of the super hard woods I use I am getting finishing results with the Rotex.

If you can afford ONLY one sander I do not see how you can pick another, the Rotex rocks! You must practice with it though. You can always clean up small scratches or such with a 60.00,  5"  porter cable.

The Rotex is the best sander I have used in my work.

I prefer the 150 over the 125 for the increased speed for sanding the "once in awhile" larger project and the extra stability a 6" pad offers.

Nickao

 

[robtonya]

Thanks Nick, I  was leaning toward the RO125, but now, I think it will have to be the RO150. I would like to use it when I make my baseball bats, and sand them while they are on the lathe, think it work for that as well?

 

[nickao]

I do not see why not.

I have really small hands and am a small person, but I like the RO150 better than the 125. Some might say for the lathe work the smaller unit may be better. If you have strong hands I do not think it will be an issue for you. It is personal opinion so much I do not think there is a right or wrong answer, its an individual thing. There is no disputing the 150 covers a lot more ground and is more stable. Most any 6" is more stable than its 5" version in my experience.. To me the RO 150 is the cats ass, as they say. ;D

Like someone posted earlier. The 150 can do everything the 125 can, but the reverse is not true, at least not with the same speed and power for large surfaces.

I also am not going to argue with the guy that prefers the 125 because it is a nice sander and for certain people it may be better for them.

Rob, I do not think you can do wrong with either. The Rotex 150 is my personal favorite sander.

Nickao

 

[robtonya]

Thanks Nick, I need to go by Woodcraft soon to pick up my oak veneered plywood I ordered, maybe I can check them out again.

 

[ScooterX]

8)

I went with the 125 because it is easier for me to use vertically. The 150 was great as long as the work was underneath it, but I had trouble controlling it off the table. I do a lot of work in the field, and I didn't fancy wrestling the 150 up a ladder. (but I've taken my 125 all over, along with a longer vac hose.) If you have a chance to go to a dealer and try them both out, you'll be able to see what works best for you.

 

[robtonya]

Thanks ScooterX. If I can ever wake up early enough (I work nights), I need to go pick up the ply-wood I ordered, and check them out. I figured that would be my next Festool purchase sinse I don't have any sanders.