Which Rotex? 90 or 125?

[ColossusX]

I am a remodeler, not a dedicated wood worker.  I have several ROS (bosch and dewalt), orbital Sanders (makita) and a Festool 5 LTD on it's way from Ebay.  There have been times on several recent jobs where heavier stock removal was necessary. I've been going back and forth between the makita 6050j, the bosch 1250devs, and the various versions of the Rotex.  I think I've settled on the Rotex 90 because of the smaller size and the delta head.  Mostly need it for stripping paint on windows and doors, smoothing out rough cut frames ,etc.  Or should I consider the 125? And share the paper with the LTD

 

[sancho57]

Good timeing theres a guy in the classifieds selling a RO125

 

[Sanderxpander]

If the rails and styles you need to strip are a close fit to the RO90 and you occasionally need to get into corners, the RO90 can't be beat. But as far as ergonomics go, it is by far the most annoying sander to use that I own. The weight proportions are just off so you always need to use it two handed, and even then because the head is relatively small it can be hard to tell if you're holding it flat. It strips paint like a mofo though.

By the way I also remodel, but mostly my own home. We have lots of wooden window frames and panel doors. If I'd have to do it all over again, I'd probably go for a Rotex 125 and a DTS 400. The 125 pad is a good fit for my doors and I could use the 400 for corners and things like stairs. It would still be doable to do a larger area with either one, not so much with the RO90.

 

[Birdhunter]

I have both. I use the RO90 for small piece sanding with the round head and getting into corners with the triangular head. Dust collection using a Festool vac is from good to excellent.

I use the RO125 for my general flat surface sanding. Again, dust collection using a Festool vac is from good to excellent.

The RO sanders, especially the 125 and 150 have a deserved reputation for being tricky to handle. Mishandled, they tend to gallop across the surface.

 

[Mario Turcot]

[member=66046]Sanderxpander[/member]

If the rails and styles you need to strip are a close fit to the RO90 and you occasionally need to get into corners, the RO90 can't be beat. But as far as ergonomics go, it is by far the most annoying sander to use that I own. The weight proportions are just off so you always need to use it two handed, and even then because the head is relatively small it can be hard to tell if you're holding it flat. It strips paint like a mofo though.

I hold the RO 90 with one hand at the hose connection, make contact with the wood and have it stabilized. I then lock my wrist and shoulder and apply pressure if needed with my other hand. If your hands are large enough, you can hold it from the hose connector to the top of the plug-it connector. I only used random and delta modes, I cannot tell if it works well in rotary mode.

IMO all three Rotex are heavy enough to not have to apply much pressure, unless you removing thick material

 

[ColossusX]

Hmm, I would imagine any rotary sander will want to jump around if not held properly. The 125 and 400 combo sounds interesting.

 

[leakyroof]

Hmm, I would imagine any rotary sander will want to jump around if not held properly. The 125 and 400 combo sounds interesting.

You really need to try either the Rotex 125 or 150 in ROTEX mode, in person, and in Random Orbit mode to understand the Dual Nature of these sanders. They're not rotary in the strict sense of a true Rotary Sander while in Rotex Mode.  THAT would be a RAS 115 or the Planex, they're Rotary Sanders
If you need the extra aggressive sanding of a Rotex, then buy it. If you don't, then you end up with a heavier sander that you only use for normal Random Orbit Sanding compared to much lighter other models that might have the same 3 or 5 mm orbit of the Rotex models.

 

[ColossusX]

I'm looking for something more aggressive than you're typical big box store ROS for stock removal and stripping. Perhaps not a rotex type after all

 

[leakyroof]

I'm looking for something more aggressive than you're typical big box store ROS for stock removal and stripping. Perhaps not a rotex type after all

. Get to a dealer if you can and try them all.
With a 5mm orbit , either the ETS 150/5 or EC 150/5 remove more stock or old finish with Coarse Grits than you’d expect.
My 125 EC with a smaller 3mm orbit also removes old finishes well for me but at a slightly slower pace.
But, none of them are Rotex Sanders. If you want the Dual Mode, try it and see. Some people live just with a Rotex all day long.

 

[Cheese]

Unfortunately, Festool doesn't offer an ETS EC 125 with a 5mm sanding stroke, it's 3mm only.  That may be what you're after.  I find the newer ETS EC series seem to be a bit more aggressive than the older ETS versions.

It's also unfortunate that you can't put a 125mm pad on the ETS EC 150/5, even though a 150mm pad will fit on the ETS EC 125/3.

I also have the Rotex variants but they are heavy to use all day. Rather cumbersome also because you have that long lever arm that you're trying to compensate for.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I'm looking for something more aggressive than you're typical big box store ROS for stock removal and stripping. Perhaps not a rotex type after all

If not for a Rotex, what choices are left?

I think the Rotex is the perfect type of sander if you need it to be more aggressive than the typical ROS sander. Beyond that you've got to go to a belt sander or an angle grinder with a sanding pad. And those two choices are quite a step up.

 

[Sanderxpander]

I agree. I have a Mirka Deros with 5mm orbit that I really love but as much as I hate the RO90's ergonomics, it still wins out easily in stripping paint.

[member=66597]Mario Turcot[/member], I do the same thing but it's the only sander I have that needs a handling manual like that. I love it for its versatility and power, I just never really enjoy using it.

 

[Peter_C]

My first Festool sander was an RO150 for which it has been a work horse. Put 40 grit on it and go to town! Kitchens it works well enough along with a planer for scribing. Not as ideal as a belt sander though. When it comes time to polish the RO150 is my go to. I have lost track of how many vehicles it has brought back to shiny like new condition. The larger size of the pad means less time spent sanding. Eventually I added in an ETS EC 150/5 for easier handling, and doing drywall patches. Got a patch to do today even.

The smaller RO90 is used more than my RO150. I have medium glove sized hands and mostly use it one handed with no issues. Much of the time it gets used for quick small projects with the round sanding head. The Delta head gets used for stripping paint in corners and for other such projects. A larger Delta sander would probably be preferable for cabinetry sanding.

If I had to pick one...nope couldn't do it, as I like them both. I have thought about the RO125 and have the sandpaper already for it as I have a Pro 5 sander, but just don't see the uses for the smaller RO125.

 

[leakyroof]

Unfortunately, Festool doesn't offer an ETS EC 125 with a 5mm sanding stroke, it's 3mm only

Yep, if they offered it like Mirka, I’d buy one to add to my 125 EC Collection.... [smile]

 

[Sanderxpander]

Just get the Mirka, it's awesome. And actually officially supports both pad sizes (125/150).

 

[ColossusX]

The Deros 550x looks great, has the 5mm orbit in a 5 inch pad, except for the $600+ price tag. That's almost 2 months of payments on my work van lol. I know it's a quality unit but I don't think my book keeper will approve.  I'll be looking for a nice used rotex or see what kind of deals are available for Memorial Day/Fathers Day

 

[Sanderxpander]

Definitely! I was replying to leakyroof.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I have all three Rotex and use them all, depending on project. For larger pieces, it is tough to beat the 150 size. For smaller pieces and versatility with windows, trim, stairs, rails &stiles and some furniture, the RO 90 is great. I really like the 125 for weight and balance and it is the one I reach more most if the project warrants it. It is a good all around size when the 150 is too big.  A 125 and DTS 400 would be a great combination too.

 

[ColossusX]

For some of the work I'm doing, im finding that even the 5" ROSs are a little large but workable, that's why I was initially considering the 90. For most of what I do currently, a 6 inch is too big.  I have a detail sander so that isn't a huge selling point on the 90. I guess for me it's still a toss up unless I can find a 5mm stroke 5" ROS like the Mirka but cheaper.

 

[sancho57]

I own a RO90 and RO150, I use the RO150 more than the 90. But like my recent project, when I need the 90 it sure comes in handy