Replies

1. 
   BruceS | Jun 27, 2010 06:17pm | #1

   Sanders

   Having just completed a Festool training session,  I would have to say,  save a few more nickles and go for a Rotex.

   The extra features of the Rotex are over the top.   The Stickfix ( "hook&loop")  is far superior to the standard Hook and loop.  On the standard H&L  the hooks are jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj but the Stickfix hooks oppose each other  JLJLJLJLJLJLJL sort of like this.  So even when the hooks get a lot of use the paper doesn't want to fly off.  And the Multi Jetstream dust collection is much better and there are even extra holes which keep the sanding disc cool.  Also I will probably never use my PC belt sander  again.

   I have used this sander many times.  From sculpting with 36grit to buffing/ polishing

   http://www.eagleamerica.com/product/v814-0702/festool_-_sanders

   This will give you a good look at the Rotex and a lot of info.

1. 
   GregP217 | Jul 10, 2010 08:07pm | #4

   I have the bosch and it performs terrifically I have no complaints about it whatsoever. 

2. 
   bduffin104 | Jun 27, 2010 09:20pm | #2

   I haven't used the Bosch, Makita or the Festool, RO sanders that is. I currently own a Ryobi, which I don't like and a Dewalt which I do like. But in the past I've found the air powered ROSs to perform the best but you need a big compressor to keep up. I think Dynabraid was the brand we liked. Man, those things move some material in a hurry. You had to be careful.

   Bret

3. 
   Scrit | Jul 06, 2010 02:04pm | #3

   Sorry I can't help with the Bosch, but I have used a Makita BO6040 alongside a Festool Rotex RO150 at work, both current models. The work I was doing was mainly Corian solid surface for which both are excellent - the angle grinder shape of the body means that you can apply more pressure and resist the sander's attempts to slew sideways when sanding out joints. For MDF or veneered sheet work, however, they are both overkill. for that sort of work. I prefer the more conventional 6in vertical random orbit sander, such as my Metabo SXE450 Duo (also sold badged deWalt D26410 and Mafell UT150e in UK) as I find that design easier and lighter to control than the angle grinder style. As for the Makita versus the Rotex - I'd say the Rotex was the better machine as it's slightly faster cutting, has better dust extraction and feels a bit lighter. But at twice the price I'd think hard before going the Rotex way if it were my own money. Bear in mind that both these models really need an efficient vacuum cleaner for any sort of serious work, and once again the Makita industrial cleaner (model #440) is more than adequate for even solid surface work which is way finer dust than you'd ever experience with wood products (even MDF)

4. 
   reeltime1 | Jul 13, 2010 04:14am | #5

   My only complaint about the rotex is in rotary mode, it takes way too much material too quickly, even at the finer grits.  This is good if you're stripping a floor, but not very practical.  I prefer their cheaper random orbit sanders, which are fine tools as well. I own the 150/5 which has a large travel for taking a lot of material, and the 125 for the fine work (2mm of travel!).  That pair has served me well.  You'll get a lot of differing opinions!