Which Rotex RO150 or RO125

[John Hedges]

I was planning on buying an RO150, as I have found several occassions lately where I want to level out the slight ridges in wide glueups where the joint is. I am an impatient sander so I usually go with my ROS and it can take a while, and I don't trust myself with a Belt Sander. This had me looking at the RO150, but after thinking about it and doing some research, I think this will probably be my go to sander for most things and am now thinking that the smaller RO125 might be a little less cumbersome for all around work. Just wanted to get some input on what others who own these sanders might think.

[Chris Padilla]

Bigger is better? All my F sanders use the 6" (150 mm) discs....

[Eric DeSilva]

I find my Rotex a bit bulky as a plain ROS, and generally just reserve that beast for aggressive sanding. Whatcha really need is the Rotex 6" *and* the lighter ETS 150 in 6". Then you can save money by sharing sandpaper.

[Joe Scharle]

I've got a 150 and although it can be a handful in Rotex mode, it's still more controllable than my belt sander. Which, BTW, I can't remember where it is now. It is such a joy to see rough lumber made ready for the planner in just 5 minutes. I don't run dirty lumber thru my machine. And in the ROS mode I can go thru 3 grits on a tabletop in 1/2 hour. That said, I still use a 5" PC for the higher grits or small pieces.

[jason lambert]

I have the 150 in retrospect the 150 is the way to go the 125 is cute but a little small. Have you tried a hand scraper to take the glue off?

[Craig Coney]

I have the RO 150 and an ETS 125. I cannot imagine what it would be like to use the RO125 to flatten a panel or glue up joints. I would recommend the RO150 & ETS 150 combo.

[James Phillips]

I love the 125. It is more comfortable to me

[Scott Rollins]

I just got a 150. (stealth gloat) It is awesome. I also have the ETS125 (5") which I love for final finish sanding and awkward positions. As others have said the RO150 is quite a beast. I cannot simply lay a board on a rubber mat like I used to and expect it to stay still. It will twist the mat up under the board. Plan on clamping the wood down! I'll never use a belt sander again.

[Bob Marino]

John,

I'd go with a 6" sander over a 5", but that's just personal opinion. Regarding the RO 150 vs RO 125, I think the 150 is smoother (due to its large pad size). Most people choose the 150, if that matters.

Bob