What to expect from a Festool 150/3

[Thomas S Stockton]

Just remember any vac works fine with these sanders all it has to do is suck. I use an old hose from a Porter-Cable ROS hooks up to the sander and domino great, so if all you have is an old shop vac don't worry it will work well. I wasn't overly impressed with the little bag that attaches to the sander it was Ok but a vac is much better.
Tom

[Tim Malyszko]

Well, I just ordered the 150/3 & abrasives. The "vac" will have to come later, but it is certainly on my list. Thank you all for your experiences and advice.

Enjoy the new sander. You won't be dissappointed. I do however, suggest that you at least use a shop vac when sanding because the dust collection is really what sets Festool apart from other sanders on the market.

[guy knight]

used to have a dewalt ros upgraded to a bosch much nicer upgraded to a 125 big upgrade just upgraded to a 150/3 big difference my go to sander

[Eric Sayre]

I own a 150/3 and a 150/5. I use the 150 5 way more than the 3. I found the 3 to slow to sand. The 5 sands at a good pace and leaves a great finish itself.

I'll probably buy the 150/5 on the next major purchase. Does anyone know how the 150/5 compares to the Rotex on "fast removal" setting?

Eric

[Joe Jensen]

I'll probably buy the 150/5 on the next major purchase. Does anyone know how the 150/5 compares to the Rotex on "fast removal" setting?

Eric

I have a Rotex and a 150/3. The Rotex in rotary mode is super agressive, removes material easily as fast as a belt sander, I I think maybe even faster. You have to hold it with both hands in this mode. I don't remember the orbit size on the Rotex in orbital mode, I think it's 5mm. If I need to remove a lot of stock I'll use the rotary mode and the Rotex. Once flat I'll switch it to orbital with the same grit. I normally either start with the 150/3 and only use it, or switch to it quickly because it's soo much nicer to use.

[Larry Fox]

I also upgraded from the Dewalt 5" to a Rotex and 150/3. The 150/3, as others have pointed out, is not as aggressive as the 150/5 but it is my go-to sander most of the time. One thing that you will want to consider is the prohect size you typically do. The 150/3 is pretty big and can be combersome for smaller projects. If your work is on the smaller side takr a look at the 125/3.

[Gary Curtis]

My older model 150E plus Festool has both rotary mode and a 5mm ROS mode. Though more aggressive than the 150/3, the finish is nonetheless impressive on fine work.

I had a lot of experience with rotary sanders. Using an old Sioux grinder to do about a dozen car restorations. For doing woodworking, any model Festool will impress you because of:

a) quality of finish
b) savings in sandpaper because of the dust collection
c) minimal vibration - thus easier on the body.

Gary Curtis

[Jason White]

Actually, I would disagree just a little bit on this.

With the Festool sanders and the finer grits, you'll want a vacuum that will allow you to reduce the suction. I have several Festool sanders and they tend to "stick" to the work if the suction is on full power.

Jason

Just remember any vac works fine with these sanders all it has to do is suck. I use an old hose from a Porter-Cable ROS hooks up to the sander and domino great, so if all you have is an old shop vac don't worry it will work well. I wasn't overly impressed with the little bag that attaches to the sander it was Ok but a vac is much better.
Tom