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7Festool ROTEX RO Series

Festool ROTEX RO Series

 Verified
7Festool ROTEX RO Series
4.8

36 reviews

Positive vs Negative
95%5%
Build Quality
4.8
Value for Money
4.3
Ease of Use
4.7
Cleaning & Maintenance
4.7
Safety
4.8
Noise Level
4.0
5 Tony  · Greatest tool for a tradesman – Best tool on the market love it Have wanted one for years
5 Trevor  · Best 150 mm orbital sander on the market – Very very happy with my new rotex sander it is great to use on both settings very well built
5 DOM  · It is a great start of the ' Festool sanding range ' – Very well presented!... with all the extra's features, it will do for what is designed to do.
5 john c.  · This is my second one ( Rotex 150) – Can’t believe how good these are, I’ve had my old for probably 10 years

In-depth reviews

Billy
BillyVIC9 posts
  Verified 125

Festool Rotex 125 Happiness – Well after using my Festo ET2E random orbital sander (It was called Festo back then) for well over 25 years on so many projects from sanding my weather board house, which I’ve fully renovated inside and out sanding plaster, furniture sanding, picket fence work etc etc you name it this Tool has just performed I’ve dropped it from ladders and pretty… Read more

much given it hell and then some. It is still working but might be on its last legs it doesn’t owe me a thing but it’s time for a replacement. So I’ve just purchased a 125 mm Festool Rotex sander which is a joy to use especially when I flick it to Rotex mode for fast removal of material it’s just amazing. Of course Festool products don’t come cheap but there is nothing quite like it on the market, do your self a favour just bite the bullet and treat yourself, sanding anything can be a pain but hooked up to a Festool vacuum system it’s pretty enjoyable. This tool will definitely see me out, highly recommended.

jpcntti
jpcntti133 posts
  90

If you do a lot of sanding You should get one – First, it is an expensive sander, there are some things to get use to and to understand but literally you buy 4 sander into one! so not so expensive now... I use it mainly to strip windows paint and I use to spend hours to get paint of them. Now In half an hour I am ready to prime and paint. Things to consider, YOU have to have a vacuum attach to… Read more

it, because otherwise there is no point to have the sander. The vacuum is 50% of the work done, keeps the grit clean, doesn't get the pig tails... There are 3 modes Rotex, Random and Delta. only change from one to the next when the machine is off. I use Rotex for fast removal and it's super effective, then I move to the random. I use Delta for the fine details and I always get great results. You have to let the machine do the work, don't press hard in it you will just burn the machine and you won't get any faster. My dad didn't listen to me and pressed on it like a gorilla. He manage to burn the pad in 15min for a 1/2 window and the new sand paper was wrecked with it. I had done 4 windows previously with the same paper and I just let the tool do it's job. Moral of the story, don't let anyone use your festool... Seriously itis the best sander I have ever owned, it's virtually dust free so you can do without a mask, and you can go from striping to sanding, detailing and polishing with the same machine, so I don't think it's over price for this amount of quality.

Gordo
Gordo11 posts
  Verified 150
Build Quality
Ease of Use
Safety

This is the forth one I’ve owned – I still have the other 3 , 2 very old ones with the switch on the side. They no longer are rotex as such because they won’t switch over without breaking the switch inside. So one is orbital and one is buffing type, sought of. The third is a newer one that has been repaired but it wasn’t used because it was going to be months before it was… Read more

repaired. So a new one was bought and when it came back it went on the shelf as a spare. Big mistake because when I did use it, it only lasted for about an hour and a half. And started to spit black plastic out the air vents. Of course it didn’t have warranty because it had sat for maybe a year. I wanted to get it repaired again but was quoted $500? No thanks. So I was left with a spare parts one. The new one is good, well I guess I would say that seeing I’ve bought 4. The only thing I’m not overly happy about is the new pads with 48 holes is hard to find at a fair price. The older machines have seven and nine I think. And I like the screw in the middle to swap pads. I also feel that it might be a little hotter than the other machines after about an hour of sanding a car.

Recent reviews

Dave W
Dave WQLD3 posts
  Verified 90

Perfect addition to existing my Festool sanding gear – I already have the Rotex RO150 but the RO90 is perfect for those tight spots and live edge sanding. The Delta pad is also very handy on this machine. The addition of the RO90 brings my tally of Festool sanders to 4 and I couldn't be happier........they all have their strong suits in different applications. Quality gear. Show details ·  1

Mike
MikeNSW3 posts
  150

Great Sander – I was recommended to this tool by a friend whom is an excellent boat painter and restorer. He has had one for years. Having bought it i am very impressed and wondered how i lived without one for so many years. A great tool and worth the expense. I thoroughly recommend it. Show details ·  1

David M
David M
  Verified 90

Lovely bit of gear – The Rotex RO 90 has exceeded my expectations. The paint on my 17 year old car is now better than new. I was hesitant with the cost but I have concluded that it is definitely worth it. Its size makes it just right for curved panels and tricky edges while the unit is light and beautiful to guide across the surfaces. Show details ·  1

Adrian
AdrianWA7 posts
  Verified 150

Makes hard work easy – Been floor sanding for over 30 years, Festool is certainly a high quality tool, I have a big collection of Festool products! Worth every cent! Check them out if you a new to the Festool range. Show details ·  1

JAY
JAYQLD3 posts
  90

Problem solver – My first purchase was the RO90 sander & the dust extractor but since then have added the RO150 sander, the Kapex mitre saw and the track saw to my Festool array. Why? Because using quality, accurate tools is most satisfying and the projects turn out great. Based on my experience a friend has just started his Festool collection. Show reply

Etmar
EtmarQLD28 posts
  Verified 150

Simply Outstanding!! – I purchased the Festool RO 150 in 2016. It would have to be one of the most versatile sanders going around. I was sceptical at first and considering the price, a little hesitant in purchasing. This feeling disappeared after about 2 minutes of using it. The power (and power adjustment) is incredible; in the coarse mode, it acts almost like a… Read more ·  1

belt sander, removing incredible amounts of material. But be warned, hold on tight because this will just about rip itself out of your hands if you're not ready for it.

In fine mode, it becomes a powerful orbital sander that can have your project ready for finishing in no time.

I would definitely recommend using a Festool dust extractor with this sander.

richardlindtaylor
richardlindtaylorVIC
  Verified 150

Believe the hype – This sander is a beast. At first I thought I may have bitten off more than I can chew, finding it a little hard to control. However after watching the Festool tutorial relating to this sander, everything changed. Easy to use and will go all day. Unbelievable. Show details ·  1

JAY
JAYQLD3 posts
  Verified 90

Do it for your health – Earlier this year I was sanding with a cheap sander and although outdoors and wearing a mask I still ended up with a chest infection which lead to other complications. Buying Festool gear is expensive and difficult to justify at the home handyman level, but spending a week in hospital can put things in perspective. And of course the Rotex is a joy to use. Show details

Chien Nguyen
Chien NguyenVIC
  Verified 150

This is very bad tool and very bad service – I bought this tool from Sydney tools Sunshine Melbourne Vic on Sunday 6/2/2022 and I used it on Tuesday 8/2/2022. It was very hot after I used it for 15mins-20mins. After that, It doesn’t work anymore. I brought it to the dealer to repair or change a new one And they kept my tool from 8/2/2022 until now. I dont have tool for work while I paid $1135 for it and just use for 20 mins. Show details

Festool Australia
Festool Australia    

Chien, thanks for reaching out sorry to hear… Read more

Orbital Sanders

Find out how Festool ROTEX RO Series compares to other Orbital Sanders

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King
King
  Verified 90

First time use and it’s broken – Bought this machine on Christmas, first use February after 3 minutes of use it’s playing on and off, the worst thing not covered by 30 days returned. They only want repair Show details

Festool Australia
Festool Australia    

Hi King, Thanks for reaching out. Our policy… Read more

Jono
JonoWA
  Verified 150

best sander ever – fast effective . 2 mode sanding for 2 tools in 1 ease . I don't know how i worked without it , worth every penny . The old saying - 'buy cheap and you buy twice "rang true again Show details

Jamie
Jamie2 posts
  150

Worlds best sander – This is my second Festo sander, the first ro150e lasted over 15 years and is still going, the new one is so smooth and effective, I guard it with my life Show details

James B.
James B.QLD
  Verified 125

SO different, So good – SO different from my previous yellow sander, i would say it halved the time i spent sanding but that would be an understatement. the benefit of the ROTEX system is fantastic. Show details

PJE
PJEVIC2 posts
  Verified 150
Build Quality
Value for Money
Safety

A worthwhile purchase, but an annoying unresolved problem – This has been a pleasure to use after a bit of a breaking in period. In combination with the dust collector I was able to sand back some inbuilt shelves in the house with minimal cleanup required. There was a problem getting the spindle lock to engage initially but that has become a bit of a moot point.. I did purchase a harder backing plate… Read more ·  1

for some specific tasks I had but I have been unable to get it to attach to the sander. Even the local FESTOOL rep was unable to solve the problem. He did say he would make another backing plate available for me to collect from the local stockist to see if that resolved the issue but that didn't eventuate. So I am unable to use that particular backing plate and have had to make do with the one supplied with the machine. And of course, no need to use the spindle lock.

Tez
TezNSW
  Verified 150

Take the leap, its worth it! – Like many I have gradually worked up through C brand sanders to A brand and now to the rotex 150. If I add up all the money spent on others I could have bought the rotex long ago. And I should have. I make furniture, I laminate wood, this unit has replaced all my other sanders and with the exception of a hand sanding block for in-between coats of… Read more

finish, it's the only sander I use. I can start with 40/60 grit when the wood comes out of clamps up to a near polished finish at 400/500 grit in one machine and super fast. Its attached to my ct midi and boy is dust collection good. I recently built a 2.4m console table, and there was literally no dust in the air. This is the sander to end all sanders. Buy this, nothing else and the only thing you'll regret is not buying it sooner.

Dallas Braithwaite
Dallas Braithwaite2 posts
  Verified 150

Sanding has been so easy – My AEG 150mm orbital sander failed so I upgraded to the rotex. Very happy moves material fast and can produce very fine finish. Quiet relative to my other sanders and almost no vibration (although I have always used to much pressure when sanding prior to getting this tool and watching the videos). Haven’t tried bufffing yet. Two negatives. The… Read more

hole pattern is truely unique and even the "fits all " brands won’t fit your Rotex. So buy there paper and the adapter to allow micro mesh sanding pads. The rust collection port obviously is designed for the festool vacuum. I managed a bodge a pipe that works well but will need to get a length of festool hose.

Shaun M.
Shaun M.VIC
  90

Floor sanders dreams – This machine is perfect for what I do sanding stairs and more generally corners and door jams on every job, changing heads is quick and painless, holds sanding discs tightly for the harder jobs great machine. Show details

Lyle
LyleTAS
  Verified 150

Awesome – I should have brought one of these the first time. The rotex 150 is an awesome sander it has cut my sanding time in half highly recommend it to anyone. Show details

Orbital Sanders

Find out how Festool ROTEX RO Series compares to other Orbital Sanders

Know better, choose better.

Compare all
Brad
Brad NSW10 posts
  Verified 150

Great machine, massive improvement over my previous sander – Great machine, fast and efficient. Saves time sanding in rotex mode and compliments my ETC 150mm 3mm stroke sander. Great addition for smooth polishing and buffing finishes to mirror gloss…  Show details

Dom85s
Dom85sNSW
  Verified 90

Awesome tool for sanding stairs! – Really versatile tool. Great for sanding and finishing hard to get places. Multiple head attachments for every job. And the ceramic abrasives are fantastic. Would recommend to anyone. Really happy. Show details

Matthew Pauli
Matthew PauliVIC
  Verified 90

A very handy sander - we appreciate its versatility – We have two of these sanders within the company and will most probably purchase more in the near future because of the ability to change the heads and get into tight corners, yet still have a 90mm round head for sanding larger areas. The Rotex RO 90 sander is perfect for sanding architraves and window frames. Show details

JT
JTVIC
  Verified 150

Aggressive to fine - all in one – The tool is perfect for fast removal of the stock's surface and then pivoting to finish sanding. The vibration takes a toll on the grip after several square meters of operation, expected though. I cannot live without this, wish I bought this years ago. Show details ·  1

Nisitha
NisithaVIC
  Verified 150

Excellent sander with excellent dust extraction – Almost pneumatic performance from an electric sander. Difference is quite substantial to other electric sanders I have used. Well balanced tool. A bit noisy but very clean work space and surface quality. I can justify the money spend on the tool. Dust extraction port requires an adaptor if your extractor hose is 36mm. This should be included in… Read more ·  1

the box given the price point of product. Sanding discs are dear compared to choices available in bulk in the market but last longer. I am massively impressed by this tool. Looking forward to buy a bs-105 belt sander

Steve
SteveNew South Wales3 posts
  Verified 150

A great time saver – Have used the sander to sand down the outside walls of a small log cabin (over 70 square metres) over a couple of days and it didn't let me down. Still got the hard bits left to sand down around the windows and door but it shouldn't be a problem. Have used cheaper brand sanding sheets that work very well. Show details ·  1

Jondon
JondonQLD
  Verified 150

Once you use a Rotex sander it’s hard to go back – I work with slab timber mainly and Rotex sander does the kid of a belt and finishing sander only better. Speeds the process considerably. Virtually no dust. Paper lasts exceptionally Show details ·  1

Mick
Mick
  Verified 150

Best sander I’ve ever used – The sander made light work of machining up all the timber for my vanity, Door jams, laundry and window reveals. The dust extraction is second to none and I am more than impressed with the efficiency of the sand paper Show details ·  1

Alex
Alex13 posts
  150

Does everything I ask it to – I’ve sanded stairs, tables, chairs, small decks, more stairs and going strong. Every job I’ve done has been made easier with this sander. I haven’t owned one before this but I know it will outperform most of not all of them, that’s how confident I am in it’s quality. I don’t ever use the bump guard as it can’t get close enough to edges but without… Read more

it it does get knocked around a bit along the rubber Velcro pad that is still original. You can buy a new replacement but my guess is that it’s not cheap. But it is a workhorse of a tool.

crude
crude
  150

Best On Site Solid Surface Sander I've Used – I've used this sander for years on solid surface finishing and it does a great job , very little dust great biter and polisher , the only thing to be careful for are power chords , very expensive to replace . great work horse no overheating very well sealed for water finish , though you don't have to with this.  Show details

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