Festool576028 6-Inch Random Orbital Multi-Mode Sander ROTEX RO 150 FEQ-Plus

This is my second Festool product after the 125 ets - 5 inch finish sander. This sander is a beast. Like many have said, similar material removal to a belt sander so very powerful. The major downside that most people have is the expensive sandpaper. It's hard to come across packs of 10 so you're stuck buying expensive boxes of 50 or 100 so paper adds a few hundred bucks when you're first starting but think of it as an investment. The paper is higher quality- a box may last you a few years depending on how much you use it. The dust collection is superior which keeps the paper cleaner, thus lasting longer. Also Klingspor abrasives has paper for about half the price and similar quality. I also stupidly thought this would come with a dust bag(it does not) for collection but it is designed to be used with a vacuum. Do yourself a favor and pick up the rockler universal hose adapter for it, much cheaper than investing in a Festool vacuum. This is a high end sander though so be prepared to invest in it fully; don't use cheap sand paper, which will have lower performance and make you think the tool itself is not worth it. Yea I'd be happy if this would a couple hundred less but this tool is an investment and if you invest in a couple accessories it will last a long time. Also pick up sanding protection pads, otherwise it's easy to mark up the sanding pad($50 replacement), rather than a $15 2pk pad replacement( Festool 203343)

First off, I want to say that I purchased the Festool MIDI Dust Extractor at the same time I got this, so keep that in mind for this review.This sander has changed my whole concept of sanding. I used a Ryobi cordless Random Orbital Sander for about 3 years, and just dealt with the inconvenience of low power and lackluster dust extraction.I thought using a sander with a cord would be a pain, but considering I'm using the dust extractor, it doesn't matter. This thing is powerful, and I love that there is a speed setting.Another great thing is there are different pads for different applications, which means this is a sander and a polisher in 1 machine!I know the price is hard to swallow, but this tool will last a lifetime, and is so convenient and useful that I wish I'd made the purchase sooner.

Great sander, but very pricy.

I got this because I was sick of wasting time inefficiently sanding projects and blowing through expensive sanding disks. If you’re in the market for a sander upgrade and trying to decide between this and a $400 bosch / craftsman / makita, do yourself a favor and just buy this beast. You’re going to end up buying it eventually anyway so just do it.I use this for making resin river tables. This monster does everything from busting bark off live edge boards to cutting and polishing resin. Get quality sanding disks and buffing pads you’re in business.Pros:Multi use. It can easily handle anything you throw at it.Dust collection is excellent.Lightweight and easy to wieldComes with a caseCons:It’s loud.It can get off balance easily but that’s usually user error.Accessories and replacement parts are obscenely expensive.Pro tips:Use serious grit sandpaper. The holes match up perfectly and they are quality alternatives to Festool brand disks, which are crazy expensive.Use an eraser to extend life of padsWatch your edges (and fingers). This thing will blast through anything it touches if you’re not careful.

This sander is truly a beast. It will remove most material, flatten most if not all surfaces. Even when held as advised this machine is a very powerful sander and you will feel and see it from the minute you turn it on.

I sand floor for a living, over 30 years, I have used almost every sander made, this is the best hand held random orbit by far. It’s much more expensive then the others, but if you need to use one of these on a regular basis then its well worth it. Also, their customer service is excellent. If there is an issue, you mail back to Indiana and they fix it quickly and get it right back to you. One note, there are two models of this type, only difference I can tell is the Systainer. I wish I would have purchased the other one. I don’t like this Systainer as much as the traditional one.

Paired with the ets sander won’t need any thing else

Bought this for bigger projects and it takes those with ease but unwieldy for medium to smaller projects unless you are dog holed in and using the piece that REALLY should have been included. Pick up "Festool 495188 Auxiliary Front Handle for Rotex RO 150 FEQ" and VASTLY improve your quality of life.