Thread: Are all ROS's really the same

Bosch and Metabo random orbit sanders are good, but not really in the same league as Festool. I have all 3 brands in sanders. Admittedly I haven't used the latest models from either Bosch or Metabo, but I nevertheless like the sheer power and versatility of the duo action in the Metabo. The older one I had was slight more powerful and a lot heavier than the newer model. It was also extremely smooth inits action on either orbit setting.

The newer Bosch is also supposedly super smooth in operation. The main advantage of these 2 brands is the availability of abrasives, from just about every hardware store worthy of the name.

Their main disadvantage is the relatively small variety of abrasives available: basically only red for wood and white for paint. There are also "webrax" type pads available too, but I've had a very poor run out of these. The adhesive seems to be heat sensutive, meaning that in use the pads effectively delaminate from the velcro loop backing as they warm up. Metabo's and Bosch's abrasives seem to be sourced from a well known Swiss manufacturer, whose name escapes me at the moment (Klingspor?) Using the common 6 hole pattern as almost all other manufacturers means that alternative abrasives are available fron other manufacturers. However there still seems to be only the 2 basic types (red & white) in only a limited number of grits.

Festool make their own abrasives, in an extraordinarily comprehensive range of types and grit grades, for just about every application possible. I mostly use Rubin and Brilliant myself, and find these both superior to the Swiss-made alternatives. In addition to superior abrasives, Festool also have a range of pad hardnesses available which increases further the versatility of their tools. Additionally, the adoption of a 9 hole dust extraction system does indeed work better than the other's 6 hole system.

I admire and use both Metabo & Bosch tools. However, nobody makes a more effective or comprehensive range of sanding solutions than Festool. Not even Mirka.

I've got an old Metabo ROS, which is pretty good, but the pad is that knackered it does the ninja thing with the discs!

Then last year I scored an SP Tools air ROS. So much nicer and lighter to use, plus one hand operation, providing you've got the air compressor capacity. I use a 2.5hp, 60ltr 12cfm compressor and it just keeps up, a 15cfm would be better suited (got one, but needs a new motor).

Originally Posted by NCArcher

Have a look at the Bosch GEX 150 Turbo.
I have one and I am very happy with it. Does a great job. Selectable fine or coarse sanding, very good dust collection.
Half the price of some of the Festools but great performance. (I sound like a Bosch salesman )
Worth a look anyway.

I upgraded to this from an old ##### ozito and am loving it. I havent really tested it too much yet, but the difference is pronounced. Given this was about half the cost of the metabo, im happy.

Originally Posted by NCArcher

Have a look at the Bosch GEX 150 Turbo.
I have one and I am very happy with it. Does a great job. Selectable fine or coarse sanding, very good dust collection.
Half the price of some of the Festools but great performance. (I sound like a Bosch salesman )
Worth a look anyway.

I have one of these and very happy with it and the latest model, this will now be my minimum standard ROS. The one I use the most, however, is the Bosch Mulitool Pro with a round Fien sanding plate i picked up a this years TWWW Show. Does a great job with a 105mm disk for finishing 240 up to 600 with no marks left.


SB