Festool Rotex 150 FEQ - Quick Review

Totoland Mach · 10-31-06, 04:25

I received this unit today because I wanted to try a combo random orbital and rotary. Also, Festool has a superb reputation in the machine tool line for woodworking products.

First: The unit is packaged in a "Systainer" which is a very nice fitted container for travel and/or storage.

Systainer Contents:

Next, the unit itself. The balance of this tool is fantastic. Ergonomics rule with the Rotex. Also, the velcro backing plate is super heavy duty and has a quick change button. I've ordered another backing plate and can keep a polishing pad on one and a finish pad on the other.

I tried the unit out briefly on my Suzuki daily beater (sits outside 24/7). Using this tool is like comparing a Porsche to a Chevy between it and the Porter-Cable. Both work and do the job, but this machine has a great balance, feel, and can switch to rotary by pushing a button on the top. I don't have the rotary specs (speed, etc), but it works nice.

Here's a couple of reflection shots after using the Rotex with Pinnacle XMT-1 on a Meguiars 8006 pad.

One more shot

I'll give a better review this weekend as I have a swirled Mustang to correct and a BMW that is polished and needs final waxing.

Overall, it's a beautiful tool to use. Expensive it is, but I'm really curious to try the rotary side to the fullest extent on the swirled Mustang.

Totoland Mach

AL-53 · 10-31-06, 04:39

Toto..what is the RPM on the rotary mode....I read it was either 650 or 900...but will it do corrections at them speeds....

It is a nice tool..I watched a few on ebay..but they went high ...and is the backing plate a dedicated one...just have to use a festool plate...

I think they had a model before this that was discontinued and this came out as the newer one? or is the the older one....

they are nice...I read up on them and they are powerhouses..no bogging...just power..

Nice Machine..enjoy..looking forward to see how the rotary feature works for you

Al

Totoland Mach · 10-31-06, 04:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by AL-53

Toto..what is the RPM on the rotary mode....I read it was either 650 or 900...but will it do corrections at them speeds....

It is a nice tool..I watched a few on ebay..but they went high ...and is the backing plate a dedicated one...just have to use a festool plate...

I think they had a model before this that was discontinued and this came out as the newer one? or is the the older one....

they are nice...I read up on them and they are powerhouses..no bogging...just power..

Nice Machine..enjoy..looking forward to see how the rotary feature works for you

Al

I believe the rotary speed is 900. This is their new version with higher power electric motor (completely sealed). I'll see if I can find the specs on the rotary. The backing plate is dedicated and comes with one, but I have another on order. The plates are $17 and should last years.

You're right about power! I didn't bear down on the Suzuki hood, but will use it this weekend for swirl removal and update this thread.

Toto

AMDin93103 · 10-31-06, 10:00

Festool kicks ***. Their HQ is about ten minutes north of me. . . the whole crew up there is very helpful and very friendly. I own their CT Mini vacuum and love it. I am going to be demoing the unit you have reviewed above early next week. I don't see the direct drive mode doing much correction but you never know.

ZoranC · 11-01-06, 12:26

I am interested to hear to detailed review, especially on correction.

the other pc · 11-01-06, 11:25

Just to clarify, the Festool doesn’t have a rotary mode. The “Rotex” mode is a sort of forced orbit so the rpm comparison with a rotary isn’t apples to apples.

Looking forward to hearing how it works out for paint correction. I’ve only briefly demo’ed one for sanding and the difference in aggressiveness between the random orbit and Rotex modes was night and day.

PC.

Totoland Mach · 11-01-06, 06:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by the other pc

Just to clarify, the Festool doesn’t have a rotary mode. The “Rotex” mode is a sort of forced orbit so the rpm comparison with a rotary isn’t apples to apples.

Looking forward to hearing how it works out for paint correction. I’ve only briefly demo’ed one for sanding and the difference in aggressiveness between the random orbit and Rotex modes was night and day.

PC.

You're right about the Festool having a "hybrid rotary" method. I tried it out on my wife's 12 year old Pathfinder tonight. Sorry, don't have decent pics 'cause I need a tripod. There were a couple of significant scratches on the hood and I used the Festool in "rotary" mode. I'd say this mode is rotary/random and I turned up the speed with a Meg's 8006 pad and AIO.

Wow, this machine doesn't even breathe hard when pressure is applied. It has the nicest balance and ease of use than any machine I've used. The BMW shop where I work weekends has a Makita rotary that is heavy on this old man's arms and shoulders. If I can get the Festool to compete with the Makita, I'd be happy and more productive.

I finally got the Festool polishing backing plate which is stiffer than the OEM sanding backing plate. I'll probably use the extra cushioned sanding plate for LSP and a finishing pad.

I'll get some decent pics this weekend on the metallic BMW I'm finishing up.

Toto

Quiksilver225 · 11-19-06, 12:15

My work car needed a good workover being parked at the airport for a long periods sure does a toll on collected airborne garbage from planes.

Today I've used the Festool RO150 FEQ in Rotex mode only using the Festool white pads (#488243). Started with Megs #80 on speed 3 and the product starts to break down about three passes. I apply no pressure to the machine, just guide it across horizontal surfaces.

Experimented with higher speeds, but there were no real advantages, preferred the slower speed. Used this speed also on the Gold Class polish with the Festool Sheepskin (#484131). The paint was always cool to touch, the machine makes paint care VERY easy.

I've used the Rotex for a paint stripping project with 150 paper, two passes and the 30 year old paint is gone giving you the natural timber, smooth as silk. You can't bog this machine down, it just asks for more!

Totoland Mach · 11-19-06, 05:46

Here's an example of the Festool used on a BMW 545i with 60,000 miles on the odometer. The front end was pitted badly. I used the Festool on the bumper and headlights, plus other portions of the car where the rotary would be cumbersome. That's where the value of the tool comes in.

First: We put the car on a lift to have a nice working height and removed the wheels for finishing and new tires.

Next: A pic of the Festool and products used. AIO, #83, Optimum Compound

3000 grit sanding on the headlight covers and front bumper. Used Snap On orbital air unit.

Dulled the bumper to remove as much pitting as possible.

Compounding the front with the Festool + Orange pad

Compounding larger portions of the car with DeWalt rotary and Optimum

Finished compounding and polishing on Saturday. Today it's AIO + Meg's 21 and Interior work.

The size of the Rotex lends itself to problem areas where a rotary would put too much pressure on body edges.

Totoland Mach

a.k.a. Patrick · 11-19-06, 08:33

"Toto", your not excited at all are ya......................lmao.
That little item we discussed a week or so ago, may become reality also...........