Festool Rotex - Anyone tried it?

[Totoland Mach]

There are a couple of Autopia threads about this German product. Pricey, but the quality appears outstanding. I like the idea of going from a random orbital to a rotary (for the problem areas) with the click of a button.

Just wondering if any Auto Geeks have one and can give some opinions.



Toto

[Reddwarf]

Interesting tools, but sure not cheap!

[ScottB]

reminds me of that two headed drill they sell on infomercials ... I stick with the PC and Hitachi.

[justin_murphy]

I've thought about this one....
http://www.autogeek.net/bo6040.html

It's a rotary and DA.....
Any opinions?

[Totoland Mach]

You're right about not cheap! But, I've got a neighbor that's interested in buying my pc and some product for around $100. So, with that in mind and the fact that the Rotex has rotary capability...it might be the ticket.

If I get it, I'll be sure to post some opinions and pics.

Toto

[Kelso]

well, the 2 in 1 is about 400, pc's are 100 and rotary is more like 200 i think. so its more cost effective to get 2 machines as far as i can see, but its a cool design.if the price drops, it seems like a great tool

[dirtyboy]

I wouldn't trust myself with a rotary yet, maybe my ex-wife will let me practice on her car though:righton:

[SpoiledMan]

Maximum speed on that rotary is 660 RPM. That's not going to do much correction. Keep the separate tools.

[Totoland Mach]

Well, I received the unit today and here's a quick review. I will be using it on a BMW and Mustang this weekend, so it will get a better workout.

First, the unit comes with a very nice "Systainer" (I suspect it's System Container shortened).

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/Festool_Rotex_Systainer.jpg

Systainer Opened to reveal contents
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/Festool_Rotex_Systainer_Open.jpg

Next: the unit itself is very well balanced and ergonomicaly is much better than the Porter-Cable unit. Also, the velcro backing plate uses "very" heavy duty velcro.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/Festool_Rotex_on_Side.jpg

I decided to try out the Rotex with Pinnacle XMT 1 on the Suzuki hood. The machine is a joy to use. The motor in this tool is very powerful as it can switch from random orbital to rotary and the speed settings are 1-6. I don't know the exact specs on the rotary side, but it's pretty decent and probably 1200-1500 speed range.

Here's a couple of finish reflection shots using XMT-1 and a quick spray of Crystal Mist.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/Suzuki_Vitara_results_of_Festool_Rotex.jpg

Pretty decent for a much abused daily driver that sits outside 24/7
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/Suzuki_Vitara_Reflection_Results_Festool.jpg

All-In-All, the Festool is a Porsche compared to the Chevy Porter-Cable. Both do the job well. It's finely balanced, is much easier to use, quieter and has a quick change backing plate. I've got another plate on order so I can have a polishing pad on one and a finish pad on the other.

I'll get a better chance this weekend to put the machine through the paces with 2 cars to do.

[Bulla2000]

I´ve ordered the Festool Rotex 125 FEQ (newest model), its the little brother of the shown Rotex150. Finest german quality product, but very expensive. I bought it last year end of december, before the german common taxes were grown up. Its about 400 Euro, 500 dollars in germany. But its worthy. Ive tried it only with the XMT Carnauba fin glaze and a grey LC-pad and it goes very very easy. After I applied a single coat of NattysBlue with a blue LC-pad. Great und such a easy way to polish.

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/4793/img0065989889dj6.jpg


http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/2705/img0067ek3.jpg

[Totoland Mach]

Bulla2000: you'll enjoy the Festool. I use mine several times per week detailing BMW's at a shop, so it gets used often. One of the best uses is polishing BMW headlight lenses in rotary mode. I sand the lenses with 3000 grit and polish them back to as new condition.

Totoland Mach

[Bulla2000]

Thanks for reply. I´m sure I´ll be very satiesfied with this high quality machine from my country (germany). But of course a PC would be very nice too.

[Totoland Mach]

Bulla2000: I don't see the need for a pc any longer. The Festool is a random orbit and a rotary, so it is 2 tools-in-1. I use a DeWalt rotary for large surface areas and the Festool for areas the rotary would be too cumbersome or too near plastic parts (BMW lower rocker panels, bumpers, mirror housings, etc).

I haven't used my Porter-Cable unit for 4 months and will probably keep it as a backup unit or to apply sealants.

Totoland Mach

[Totoland Mach]

Totoland Mach, do you ever with Rotex feel a need for different backing plate (whether smaller or flexible)?

Yes. The Rotex comes equipped with a sanding backing plate that has soft backing material so it "gives". This is a good plate for compound curves or applying wax. I purchased their Polishing plate that is rigid and smaller in diameter and use it for most of my work.

Toto

[Bulla2000]

I also have the extra polishing plate from Festool. Its a little bit smaller (only a few millimeters). But I dont need that in front of having the sanding plate. Its also good.