Reply by a1Jim

I have not owned a Festool ROS so I don’t have the experience of using one. I own or have owned about 8 different brands of ROS . I have found that the inexpensive sanders like B&D and Ryobi don’t usually last long and run rough. But I have used Porter cable, Bosch, Milwaukee,and Delta . Of all of these I prefer the Milwaukee. I think that along with how long they last and what their feel is like in your the sanding pattern differs from large figure 8s to small figure 8s making the ones with the larger figure 8s more aggressive and the smaller more detailed. All of the better Ros I have used are priced from $85- $ 130 ,the higher price still cost about 1/3 of what a Festool cost. Before buying any ROS I would at least hold it in my hand and if possible use it before buying it. I have found from my students that they all prefer different weights ,sizes and handle grips.

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/