Accidently purchased older model DTS 400 EQ

[mathelo1]

New to this forum and starting to acquire Festool tools. 

I just purchased and received from CPO FESTOOL a DTS 400 EQ (567871).  Only on receipt did I realized I purchased the older model.  I usually do a more thorough investigation before I buy but I was in a hurry.

In any case, I've considered returning it for the new model DTS 400 REQ (201228) but after reading the available reviews here I'm starting to think I should stay with what I have.  The new model 'looks' better. I particularly like the rubberized grip, the relocation of the speed control to the side, and the fact that it is more powerful. However, the comments about the interlocking dust port has me concerned and it is a bit taller.

What do you guys think?  Should I keep it or exchange it for the new model?

Louis

 

[HarveyWildes]

The new model is brushless.  That would be enough for me, all other things being equal.  Unfortunately, I bought my DTS 400 this summer before the new models were released.  [unsure]

I have to admit that I do like it, now that I've used it to complete a small project.

 

[mathelo1]

The new model is brushless.  That would be enough for me, all other things being equal.  Unfortunately, I bought my DTS 400 this summer before the new models were released.  [unsure]

I have to admit that I do like it, now that I've used it to complete a small project.

I thought I read that the new model WAS NOT brushless?

 

[Cheese]

I thought I read that the new model WAS NOT brushless?

You're correct...the new model is NOT brushless.

Positives for the new model:
1. 25% more power
2. Pad protector/bumper
3. On/off switch

The only negative is the locking dust port has 3 large recessed surfaces that hold a lot of dust. When changing sanders, it's advisable to hold it over a bucket/basket to catch the mess...especially if you're sanding drywall. I'd just as soon have the older design port instead.

 

[WastedP]

I didn't realize that there was supposed to be some issue with the interlocking dust port.  I've been using an ETS EC 125 with an older-style CT hose for months without any problems.  Given the upgrades to the DTS that you've listed, if I were in your situation, I'd make the exchange.

 

[HarveyWildes]

I thought I read that the new model WAS NOT brushless?

You're correct...the new model is NOT brushless.

My bad - I think I turned the fact that the new motor has more power into the assumption that it was brushless.

I don't feel so bad about not having the new one then.  The old one seems to have plenty of power for what I do, and I'm doing just fine with the old dust port.

 

[mathelo1]

I thought I read that the new model WAS NOT brushless?

You're correct...the new model is NOT brushless.

Positives for the new model:
1. 25% more power
2. Pad protector/bumper
3. On/off switch

The only negative is the locking dust port has 3 large recessed surfaces that hold a lot of dust. When changing sanders, it's advisable to hold it over a bucket/basket to catch the mess...especially if you're sanding drywall. I'd just as soon have the older design port instead.

One of my first uses is sanding drywall.  :-\

 

[Scott in San Diego]

I had a DTS 400 EQ for many years and recently bought a DTS 400 FEQ.  IMO, It is worth trading up for all of the reasons stated. 

The locking dust port does fill up with drywall compound dust.  But, if you leave the sander/vacuum on and slowly disconnect the hose from the sander, the hose will capture the dust.  No need for a bucket or trash can underneath.

 

[Cheese]

But, if you leave the sander/vacuum on and slowly disconnect the hose from the sander, the hose will capture the dust.  No need for a bucket or trash can underneath.

Thanks for the tip...I'm just so used to swapping sanders that I don't even think about it...I'll try your tip the next time. [thumbs up]

 

[jt073]

The locking dust port does fill up with drywall compound dust.  But, if you leave the sander/vacuum on and slowly disconnect the hose from the sander, the hose will capture the dust.  No need for a bucket or trash can underneath.

No, that really won't do as a practical solution - the whole point of having an integrated tool system (for which we pay handsomely) is to increase efficiency and effectiveness - you plug the tool into the power outlet on the vac so that when you operate the tool the vac turns on and off automatically. The solution suggested here is that you go back to the vac, turn it on manually, disconnect the hose (with a complex motion to catch all the trapped dust - I've tried this), then return to the vac to turn it off again manually.

I am one of the biggest Festool junkies there is, but IMHO this new vac connector is simply a flawed design and has just caused unnecessary problems.

Re the new vs old DTS/RTS 400's, overall, I think it is fairly balanced, so I would be happy with either (or both in my case!).

Cheers

 

[Cheese]

No, that really won't do as a practical solution - the whole point of having an integrated tool system (for which we pay handsomely) is to increase efficiency and effectiveness - you plug the tool into the power outlet on the vac so that when you operate the tool the vac turns on and off automatically.

I think what Scott was saying was to just leave the sander on while carefully removing the hose and then carefully vacuuming the port, after which time you could shut off the sander and then exchange it for a different one. I can see that working, however, I will also say, that certainly doesn't appear to be the most elegant solution to fix the problem. Kind of a band-aid approach to solve the real issue. 

Festool touts their integrated system that "just works" with every tool, but it seems to me that this new port design doesn't exactly fit with that corporate mantra. I think some chips were left on the table with this design exercise. 

 

[rst]

But they told me to drain the swamp...they didn't mention the alligators  [huh]

 

[mathelo1]

The locking dust port does fill up with drywall compound dust.  But, if you leave the sander/vacuum on and slowly disconnect the hose from the sander, the hose will capture the dust.  No need for a bucket or trash can underneath.

No, that really won't do as a practical solution - the whole point of having an integrated tool system (for which we pay handsomely) is to increase efficiency and effectiveness - you plug the tool into the power outlet on the vac so that when you operate the tool the vac turns on and off automatically. The solution suggested here is that you go back to the vac, turn it on manually, disconnect the hose (with a complex motion to catch all the trapped dust - I've tried this), then return to the vac to turn it off again manually.

I am one of the biggest Festool junkies there is, but IMHO this new vac connector is simply a flawed design and has just caused unnecessary problems.

Re the new vs old DTS/RTS 400's, overall, I think it is fairly balanced, so I would be happy with either (or both in my case!).

Cheers

Thanks for your input.  It was your review that got me questioning whether I should return the old model for the new.  I'm still on the fence but leaning towards just keeping it.  That hose connection just looks like an unnecessary hassle.

Louis

 

[TylerC]

It looks like the gang has given you some good direction. If it were me, I'd go with the newer version. Just remember that all Festool tools come with a 3-  30 day money-back guarantee, so don't wait too long to make your decision. Enjoy!

 

[mathelo1]

It looks like the gang has given you some good direction. If it were me, I'd go with the newer version. Just remember that all Festool tools come with a 3-  30 day money-back guarantee, so don't wait too long to make your decision. Enjoy!