Aftermarket Abrasives for DTS400?

[Eric Brandt]

Hi all,

Although I've been consistently pleased with the quality and performance of Festool abrasives, I like to periodically survey the other options, in case there is something better performing or more cost-effective available. So, I have two questions:

1. Are there any aftermarket (non-Festool) alternatives for the DT400? I'm not aware of any that exist and google does immediately turn anything up. If anything exists, please share.

2. I'm aware that aftermarket options exist for the 150mm circular sanders (RO150, ETS150), but I'd love to hear any opinions/mini-reviews of the different options available.

Thanks in advance,
-E.

 

[Coen]

If you want to go through the trouble of cutting your own sheets, then punching them to get the hole pattern right you can buy any big paper and cut it to size.

Personally I think my Festool abrasives stock for my DTS400 will last me for a quite a while, and when I get through it all, I am not going to bother with the previous.

 

[AlexThePalex]

You don't mention where you're from so I assume the USA, and apparently in the USA the DTS shape paper is a rarity, as I have come to understand. Over here in Europe it is a very common shape and many alternatives are available.

I myself always use Indasa Rhinogrip paper, which is much more cost effective than Festool paper. Lasts about 80% of the time a Festool sheet lasts, but costs less than half. SIA paper is also very good.

I always get my paper from a pretty cheap webstore called nonpaintstore. They ship all over the world, so if you order a large enough quantity you might save something despite the shipping costs.

 

[bertv]

Mirka's Abranet comes to mind. They offer DTS-shaped 'paper' (it is NOT paper, but a kind of mesh) with intermediate pads that you need for them to work as intended; it is very highly thought of. I have some for my RO150 and like it a lot.