Best sander for drywall

[SteveC]

Your thoughts for sanding drywall and some minor wood work.
ETS 125, RTS 400, RS 400
I know the RS 400 is DC'd (still available) but does the RTS 400 have a marked improvement. (+$40)
I'm leaning to the rectangular profile to get into corners.  
The one with maximum dust collection would have a major point tipping point.
Thanks,
Steve C
Oh yeah, it would be hooked to my new CT26 with a 27mm hose because I understand my 36mm (for my Kapex) would create too much suction to the surface.

 

[tbellemare]

Either the RS or RTS 400 would do a good job. They're orbital and don't fling the dust as much as an RO. The dust extraction is almost perfect using them on drywall. Plus, they're light so fatigue holding them up to a wall or ceiling is minimized.

Tom

 

[Sparktrician]

I've used the RO125 with wonderful success to do drywall, and with the CT22 and a Dust Deputy in-line, the bags don't clog quickly.  Yes, it won't reach into corners.  I just recently received an RO90, but haven't had a need to tinker with drywall and use the delta pad to reach into corners since the RO90 arrived. 

[smile]

 

[SteveC]

The difference between a RS 400 and RTS 400? Besides $40 and a T  [unsure]

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Steve,

The RS and RTS are virtually the same, most people would never know the difference. There was a minor improvement to the counterbalance to further reduce vibration.

Please be more specific with your thread titles in the future. It makes it easier for people to tell what the topic of your post is about.

Thanks,
Shane

 

[AlexThePalex]

Your thoughts for sanding drywall and some minor wood work.
ETS 125, RTS 400, RS 400

The RTS sander is great for drywall, but I'd suggest you get the DTS version instead. The delta pad of the DTS400 is a lot more comfortable to work with because it gives you 1 - better stability, 2 - bigger surface, 3 - you can get into corners and 4 - you can use any sandpaper from any manufacturer you want while for the RTS you can only use Festool's paper. 

I first bought the RTS400 and later the DTS400, and well, since I got the DTS I hardly use the RTS. Now the RTS only comes out when the size of the area I have to sand doesn't allow a bigger sander.

I heavily recommend the DTS over the RTS. And the DS over the DTS.

I know the RS 400 is DC'd (still available) but does the RTS 400 have a marked improvement. (+$40)

I had both the DTS400 and DS400 and in the end I sold the DTS and kept the DS. I prefer it because it is more aggressive and makes the job done quicker. Only problem with the DS/RS is that after a while you will get a tingling feeling in your fingers and that's why they changed the counterweight in the machine and named it the DTS/RTS. But this came at a cost, it made the machine tamer. Personally, I don't like tame sanders because they will cost you more time to do the job.

The one with maximum dust collection would have a major point tipping point.

I've used both the RTS400 and the DTS400 for drywall and they both have excellent dust extraction. I've also used the ETS125 and while it works pretty good the dust extraction was not so good. If you got an ETS125 (or any other RO sander for that part) use it as you like for drywall, but if you have to go out and buy a new one especially with drywall in mind, go for an orbital sander. DC is much better with an orbital sander.

Oh yeah, it would be hooked to my new CT26 with a 27mm hose because I understand my 36mm (for my Kapex) would create too much suction to the surface.

Even with the 27 mm hose you will have to turn the suction down with the RTS and DTS sanders.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I second third the DTS recommendation.  It's less likely to tip as you start to zoom along and it's better in corners.  I don't if the DS is still available.  The downside is the tip of the paper (and the pad) ware out somewhat quickly if you aren't careful.  The RTS works better in that regard.

 

[Holzhacker]

I use the DS400 and ETS125 both regularly for sanding. Small stuff, touch-ups, etc the DS is plenty and works great. The DS also seems to be a bit more stable as far as not digging in. The ETS is wonderful for larger areas. It does take some getting used to though. For me at least I really had to lighten up on the grip and pressure. The ets seemed to have more of a learning time in order to develop the right style and lack of pressure. A sweeping motion and letting the sander glide itself along has made for very clean, fast results. I usually use 120 or 150 grit, sometimes 100. I turn the suction on my 22 to about 50%

 

[Julian Tracy]

I did my last basement remodel with no hand sanding at all.  I have the Porter Cable drywall sander and bought the RS400 for the corners and tight spots.

Must have brought out about 2 bags weighing 40-50lbs each of drywall dust.

You have to tweak the speed and suction, but once you get it just right, the RS works perfect.  I could see no real huge benefit to the Delta pad, as I think a square pad sander is a handier one to have overall, and it wouldn't make much sense to own both imo.

Watch out on the grits though, I had no reason to use anything other than 220grit.  Anything lower than that is overkill.  I was using the white stuff.

Of course, some folks kill it with the mud though....

JT

 

[SteveC]

Thanks to all.
Will more than likely go for RTS 400, and get the "latest and greatest". Most of my drywall sanding will be flat work and patches. I do mud quite well, so I see 220 as the grit, which is what I use now.

 

[nickao]

40 or 50 lbs of drywall dust? I think you need to get the pros in there, my tapers create little to no dust at all and just use a damp sponge to feather the edges at most. I guess doing nothing but slinging mud 8- 12 hours a day for 25 years helps.

 

[festooldude]

I use my DTS-400 in combination with ctl 26e(suction turned down) with great results..
also, for faster removal and for bigger surfaces, i use my bosch gex 125-1 ae orbital sander [embarassed] [embarassed] [embarassed]
with great results, also the dust collection (with ctl 26e)is really good..
 

mostly i use grit 120

greets

 

[billg71]

....
Must have brought out about 2 bags weighing 40-50lbs each of drywall dust.....
JT

I think you and I are just about equivalent in drywall finishing skill except I measure in gallons: five gallons in, four gallons out is about my average...  [blink]

Bill

 

[Steve R]

I have two ETS 150/3 EQ and set the Extractors to one half power and get no dust and great results. As far as the amount stuff to sand off....well it should be minimal. 

I hired an "Expert" drywall-er.... and dang... for every 25 lbs if Durabond... I had a 23 lb Extractor bag...  Bye Bye.... "Expert"

The ETS 150/3 EQ can cover a lot of ground fast.... other Festool sanders also work, but I like the bigger disk as  it stays flat.

Got to say My clients like my ETS 150/3 EQ with a CT 22 as with no extra clean up they never know I was there. [big grin]
Cheers,
Steve.

 

[Marc2010]

I haven't had a reason to use one of my festool sanders on drywall yet, I guess since I had to sand down some mud that I did not apply I used my old dewalt sander and I think it screwed it up and I don't want to do that to my good tools.
I think the whole point of putting mud on is to apply it wet with very little or no sanding until the last coat.
Building / Remodeling homes in the past and hiring different drywall contractors is fun to see their secrets to mud & sand. The best put it on thin & wet and do very little sanding. They have special tools and tricks of their trade just like we have ours. 

 

[Steve R]

I haven't had a reason to use one of my festool sanders on drywall yet, I guess since I had to sand down some mud that I did not apply I used my old dewalt sander and I think it screwed it up and I don't want to do that to my good tools.

I have had many people get wide eyes...and think I'm crazy to use it on drywall.....but once they see me use it or try it they are a convert and have done no damage to the 150's.

Just to take a light hearted jab  [poke] any sanding can screw up a Dewalt sander.

With the CT22 hooked up I have no fear of hurting my 150's. I do use the compressor to blow out the vent holes of the pad at the end of the day...or two. I will not let anyone sand "almost dry mud".

I have brought in dry wall help and have had them use my sanders as I won't allow any hand sanding or non-Festool due to the cleanup cost increase.

To a person they all have converted to Festool sanders.

When you can sand drywall and not "need" a mask, spend hours cleaning up after or spending the time to tent it is a good day.

Cheers,
Steve