Day in the Life...without an RO90

[Scott B.]

I get uncomfortable when there is no RO90 in the truck or shop.

I was uncomfortable today.

But, still had to get something done. Exterior cedar spindle rail system. This is so RO90. In the absence of the preferred tool, the quick thought process is:

"Ok, what DO I have that can do detail, and that I have 60/80g in stock for?"

Two choices. DX93, and (ehem, ugh, blasphemy), the. DTS. 400.

Couple of problems here. For spindles, I really (really) prefer the extended delta of the RO90. One and done.

Also, I have grown to be not a big fan of the DX93. Primarily for two reasons, the cord is a major pain when running multiple sanders. No swap and go there. And two, the extraction experience is just never favorable with it. For such a small tool, it is the dirtiest dog of the sanders. But I am sure it has a little more nut than (what may be) my favorite all around all surface finish sander. The DTS400. I really (really) avoid beating this tool up on exterior, where (in theory) it is less effective anyways.

Well, it is fun sometimes when necessity sprouts out invention, especially on a saturday.

I took both sanders. Within the first 20 minutes swapped from the DX 93 to the DTS and never looked back. Worked like a charm.

I have been asked alot if the orbitals are effective in some exterior capacities, and have always erred on the side of Rotex. I stand somewhat corrected and entirely pleased with how this little project worked out.

The rail section in the foreground was just sanded at 60g. The one in the background untouched. Both sections got sanded 60/80 and handrails stepped out to 120. Stained with Arborcoat transparent cedar.

 

[Scott B.]

Both sections stained. Let it rain.

 

[Scott B.]

3 weeks ago, same thing happened. Same house, different porch. RO90 was on assignment.

Larger rail system, a little more going on.

That day, it was ETS125 and DX93. Not ideal, but worked very well.

 

[Scott B.]

This is the type of thing that ties up RO90's for extended periods because none of the other sanders can do this type of work as well. I refer to the 90 alot as the ultimate generalist, but there are many types of works that are specific to it. [attachimg=#]

 

[Kev]

Seems the only thing better than a RO90 IS ...

... two RO90's

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I love the DTS400...it is a hidden gem of a sander and perfect for a lot of different applications.  Great post.

Scot

 

[PaulMarcel]

I agree that the DTS-400 is great; I loved it before the RO-90. Get a second RO-90 (or third "just in case")

 

[Scott B.]

Thanks guys.

Yes, two 90's are better than one. We have two. Usually, if one is out on the job, both are. I am thinking about buying one and not sharing it with my crew.  [embarassed]

This DTS experiment has me thinking. Just last week we were running 6" sanders out to 8000 grit. Now, one of our smallest, most graceful sanders down to 60.

Big abrasive on a small stroke sander highlights the impact of extraction on performance.

 

[Tim Brennan]

I get uncomfortable when there is no RO90 in the truck or shop.

I was uncomfortable today.

But, still had to get something done. Exterior cedar spindle rail system. This is so RO90. In the absence of the preferred tool, the quick thought process is:

"Ok, what DO I have that can do detail, and that I have 60/80g in stock for?"

Two choices. DX93, and (ehem, ugh, blasphemy), the. DTS. 400.

Couple of problems here. For spindles, I really (really) prefer the extended delta of the RO90. One and done.

Also, I have grown to be not a big fan of the DX93. Primarily for two reasons, the cord is a major pain when running multiple sanders. No swap and go there. And two, the extraction experience is just never favorable with it. For such a small tool, it is the dirtiest dog of the sanders. But I am sure it has a little more nut than (what may be) my favorite all around all surface finish sander. The DTS400. I really (really) avoid beating this tool up on exterior, where (in theory) it is less effective anyways.

Well, it is fun sometimes when necessity sprouts out invention, especially on a saturday.

I took both sanders. Within the first 20 minutes swapped from the DX 93 to the DTS and never looked back. Worked like a charm.

I have been asked alot if the orbitals are effective in some exterior capacities, and have always erred on the side of Rotex. I stand somewhat corrected and entirely pleased with how this little project worked out.

The rail section in the foreground was just sanded at 60g. The one in the background untouched. Both sections got sanded 60/80 and handrails stepped out to 120. Stained with Arborcoat transparent cedar.

Are you stripping down to bare wood?

I don't own a ro 90 but instead I find a gelplane pro scraper attached to ct takes of most paint. Then dts 400 with p40 cristal cleans of any residue nicely. Dust collection is excellent for both operations.

 

[Paul G]

Nice work as always Scott, I share your appreciation for the RO90.

 

[BMH]

I agree the DTS 400 is one of my first pick with the RO 90 second. I was going to sell my DX 93, but every so  often it's shape permits me to get into some tight spots that I can't reach with the first two. I think the dust collection is a little better with the DX 93 but not by much. The fix cord is a pain. I love the RAS 115, was doing some scribing yesterday,  but same thing the cord is a pain.

 

[Jmaichel]

I actually just received a DTS-400 courtesy of Festool USA and am going to put it through a workout the next couple months and will be writing an article about it in the first issue of Weekend Warrior Woodworking Magazine. I am just starting to burn it in and already pleased by with its performance. I have been using an ETS-150 for all of my sanding but really needed a sander to compliment it. I thought about an RO90 but honestly did not see a real need for that aggressive of a sander in my shop. I am looking forward to using it and seeing how the ETS 150/DTS-400 combination works out.

James

 

[Scott B.]

Are you stripping down to bare wood?

I don't own a ro 90 but instead I find a gelplane pro scraper attached to ct takes of most paint. Then dts 400 with p40 cristal cleans of any residue nicely. Dust collection is excellent for both operations.
[/quote]

Not by choice, more as needed. The siding tends to powder right off. Trim is more of a scuff.

 

[Scott B.]

Nice work as always Scott, I share your appreciation for the RO90.

Thanks Paul

 

[Scott B.]

I agree the DTS 400 is one of my first pick with the RO 90 second. I was going to sell my DX 93, but every so  often it's shape permits me to get into some tight spots that I can't reach with the first two. I think the dust collection is a little better with the DX 93 but not by much. The fix cord is a pain. I love the RAS 115, was doing some scribing yesterday,  but same thing the cord is a pain.

The RO90 with the extended delta attachment is really ideal for a lot of "reach into crevaces" type of tasks.

I wish the front of the motor housing of the DTS tapered back, it would give the tip a bit more reach into spaces.

What I do like about the DX93 is that it is slimline and lightweight, which is great if I am doing several hours of detail work, but that is unusual. Usually, I am bouncing back and forth between a delta shaped sander (RO90/dx93/dts400) and a 5" round (ets or ro125). And that is where the cord is a nuisance every time because I prefer to park the extractor as far away from my workspace as possible so that the hose doesn't coil, so I have to walk like 20' every time I swap sanders when using the DX. As you point out, same issue with the RAS, only when I am using the RAS, it is usually for extended periods and it is the only game in town at that moment.

All of these factors are part of what makes the RO90 such a great all around choice. Where I do not end up using the RO90 much is on interior trim or cabinet grade work very much. DTS owns all of that. Great to have options.

And as noted above, the combination of such good extraction and quality abrasives really enhance the performance of what are inherently excellent sanding tools.

 

[Scott B.]

I actually just received a DTS-400 courtesy of Festool USA and am going to put it through a workout the next couple months and will be writing an article about it in the first issue of Weekend Warrior Woodworking Magazine. I am just starting to burn it in and already pleased by with its performance. I have been using an ETS-150 for all of my sanding but really needed a sander to compliment it. I thought about an RO90 but honestly did not see a real need for that aggressive of a sander in my shop. I am looking forward to using it and seeing how the ETS 150/DTS-400 combination works out.

James

I think you will find the range of competence of the DTS to be impressive.

 

[tjbnwi]

Scott, plug one of these into the CT , plug the tool cords into the splitter, problem solved.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_409867-43469-5507_4294722476__?productId=3772903&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=

Tom

 

[Scott B.]

Scott, plug one of these into the CT , plug the tool cords into the splitter, problem solved.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_409867-43469-5507_4294722476__?productId=3772903&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=

Tom

If I did that, I would then want to throw a splitter on the port, crank up the extraction and run dedicated hoses for dual action. I'd totally Frankenstein the thing out.

If I did that.

 

[tjbnwi]

So what's the problem ???

Tom

 

[Scott B.]

So what's the problem ???

Tom

Depends on your definition of problem.

If I set up a CT as above...then, I am inclined to mount the WCR with a stack of abrasive systainers on the MFH1000 and create what I affectionately refer to as the Festool Trolley, complete with music, syslighting, ipod docking station and a laptop on board.

That would be a problem.

Its like one of my son's favorite books..."If You Give a Mouse a Cookie"