Deltex DX 93 E or DTS 400

[avrs22]

I just got my first Festool, the RO 125, this thing is a brute in rotex mod.
The 125 will compliment my Mirka real well.
I'm going to primary use the RO 125 for stripping staircases up to 100 grit then the Mirka will take over and finish the job.

For sanding real close against the risers, skirt boards, the corners and between the spindles I'm thinking of getting either the "Deltex DX 93 E or DTS 400"
I'm leaning for the Deltex DX 93 E because you can flip the sandpaper and use all 3 sides.

What do you guys suggest?

 

[snowman996]

I also have a RO125 and I went for the DX93E to complete it, great combo!

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

The DX 93 or Rotex RO 90 DX would be a good match. The DTS is a finish sander and you may find that it doesn't strip as quickly as you'd like. The DX 93 and RO 90 are more aggressive sanders.

 

[avrs22]

Thanks guys, I think I'm going to order the DX 93 E.
The 5" Mirka, RO 125 and the DX 93 E should be the perfect combo.
Id like to get the RO 90 but the wife is still pissed that I spent $750 on the RO 125 and sandpaper.

 

[Stephen B]

You will not be disappointed with the DX93.

I originally purchased mine for restoration of some antique doors. Amazing how much use it has got in owner building our house. Latest use was fine sanding architrave joins,

 

[AlexThePalex]

You will certainly not be disappointed with the DX 93. A DX 93 and a round sander like the RO 125 make a great combo. My first Festool sanders were a RO 150 and a DX 93.

But I think a DTS and a RO 125 make an even greater combo. The DTS might not be such and aggressive stripper as the DX, but overal, it gives you a lot more functionality, giving you the opportunity to do more different tasks.

 

[ccarrolladams]

Currently I own 1 DTS400. 8 RO 90 DX and 2 Deltex DX 93.

Personally I have never had a situation where the DTS400 was the only solution, but I do not strip finish. I work in my custom cabinet shop where I sand fresh wood. Before the RO 90 DX came out I owned and loved a Deltex 93 DX. So when the RO 90 DX was announced my interest in it was limited to its round pads, because they are so effective on narrow stock such as edge banding and face frames.

Nearly all the cabinet makers working for me prefer the RO 90 DX in delta mode over the Deltex 93 because it is far more powerful.

I like the fact that the Deltex 93 DX is not so powerful because I only use it for finish sanding with 120 or 150 grits.

What you absolutely need to do is try all of these sanders on tasks you perform.

 

[Scott B.]

If it were me in this particular situation, I would probably get an RO90.

However, if the choice were between the DTS400 and the DX93 for this type of work (assuming that these staircases are interior), I would have to consider heavily the fact that the DTS has FAR superior dust extraction compared to either the DX93 or the RO90 in delta...with 60-80 grit and that cushy beveled edge, I might just be able to live with DTS400. And, as Alex noted, it is capable of alot more task diversity compared to the DX93.

Tough decision indeedio.

 

[avrs22]

The RO 90 is what I should get but at $500 tax in plus sand paper and shipping its pushing $600.
I just cant afford it right now.
My work has always been mostly stain and coat new staircases, pre finished or on site. Dust is a factor as some of those jobs are in houses that people live in. Because of the way the new house market is now I started stripping and refinishing staircases.
I love my Mirka but it doesn't come close to the RO 125 for stripping and material removal. This will be a real time saver.
Whatever I get it wont get too much use on new  staircases but it will get lots of use on the refinishing side.

 

[oldie]

quote: "...but it will get lots of use on the refinishing side."

Reckon that comment pushes towards seriously considering the DTS400.

Richard.

 

[Kev]

FWIW ... mt 2c

I have a DTS400 and a RO90 and I see them as very different animals. As I'm a late adopter, the Deltex DX93 looked like a bit of a "heritage" tool, great if you have it, but not something you're likely to consider with all of the new alternatives available.

... I honestly think of the Fein when I look t the Deltex and think "it's probably got better DC, but you can't use it to cut".

I think the RO90 is Festool's most brilliant sander - there, said it.

 

[avrs22]

Ok, I ordered the RO 90 and a bunch of sandpaper.
I hope those festool are reliable because there not cheap.
I now should have a great setup for sanding new staircases and for stripping them too with my Mirka, RO 125 and RO 90 with a ton of sand paper.
For someone that is use to using Abranet sandpaper I was skeptical of buying some other festool sandpaper. I'm surprised how good it is, its real good stuff.

Now I got to stop hanging around here, you guys are costing me lots of money.
Thanks to everyone that has given there opinions.