DTS/RTS or LS130 sander - need advice?

bijeshj

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Joined
Jan 22, 2007
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199
Hi, I already have a RO125 that I use for all my sanding now but looking to purchase a "rectangle" sander for edges. While the DTS/RTS have orbital movement and LS130 linear. I assume the LS is more versatile since I can use it for those times I need to do edge sanding, profile sanding and finally fine finish sanding with the grain. (i can also use my MM for really small edge sanding).

At least that is my theory and wanted to check with the forum?

Thanks

 
I find having the DTS is versatile as it allows you to get right into a corner and the pad will allow you to ride up against the edge and the sander will not skitter about.  The LS is more for profiles as you say or where you want to mimic hand sanding.  Personally I would opt for the DTS first, but that is just me.  I think that the LS is more of a specialized tool.  Just my .02.

Scot
 
This may be an apples to oranges comparison because you don't have the triangle option with the LS130. I don't own the DTS but use my RO90 for any triangle or corner applications. That said, I do own the LS130 and to my knowledge there is nothing like it if you need to sand coves or profiles. I bet like most of us Festool junkies you can buy the sander you need for your immediate project and then come up with an excuse to buy the other one later on. [tongue]

M
 
+ 1 for the DTS, it's by far the nicest sander of the 3. Well, that's my humble opinion anyway. The DTS feels really nice in your hand because of the shape of the pad, and allows you to sand along edges and get into corners.

The LS on the other hand is a bit of a one trick pony to me. The linear action is nice when you need it, like when you do profiles, and that's what it's for, but when you compare it to an orbital motion it lacks both in smoothness and aggressiveness. Never make the mistake to think you can place the LS and the RTS in the same category because they have the same pad. They act very differently.

As for the RTS ..... well, meh... I'm not a big fan. Because of the small pad it has a bit too much of a tendency to tip over sideways when I work with it, and with such a nice delta pad for the DTS as alternative, mine gets very little use. I only use it when no other sander will fit the workpiece.

Sandpaper is also a concern. With the RTS and LS you're almost entirely dependent on Festool paper. Not that that's so bad, it's very good stuff and reasonably priced when you consider how long it lasts. But as for the delta iron shape, that's a very popular format over here and shared with a number of sanders from other brands like Rupes, Metabo, Milwaukee and Bosch, so there's a wide range of papers available from other manufacturers as well.    
 
thanks guys - I guess it is the DTS then. I was hoping to get one sander - to do the profiles in addition to normal sanding.

Motown: i use the "need this tool" approach always :) but I have 20 (or was that 200) other tools on my list that is also in the "need this tool" category unfortunately.
 
+1 on the DTS, it's a "no regrets" Festool - you'll use it a lot.
 
I've been struggling with the same issue. I finally came to the point of ruling out the LS130 due to the facts mentioned before. Now my decision leans towards the RTS. I already got the RO90 with the delta-pad so thats why the DTS is not an option for me. I also got the ETS125 so I need something for straight edges and corners. Just my 2 cents.

Festoolviking
 
The delta pad on the RO90 is not a replacement for the DTS, IMO. Is there some overlap? Yes, but the DTS is far more controllable and stays flat on the surface without any finesse to speak of. I really look at the DTS as a great details sander that will not get you in trouble unless you are determined to put yourself there. The RO90 or the Deltex require a lot more attention as you are primarily working with the corner. The center of gravity is nowhere near over the pad like it is with the DTS. I agree with Alex regarding the RTS vs. the DTS. There is not much the RTS can do that cannot be done with the DTS.
 
The DTS has a beveled edge on the pad and it really helps when sanding up against an adjacent surface. The hard edge of the pad can't easily touch.

Tom
 
I just realized my struggle isn't over, maybe a DTS then, or...... can I have my 2 cents back?

[embarassed]

Festoolviking
 
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