DTS400 or RTS400?

[rookie08]

I have a ROTEX125 which is great for bigger jobs but I'm needing a smaller, more compact sander to touch up trim work once it is installed.  I'm looking at either the DTS400 or RTS400.  They seem the same except one is pointier for corners and the other is not.  Is that it?  Any recommendations or experience from anyone that has either or both?

Thanks!

 

[tbellemare]

As you point out (pun intended), the most notable difference is the delta shape as opposed to the rectangular shape.

The main additional difference that I can think of is that the DTS pad has an acute angle on the edge, where the RTS pad is more of a right angle. This can matter if you are sanding where two edges meet at an inside corner. The DTS helps protect the edge you aren't trying to sand a little more.

Tom

 

[image132]

Because of the rounded delta shape it is also great for doing internal edges of boxes. It means that you have many more points to sand with without the dreaded "hit and destroy the edge of your pad" when you hit the edge with a normal orbital sander. I would guess that RTS would have that flaw.

Also due to the rounded delta it is possible to internally on rounded shapes.

 

[AlexThePalex]

The DTS hands down. I have both sanders. The DTS is SO much more comfortable to use due to the shape of the pad. The shape is not just handy to reach into corners, it also makes sanding along inside edges (like you find a lot on trim) a lot more easier and it makes the sander a lot more stable on surfaces and thus more comfortable to work with. The RTS has the tendency to tip over the side if you don't concentrate on holding it straight up. No such problem at all with the DTS.

It is also easier to get swirl marks with the RTS. I don't know where this difference with the DTS comes from, but I can find swirl marks using 180 grit paper with the RTS while I have to slap on 60 grit on the DTS before I see them. Must be the pad and it's smaller weight or footprint.

I had the RTS before I got the DTS. It was a little used sander then because I used my Rotex 150 and Deltex for most jobs. When I got the DTS the DTS took over almost completely, I think I do 75% of my sanding work now with it and the RTS just sits mostly unused. I only take it out now if the shape of the workpiece specifically demands it, which happens very little.

The sandpaper for the DTS is also a lot more easier to find. Not only Festool's sandpaper for it is offered more but it is a common shape which is also used by loads of other manufacturers. The RTS on the other hand uses a generic Festool shape with unique hole pattern, and is very difficult to find.

I bought the RTS first but with what I know now I can only recommend the DTS. The RTS is nice to have as an addition, but if you want to get just either one of them, get the DTS. It will give you lot more functionality and comfort.

 

[Bob Marino]

The sandpaper for the DTS is also a lot more easier to find. Not only Festool's sandpaper for it is offered more but it is a common shape which is also used by loads of other manufacturers. The RTS on the other hand uses a generic Festool shape with unique hole pattern, and is very difficult to find.

Alex,

Did you mean to say "the sandpaper for the RTS is a lot more easier to find"?
I do agree, though they are identical sanders - except for pad shape, the DTS is the versatile sander.

Bob

 

[Holzhacker]

Have to agree with Alex. Get the DTS first and the RTS later if it turns out you need it. I looked into both and am glad I decided on the D. This machine also seems to have the 'break-in' period so don't get freaked out if it bounces around like a jack rabbit at first.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

+1 DTS. Love that little sander. I would opt for it over the RTS personally.

 

[AlexThePalex]

The sandpaper for the DTS is also a lot more easier to find. Not only Festool's sandpaper for it is offered more but it is a common shape which is also used by loads of other manufacturers. The RTS on the other hand uses a generic Festool shape with unique hole pattern, and is very difficult to find.

Alex,

Did you mean to say "the sandpaper for the RTS is a lot more easier to find"?
I do agree, though they are identical sanders - except for pad shape, the DTS is the versatile sander.

Bob

No Bob, I meant the DTS like I said. Maybe it's different in the USA but here there's only one manufacturer that makes paper for the RTS, Festool itself, while the format for the DTS is also used by other manufacturers like Rupes, Bosch, Metabo and more. When I go to most stores here I can walk out with paper for the DTS like Rubin and Brilliant from 40 to 180/320 or from Bosch or Sia, but if I want paper for the RTS 90% needs to be ordered.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I think that the DTS is more versatile and it is one of my favorite tools.  I did a review of it a few months ago and here is the link:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/festool-dts-400-eq-review/

It is a great tool to get into tight corners and it compliments my Rotex nicely.

Scot

 

[tbellemare]

If you just look at the Festool USA offerings, the RTS and LS 130 use the same paper. I suspect that's what Bob meant. That was my instant thought when I saw your comment, Alex.

Tom

 

[dwillis]

By far the DTS for all the reasons already mentioned.  I used my DTS to smooth out drywall mud on a recently finished room (walls and ceiling) and it was great for both dust control and getting into inside corners.

 

[rookie08]

Thanks everyone for all your input.  I went ahead and bought the Craftsman Detail Sander which you all recommended.... [scared]

PSYCHE!  ;D

Went today and picked up the DTS based on all your inputs.  Been itching to use it all day but just finished up work so it'll have to wait for tomorrow as the kids are asleep and the vacuum would wake them as the work I'm doing is in the room next door to theirs.

Again, thanks everyone for taking the time to share your experience and inputs.

The FOG rocks!

Cheers!