DX93 or DS400EQ??

[Toolpig]

I'm going to be stripping and refinishing a red oak floor.  For the edges, I'm using my 6" Rotex RO150.  To get into the corners, I'm thinking about getting either the DX93 or the DS400EQ.  Both have triangular-shaped pads, though one has a larger pad than the other.

I plan to use this sander in the future for cabinetry and furniture projects, so I don't want to limit myself.  Which sander should I get?  (fyi--the DS400EQ no longer appears on the festoolusa website.  is this model being discontinued??  will I still be able to get pads for it?)

Here are the product links...
http://www.mcfeelys.com/festool/product/567566
http://www.mcfeelys.com/festool/product/567738

TP

 

[mysterium]

Toolpig,

I have both sanders. 

The DX 93 with a 2.5mm stroke is more aggressive than the DS 400's 2 mm stroke.  The DX 93 is lower in profile & has the option of adding the Flat Sanding Pad 488 036 to "reach" farther under something like a toe kick on a cabinet.  The DX 93 although can be run with one hand really needs two hands to run.  Dust collection is very effective, but it is one of the Festool sanders that does not have the "plug-it" cord.

The DS 400 is a great one hand sander with the "plug-it" cord.  Like the RS 400 it can be surprisingly aggressive.    Because of it's light weight it is great for vertical work, but you have to dial down the vacuum or the suction will inhibit performance.  Nice balance in the hand.  The DS 400 & RS 400 replaced my all time favorite Rockwell/PC Speed Block for cabinet work.

Both are great sanders....  both have the "best" use...

jim

 

[Jim]

I called Festool earlier today and was told that the DS400EQ has been upgraded and that the new model number is DTS400 (item 567825).  He said the upgrades were internal and meant to make sander even more comfortable and less tiring to use.  Weight, speeds, shape of pad,  and orbit were to remain the same.  Said the new product was available now, but no picture on the Festool site.  I'd sure like to see a picture before ordering though.

 

[mysterium]

Toolpig,

This afternoon I grabbed the DS 400 for a project....

It's the strangest thing....

I never have this happen with any other sander......

Yet I get the same feeling as every time I've used this sander.......

I keep getting the image of ironing clothes......

jim

 

[brandon.nickel]

Will the new version of this sander still be capable of using the rectangular pad?  I know Festool would rather sell me two sanders, but I'd rather pay for only one and have interchangeable pads.

 

[Bob Marino]

The  ES 125, DS 400 and RS 400 sanders will be "replaced" or rather upgraded to the ETS 125, RST 400 and DST 400 sanders sometime this year - I am not sure when, but will try and find out Monday regarding availability and pricing. Here's a link to the Festool Australian site for info on the sanders. Look, like a similar upgrade to the ETS 150's from the earlier ES 150'S.
http://www.festool.com.au/artikel/artikel_weiterleiten.cfm?id=493

Bob

 

[Bob Marino]

Will the new version of this sander still be capable of using the rectangular pad?  I know Festool would rather sell me two sanders, but I'd rather pay for only one and have interchangeable pads.

Brandon,

No.  And it's not the case of selling 2 sanders, you have to take apart the housing and whatnot, so they can't warranty against any potential problems (out of balance, etc.) that may ensue.

Bob

 

[bill-e]

Bob,

Do we expect these sanders to perform more like the ETS-150 after the upgrade?

 

[Bob Marino]

Bob,

Do we expect these sanders to perform more like the ETS-150 after the upgrade?

Bill,

I am not sure what you mean?

Bob

 

[bill-e]

from a vibration/smoothness perspective

 

[Bob Marino]

from a vibration/smoothness perspective

Bill,

Festool's ETS 150's are, IMHO, their smoothest sanders. The 400's are smooth, but are, with their smaller, thinner pads are a bit more subject to vibration and dependant on lowering the vac's suction. Perhaps the newer bearings may make things even smoother.

Bob

 

[Dixon Peer]

The ETS 125 is the one I most frequently reach for.  I find it fits my hand better than my ETS 150.  Of course when sanding large flat surfaces like counter tops the 150 makes faster work of it.

 

[Toolpig]

I ended up getting the DS400EQ and couldn't be happier!!  Great for getting into all but the very tightest of corners.

TP

I'm going to be stripping and refinishing a red oak floor.  For the edges, I'm using my 6" Rotex RO150.  To get into the corners, I'm thinking about getting either the DX93 or the DS400EQ.  Both have triangular-shaped pads, though one has a larger pad than the other.

I plan to use this sander in the future for cabinetry and furniture projects, so I don't want to limit myself.  Which sander should I get?  (fyi--the DS400EQ no longer appears on the festoolusa website.  is this model being discontinued??  will I still be able to get pads for it?)

Here are the product links...
http://www.mcfeelys.com/festool/product/567566
http://www.mcfeelys.com/festool/product/567738

TP