Edge sanding

[jo041326]

Hi all,
at the beginning, I must thank you for all your ideas and photos. I live in Czech republic where Festool does not bother much about selling support (even if we produce Narex, Protool and some parts for Festool). There is just one experienced Festool technician, but he is very busy and there is nearly nothing in shops (nothing to be said about knowledge level of shop asistents).
So my only resource is this message board and fantastic tutorials, improoved manuals and a lot of great ideas (thank you Rick C., Jerry W., Bill E., Bob M. and many others - I wish Bob Marino will be selling also here .
I have a question for you. I should like to sand board edges (1/2 to 2 inches thick) and interiors of cabinets into the corners. I have Ro 150 which is perfect for flat surfaces but is too big for the edges. I have three candidates: RTS 400, LS 130 or DX 93. I like the size of RTS 400 but am afraid it will be bumping into side walls in the corners. It will be probably better with DTS 400, but how good is balancing with it on the edges? (It is the same for DX 93). With LS 130 is great it can also sand different profiles. In the corners, it could hit just one side because of linear motion. I think it will be OK when I will follow the grain, but how good is it perpendicular to it? I still think LS 130 would be the best choice and companion for my RO150, but you have personal experiences.
Thank you very much (and excuse my english).
Joseph

 

[mysterium]

Hi & Welcome Joseph,

I have the LS 130, the DX 93 and the older models of the DTS 400 & RTS 400. 

The LS 130 is a great sander!!!  The profiles are wonderful, and the scraper has been an excellent addition.  But it is a lineal sander.  Perfect in some areas but not a good follow-on to a random orbital (RO) like the RO 150.

DX 93 is hands down a better detail sander than the Fein.  Excellent RO sander that can be very aggressive tool for stock removal.  But does not have good balance because of it's design of right angle gear drive.

Both the 400's are excellent RO sanders.  They have surprising power for their size.  I find they are well balanced single hand sanders for vertical & over head work even with the vacuum hose attached.  Both because of their pad design allows them to sand up to an edge.  The DTS 400 is better for corners with its iron shape design.  The RTS 400 shares the same size sand paper with the LS 130.

Hope this helps,
jim

 

[Ned]

Welcome Joseph,

I have both an LS 130 and a DX 93, as well as an (old model) RO 150.

If you are using the full range of Rotex capability--from very coarse to fine sanding--I think the best companion for it would be the DX 93, which has a similar range.

If you are only concerned about fine work, compare the DTS 400 and DX 93.  Both will get into corners.  I do not have a DS 400, but I think its balance might be better than the DX 93.

Think of the LS 130 as if it were hand sanding (but faster).  Just as hand sanding across the grain produces ragged results, so does the LS 130.

Ned

 

[Dan Clark]

...
The LS 130 is a great sander!!!  The profiles are wonderful, and the scraper has been an excellent addition.  But it is a lineal sander.  Perfect in some areas but not a good follow-on to a random orbital (RO) like the RO 150.
...

Jim,

Hi.  I'm a little confused.  I have the RO150 too.  I'm looking for a follow on finish sander and maybe a detail sander.  I'm looking for feedback.  Why do you say the LS130 is not a good follow-on to the RO 150?

Thanks,

Dan.

 

[The Dude]

Edge sanding; Are we talking flooring applications here?

Timmy C

 

[jo041326]

Thank you Jim for your help. Looks like I will need both DTS 400 and LS130
As for Timmy, I mean sanding of board edges (kitchen table, cabinets edges etc.)