So I am looking at these two triangular sanders. The DTS 400 is 225.00 and the DX93E is $300.00. So I compared the numbers between the two and the cheaper DTS400 is more powerful and a larger footprint then the DX93E. So why would I or anyone else want the more expensive one then the DTS400?
Festool DTS 400 vs. DX 93 E
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MrToolJunkie
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The DTS400 is a gem of a sander and one of my favorites. I think that the profile of the DX93 might be smaller so that you can get into tighter areas. I also have an RO90 and this, combined with the DTS400, seems to serve all of my corner sanding needs, even in tight areas.
Scot
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The DX93 is a great little sander, but as noted, the RO90 can do its job and many more. The DX93 is for small details. We use it in crevices and areas that are difficult to access. Everything about its design and shape lend itself to that.
The DTS400 is more like a orbital palm sander with a point. Its a great sander. I have actually been using it and it counterpart the RTS400 in cabinets all week and it is amazing what they can do.
For the most part, the DTS400 is a full size sander, like a small clothing iron and it is capable of open road work and good in corners, while the DX93 is very much a specialist. It does one thing, and does it well.
So it depends on the tasks you have in mind for a sander like this. I dont know the motor differences between the two, but I have run the DX93 at 80 grit on exterior restoration work and been able to do fairly aggressive material removal with it in crevices. While the DTS400 is much more of a finish sander for cabinet grade interior work. Perhaps Shane or someone can address the stroke differences between them.
I have a little video from this week of the DTS in action on cabinets on our jobsite if you would like to see how it works on fine finish tasks.
The DTS400 is more like a orbital palm sander with a point. Its a great sander. I have actually been using it and it counterpart the RTS400 in cabinets all week and it is amazing what they can do.
For the most part, the DTS400 is a full size sander, like a small clothing iron and it is capable of open road work and good in corners, while the DX93 is very much a specialist. It does one thing, and does it well.
So it depends on the tasks you have in mind for a sander like this. I dont know the motor differences between the two, but I have run the DX93 at 80 grit on exterior restoration work and been able to do fairly aggressive material removal with it in crevices. While the DTS400 is much more of a finish sander for cabinet grade interior work. Perhaps Shane or someone can address the stroke differences between them.
I have a little video from this week of the DTS in action on cabinets on our jobsite if you would like to see how it works on fine finish tasks.
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The short answer is that the DX 93 is for aggressive material removal or stripping and the DTS is a fine finish sander. I'm a big fan of the DTS.
As mentioned, for slightly more the RO 90 is like the DX 93 plus a mini Rotex round pad sander in one.
As mentioned, for slightly more the RO 90 is like the DX 93 plus a mini Rotex round pad sander in one.
ccarrolladams
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Shane,
Maybe I am arriving at sanding backwards. I have owned a Deltex DX93 for a long time, perhaps as early as mid 2006. I came to appreciate it as a finish sander. But then before I start sanding any raw lumber I have carefully machined it on a jointer and a thickness planer. It has been decades since I needed aggressive sanding.
So, when the RO 90 DX came along, I looked at it primarily as a small version of my beloved RO 150. I always go the last mile sanding as needed prior to assembly so I seldom need to sand corners. When I do, my DX 93 is always on the sander organizer next to the sanding table.
On the other hand, not one of the cabinet makers working for me had ever used a DX 93 until they looked at mine in the rolling tool cabinet I would take with me from rented shop to rented shop. After I opened my shop none felt they needed a DX93 and as soon as we bought a bunch of the RO 90 DX when they needed to reach corners they change pads and modes. I keep on going back and forth between my RO 90 and my DX93.
My experience has been that because the RO90 has more power, in delta mode for me it is more aggressive than the DX93. What I love about Festool is that we all have the choice.
My DTS 400 came along after I owned my Deltex DX93. The DTS 400 covers more area, which can be a good thing. Some of my fellows own them and bring them to the shop.
Maybe I am arriving at sanding backwards. I have owned a Deltex DX93 for a long time, perhaps as early as mid 2006. I came to appreciate it as a finish sander. But then before I start sanding any raw lumber I have carefully machined it on a jointer and a thickness planer. It has been decades since I needed aggressive sanding.
So, when the RO 90 DX came along, I looked at it primarily as a small version of my beloved RO 150. I always go the last mile sanding as needed prior to assembly so I seldom need to sand corners. When I do, my DX 93 is always on the sander organizer next to the sanding table.
On the other hand, not one of the cabinet makers working for me had ever used a DX 93 until they looked at mine in the rolling tool cabinet I would take with me from rented shop to rented shop. After I opened my shop none felt they needed a DX93 and as soon as we bought a bunch of the RO 90 DX when they needed to reach corners they change pads and modes. I keep on going back and forth between my RO 90 and my DX93.
My experience has been that because the RO90 has more power, in delta mode for me it is more aggressive than the DX93. What I love about Festool is that we all have the choice.
My DTS 400 came along after I owned my Deltex DX93. The DTS 400 covers more area, which can be a good thing. Some of my fellows own them and bring them to the shop.
AlexThePalex
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Once again I am amazed to hear how American pricing strategies differ from European. Here the DX and the DTS don't differ much in price, €314 vs €320, with the DX being the cheaper one.
The main difference in function is the shape, the DX is made to get into places with little clearing. It can be invaluable in some cases. But for most cases I think the DTS is better suited. I used the DX exclusively for 2 years as my corner sander, and like it very much, but after I got my DTS the DX is sitting idly in its systainer because I like the DTS even better.
I do think the DX is just as suited as a finish sander as the DTS. It has a 2,5 mm stroke, and that's a pretty small stroke.
The main difference in function is the shape, the DX is made to get into places with little clearing. It can be invaluable in some cases. But for most cases I think the DTS is better suited. I used the DX exclusively for 2 years as my corner sander, and like it very much, but after I got my DTS the DX is sitting idly in its systainer because I like the DTS even better.
I do think the DX is just as suited as a finish sander as the DTS. It has a 2,5 mm stroke, and that's a pretty small stroke.
I have all three, the DTS400 and the RO 90 are my favorite. I didn't think I needed the DX93 anymore, but just finished a project where it was critical because of size and power. The small head, power and dust collection make it critical in some application. That being said the DTS 400 and RO 90 cover most of my cabinet/window sanding needs.
I have a total of 6 festool sanders and use all of them regularly depending on the type of project. The more of them you have, the more you appreciate their individual qualities and the speed they can bring to a sanding project.
I have a total of 6 festool sanders and use all of them regularly depending on the type of project. The more of them you have, the more you appreciate their individual qualities and the speed they can bring to a sanding project.
Kev
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Something both the RO 90 and DX93 offer that the DTS400 doesn't is "three bites at the cherry" in terms of the corners.
If the RO 90 didn't exist - I would buy the DX93 - but that wouldn't stop me also getting the DTS400.
If you are building cabinetry - the DTS400 would be the early purchase ... if you are renovating intricate widow exteriors - the RO 90 or DX93 are smarter options (the RO 90 being the more flexible).
My goes would be that unless you need a dedicated delta sander - the RO 90 is a wiser option.
I acquired the majority of my Festool gear in the last few months, so I went with RO 90 and DTS400.
If the RO 90 didn't exist - I would buy the DX93 - but that wouldn't stop me also getting the DTS400.
If you are building cabinetry - the DTS400 would be the early purchase ... if you are renovating intricate widow exteriors - the RO 90 or DX93 are smarter options (the RO 90 being the more flexible).
My goes would be that unless you need a dedicated delta sander - the RO 90 is a wiser option.
I acquired the majority of my Festool gear in the last few months, so I went with RO 90 and DTS400.
AlexThePalex
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Kev said:
In Europe, the DTS 400 and the similar Rupes LS 21 are without exception THE most used sanders for house painters, it's hard to find a painter who doesn't own one of them and uses them for most of their work, including window exteriors.
leakyroof
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I own all 3 . RO90, DX93, and now the DTS400. While you don't have the ability to rotate the abrasives with the DTS like you do with the other two sanders when a edge wears, you get a larger pad size that is still very maneuverable while being larger than the Delta Sanders. I listened to Alex praise the DTS for some time now. He's right, the DTS is one capable sander. [smile]
