Festool RO 90 and/or DTS 400

[ShawnRussell]

I need to refinish my deck which has numerous square spindals. I am looking at either the RO 90 or the DTS 400 for doing small flat sanding. Right now it seems the RO 90 is a better bang for the buck since I get a small circle and triangular head but there is a larger price difference, so I may end up paying the cost for having the round pad as well. Would you go one tool over the other?

Has anyone has seen a website or document that says here is X tool and it is great at doing these jobs and ok at these... and you may also consider these tools?

Cheers

 

[Erik63]

Depending on the condition of the spindles, I would go with the RO 90. The DTS is a fine finish sander. The RO 90 should be able to take the balusters down much easier than the DTS. Also, I think the RO 90 would fit into tighter areas than the DTS as well.

 

[greg mann]

If you need to get between spindles, and assuming they are within four inches of each other, you would benefit greatly from the extended delta pad on the ro90.

 

[oldie]

Hi Shawn
You say for “...for doing small flat sanding,” and, “...may end up paying the cost for having the round pad as well.”

Wondering whether you'll be sanding other parts of decking, or, maybe have other uses for the sander in the future?
Get the impression that, right now, not too bothered about having a 'round' pad sander at all??

Not clear how important initial cost is to you, or whether (like some of us) it is something to be carefully considered.

What condition are spindles in, and, how 'wide' are they?
How important is the time taken - for you?

Erik63 / greg mann have covered some useful points.

I'd like to open it up a little.
The DTS 400 has 2mm stroke, 200w – direct drive.
The RO 90 has 3mm stroke, 400w – geared drive
The Deltex DX93 has 2.5mm stroke, 150w – geared drive.
The RS 300 has 2.4mm stroke, 280w – direct drive.  (93x175mm sheet sander)

Consider getting between spindles.
DTS: pretty restricted - tall with no extended length plate available (+ more of a finishing sander)
RO: tallish, slightly bulbous head - extended length plate available.
Deltex: smaller, lower profile, semi-circular head – extended length plate included.
RS 300: sheet sander – but extra length rectangular, and, delta shape pads available. (93x230mm, and, 93x266mm respectively.)

Might be one of times where Deltex scores – purely on access between spindles.  With lower grits can be quite aggressive.

'WarnerConstCo' has a thread “Choose your own adventure reviews...”  He's posted a cracking photo showing (clearly) the relative sizes / shapes of RO / Deltex heads.
WarnerConstCo does, on another thread, mention that he wore pads out quicker on RO, than on Deltex (the RO is more powerful, with bigger stroke)

Are you able to a dealer, so you can compare.  Don't forget the usefulness of the 30 day returns policy – means if uncertain, can try another sander to see what you think.

Sorry do not have experience of using my Delta / DTS for this purpose.  Will have to wait till spring  – by which time I hope to have an RO 90 as well.

Would really like to know how you get, so please let know – thanks in anticipation.  [smile]

 

[Dan Clark]

If you need to get between spindles, and assuming they are within four inches of each other, you would benefit greatly from the extended delta pad on the ro90.

About three months months ago I used my RO90, and regular and extended delta pads for exactly that purpose.  It worked VERY well. I highly recommend the RO90.

Dan.

 

[oldie]

Thanks for that Dan.
Beginning to think in some sort denial about the ROs capabilities.  [big grin]
Surely the Deltex is still good for something??

 

[Sam Murdoch]

Yeah, but good on you oldie for offering such a thorough answer. Nice to read a comparison with such detail  [thanks]

 

[Wing79]

Same as Dan I used the ro90 to sand an entire spiral staircase worth of balusters.  With the extended head this puppy did the trick as good as I could have hoped.  The balusters were roughly 3-1/2 inches on center (very narrow for staircase standards).  Also as a note you may not even need the extension depending on spacing and size of baluster.  Also the RO 90 is the most versatile of the four listed above. 
Good luck with your project, Jim