Festool Sander Guide

[Scott B.]

So I read the link.  I’m really drawn to the RO90, but the cost seems high for the need I have to fill (delta pad work).  I’m tempted to go the DTS 400, but I’ve read that the point wears outs much quicker than the rest of the paper.  I have a Fein multimaster and the detail work I’ve done with it is acceptable, but not great.  I’m currently running a Pro5 and RO150. I use the 150 for 80 grit cut on new material to remove mill marks and I finish with the Pro5 to 120 or finer.

Ultimately, I think the RO90 is overkill simply for detail work.  I think the DTS400 will be next and the ETS150/3 will round out my stable.  If my Pro5 craps out, I will probably replace it with an ETS125 REQ

I am open to other suggestions.

      I have an RO90. I use it as a "jack of all trades" site work sander. The fact that it is small, random orbit, aggressive and delta makes it so I can just take one sander for most things. I keep a selection of delta and disk abrasives in the RO90 Sys which makes a handy single Sys - II package. If the job is a real sanding job or I know there is some particular or significant sanding, then I prefer others for non-  delta sanding tasks and take additional sanders.

    Things I personally don't like about the RO90 (round) ......... can be hard to keep flat (need to be paying attention),  I find it hard to keep the right pressure on the pad on narrow edges , and also harder to keep flat on edges than a larger pad.

    I don't have a DTS but I am pretty sure the RO90 (delta) has better reach than the DTS. And the extended reach pad for the RO90 (delta) is significant compared to the DTS. So that may be a consideration. I find the delta mode to be excellent.

  However the things that I both like and dislike are also exactly what allows it to do just about any sanding job .......... jack of all trades.

    Yes, the abrasive point does wear fast (er) which can be somewhat remedied by rotating the abrasive.

      Seth

Interesting discussion about Delta options. To me the RO90 delta is something I really only use in very low grits for removal in corners. I rarely think of it as a finish sanding best option. The BIGGEST issue with the RO90 in delta is that there is little to no extraction, so I refer to that set up as the dirty dog. I am willing to pull the hose and suck up the mess as I go, without turning off the sander.

From that standpoint, the DTS far exceeds the 90delta mode as a delta option. There are times I wish the DTS pad could be smaller. But overall, it is more than just a delta sander, its a great orbital, and I completely agree with you about the challenge of doing finesse work with the 90. That isn't it's strength. But it is a little beast that I would find hard to not have. I also do like the extended delta option on the 90, that is quite handy for those hard to reach but visible places.

The tip of the DTS abrasive does wear, because that tends to be the functionality that everyone goes after the most. We have to rely on the thickness of the abrasive backing (which varies by abrasive line and even grit), and really keep an eye on it. When heated up for extended periods, the base pad feels it. When it wears, the tip of the abrasive has no hook and loop super power, so it can float and wrinkle a bit, which then causes the dreaded swirls.

While the abrasive can't be rotated, I have trained myself to use the two points on the back end as tips to go into corners where they will fit. That is one work around to maximize abrasive life.

To me, these are good things. Tools are meant to be used. And parts, while at times pricy, can easily be replaced. For that matter, I also wear out round pads after a couple of seasons of hard use. Again, it is usually related to heat. Working outdoors in the summer creates hot friction on the hook and loop.

It is a good idea for all sander owners to ask for a spare backing pad for your #1 as a stocking stuffer.

 

[ScotF]

Hi Scott,

Here is my inventory:

RO150- surprised how much I use it.
RS2 - use it a lot.
LS130- I don’t use it a lot, but when I use it, I love it.
DTS 400 REQ- use it a lot.

Thinking about the RTS400 REQ.  Does it make sense with the DTS ?
Definitely want the ETS EC150/3

Might get the RO125.

Sold my RO90.  Don’t miss it.

Cabinetmaker, furniture maker, generalist.

Thanks.

One thing I really like with the RTS is being able to add foam backing pads to it for contoured sanding. This is not an option on the DTS (I wish it were). But, this was a great way for me to sand 4 sets of dining chair legs and the RTS really earned its keep in this application. The round sanders would sometimes fly off the edge if I was not careful.

 

[rljatl]

Hi Scott,

Here is my inventory:

RO150- surprised how much I use it.
RS2 - use it a lot.
LS130- I don’t use it a lot, but when I use it, I love it.
DTS 400 REQ- use it a lot.

Thinking about the RTS400 REQ.  Does it make sense with the DTS ?
Definitely want the ETS EC150/3

Might get the RO125.

Sold my RO90.  Don’t miss it.

Cabinetmaker, furniture maker, generalist.

Thanks.

One thing I really like with the RTS is being able to add foam backing pads to it for contoured sanding. This is not an option on the DTS (I wish it were). But, this was a great way for me to sand 4 sets of dining chair legs and the RTS really earned its keep in this application. The round sanders would sometimes fly off the edge if I was not careful.

Can't you easily trim the RTS backing pads to match the DTS delta shape?

 

[ScotF]

I am not sure the base matches exactly and the DC holes would not line up - I suppose you could in theory do it since it is just foam and H&L backing.

 

[Bob D.]

I did not see the BS series in there...

Scott is based in North America.  The BS series of sanders are not offered by Festool here.

Peter

That makes sense now.

Yes, that explains why it is not included in the guide,
but why are the BS 75 and BS 105 NAINA?

Were they ever and just not enough sales to justify keeping them in the lineup?

 

[Naildrivingman]

I started with the DTS 400.  Purchased it yesterday, used it today.  Something was wrong with it.  Regardless of speed of tool or intensity of suction, the sander jumped all over. Figuring it was a similar issue to the Pro 5, I brought it back for exchange only to find they had no more 400s in stock and to order would take 2-3 weeks. I opted for the RO90.

Lotsa sander for detail work, but I absolutely love my RO150,so I think the 90 will grow on me.

Interesting note, the local FT rep recommends Granat first and always for the 90, but prefers Rubin for the Pro5 and RO150 for bare wood sanding. I’ve been a Rubin fan since day 1.  I hope Granat does not grow on me...the cost and quantity/box offered can be daunting.

 

[semenza]

I started with the DTS 400.  Purchased it yesterday, used it today.  Something was wrong with it.  Regardless of speed of tool or intensity of suction, the sander jumped all over. Figuring it was a similar issue to the Pro 5, I brought it back for exchange only to find they had no more 400s in stock and to order would take 2-3 weeks. I opted for the RO90.

Lotsa sander for detail work, but I absolutely love my RO150,so I think the 90 will grow on me.

Interesting note, the local FT rep recommends Granat first and always for the 90, but prefers Rubin for the Pro5 and RO150 for bare wood sanding. I’ve been a Rubin fan since day 1.  I hope Granat does not grow on me...the cost and quantity/box offered can be daunting.

Though I have used both Granat and Rubin on the RO90 delta. I haven't exactly tested this , but I think the Granat may have more durability on the points. I like Rubin for bare wood better than Granat most of the time. I like Granat for some things too but I am not a Granat is good / best for everything guy.

Seth

 

[Cheese]

Bought DTS 400 yesterday...didn’t perform well...brought it back today and exchanged for RO90.  SHEESH!!

If you need the acute angle feature, look for a DX 93. I have all 3 of the detail sanders and I like using the DX 93 the most. With some coarse grit paper on it, it can become quite aggressive. The DTS 400 is a nice finish sander while the RO 90 with the delta pad is kind of cumbersome to use for extended periods of time.

 

[Scott B.]

Hope everyone is having a great summer. I am working on an update to this guide to include sanders that have been introduced since its original publication.

In the meantime feel free to post up questions!

 

[WickedShamrock]

A number of folks here referred to the LS130 as a stair master.  I bought of for the same project.  Which stock pad do you use for the tread bullnose or do you recommend the "do it yourself" pad to custom match it?

 

[Scott B.]

A number of folks here referred to the LS130 as a stair master.  I bought of for the same project.  Which stock pad do you use for the tread bullnose or do you recommend the "do it yourself" pad to custom match it?

The 18 or 25 mm concave attachments work there. Sometimes it is easier to put an interface pad or two on a RO90 for bullnose (and other shapes) though.

 

[dataz722]

I recently got a RO150 and CT26 and am loving them.  I think I have drank the koolaid on Festool (well my credit card hasn't quite yet), and now want to get a finish sander to go the the RO.  Right now i'm most likely looking at the ETS EC 150/3 eq-plus, but have started to think about either the DTS or RTS 400 as they look like they could be more versatile and get into places the round sanders can't.  I do all sorts of projects from remodeling (not professionally) to woodworking and all kinds from small "craft show projects" to larger cabinets and furniture.

I know in a perfect world I would just get all three of them, but I can't quite swing that.  Which would be best for me to go with now?

Thanks!

 

[Bob D.]

On the DTS and RTS 400; I wish these two were combined into one sander with interchangeable pads, maybe even more than the two pad shapes like a quarter sheet pad and a square one too.

 

[ColossusX]

On the DTS and RTS 400; I wish these two were combined into one sander with interchangeable pads, maybe even more than the two pad shapes like a quarter sheet pad and a square one too.

Completely agree. 

 

[kilo]

I am new to this forum and to Festool tools.  I have a CT26 and a previously owned Bosch 6" sander.  I would like a complimentary smaller sander for details, edges, corners etc.  I am a hobbyist do cabinets, furniture pieces, old floor reviving, etc.  I have been drawn to the Rotex 90 for it's versatility.  Is that a good choice?  I feel my final detail sanding can be done with a block.

 

[cdrogers]

I would also just like to add what a valuable resource this is and has been. Thank you for sharing.

 

[VirTERM]

I am new to this forum and to Festool tools.  I have a CT26 and a previously owned Bosch 6" sander.  I would like a complimentary smaller sander for details, edges, corners etc.  I am a hobbyist do cabinets, furniture pieces, old floor reviving, etc.  I have been drawn to the Rotex 90 for it's versatility.  Is that a good choice?  I feel my final detail sanding can be done with a block.

DTS400 would be better if you also need finishing, but I am sure that RO90 will work almost equally well

 

[Stan Tillinghast]

I’m sort of a dilettante woodworker, but I’ll put in my two cents worth. I have a Rotex 125, and judging from the comments on FOG I should have bought a 150.
I have a DTS 400 and will probably sell it, as it always vibrates too much.
I have an RO90 and it is my most used sander; for remodel work, and drywall corners, etc.
I have the older ETS 125; it’s good for finishing; but I’m really tempted by the new brushless model, will give it a try at the local dealer. I don’t really need the cordless feature as the dust collection will always be needed.
Since I don’t need production speed, for the most part I’m fine with the 5 inch sanders, but the Rotex 150 for external siding prep sounds good.

 

[SonOfMI]

The 150 (6") sander pads fit and work perfectly on the ETS EC 125/3. Right now buying the ETS EC 125/3 and the 150 soft sander pad gives you the 150 sander while saving about $60 US dollars. I purchased the ETS EC 125/3 last week along with the 150 soft pad. To compare dust collection I compared it with my ETS 150 by sprinkling the same amount of sanding dust on a board and running the ETS then the ETS EC. Both sanders cleaned up the board while giving great sanding. I did this several times with the same results. The brake on the ETS EC 125/3 still works with the 150 pad installed on it.

The ETS EC is lighter than the ETS - even comparing my friends ETS EC 150/3. To both myself and my friend the ETS EC gives better performance. By that I mean it gave the sanded finish desired faster than the ETS. The ETS gave the same sanded finish but it took a couple more passes.

With a 150 pad attached to the ETS EC 125/3, the sander no longer fits nicely in the plastic tool tray in the Systainer. The 150 sandpaper also does not fit in the cutout provided in the tray for sandpaper. The insert tray is sized for 125. I just used some
1.5" thick Kaizen foam from FastCap. I cut a piece to size and shape by using the insert tray as a template then cut spots for the sander, sandpaper, and wrench.

The ETS EC 125/3 I bought is Festool # 576340. This is with the new Systainer 3. It's the same sander as the previous # though. The 150 soft pad I bought is Festool # 202458. I previously bought the 150 hard pad which is Festool # 202460. That pad also fits works perfectly on the ETS EC 125/3 I bought.

I didn't see this info posted in this thread and since this thread is pinned it may help others without forcing them to weed through a bunch of search results. Some of this info is posted elsewhere in FOG, but some people said the 150 pads caused the brake on the ETS EC 125 sander to not function. I saw that to not be the case. The brake works great. I also did not see anyone state what exact pads they tried.

Anyway. Hope this helps someone in the future.

 

[Wood_Slice]

For first sander I chose the ETS EC 125/3 for interior woodworking type stuff. I figure if I ever need another I will either get the RO 150 or the ETS EC 150/5.

To increase efficiency I might also get the Multi-stream 150 pad for my ETS EC 125/3 (I hear pads are compatible).