New DTS 400 REQ and RTS 400 REQ coming.

[AlexThePalex]

I needed to order some new brushes for my DS400 and noticed the Dutch Ekat suddenly had a couple of new entries: DTS400 REQ and RTS 400 REQ.

No real pictures yet, and not even an announcement, but here on the Ekat already. So the only picture I can share right now is an exploded view.

Despite the update, still no exchangeable pads.

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[ear3]

Sweet detective work [member=5277]Alex[/member]

 

[Kev]

So it's not brushless ... [scratch chin]

 

[Scott in Bend Oregon]

Just a wild guess here...but, maybe the only change is just the new-style locking hose port (part 19).

 

[Shane Holland]

Just a wild guess here...but, maybe the only change is just the new-style locking hose port (part 19).

And, what appears to be a pad guard like the one for the Rotex sanders, shown in the lower right without a part number.  [wink]

Someone could always do a part number by part number comparison to find any changes.

 

[GarryMartin]

From the Certificate of Conformity lodged in June, it looks like there is also going to be a new ETS 125 REQ too...

New models; RTS 400 REQ, RTS 400 REQ-Plus, DTS 400 REQ, DTS 400 REQ-Plus, ETS 125 REQ, ETS 125 REQ-Plus

The ETS 125 REQ is on EKAT too.

 

[AlexThePalex]

It is indeed only a minor update, most noticeably the new dust port and the added pad guard. The plastic shell is a bit different, as is the on-off button.

Internally almost all components are diffferent, especially the electronics module and switch are now one part instead of the mess of wires in the older type.

It sure is disappointing it is not brushless. Pretty strange if you ask me, considering that brushless is slowly but surely becoming the norm. Considering the current DTS design is about 8 or 9 years old, you could extrapolate that the new design will also last for about 8 years, and to be brushed for the next 8 years, well, that seems like a very long time right now.

 

[Cheese]

It sure is disappointing it is not brushless. Pretty strange if you ask me, considering that brushless is slowly but surely becoming the norm.

I'll go along with that idea.  [jawdrop]

You have to like Milwaukee's approach to the issue. They just flat out changed to brushless in every 18 volt tool they produce. Done...

 

[Kev]

It sure is disappointing it is not brushless. Pretty strange if you ask me, considering that brushless is slowly but surely becoming the norm.

I'll go along with that idea.  [jawdrop]

You have to like Milwaukee's approach to the issue. They just flat out changed to brushless in every 18 volt tool they produce. Done...

Yes - it does nudge the curiosity centers doesn't it in terms of how much is going to R&D and what it's focused on. Metabo are slow on brushless updates too.

 

[Cheese]

Yes - it does nudge the curiosity centers doesn't it in terms of how much is going to R&D and what it's focused on.

Ya, I'd get it if all that was changed was the dust port, but [member=5277]Alex[/member] says most of the components are different so this was not just simply putting lipstick on a pig but was essentially a new wardrobe for the same. At that rate, why not just change to a brushless motor because it is used in 6 different tools and those tools will now be good for another 8 years.

 

[bobfog]

As already stated, shame it's not brushless and an even bigger shame it doesn't have interchangeable pads. The interchangeable pads would be such a logical benefit for this machine.

 

[Kev]

As already stated, shame it's not brushless and an even bigger shame it doesn't have interchangeable pads. The interchangeable pads would be such a logical benefit for this machine.

Let's hope there's a smart looking delta/rectangular EC pup coming out the stable soon .. aside from the BHC, HKC and Conturo, there's been little that wasn't a rehash of Protool - not even an impact in 18V

 

[AlexThePalex]

Ya, I'd get it if all that was changed was the dust port, but [member=5277]Alex[/member] says most of the components are different so this was not just simply putting lipstick on a pig but was essentially a new wardrobe for the same.

At closer inspection I think it's half old parts and half new parts. That still means quite some redesigning went into it.

At that rate, why not just change to a brushless motor because it is used in 6 different tools and those tools will now be good for another 8 years.

Maybe they were afraid to change a winner? The DTS is one of their best selling tools and since it's been going strong for a good 16 years now (DS400 & DTS400) they probably don't want to take any chances.

Still a missed opportunity, a brushless sander is more quiet, uses less power and probably also has less vibrations. All ergonomic and economic reasons to go for brushless if you want to be the frontrunner in the field.

 

[Cheese]

Do you think [member=5277]Alex[/member] that by going brushless on the ETS 125 that Festool worried if that would cannibalize sales on the ETS EC?

 

[AlexThePalex]

Do you think [member=5277]Alex[/member] that by going brushless on the ETS 125 that Festool worried if that would cannibalize sales on the ETS EC?

I don't think that at all. The ETS125 shares the basic design with the DTS and RTS models, and I think DTS sales are much more significant and much more important to Festool than those of the new EC models, which pale in comparison. 

I try not to bother myself too much with understanding Festool's marketing and design philosophy, they do things way differently than the usual doctrine dictates. Being a smaller company relying on a few of their most succesful models, they obviously don't have the freedom to experiment as much as big companies like Milwaukee, Bosch or Makita, who bring out a new model every year.

 

[Magpal]

Good find! I was actually waiting for the September release to see if the DTS/RTS models were updated with the new dust port before ordering the RTS400. Good thing that i waited then!

I hope they have added some rubberized material on the top as well. I am however a bit disappointed that the RTS/DTS base is not interchangeable. Especially since Bosch has released their RTS/DTS competitor with interchangeable bases.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Especially since Bosch has released their RTS/DTS competitor with interchangeable bases.

What's the model number, could you post a link? I'm curious now.

 

[painter 1]

I've got it think it's called Bosch gss 160 multi I had to get it just to see what it was like comes with dts rts and quarter sheet sanding pads push on dust collector in l boxx2 all for £100 next day delivery !!!  Quick review excellent value for money but not as good as the festools sandins are a bit softer and it's also a bit louder but can be connected to the Festool vacs has a 1.6mm stroke so a little bit gentler than the festools I purchased it out of curiosity the dust collector fits my dts when high up the ladder! Another reason I purchased it was Bosch have released and 18v quarter sheet sander which I think the dts and rts size pads should fit the thought of having a cordless rts dts for quick and high up jobs appeals to me

 

[painter 1]

Sanding pads

 

[Kev]

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You've got to think that Bosch read the Festool Wish List on the FOG a lot more that Festool do !!!

[member=5277]Alex[/member]