RO90 or DTS 400 for delta work

[ForumMFG]

General contractor looking for a sander that has a delta pad.  I already have a RO125 and a ETS125.  Would like to get a sander that has a delta pad to do inside corner work.  Whether its refinishing 5 piece doors, base board, or whatever, never know what im going to get into from week to week so its a pretty broad spectrim.  Just wondering if anyone has both and which they prefer and why. 

The ro90 with the small pad looks like it can get into smaller places but the dts400 has much more surface area.  Not sure if there is an argument for that. 

 

[Crazyraceguy]

For me, it would depend on whether you might have a need for the regular round pads of the RO90. Since you already have a RO125, that might be less likely, so go for the DTS400. You would have to buy specific paper for either, so that's a non-issue. The DTS400 is better at being a delta sander, just not as versatile as the RO90, but if the need for that isn't there, simple choice.

 

[CeeJay]

I have the DTS. Just yesterday I was finishing some boxes. My ETC150 could get inside the boxes but obviously not into the corners. I pulled out the DTS but it was too tall to get into the boxes.

So I reckon here’s a situation where the RO90 would have worked better as it is lower profile (I think).

Flip side being it is longer than the DTS so less flexible once inside a piece.

Depends on use case I guess. It is also a lot more expensive then the DTS.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Depends on use case I guess. It is also a lot more expensive then the DTS.

Yes, that was at least partly my point too. Unless the other features of the RO90 are useful to you, the DTS costs less too.

 

[guybo]

Hi, I known you didn't mention the dx93 its a beast, has hard pad availble can use all three corner on the paper and paper is low cost,no plug it cord, cheap on used market our go to over the dts for corner work.guy

 

[Imemiter]

My conversion to Festool left me with a ton of Bosch OMT sandpaper, so I ordered a Starlock sanding pad for my Vecturo. My OSC often gets pressed into use as a sander because as an OMT, it's a tool I always need with me in the field. I bring this up to consider as an alternative, but also to highlight that while the OSC makes for an excellent delta sander, its vacuum attachment interfaces poorly with the pad and as a design, is goofy in way unworthy of Festool.

It still beats carrying another box.   

 

[Stone Message]

I use the DTS 400 from time to time but its height can be a nuisance as stated above. My very first Festool sander was the RO90 and it is a great all-rounder. Its delta function is very good especially if you improve its reach by buying the 496803 sanding pad which give greater reach.

Peter

 

[FestitaMakool]

The pad on the RO 90 can be rotated, as well as the paper, so it is also very efficient and economical.
In the end both the DTS 400 and RO 90 are very versatile. The RO 90’s ability to be used in Rotex mode for detail sanding/shaping and polishing adds on too.

 

[guybo]

Hi again, just as a option the rts will sand in corners, if you have profiles to sand around these work well but pricey.guy[attachimg=1]

 

[Birdhunter]

Looked at a Fein sander? I have the RO90, but prefer the Fein for tight corners.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Looked at a Fein sander? I have the RO90, but prefer the Fein for tight corners.

Which Fein?

 

[Cheese]

I started with the Fein and that worked better than hand sanding corners. Then I purchased a RO 90 and was much happier with that until I found an older DX 93...that's now my go to for tight corners. The paper has 3 tips so tip life is much longer than using a DTS sander.

I like the DTS for general sanding however, if I have a bunch of boxes or stair treads and risers to sand, then the DX 93 is brought out. Also, if the tip of the pad gets worn, another 3 cornered tip is just snapped onto the pad.

The sanding pad for the DTS is $32 while the pad for the DX 93 is $12.50. Plus the pad for the DTS needs to be unscrewed while the pad for the DX simply snaps into place.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I have experience with both of these sanders.  The DTS is a better finish sander, there is no question about that. However, it does not excel at moderately tough sanding tasks, and it is outright terrible at aggressive work.  The issue is the tip of the DTS sandpaper wears out quickly, and can't be rotated since, its not a triangle.  Worse, it's fairly easy damage (read: ruin) the tip of the sanding pad doing moderate/aggressive work. That will cost ~30 bucks.  Personally, I'd pass on the DTS if you want a sander that can be used for more than finish sanding.  If finishing sanding is your thing, the DTS gets into corners well, and the dust collection for finish work is very good. 

The RO90 is an interesting sander, and one I've used a fair amount.  Since you already have the RO125 you know there is a bit of a learning curve with these sanders.  Don't be surprised if you don't love the RO90 at first.  Its a fairly powerful sander in a small package so it can be a handful.  Trying to muscle it will likely make controlling it harder.  It takes a light touch and once you learn that the sander can be a real gem. 

As a delta sander, it is one of, if not the best I've used.  The paper and sanding pad are triangles, so they can be rotated when you get wear one of the tips.  This allows you to be rough on the paper/pad and not break the bank.  The RO90 also has a larger diameter orbit/sanding stroke so it sands faster than the DTS.  While the RO90 can be used as a finish sander, it doesn't excel in that role.  You'd be much farther ahead to break out your EST125 for finish work.  Dust collection for finish sanding is okay, for aggressive work the collection isn't great. 

One of the nice things about the RO90 is the ability to quickly change between the round and delta pads.  I spent a lot of time using the RO90 on a ladder/stage/scaffolding doing exterior repair work.  I could have one pad on the sander and the other in my pocket or toolbelt, and I'd be set for whatever sanding I needed to do.  You don't need to be on a ladder to appreciate that.  Having one sander/cord/vac hose is a lot easier than dealing with two.

The RO90 isn't cheap, but I found it to be one of my most used Festool sanders (with the ETS125 next).  I found the RO90 more or less replaced the need for my RO125.  If you go this route, buy extra delta pads, and get the hard round sanding pad.  Also, this sander runs hot, especially when new.  So if it feels hot in your hands, that is normal.  If you have any specific questions I'll be happy to try and answer them.  Best of luck.

 

[Holzhacker]

I have both. I think this is another situation of using the right tool for the particular task.
For stairs, cabinets or any sort of 'normal' size work I use the DTS. For small stuff like trim edges, weird corners at railings I use the RO90.
If I could only buy 1 now it would be the DTS. Then the RO90 when the specific need arises.

 

[Birdhunter]

“Which Fein?“

I have owned it for over 20 years I think. Not sure of model designation.

 

[Michael Kellough]

“Which Fein?“

I have owned it for over 20 years I think. Not sure of model designation.

Is it a sander or a multitool?

I’ve tried sanding with a couple of different multitools and the abrasives don’t stay on the pad, for me.

 

[Birdhunter]

Fein sander

 

[huntdupl]

RO90 is one of my favorite purchases - I more use round over delta, but equally as effective (home renovations - doors, windows, etc). The attachment for sanding shutters looks really nice, but never used it.

DTS400 is one of my least favorite purchases (and least used). Bought from Recon, keep your eyes peeled. As others stated, the height of the unit + paired with a hose is awkward for me. I don't need the extra real estate on the pad and I feel like I'm just wasting paper sometimes.

The RO90 is an Exacto knife. IMO its top 3 tools that separates Festool from everyone else. Stellar one hand use and ergonomics.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

RO90 is one of my favorite purchases - I more use round over delta, but equally as effective (home renovations - doors, windows, etc). The attachment for sanding shutters looks really nice, but never used it.

The RO90 is an Exacto knife. IMO its top 3 tools that separates Festool from everyone else. Stellar one hand use and ergonomics.

My feeling exactly. The RO90 was my first Festool sander, actually my second Festool purchase after the DF500. I now have a few others and it is still one of the most used.

 

[ForumMFG]

I ended up going with the RO90.  I appreciate everyones comments and there is an argument for both.  I went with it for the simple fact that its dual purpose and with a crew of guys, both of my rotex sanders can now be used for the same task.  One will just take a little longer with the smaller head.  I also love that the delta head can be rotated once one tip is worn out.