RO90 vs Multi-tool for Delta Sanding

[Mort]

So basically I want to know if those oscillating multi-tools are worth a darn as a detail sander. I'm specifically looking at the Milwaukee M18, but I imagine any of the better ones would do the same.

I know all about "superior dust collection" and "Festool system" and all that happy horses***, all I really want to know is how the delta sanding part of the RO90 compares with your average multi-tool. If it's nothing earth shattering I'll just get the RO150 for my Rotexing uses and save my money for that instead.

Please and thank you.

 

[Brice Burrell]

There is no comparison, the RO90 blows the multi-tool out of the water.  The RO90 has a orbital action where the multi-tool tool uses a arc.  The arc sanding action just doesn't work well. 

I know there is a dust collection attachment for the Multimaster, but I don't think it works all that great.  I don't have any experience so I can't confirm.  The RO90's dust collect in delta mode isn't that good compared to standards Festool has set with it's other sanders.  It's good verses the outstanding collection of their other sanders.  In rotary and random orbit modes the RO90 collection is more of what you'd expect from Festool.   

 

[leakyroof]

Hah, having just used both my DX 93,  and my RO 90 along side my Fein MM, Brice speaks the full truth.  I DO use the Fein for smaller, tighter areas that the slightly larger Festool Delta pads can't get into , but the sanding action and material removal rate of the Fein is molasses compared to either of the Festool Sanders.
I have the dust collection attachment for my Fein MM, but it is an afterthought compared to the normal Festool designs, so I rarely use it.  [crying]
I never really see anyone offering decent paper / abrasives for their Multi-Tools either, that alone can wreck or slow your game as well in a project,  [mad]
Particularly with finish or paint removal like Festool offers in their Granat.

 

[nickao]

The Fein multi tool is a horrible sander and a fantastic multi tool.

 

[Mort]

Sounds pretty unanimous. Thanks fellas.

 

[Scott B.]

This piece looks a bit at the RO90 in relation to other "multi" tools.

http://topcoatreview.com/2013/01/festool-ro90/

 

[Mort]

Thanks Scott (great first name, by the way). That article put me over the top. As soon as I get paid for a few things I'm working on, I'll pick one up.

 

[sae]

There is no comparison, the RO90 blows the multi-tool out of the water.  The RO90 has a orbital action where the multi-tool tool uses a arc.  The arc sanding action just doesn't work well. 

I know there is a dust collection attachment for the Multimaster, but I don't think it works all that great.  I don't have any experience so I can't confirm.  The RO90's dust collect in delta mode isn't that good compared to standards Festool has set with it's other sanders.  It's good verses the outstanding collection of their other sanders.  In rotary and random orbit modes the RO90 collection is more of what you'd expect from Festool. 

I agree with Brice, except that I'll say that the RO 90 doesn't lend itself to being a great detail sander due to ergonomics and form factor. The DX 93 gives you much more options in reaching over obstacles, which you'll quickly appreciate if you ever do stairs.

The DX 93 has been discontinued so you can only get them used, I gave up the search and bought the Bosch 1294VS instead, which is created in a similar vein as the DX 93, but with more pad/attachment options. It feels every bit as good as my Festool sanders do, one of the few tools Bosch still builds in Europe (this one is from Switzerland).

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

There is no comparison, the RO90 blows the multi-tool out of the water.  The RO90 has a orbital action where the multi-tool tool uses a arc.  The arc sanding action just doesn't work well. 

I know there is a dust collection attachment for the Multimaster, but I don't think it works all that great.  I don't have any experience so I can't confirm.  The RO90's dust collect in delta mode isn't that good compared to standards Festool has set with it's other sanders.  It's good verses the outstanding collection of their other sanders.  In rotary and random orbit modes the RO90 collection is more of what you'd expect from Festool. 

I agree with Brice, except that I'll say that the RO 90 doesn't lend itself to being a great detail sander due to ergonomics and form factor. The DX 93 gives you much more options in reaching over obstacles, which you'll quickly appreciate if you ever do stairs.

The DX 93 has been discontinued so you can only get them used, I gave up the search and bought the Bosch 1294VS instead, which is created in a similar vein as the DX 93, but with more pad/attachment options. It feels every bit as good as my Festool sanders do, one of the few tools Bosch still builds in Europe (this one is from Switzerland).

I have a Bosch Jig saw that was made in Switzerland thats awesome.  I bought it about 8 years ago and still holding strong. 

 

[Tinker]

I had a MM before i had my DX 93.  There is no close comparison with sanding.  I now only use the MM for sanding where I cannot squeeze in the DX.  And then, i only use it for roughing and finish by hand.  Either sponge pads or shop made small blocks. I also have some soft pad sanders that i use with my cordless drills, but they don't get into the corners.  There is no way i use the MM for sanding unless as all other methods are impossible.
Tinker

 

[leakyroof]

There is no comparison, the RO90 blows the multi-tool out of the water.  The RO90 has a orbital action where the multi-tool tool uses a arc.  The arc sanding action just doesn't work well. 

I know there is a dust collection attachment for the Multimaster, but I don't think it works all that great.  I don't have any experience so I can't confirm.  The RO90's dust collect in delta mode isn't that good compared to standards Festool has set with it's other sanders.  It's good verses the outstanding collection of their other sanders.  In rotary and random orbit modes the RO90 collection is more of what you'd expect from Festool. 

I agree with Brice, except that I'll say that the RO 90 doesn't lend itself to being a great detail sander due to ergonomics and form factor. The DX 93 gives you much more options in reaching over obstacles, which you'll quickly appreciate if you ever do stairs.

The DX 93 has been discontinued so you can only get them used, I gave up the search and bought the Bosch 1294VS instead, which is created in a similar vein as the DX 93, but with more pad/attachment options. It feels every bit as good as my Festool sanders do, one of the few tools Bosch still builds in Europe (this one is from Switzerland).

. Totally agree about the DX93.  It sneaks into spaces that the RO90 can't.
I do own the extended pad attachment to get even more reach if needed, but I rarely need it.
I hope my DX93 never dies.... [eek]

 

[Tinker]

There is no comparison, the RO90 blows the multi-tool out of the water.  The RO90 has a orbital action where the multi-tool tool uses a arc.  The arc sanding action just doesn't work well. 

I know there is a dust collection attachment for the Multimaster, but I don't think it works all that great.  I don't have any experience so I can't confirm.  The RO90's dust collect in delta mode isn't that good compared to standards Festool has set with it's other sanders.  It's good verses the outstanding collection of their other sanders.  In rotary and random orbit modes the RO90 collection is more of what you'd expect from Festool. 

I agree with Brice, except that I'll say that the RO 90 doesn't lend itself to being a great detail sander due to ergonomics and form factor. The DX 93 gives you much more options in reaching over obstacles, which you'll quickly appreciate if you ever do stairs.

The DX 93 has been discontinued so you can only get them used, I gave up the search and bought the Bosch 1294VS instead, which is created in a similar vein as the DX 93, but with more pad/attachment options. It feels every bit as good as my Festool sanders do, one of the few tools Bosch still builds in Europe (this one is from Switzerland).

. Totally agree about the DX93.  It sneaks into spaces that the RO90 can't.
I do own the extended pad attachment to get even more reach if needed, but I rarely need it.
I hope my DX93 never dies.... [eek]

I did not know the DX 93 has been discontinued.  I almost decided a while back to get rid of my DX 93, which I use a lot, and get the RO 90 for its versatility.  I have made a few serving trays and ready to make some boxes where I need the delta pads.  From the info the RO 90 doesn't have the reach of my DX, I am glad I did not got that route.  Sometimes, procrastination is its own reward.  :
Tinker

 

[Lurveleven]

I did not know the DX 93 has been discontinued.

It has been discontinued in the US:
http://www.festoolusa.com/power-tools/sanders/dx-93-e-detail-sander-567856
but it doesn't appear that it has been discontinued in Europe:
https://www.festool.com/Products/Pages/Product-Detail.aspx?pid=567855&name=Triangle-sander-DELTEX-DX-93-E-Plus
(I have found dealers where you can order it)

You also have the DTS 400 corner sander:
http://www.festoolusa.com/power-tools/sanders/dts-400-eq-orbital-finish-sander-567871

Anyone knows how that compares?

 

[Tinker]

I did not know the DX 93 has been discontinued.

It has been discontinued in the US:
http://www.festoolusa.com/power-tools/sanders/dx-93-e-detail-sander-567856
but it doesn't appear that it has been discontinued in Europe:
https://www.festool.com/Products/Pages/Product-Detail.aspx?pid=567855&name=Triangle-sander-DELTEX-DX-93-E-Plus
(I have found dealers where you can order it)

You also have the DTS 400 corner sander:
http://www.festoolusa.com/power-tools/sanders/dts-400-eq-orbital-finish-sander-567871

Anyone knows how that compares?

I have not looked into that one as far as specs.  With the DX 93, i never felt the need for the 400.  from the pics, I have been guessing it has a larger pad. Right or wrong???
Tinker

 

[Holmz]

I got a dx93 used. I like it.

 

[leakyroof]

I did not know the DX 93 has been discontinued.

It has been discontinued in the US:
http://www.festoolusa.com/power-tools/sanders/dx-93-e-detail-sander-567856
but it doesn't appear that it has been discontinued in Europe:
https://www.festool.com/Products/Pages/Product-Detail.aspx?pid=567855&name=Triangle-sander-DELTEX-DX-93-E-Plus
(I have found dealers where you can order it)

You also have the DTS 400 corner sander:
http://www.festoolusa.com/power-tools/sanders/dts-400-eq-orbital-finish-sander-567871

Anyone knows how that compares?

I have not looked into that one as far as specs.  With the DX 93, i never felt the need for the 400.  from the pics, I have been guessing it has a larger pad. Right or wrong???
Tinker

  The DTS has a much larger pad, and is a great all around little finishing sander. It can do some light rougher grit sanding, but that's not its forte.
The DX, as you already know, gets into all those tight spots that you would not be able to reach with the DTS400.    [cool]