RTS 400 EQ vs LS 130 Linear Sander?

[sessler2013]

I am needing one of these sanders for refacing cabinets and would like your opinions as to which one will suit me the best, I can already see some tradeoffs. Do you think the ls 130 would be to heavy for holding high in awkward positions for long periods of time?

RTS400:

Lighter
Less Expensive

LS 130:
More Versatile

 

[Brent Taylor]

You may want to check out a RO 90, this is what I use for most of my cabinet work, just wish they would have come out with it sooner. The LS is a heavy beast, but it will leave a nicer finish, The 400 is going to do the same as your other RO, except for the ability to reach the inside corners, don't get me wrong, a 1/4 sheet sander is nice to have but there are other way to skin that cat. Another thought is a 1/2 sheet sander, there are 2 great units on the market, both Euro made.

PS: Makita makes a nice 1/3 sheet sander w/ DC & a punch plate for around $60.00. Downsides: not VS & where it's made.

 

[AlexThePalex]

No way is the LS130 more versatile. I find it actually a very limited sander due to linear action instead of orbital. Perhaps it's just a matter of taste, but I heavily prefer the RTS400 (or even better: the DTS 400) over the LS130. The LS130 is mainly a profiles specialist to me and less suited for general sanding tasks. The linear action of the LS makes it quite a bit slower than an orbital sander.

For general cabinetry work the RTS 400 is great. 

 

[SS Teach]

I have both and used both for refinishing kitchen cabinets. The good news is that both use the same size sandpaper. The LS 130 is great for concave, convex, and other profiles the cabinets might have. The RTS 400 is great for rails, stiles, corners, and other flat areas. With a systainer of sandpaper and a dust extractor you will be good to go. Lastly, as most FOG posters have found, there is no such thing as just one Festool sander. 

 

[Dan Clark]

I have both.  Both are good sanders.  But the RTS400 is the more useful unless you're sanding curved surfaces. 

Regards,

Dan.

 

[Scott B.]

I am needing one of these sanders for refacing cabinets and would like your opinions as to which one will suit me the best, I can already see some tradeoffs. Do you think the ls 130 would be to heavy for holding high in awkward positions for long periods of time?

RTS400:

Lighter
Less Expensive

LS 130:
More Versatile

None of the above. Although if I had to choose, RTS.

For me it would be a question between the DTS400 and the RO90.

 

[ear3]

Can't speak for the RTS or DTS, but I don't really use my LS130 for anything but profile sanding.  As already commented, it's linear action makes for slower going than a random orbit sander.  The Rotex 90 would be my choice if you're looking for versatility, as you get the delta pad as well.

 

[sancho57]

I ha the same issue which one. I went with thhe 400. I bought a accessory pad that really helps sanding round surfaces. Ill have to look the pad up. BRB

Ok its called the interface pad

http://www.bobmarinosbesttools.com/interface-pad/p/490160/