RTS/DTS 400

[OXCanada]

Hello,

I am looking at expanding my sander line-up and considering getting the RTS or DTS 400.  The main function would be for sanding in between coats of finish (IE sanding primer) or getting into the corners when preparing for finish.

Right now I have the ETS EC 150 and love it.  Is it worth it to go to an orbital sander and will it sand between coats better than my ets ec?

Thanks!

 

[peter halle]

Personally I don't think that it will sand better, but it should reduce the amount of hand sanding in corners.  I don't use my DTS anywhere as much as my ETS 150/3 but when I pull it out I am glad I bought it.

Peter

 

[Sanderxpander]

Just to throw it out there, you may also want to consider the Rupes LS71T, it gets really good reviews and a guy on FOG quite prefers it to the DTS400.

Or if the "corners" bit is a small afterthought and you want something versatile, a Rotex 90.

 

[grobkuschelig]

Hi,

Obviously I can’t judge your habits, but I love my ETS EC 150/5.
But I also love my latest RTSC 400.
The ETS EC is great for quick sanding of large things.
But I would not have guessed how much I appreciate the RTSC in addition, especially for smaller items and finer finishes and inbetween.

I have an RO90, which gets me into corners, so I went for the RTS.
If you don’t have any delta sander you might be better of with the DTS for these applications.

I have the feeling that I can control the RTS better, and it also has the advantage that you have 4 corners of your sanding paper to “use up”.

Both are brilliant, your choice.

...the 400s are still unbelievably powerful in my opinion.

 

[nclemmons]

I use an RTS 400 along with an ETS EC 150/3. I find them to be great compliments for finish sanding.  The RST is great for corners, edge sanding and rails/stiles. 

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I like them all. DTS is great for corners and works as a good all around finish sander.  The tip wears quickly, though. The RTS is awesome and while not as good for corners as the DTS, it is still pretty good and the pads and paper wear good. You can also add interface pads for sanding contours, which is nice. Tough call. I would try them both if you get a chance to see how they drive in your hands and if one feels better than the other.

 

[yetihunter]

Just to throw it out there, you may also want to consider the Rupes LS71T, it gets really good reviews and a guy on FOG quite prefers it to the DTS400.

Or if the "corners" bit is a small afterthought and you want something versatile, a Rotex 90.

Has Rupes brought out 110/120v sanders?  I know they built a US factory, but I thought they only focus on automotive polishers here?

edit:  yep, only pneumatic sanders
https://rupesusa.com/product-category/pneumatic-tools/sanders/

edit 2:  Get the DTS first.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I much prefer my DTS over any other of my Festool sanders, so I think you can't go wrong there. Good for sanding between coats with a high grit, and with a lower grit good for paint removal, and always ready to get into any corner.

 

[Sanderxpander]

Just to throw it out there, you may also want to consider the Rupes LS71T, it gets really good reviews and a guy on FOG quite prefers it to the DTS400.

Or if the "corners" bit is a small afterthought and you want something versatile, a Rotex 90.

Has Rupes brought out 110/120v sanders?  I know they built a US factory, but I thought they only focus on automotive polishers here?

edit:  yep, only pneumatic sanders
https://rupesusa.com/product-category/pneumatic-tools/sanders/

edit 2:  Get the DTS first.

They have 220V/240V sanders. But yeah I guess that'd be an extra hurdle in the US.

 

[OXCanada]

Thanks for the feedback!  I think I will try both in the story and see how it feels.

 

[leakyroof]

I much prefer my DTS over any other of my Festool sanders, so I think you can't go wrong there. Good for sanding between coats with a high grit, and with a lower grit good for paint removal, and always ready to get into any corner.
[/ quote].  ^^^^^. Says the man who Alex talked into trying a DTS 400 after a few years of owning an RTS 400....  [wink]
The other claim to fame of the DTS 400 is that the larger Delta Pad is more stable than a RO 90 or now-gone DX 93 Sander for many applications