RTS or DTS or RS2E

[MrToolJunkie]

Hi everyone,

I need some advice from all the experienced users here.  I prefinished some panels and glued them into their frames for a desk I am making.  I had a "doh" moment after glue-up.  On two of the panels I did not sand very well and there are a couple of low spots that really show when the light hits it just right  [embarassed].  I need to refinish the panels and reapply the finish (just using some Watco Danish oil).  The wood is highly figured Birds-eye Maple.  Since everything is glued up (and it was a difficult glue-up), disassembly is not an option. 

What sander would you all recommend is best for this task?  What paper and grits would you also suggest?  I had finished everything to 400 grit.

The panel sizes are roughly 12x18.  I need something that will get close to the edge without marring the stiles and rails.  The RS2E might be overkill for this, but it seems like a great sander long-term.  The price point of the RTS and DTS is appealing, especially since I just acquired a CT22 and Rotex 150 about a month ago.

Thanks in advance!

Scot

 

[AlexThePalex]

Scot, if you really want to level out a panel the RS2E is the best way to go. The large surface will make sure you get a straight result without dimples. For this particular task the RTS and DTS are less suitable due to their small surface.

 

[mouppe]

Scott,

Just an aside, but are you not going to have some issues with the glued-up panels and wood movement? Shouldn't the panels have been left to move in their frames with just a spot of glue to hold them in the centre of the rails?

Richard.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Hi Richard,

I was not clear in my initial post -- they are floating panels -- I just glued the rails and stiles and assembeled them to the legs.  I just cannot disassemble the glue-up and I need a sander that will work on the workpiece.  I could use a RO sander for the middle of the panel, but I do not want to have witness lines (or at least minimize them) around the edges and corners.  I hope this clarifies everything.

Thanks for the replies.

Scot 

 

[mouppe]

Scot,

Got it.

Richard.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

After talking to Allen (my local Festool service rep) I opted for the DTS400.  I will give it a workout this week and post my results.  Tried both the RTS and DTS at the store and the DTS seemed to do a little better next to the edge than the RTS.  I can tell I am really going to like this sander -- very smooth and vibration free.  I am always amazed at the dust collection hooked up to a Festool vac -- no sanding dust whatsoever.

Scot