Sander for corners and sides

[JimB1]

OK, so now I've got my RO150 and ETS-150/3 so that covers most of the general sanding needs leaving me with hand sanding corners and along edges.
I'm looking to rectify that because I am lazy  ;D

So it looks like I have a few options RTS-400, DTS-400, LS-130, DX-93, RS 2 E or RO-90DX. I'm looking for finish sanding, say 150 grit on up, sometimes tight corners inside cabinets or frame and panel doors.

Here's what I am thinking:

• DX-93 seems very small and specialized like for sanding between chair rails so I don't think that's where I want to be.
• RS 2 E half sheet sander is too large for what I need at the moment
• LS-130 linear motion seems good for some stuff and has lots of options but I'm concerned about scratch patterns
• RO-90DX is a cool sander but somehow I think if I had it 90% of the time I'd have the delta head on it and it is really expensive for that
• DTS-400 Looks good for corners and is an option but I've never been a fan of the ironing pad shaped sanders
• RTS-400 slightly off 1/4 sheet sander size but light and can get in tight 90 degree corners, it's an option

Realistically and cost effectively I think I am at the old DTS or RTS question but I am sort of leaning towards the RTS for the smaller size and corner capability. I'm afraid that the DTS pad, without any straight sides to it, may not work as well and might actually give me problems with the tip wearing faster and over sanding areas outside the spots I am trying to sand. However I have limited delta pad sander time, just an old mouse sander that I don't use much because I don't like it, too aggressive for fine sanding and ROS works better for heavy removal.

Any experience with the DTS or RTS (or any of the others if you think there's a better fit...) that might help? Good and bad experiences are both helpful.
Thanks,
-Jim

 

[tbellemare]

One thing to consider is that the edges of the pad on the DTS are beveled so they don't make contact with adjacent, perpendicular surfaces. The edges on the RTS are 90 degrees to the sanding surface.

Tom

 

[ccarrolladams]

Jim,

I own all of the sanders you mention as considerations for corner work. I also own virtually all the other Festool electric and manual sanders. For me each of these tools has a purpose. Some are used daily and others are kept in reserve for special situations.

Especially since the introduction of the RO90DX people have tended to forget the veteran DX93. I bought one of those long ago, I think a few weeks after I bought my first RO150.

Sure I also own many RO90DX, which performs well in the Delta mode, and uses the same abrasives as the DX93. The RO90DX was much more power than the DX93, which for me in corner work is a disadvantage. But, then, I do not use a small corner sander for heavy stock removal. So, for finish sanding I love the light weight of the DX93. It will fit into tight places better than the RO90DX.

Also long ago I started doing my interior finish sanding prior to assembling cabinets, so I seldom am forced to use a corner sander that way.

For me the RO90DX is ideal for sanding narrow work such as face frames and edge banding.

I agree with Tom's discussion of sanders.

Bottom line is only you know the tasks you will be doing and the ways you prefer to work. I love my DX93 and yet all 6 of the cabinet makers working for me much prefer the RO90DX in Delta mode.

My suggestion is that you visit some of the fine B&M Festool dealers in the NJ area so you can feel these various Festool sanders in action. Only then will you be able to answer for yourself the reasons for the particular shape of the DTS400 pad. I like it, but you might not. You just need to try it to be sure.

 

[jacko9]

I use the ETS 150 for large surfaces and my RO 90 for all edges.  The RO 90 with the hard pad is ideal for edge and thin rail and stile work.

Jack

 

[Kev]

I have both RO 90 and DTS400. Don't under rate the DTS400, it will surprise you.

NA gets 30 days to trial ... my suggestion would be to give the DTS400 a go. For size, weight and shape it's an idea finishing sander (as is the RTS400 also).

The RO150 and RO90 are great "multi purpose" sanders and I love both of mine, but they can be cumbersome and awkward in certain situations.

I also like the LS130, but it's a sander that you don't buy until you have "that special job" that needs it (bannister, rounder chair backs, etc).

I won't consider a dedicated delta (DX93) with the RO90 and DTS400 in my stable, but I do see it as a great corner sander if the RO90 isn't already in the mix.

The RS200 (Oz model) is on my dream list, but I'm failing to visualise when I would actually use it ... if I didn't already have ETS sanders then maybe I'd think differently.

 

[Jeramy]

I have RO125, RTS400 and LS130.  The RTS400 is my go to finishing sander for edges, corners, even small surfaces.  I use it more than the other two combined.

 

[ScotF]

I think that the DTS 400 is a real gem of a sander.  Yes the tip wears a little faster, but it is very maneuverable and as Tom states, you can sand right along the edge and into the corner with it bouncing all around.  For this reason I think that it is worth adding to your arsenal.  I have thought about adding an RTS to my mix, but honestly the DTS works very well and I am not sure that it would be worth the investment. 

Scot

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I don't like the reaction and marks I get from the RTS 400 hitting into board faces when sanding inside corners and along inside edges.  My vote would be for the DTS 400.