Sander options

[Erik63]

I am looking for the most efficient sanders to keep to minimize extra sanders and different size paper.

I originally only had an RO 150. I was looking for a finish sander to compliment the RO150. I picked up a DTS 400 used locally. The seller also had a RO125 and CT22 that I picked up as well because the price was so good.

I was thinking about keeping the RO 150 and buying a ETS150 for large surfaces. Then keeping the DTS400 for smaller finish sanding jobs. Also, I was considering selling the RO125 and picking up a RO90 figuring the RO150 and RO90 would work well together for heavier sanding jobs.

I use all the sanders for carpentry, built in cabinets, and painting jobs.

Im looking for others opinions. I would like to take one of every sander festool offers, but my budget will not allow that at this point.

 

[peter halle]

Good scores!  Festool has a huge matrix of sanding solutions.

It might be good to describe wants / needs/ expectations.

Peter

 

[tbellemare]

Do you do a lot of sanding of linear-type profiles? Sometimes, depending on the profile, the delta on the RO 90 is the trick. Other times, the profile wants a convex or concave pad. Still other times, the profile either requires a lot of "finger sanding" or a custom-made pad. The LS 130 is ideal for the last 3. It also works well for things like flat surfaces, scraping, and other linear tasks. Additionally, it uses the same abrasives as the RTS 400, which you already own.

I'm not saying it is the sander for you, just that it is often overlooked and I think you will have enough responses from others about all of the other sanders you were thinking about.

Tom

 

[Erik63]

Tom,
Thats what Im looking for, I forgot about the LS130. I have the DTS tho, Is there a difference between the DTS and RTS other than the pad.

I use the sanders for everything from removing paint on exterior trim boards to sanding raised panel cabinet doors.
Im a remodeling contractor so I do a lot of different jobs with my tools. Not only a few specific tasks. Im looking to get the best range of sanding applications.

 

[tbellemare]

Oops,

I really need to start wearing my glasses or reading more carefully... You did say D and I said R.

There is a little difference in the current versions of those sanders. Call or email and we can discuss it.

Tom

 

[MrToolJunkie]

If you are looking to minimize paper and the number of sanders, then I think that the Rotex 150 and an ETS 150 is a great combo and share the 150mm abrasives.  The DTS400 is a gem of a sander and will get you into corners and places that the 150mm is not as well suited.  I think that this combo of three sanders will tackle just about any task.  If you strip a lot of paint and old finishes, then a RAS is tough to beat and this might be a good one to add to your arsenal as it will tackle scribing and a host of other tasks too.  I started down the path of wanting to keep some of the sanders limited to the ones I would use the most, but I seem to keep adding them to my collection and each one really does excel at specific tasks.  I want an RO90 and I would also like to get an RTS400 at some point for times when the RS2E is too big. 

Scot